Los Angeles has it all for the car enthusiast- beautiful scenery to admire while you drive, lots of exotic places and specialty automotive shops to visit, and vintage food stops for every palette. Maybe it's the unique climate that brings people from all over the world to Los Angeles. Or maybe it's the beautiful sunshine and mild weather we experience all year long. Los Angeles is definitely a unique and worthwhile destination for every car enthusiast out there. If you're looking for some of the best places to check out beautiful cars, both new and old, check out this list of the best automotive shops and car museums that LA has to offer:
6060 Wilshire Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90036
The most well-known car museum in Los Angeles is the spectacular Peterson Museum. It has spectacular regular rotating exhibits, amazing displays, and even a streetscape diorama. The museum recently completed a $125 million total design overhaul. It took over a year to complete their renovation. With a brand new exterior, new exhibits and layout, this museum has something for every car enthusiast, and the cars inside are a dream for every auto mechanic. Even kids can enjoy hands-on galleries and exhibits in their new discovery center.
15151 Bledsoe Street Sylmar, CA 91342
The Nethercutt Museum is one of the lesser-known collections in Los Angeles. The Nethercutt museum holds over 250 European and American vehicles. The museum's two separate buildings house classic cars dating from 1898 through 1997. The huge, 10-story structure has also served as the residence for cosmetics magnate J.B. Nethercutt, and his wife Dorothy. With a focus on fancier things than you'll find at most ordinary automotive shops, the museum holds more than just antique cars. Featuring auto memorabilia, furniture, clocks, watches, and mechanical musical instruments as well as a massive Hudson locomotive on the grounds, there is a someting for eveyone to enjoy. Admission to the museum is free, and both buildings are open to the public. However, reservations must be made to visit the antique car collection.
610 Lairport Street, El Segundo, CA 90245
The unique aspect of the Automobile driving museum in El Segundo (near LAX) is that it isn't just about the cars. It's also about the famous and not-so-famous drivers who drove the museum's vehicles and the automotive shops behind their efforts. This museum is great for younger car enthusiasts, with its own kid's automotive shop and activity center. For an extra special trip, plan on going on a Sunday. You (and your kids) can take a spin in a beautiful classic car along the streets of L.A., and enjoy your very own classic L.A. cruise.
1101 W. McKinley Ave., Bldg 3A, Pomona CA, 91768
At the edge of the Los Angeles County Fairplex in Pomona lies this piece of automotive shop history. The Automobile Club of Southern California presented this museum to the public in 1998. It opened as the dream of Wally Parks, founder of the National Hot Rod Association. The 28,500-square-foot building opened as a dedication to motorsports in the American culture. The museum features plenty of hot rods, race cars, and other custom cars. It also holds numerous exhibits, presentations, racing artifacts and records, stories and pictures, and more. It is a true racing and car enthusiasts' dream.
6100 Topanga Canyon Boulevard Woodland Hills, CA 91367
Although it's only open one day a week, it is probably one of the largest gatherings of classic, modern, muscle and other vehicles in Los Angeles. Car enthusiast celebrities such as Jay Leno and Jerry Seinfeld love to stop by here to check out the plethora of cars that come to the show. High-profile owners of automotive shops enjoy showing off their latest and greatest vehicles, and there are plenty of merchant booths to browse. With a variety to see and enjoy, it's no wonder so many people come from around LA to Supercar Sunday.
1302 Industrial Drive Tustin, CA 92780
This one might be a little more of a drive from Los Angeles, but it's definitely worth traveling to Orange County for the Marconi Museum. Automotive shop enthusiasts Dick Marconi and his wife, Priscilla "Bo", founded this piece of history within automotive shops in 1994. Unfortunately, they are closed on weekends, so you'll have to make your trip on a weekday. But you'll be pleasantly surprised at the beauty of the cars to be seen in their museum. Best of all, your $5 suggested donation goes to help children in need through the Marconi Foundation for Kids.
Great Automotive Shops and Museums for Every Car Enthusiast
So if you're looking for a great time for yourself or the car enthusiast in your family, check out these great automotive shops and museums in Los Angeles. Also, if you're looking for the best tire shop and auto repair place in Los Angeles, the place high-end car enthusiasts trust most is West Coast Tire & Service on Pontius Avenue. We've been in the tire and automotive shop business since 1970, and have a long-standing history of handling all kinds of classic and modern cars. See you at the Museum!