Petersen Automotive Museum Private Highlights Tour Review
If you’re a car enthusiast or just someone who appreciates incredible design and engineering, the Petersen Automotive Museum offers a fascinating glimpse into the world of automobiles. The Private Highlights Tour promises a personalized look at over 120 years of automotive innovation, and from what we’ve seen in reviews, it hits the mark for many visitors. It’s a chance to see more than 100 vintage cars spread across three floors, with a dedicated guide who can bring the history and craftsmanship to life.
What really draws us in about this experience are two things: First, the personalized attention you get from a private guide, which makes the visit feel more engaging and less rushed. Second, the variety of exhibits, from sleek Italian supercars to roaring vintage race cars, ensures there’s something to captivate everyone. But, a potential consideration is the cost—at $171 for a group, it’s a bit of an investment, especially if you’re traveling with family or a group. Still, if you’re a serious car fan or want to make your visit more in-depth, many find it to be well worth the price.
This tour is best suited for travelers who want a curated, detailed experience rather than just a quick walk-through. If you’re curious about automotive history, love seeing iconic vehicles up close, or want a unique perspective that a guide can provide, this private tour could be a highlight of your trip to Los Angeles.
You can check availability for your dates here:Key Points
- Personalized Experience: The private tour offers a more tailored and in-depth exploration of the museum’s highlights.
- Extensive Collection: Over 100 cars across 25 exhibits, including vintage vehicles and modern supercars.
- Expert Guides: Knowledgeable guides make the experience engaging and educational.
- Family-Friendly: Kids can enjoy hands-on activities like racing virtual cars and coloring.
- Flexible Viewing: Admission allows you to explore the museum at your own pace after the tour.
- Value for Enthusiasts: The detailed commentary and exclusive access make it worth the price for car lovers.
Exploring the Highlights of the Petersen Automotive Museum
When you step into the Petersen Automotive Museum, you’re immediately greeted with a sense of history and craftsmanship. The private highlights tour focuses on showcasing the most significant and visually impressive vehicles, all laid out across three floors. This approach allows you to avoid the overwhelming feeling some museums generate and instead focus on the cars that tell the story of automotive evolution.
The Tour Itself: In just about an hour, your guide will take you through the essential exhibits, pointing out standout vehicles and sharing stories behind their design, engineering, and significance. The small-group format means your guide can tailor the experience to your interests, whether you’re into classic American muscle cars or European luxury vehicles. One reviewer mentioned, “Our docent was great,” emphasizing how much a knowledgeable guide can elevate the visit.
The Historic Vehicle Collection
You’ll see a stunning array of cars that span over a century. Starting from the earliest models around 1880, the collection showcases the technological leaps that have shaped modern vehicles. Expect to see vintage cars, trucks, and motorcycles that are displayed across 25 galleries. Many reviews highlight how entertaining and informative guides are, often sharing personal stories and technical insights that go beyond what the plaques can tell.
Highlights on Each Floor
- Hollywood Gallery: Here, you’ll learn about vehicles that have starred in movies, offering an engaging blend of pop culture and automotive history.
- Industry Floor: Hot rods, customs, and race cars are front and center in this section. If you love speed and craftsmanship, this is a highlight.
- Artistry Floor: The Mullin Grand Salon hosts some of the most breathtaking pieces, showcasing design excellence and beauty in automotive art.
Interactive and Kid-Friendly Activities
The museum doesn’t just appeal to adults. Kids can get hands-on with interactive exhibits like the Cars Mechanical Institute inspired by animated movies, where they can learn how cars work with animated characters explaining mechanical systems. They can also paint virtual cars, race toy cars, or feel what it’s like to drive a virtual race car with the Forza Motorsports Experience. Several reviews praise the activities, with one saying, “Almost every car was represented, and the Tesla room was surprisingly entertaining.”
The Value of the Private Tour
While the general admission ticket grants access to the entire museum, opting for the private highlights tour enriches the experience. It allows you to focus on what interests you most and get explanations that deepen your understanding. “Almost every car was represented,” a reviewer noted, and having a guide makes it easier to connect the dots and appreciate the engineering marvels.
What to Expect: A Closer Look
The private tour lasts around an hour, but the entire museum is accessible afterward. The price of $171 might seem high at first glance, but considering the level of personalized attention and the exclusivity, many travelers find it offers good value—especially for serious enthusiasts or those wanting a more curated experience.
Your guide will likely be a friendly, knowledgeable person who can answer questions, share stories, and highlight the most interesting vehicles. Several reviews mention guides like “Steve” and “Jeff,” emphasizing their enthusiasm and expertise. This personal touch makes the experience more memorable, especially if you love hearing behind-the-scenes stories about the cars.
Ease of Access and Logistics
The museum is situated at 6060 Wilshire Blvd in Los Angeles, making it convenient if you’re touring the city. The tour is wheelchair accessible, and since it’s a private group, it’s easy to coordinate timings that suit your schedule, with options usually available in the morning or afternoon. You’ll want to plan for about an hour for the tour itself, plus additional time to explore the rest of the museum at your leisure.
Practical Tips
Since food and drinks are not allowed inside the exhibits, plan to grab a snack beforehand or after your visit. The flexibility to explore at your own pace after the tour is a real bonus, letting you revisit favorite cars or check out exhibits that pique your interest.
Who Should Consider This Tour?
This private highlights tour is ideal for car enthusiasts, families with kids who love cars, or anyone wanting a more in-depth, curated experience. While it’s not specifically marketed as a family activity, the interactive exhibits can be quite engaging for children, especially those interested in racing or animated characters explaining how cars work.
If you’re traveling solo, as a couple, or with a small group, the personalized approach ensures you get the most out of your visit. The detailed narratives and exclusive access make it a worthwhile splurge for those wanting to deepen their appreciation of automotive design.
Final Thoughts
The Petersen Automotive Museum’s Private Highlights Tour offers a compelling way to experience a world-class collection of vintage and modern cars with the guidance of an expert. It’s a thoughtfully curated experience that appeals to those who want more than just a walk-through, providing insights that bring the vehicles and their stories to life.
For serious car lovers or curious travelers, this tour delivers a memorable, educational outing that’s well worth the price. The small-group format, expert guides, and the chance to see over 100 cars up close make it stand out in Los Angeles’ vibrant museum scene.
If you prefer a more relaxed, personalized visit that highlights the most interesting vehicles and stories, this private tour is a smart choice. Just keep in mind that it’s an investment, but one that many reviews suggest is justified by the quality of the experience.
Petersen Automotive Museum Private Highlights Tour
FAQ
Is this tour suitable for children? Many of the interactive exhibits and activities are kid-friendly, making it a good option for families, especially those with young car enthusiasts.
How long does the private highlights tour last? The guided tour itself lasts about 1 hour, but you can explore the rest of the museum afterward at your own pace.
What’s included in the price? The price covers a private, guided highlights tour and general admission to the museum.
Can I cancel the tour? Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.
Is the tour wheelchair accessible? Yes, the museum and the tour are wheelchair accessible.
Do I need to pay anything extra after booking? No, the fee covers everything included in the tour and admission.
Are there options for different times of day? Tours are generally available in the morning and afternoon, giving you flexibility.
What kind of vehicles will I see? Expect a wide range, from vintage cars and motorcycles to supercars and race cars on display across the floors.
Can I explore the museum after the tour? Yes, you’re free to browse the museum at your own pace once the guided portion is complete.
Is this experience worth the cost? Many reviewers feel the personalized attention, expert guides, and access to a vast collection make it a worthwhile investment, especially if cars are a passion.
Overall, if you’re after a well-organized, engaging, and intimate way to experience one of the world’s top car museums, the Petersen Automotive Museum Private Highlights Tour is worth considering. It combines education, entertainment, and exclusivity in one package—perfect for making your Los Angeles trip truly memorable.
You can check availability for your dates here: