Petersen Automotive Museum (solo trip)
How Solo-Friendly is Petersen Automotive Museum?
What makes it 90% Solo-Friendly: The three exhibit floors, free Saturday highlight tour, self-guided audio app, and optional Vault upgrade make it easy for a solo car fan to spend focused, flexible time here.
Positives:
- Solo-Friendly Tours: Complimentary highlight tours let you join small groups and meet other enthusiasts.
- Safe Self-Guided Vault: The Vault offers a secure, self-paced environment to explore rare cars alone.
- Photography-Allowed: You can take photos and videos throughout the museum without extra fees.
Challenges:
- Limited Tour Times: Free highlight tours run only on Saturdays at 11 AM; alternative tours require advance booking.
- No Tripods: Tripods and gimbals are prohibited, which may limit low-light photography.
- Vault Access Cut-off: Last entry to the Vault is at 5 PM, so plan your visit accordingly.
What is Petersen Automotive Museum?
- A non-profit museum on Los Angeles’ Museum Row dedicated to preserving and interpreting automotive heritage and innovation
- A comprehensive collection spanning restored early automobiles, legendary racecars, and vehicles featured in major motion pictures
- Housed in a renovated Streamline Moderne building wrapped in a sweeping stainless-steel façade symbolizing speed and movement
What is so special about Petersen Automotive Museum for solo trip?
- Join a free Saturday highlight tour for expert insights.
- Explore 300+ rare vehicles in the secure Vault with a solo ticket.
- Download the audio guide for flexible, in-depth commentary.
- Capture legendary movie and concept cars without extra fees.
Recommended visit duration: 1-2 hours
Why 1-2 hours visit duration is ideal for solo trip: Enough time to join a highlight tour, explore main galleries, and visit the Vault at a comfortable pace.
Solo-Friendly Activities in Petersen Automotive Museum
Free Public Highlight Tour:
Join the 30-minute guided tour on Saturdays at 11 AM to see main exhibits and film cars.
Tip: Arrive 10 minutes early to sign up at the admissions desk.
Vault Solo Exploration:
Use the Adult + Vault ticket to descend into the underground Vault and view over 300 rare cars.
Tip: Book your Vault ticket online in advance and enter by 5 PM (last entry).
Self-Paced Audio Guide:
Download the museum’s audio guide on your smartphone for detailed exhibit commentary.
Tip: Scan the QR code at admissions and use headphones to listen hands-free.
Photography Stops:
Photograph iconic movie and concept cars across three floors.
Tip: Shoot during weekdays or early mornings to avoid crowds; tripods and gimbals are not allowed.
How to Make the Most of Your Visit to Petersen Automotive Museum
- Buy Vault Tickets Online: Reserve and purchase the Vault add-on in advance to guarantee entry.
- Use Audio Guide: Download the audio guide before your visit to skip lines at admissions.
- Arrive Early: Get in one hour before public opening for smaller crowds and calmer lighting.
Reviews of Petersen Automotive Museum
H I
The Peterson Automotive Museum is an excellent place to admire automotive history. Its exhibits showcase a wide array of vehicles, from classic cars to modern marvels. For a truly unforgettable experience, I highly recommend visiting the vault. You'll discover even more rare and significant automobiles there, adding depth to your visit.
Niki Vasiliadis
Peterson Automotive Museum is one of the best museums I’ve ever been to and an absolute dream place for any car and car culture lover. Several floors of curated cars including the history of the American automotive industry, the future of driverless cars, famous cars seen on TV and in the movies. The layout of the exhibitions is well planned and spacious. Lots of info and photo reference for each ...
James C
Summary - amazing car museum in LA with loads of stunning cars. You don't need to be a car fanatic but it certainly helps. I had seen this museum on Car Masters Rust to Riches and thought I had to go as I was in LA. I wasn't disappointed. There are hundreds of amazing cars in stunning condition that covers all genres and manufacturers. There are old cars, new cars and everything in between. Cars...
Kate Mallin
Was way more fun and exciting than I thought. Not expensive to visit. Great cafe. The cars were really interesting and really well spaced out so even with lots of people, you weren't crowded. I went because my son loves cars and I ended up enjoying it more than he did.
Ellen Scheumann
The Petersen Automotive Museum is absolutely incredible! Even if you’re not into cars, like my family, you’ll still have a great time. I’m a car enthusiast, and my family agreed to join me for the visit. None of us were disappointed! The museum offers something for everyone, from educational exhibits about tires to stunning vehicles on display. It’s well worth a visit, showcasing everything from v...
When is the best time to visit Petersen Automotive Museum (Los Angeles, United States)?
Weekday mornings and low-sensory hours (one hour before opening) are quieter year-round; summer weekends get busiest so plan for early entry.
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Typical Budget for Solo Traveler (1 Adult)
| Item | Cost (Approx.) |
|---|---|
| General admission | USD 21 |
| Vault add-on ticket | USD 28 |
| Coffee & snack at café | USD 10 |
| Total Estimated | USD 59 |
Note: All prices are indicative and may vary. Please check directly with the venue for the most accurate and up-to-date information.
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Map of Petersen Automotive Museum
Address: 6060 Wilshire Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90036, USA
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About Petersen Automotive Museum
Opening Hours
Hours may vary during holidays, special events, and peak seasons. Please check the official website for the most up-to-date information.
Website
Official WebsitePhone Number
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