Whether you’re a Tourist or a Townie, there’s always something different and fun to do in the Los Angeles area. But the cost of fun in the City of Angels can add up fast. Below is number 12 in a series of 25 things to do in Los Angeles that will cost $25 or less.
“Well I’m not braggin’ babe so don’t put me down
But I’ve got the fastest set of wheels in town
When something comes up to me he don’t even try
Cause if I had a set of wings man I know she could fly
She’s my little deuce coupe
You don’t know what I got”
–Beach Boys, Little Deuce Coupe
The automobile has fueled a passion in our American hearts since its invention. Many a song has been sung in tribute to putting the pedal to the metal on an open highway, especially if it’s in Southern California. Californians do love their cars.
If you long for the days when your car symbolized personal freedom and a carefree life, then cruise on over to the Petersen Automotive Museum on the famous “Miracle Mile” in Los Angeles. Since 1994, the museum has collected and preserved a large variety of historic and significant vehicles and has paid tribute to the influence of the automobile on American life, history and culture, particularly in Los Angeles. The over 300,000 square feet of exhibits on four floors feature life-like dioramas, famous vehicles from movies and television, rare and classic cars, trucks and motorcycles, racecars and concept cars.
The museum educates both adults and children through special events, field trips, workshops and outreach programs. Their school programs are tailored to the curriculum of the California school system. Not to leave anyone in the dust, they provide a free bus program for children in disadvantaged schools. Car aficionados of all ages can rev up their knowledge at the Discovery Center on the third floor through an interactive learning exhibit that teaches the basic scientific principles of automotive function.
Since the museum is a non-profit educational institution, car-collectors from around the world who want a tax break donate their treasured vehicles, from a single car to a collection. To keep the museum fresh and relevant, the entire museum collection is not on display all at once but is put on a rotation of approximately 150 vehicles at a time.
Want a unique place to host your next party? The Petersen Automotive Museum might be just the place. There are five spaces to choose from or you can rent the entire museum. My first excursion to the museum was at a wine tasting (SEE A Spin “Around the World in 80 Sips”) held on the floor dedicated to Hollywood vehicles.
You can visit the museum for as little as $15.00 per adult and up to $12.00 maximum for parking, so that puts you at $27.00. Maybe you can bring a friend and split the parking to keep the cost under $25.00. There’s a whole lot to see, so you’ll want to stay as long as you can. Check out the Petersen Automotive Museum website for more information.
25 Things to Do in Los Angeles for $25 or Less – Number 1
25 Things to Do in Los Angeles for $25 or Less – Number 2
25 Things to Do in Los Angeles for $25 or Less – Number 3
25 Things to Do in Los Angeles for $25 or Less – Number 4
25 Things to Do in Los Angeles for $25 or Less – Number 5
25 Things to Do in Los Angeles for $25 or Less – Number 6
25 Things to Do in Los Angeles for $25 or Less – Number 7
25 Things to Do in Los Angeles for $25 or Less – Number 8
25 Things to Do in Los Angeles for $25 or Less – Number 9
25 Things to Do in Los Angeles for $25 or Less – Number 10
25 Things to Do in Los Angeles for $25 or Less – Number 11
25 Things to Do in Los Angeles for $25 or Less – Number 12
25 Things to Do in Los Angeles for $25 or Less – Number 13
25 Things to Do in Los Angeles for $25 or Less – Number 14
25 Things to Do in Los Angeles for $25 or Less – Number 15
25 Things to Do in Los Angeles for $25 or Less – Number 16
25 Things to Do in Los Angeles for $25 or Less – Number 17
25 Things to Do in Los Angeles for $25 or Less – Number 18
25 Things to Do in Los Angeles for $25 or Less – Number 19
25 Things to Do in Los Angeles for $25 or Less – Number 20
25 Things to Do in Los Angeles for $25 or Less – Number 21
25 Things to Do in Los Angeles for $25 or Less – Number 22
25 Things to Do in Los Angeles for $25 or Less – Number 23
25 Things to Do in Los Angeles for $25 or Less – Number 24
25 Things to Do in Los Angeles for $25 or Less – Number 25