If you’re a lover of automobiles or simply curious about how cars have shaped the modern world, the Petersen Automotive Museum’s Private Highlights Tour offers a compelling peek into over 120 years of vehicle history. While we haven’t taken this tour ourselves, the numerous positive reviews and detailed itineraries suggest it’s a well-rounded, engaging experience perfect for enthusiasts and families alike.
What we love about this tour is the personalized approach—a private guide ensures you get an in-depth look at the most iconic cars—and the breadth of exhibits that span from vintage classics to cutting-edge supercars. The second thing that stands out is the family-friendly activities, including interactive displays and even virtual racing experiences that appeal to kids and adults alike.
However, a potential consideration is the duration. The tour is just one hour long, which is enough to highlight top vehicles but might leave those wanting a more immersive experience wanting more time in the exhibits. Still, for a quick deep dive into automotive history, this tour hits the sweet spot. It’s best suited for visitors who want a curated, high-quality look at cars rather than an exhaustive museum visit.
This tour will appeal most to car aficionados, families with kids, or travelers looking for a personalized experience in Los Angeles. It’s especially attractive for those who appreciate expert guides and want a pace that allows for conversation and close-up viewing.
Key Points
- Private, personalized experience with a knowledgeable guide
- Access to over 100 iconic cars across three floors
- Focus on innovation and artistry in automotive design
- Interactive displays and virtual car racing for kids and adults
- Flexible timing and booking options with cancellation up to 24 hours in advance
- Well-reviewed by visitors for its engaging storytelling and impressive collection
An In-Depth Look at the Experience
The Petersen Automotive Museum is a treasure trove for anyone interested in the evolution of cars, from the earliest innovations to modern supercars. This private highlights tour offers a focused, one-hour journey through the highlights of the museum’s vast collection, making it ideal for visitors short on time but eager to see the best.
You can also read our reviews of more private tours in Wilshire Boulevard
What You Can Expect During the Tour
The tour begins at the Museum’s main entrance, where you’ll meet your guide for a customized walk through three floors packed with automobiles. Over the course of just an hour, your guide will navigate you through 25 exhibits that showcase everything from vintage vehicles from the 1880s to contemporary marvels. Expect to see an extensive range of cars, trucks, and motorcycles that highlight engineering breakthroughs, artistic design, and cultural significance.
One of the first stops typically is the Hollywood Gallery on the History Floor, where the focus is on cars that have starred in movies and TV shows. This part of the tour appeals to film buffs and adds a layer of pop culture to the experience. Your guide will share stories behind these stars of the silver screen, making the visit more memorable.
The Industry Floor is where the hot rods and custom cars shine. If you’re into racing or bespoke modifications, this part will likely be your favorite. The collection features vintage race cars and uniquely designed vehicles that demonstrate the craftsmanship behind automotive customization.
The Artistry Floor houses the Mullin Grand Salon, where some of the most exquisite and meticulously restored cars are displayed. Here, the focus is on design excellence and craftsmanship, giving you an appreciation for the artistry involved in creating and restoring these mechanical masterpieces.
Interactive and Kid-Friendly Features
Beyond traditional viewing, the museum offers several engaging activities that make this tour suitable for families or those with children. The Cars Mechanical Institute, inspired by an animated film, allows kids to understand how cars work through fun explanations and virtual activities. Kids can paint and personalize virtual cars or race toy cars on a racetrack—a chance to get hands-on and feel involved.
The Forza Motorsports Experience is another highlight, where visitors can choose curated racing experiences and virtually feel what it’s like to burn rubber on a racetrack. Such features elevate the visit from a passive look at cars to an interactive adventure that appeals to all ages.
The Value of a Private Tour
What truly sets this experience apart is the private, guided approach. Reviews mention guides being knowledgeable, friendly, and passionate about cars, which enhances the overall experience. One reviewer noted, “Our docent was great. Almost every car was represented,” emphasizing that the guide’s expertise helps visitors understand and appreciate each exhibit.
The private nature also means that the tour can be tailored to your interests—focusing more on vintage classics, racing cars, or automotive design—making the experience more personal than a regular self-guided visit.
More Great Tours NearbyAnalyzing the Cost and Overall Value
At $171 per group (up to one person), this private experience may seem steep at first glance. But considering you’re getting a dedicated guide, a curated tour, and skip-the-line access to the highlights, it offers a level of intimacy and depth that a self-guided visit can’t match.
For car lovers, the chance to have a personalized narrative and focus on favorite vehicles or eras makes this a worthwhile investment. Plus, since the general admission ticket grants you access to the entire museum at your own pace, the private tour enhances this experience by providing context, stories, and insights that you wouldn’t get otherwise.
The museum itself is highly praised, with reviews describing it as “the best museum in the United States” and complimenting the enthusiasm and knowledge of staff. The tour complements this reputation, transforming a self-guided exploration into a personalized journey through automotive history.
Detailed Breakdown of the Tour
Starting Point: You meet your guide at the museum entrance on Wilshire Blvd, where you’ll be introduced to your private group. This initial meeting sets the tone for a relaxed, engaging experience with flexible timing options in the morning or afternoon.
First Floor — Hollywood and History: This area emphasizes cars from movies, TV, and the entertainment industry. Expect to see iconic vehicles like the Batmobile or Delorean. The guide will tell stories behind these famous cars, adding context that makes each vehicle more memorable.
Second Floor — Industry and Custom Cars: Here, the focus shifts to racing cars, hot rods, and customized vehicles. It’s a lively, colorful section that demonstrates the creativity and engineering prowess behind automotive modifications. If you’re into motorsports or custom builds, this part will be especially engaging.
Third Floor — Artistry and Restoration: The final segment highlights the aesthetic side of cars. The Mullin Grand Salon showcases beautifully restored vehicles, emphasizing craftsmanship, design, and innovation. This part of the tour often leaves visitors with a sense of admiration for the artistry involved.
Interactive Zones: The Cars Mechanical Institute, virtual racing, and painting stations make this tour more than just looking at cars—they’re about understanding the mechanics and having fun.
Wrap-up and Free Exploration: Since your general admission ticket remains valid after the guided tour, you’re free to revisit any exhibits or spend more time in areas that particularly interest you.
Authentic Visitor Insights
Several reviewers mention the knowledgeable guides as a standout feature. One said, “Out tour guide was very knowledgeable and friendly,” while another called the guide “incredible.” This suggests that the tour’s success hinges on the quality and enthusiasm of your guide.
The impression of the collection is universally positive, with comments like “almost every car was represented,” and praise for the Tesla room, which even surprised some visitors with its entertainment value.
People also appreciate the family-friendly nature of the interactive elements. Kids especially enjoy racing and customizing cars, making this more than just a static museum visit but an experiential outing.
Who Should Consider This Tour?
This private highlights tour is ideal for car enthusiasts who want a curated, in-depth look at some of the most famous and interesting vehicles in the world. It’s perfect for families seeking an engaging and educational outing, especially with kids who enjoy interactive activities.
Plus, those seeking a more personalized visit—with a guide who can tailor the experience—will find this option valuable. It is also suited for visitors with limited time who want to see the best parts of the museum without feeling overwhelmed.
It’s not necessarily for someone looking for an exhaustive, all-day exploration, but rather for a focused, high-impact visit that highlights the museum’s best features.
The Sum Up
The Petersen Automotive Museum’s Private Highlights Tour offers a well-balanced mix of expert storytelling, iconic vehicles, and engaging activities. Its private guide ensures that this isn’t just a walk through a collection, but a personalized journey through automotive innovation, design, and culture. The inclusion of interactive elements and a focus on cars from Hollywood to racing makes it appealing for a broad audience.
While the price might seem high compared to general admission, the added value of a private guide, tailored insights, and a focus on the most significant exhibits makes this a worthwhile investment for serious car lovers and curious families alike.
If you’re in Los Angeles and want a memorable, informative, and fun experience that captures the spirit of automotive history, this tour is a smart choice. It’s not just about seeing cars—it’s about understanding the stories behind them and sharing that excitement in a relaxed, personalized setting.
FAQ
Is this tour suitable for children? Yes, the museum itself is family-friendly, and the interactive activities like racing and virtual customization are designed to engage kids along with adults.
How long does the private tour last? The tour itself is approximately one hour, but your general admission ticket allows you to explore the museum at your own pace afterward.
Can I customize the tour? As a private experience, your guide can tailor the focus areas based on your interests, whether that’s vintage classics, racing cars, or automotive design.
What’s included in the price? The cost covers a private highlights tour and general admission to the museum, giving you access to all exhibits at your own pace afterward.
Is the tour accessible for wheelchair users? Yes, the museum and the private tour are wheelchair accessible.
Can I cancel the tour? Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, providing flexibility in planning your visit.
When should I book? Tours are usually available in the morning or afternoon, and booking in advance is recommended to secure your preferred time slot—especially during busy seasons.
In all, the Petersen Automotive Museum’s Private Highlights Tour offers a comprehensive, engaging look at the evolution of the automobile, guided by passionate experts and filled with memorable exhibits. For the curious and the connoisseur alike, it’s a fine way to spend an hour immersed in the history and artistry of cars.
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