How many of these local favorites do you already know?
As we all know, LA is full of everything car-related, so we picked a few of our favorite local spots. Here’s 10 must-see car attractions in Los Angeles.
By The Editors
Mon, Apr 26, 2021 02:01 PM PST
Los Angeles is famous for the rich and vibrant car culture present all over the city. LA lives the fast life, and we love our fast cars. Due to this influence of the automobile, various museums, cultural locations, car shows, and memorabilia stores can be found on nearly every corner.
So, we picked 10 of our favorite car attractions in Los Angeles, which was not easy. If you haven’t been to these places, add them to your bucket-list, pack up your car (the cooler the better), and go on a car culture adventure!
10. Carcadia Cars & Coffee – the last Sunday of the every month
733 West Naomi, Arcadia, CA 91007 (Starbucks)
One of the MANY Cars & Coffee events scattered around the city, the Carcadia event consistently attracts incredible cars. The parking lot in front of the Starbucks fills up quickly, so make sure to get there by 7 a.m. Bring your camera and an extra polishing cloth; this is Los Angeles car culture at its finest! Our very own Glenn Oyoung runs the show, and he’d love to see you there!
9. Autobooks-Aerobooks
2900 W. Magnolia Blvd, Burbank, CA, 91505
Autobooks-Aerobooks is the largest automotive bookstore in the United States, boasting 3,500 square feet of racing history. Founded in 1951 by the late racer and engineer Harry Morrow, Autobooks-Aerobooks is filled with vintage posters, scale-models, books and magazines. Make sure to stop by on a Saturday morning to catch the weekly Cars & Coffee in the parking lot!
8. End of Route 66
330 Santa Monica Pier, Santa Monica, CA 90401
The End of Route 66 is labeled with the iconic ‘Santa Monica 66 End of the Trail’ sign, and is a beacon for all who completed the twisty trip across the States. However, this isn’t the original end of the route. In 2009, the Route 66 Alliance partnered with the Santa Monica Pier Restoration Corporation to install an official sign at its current spot. The original End of the Trail was at the rather un-scenic intersection of Lincoln and Olympic boulevards in Santa Monica, so I think the current location is an improvement.
7. Bob’s Big Boy
4211 W Riverside Dr, Burbank, CA 91505
The Bob's Big Boy in Burbank was built in 1949 by Scott MacDonald and Ward Albert, and remains the oldest Bob’s Big Boy in the United States. It was restored to its former glory in 1993, and the restaurant’s vibes are quintessentially LA. On Friday nights after 5:30, car enthusiasts flock to the parking lot for a spectacular improv car show.
6. Heritage Classics
8980 Santa Monica Blvd, West Hollywood, CA 90069
Heritage Classics is one of the best classic car dealerships in town, consistently offering gems. If you’re in the market for your next neck-breaker, stop on in and see what they have. It’s like a car show inside, and the Classics Shop offers artwork and apparel, which is definitely worth a look.
5. Neptune’s Net
Neptune's Net is an iconic beachfront restaurant right between Oxnard and Los Angeles on thePCH. The drive along the ocean is stunning, and the food is fantastic. Neptune’s Net is the star of many big-screen appearances, most notably in ‘The Fast and the Furious’, when Brian O’Conner and Dominic Toretto grab a bite to eat before taking the orange Supra out for a cruise.
4. Supercar Sunday
6201 Winnetka Ave, Woodland Hills, CA 91371 (Parking Lot 7, off Victory Blvd.)
Supercar Sunday is a weekly Sunday ritual for motorheads all over the city. You never really know what’s going to show up, but it’s sure to be something special. Everything from supercars, tuners, classics and custom cars like to grab spots in the Pierce College parking lot. Supercar Sunday runs from 7 a.m. – 10 a.m., but you definitely need to get there early to get a decent spot.
3. Buena Park Raceway
6161 Lincoln Ave, Buena Park, CA 90620
Buena Park Raceway is one of the few racetracks anyone can win at, and that’s because it’s not your conventional race. Buena Park Raceway is one of the few surviving slot car shrines, and at 155 feet long, the track is a doozy. Thinking about getting into slot car racing? The shop at Buena Park has everything you need.
2. Adams Motorsports Park
5292 24th St, Riverside, CA 92509
Adams Motorsports Park has been SoCal’s home for karting since its establishment in 1959 and is the longest continuously running kart racing facility in the world. The track is known for being challenging, and AMP alums have ascended to the Indy 500 and American Le Mans racing. The track also offers time attack, drift events, motorcycles, and Mini-moto/pocket bikes.
1. Petersen Automotive Museum
6060 Wilshire Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90036
The Petersen Automotive Museum is a Los Angeles staple, and one of the best automotive museums on Earth. Unique exhibits are always rotating through the showrooms, and the collection is vast and comprehensive. Keep an eye out for car shows and cruise-ins. When they’re at the Petersen, they’re unbeatable.
