Petersen Automotive Museum
A four-story car museum on Miracle Mile in a dramatic ribboned-steel building, with a famous movie-car vault.
The call
Worth it if you only have one day and you're traveling with kids.
Short answer
Is Petersen Automotive Museum worth it?
Petersen Automotive Museum deserves a place on most first itineraries.
The answer depends on your budget, time and travel style; the breakdown below shows who gets the most value.
Why
- 01
A standout even for non-gearheads — rare hypercars, Hollywood movie vehicles, and design history in a building wrapped in swooping steel ribbons.
- 02
It's ticketed and the must-see underground Vault costs extra, so the value depends a lot on how much cars and design speak to you.
Is it a fit?
Go if
You only have one day
Short trip or not, keep Petersen Automotive Museum.
You're traveling with kids
With kids, Petersen Automotive Museum is an easy yes.
You're traveling as a couple
As a couple, Petersen Automotive Museum is an easy yes.
You're traveling solo
Solo, Petersen Automotive Museum is an easy yes.
Plan it well
- Cost
- ~$21 (Vault tour extra)
- Timing
- Weekday afternoons are quietest.
- Booking
- Buy tickets online; the underground Vault is a separate paid tour.
- Allow
- 1.5-2.5 hours
- Accessibility
- Fully wheelchair accessible across its four floors.
- Getting there
- Metro D (Purple) Line to Wilshire/Fairfax, on Miracle Mile.