All automotive museums to visit in California

Rev up your engines at 13 automotive museums in California. Explore the history and evolution of automobiles, from classic cars to modern vehicles.

Are you a car enthusiast looking to explore the best automotive museums in California? These are the ones to check out:

  1. San Diego Automotive Museum1

    San Diego Automotive Museum

     San Diego, CA
    The San Diego Automotive Museum is situated in the heart of Balboa Park in San Diego, California. This location is not only home to the museum but also a hub of cultural and recreational activities. The museum's location makes it easily accessible for tourists, providing a convenient stop during a day of exploring the park's many attractions.
  2. Solvang Vintage Motorcycle Museum2

    Solvang Vintage Motorcycle Museum

     Solvang, CA
    The Solvang Vintage Motorcycle Museum is situated in the charming town of Solvang, California. This location is easily accessible for tourists visiting the United States, particularly those in or around California. The museum offers a unique opportunity to explore a vast collection of vintage motorcycles in a beautiful setting.
  3. Petersen Automotive Museum3

    Petersen Automotive Museum

     Los Angeles, CA
    The Petersen Automotive Museum is situated on Wilshire Boulevard, along Museum Row in the Miracle Mile neighborhood of Los Angeles. This location is easily accessible and is surrounded by other cultural attractions, making it a convenient stop for tourists exploring the city.
  4. California Route 66 Museum4

    California Route 66 Museum

     Victorville, CA
    The California Route 66 Museum, located in Victorville, California, is a place dedicated to preserving and showcasing the history of the iconic Route 66. The museum is situated in the historic part of the city and offers a deep dive into the past of this famous highway.
  5. The Nethercutt Museum5

    The Nethercutt Museum

     Los Angeles, CA
    The Nethercutt Collection, an automobile museum in the USA, was founded by Jack Nethercutt and his wife Dorothy. The museum opened its doors to the public in August 1972, offering a unique insight into the history and evolution of automobiles.
  6. California Automobile Museum6

    California Automobile Museum

     Sacramento, CA
    The California Automobile Museum, located in Sacramento, California, is home to a vast collection of over 150 vehicles. These include classic cars, race cars, muscle cars, and early models, all displayed across a sprawling 72,000 square feet of museum space. This extensive collection provides a comprehensive overview of automobile history and design.
  7. Lyon Air Museum7

    Lyon Air Museum

     Santa Ana, CA
    The Lyon Air Museum is an aerospace museum situated on the west side of the John Wayne Airport in Santa Ana, California, United States. This location makes it easily accessible for tourists traveling by air, as it is conveniently located near a major airport.
  8. The Zimmerman Automobile Driving Museum8

    The Zimmerman Automobile Driving Museum

     El Segundo, CA
    The Automobile Driving Museum is situated at 610 Lairport Street, El Segundo, California, USA. This location is easily accessible and provides a unique opportunity for tourists to explore a vast collection of classic, antique, and vintage automobiles.
  9. Craftsmanship Museum9

    Craftsmanship Museum

     Carlsbad, CA
    The Miniature Engineering Craftsmanship Museum, also known as the Craftmanship Museum, is a unique institution situated in Carlsbad, California. This museum is dedicated to the collection and display of carefully crafted objects made from metal and wood. It is a place where visitors can appreciate the intricate details and exceptional craftsmanship of these objects.
  10. NHRA Museum10

    NHRA Museum

     Pomona, CA
    The Wally Parks NHRA Motorsports Museum is a unique destination for fans of hot-rodding and motorsports. Located on the edge of the Los Angeles County Fairplex, the museum houses an extensive collection of memorabilia, automobiles, and motorcycles related to the sport. Visitors can explore the rich history of hot-rodding, from its early days to the present, through the museum's exhibits.
  11. Mullin Automotive Museum11

    Mullin Automotive Museum

     Oxnard, CA
    The Mullin Automotive Museum, located in Oxnard, California, is recognized as one of the top ten most significant museums for rare and prestigious collector's cars globally. Established in 2010 by American billionaire Peter Mullin, the museum has gained international acclaim for its extensive collection and dedication to preserving automotive history.
  12. Blackhawk Museum12

    Blackhawk Museum

     Blackhawk, CA
    The Blackhawk Museum, established in 1988, is located in Danville, California. It is home to five unique galleries that house a significant collection of classic, rare, and unique automobiles. This museum is a must-visit for car enthusiasts and history buffs alike, offering a glimpse into the evolution of automotive design and technology over the years.
  13. 13

    Academy of Art University Automobile Museum

     San Francisco, CA
    The Academy of Art University Automobile Museum is a non-profit institution situated in the vibrant city of San Francisco, California. The museum is dedicated to preserving and showcasing the history of automobiles, making it an interesting destination for car enthusiasts and history buffs alike.