the mommy avenger

When you live with a family of car enthusiasts, you quickly learn that vehicles are more than just a way to get from point A to point B—they’re stories, art, and sometimes, time machines. While I wouldn’t exactly call myself a car fanatic, our recent visit to the Petersen Automotive Museum in Los Angeles proved to be an experience that wowed us all, even me. Nestled on Wilshire Boulevard, this museum is a treasure trove of automotive history, innovation, and sheer creativity. There’s something magical about the Petersen that pulls you in.

Walking into the Petersen feels like stepping into a movie set—or rather, several. The museum’s collection is expansive and thoughtfully curated, with vehicles that represent the evolution of transportation and its cultural impact. We were immediately drawn to the sleek sports cars, and we couldn’t stop marveling at the sheer variety of vehicles on display. From classic cars to futuristic prototypes, every piece has a story.

We started off in the lowrider exhibit. These cars are not just vehicles; they are works of art that showcase incredible talent and creativity. Vibrant paint jobs, intricate detailing, and hydraulic systems make each car a masterpiece. It’s impossible not to admire the craftsmanship and the culture they represent.

Levels upon levels treated our family to unbelievable automobiles. We especially loved seeing the F1 cars from previous years. The museum had the Max Verstappen’s 2023 Championship winning car. Absolutely incredible!

One of the biggest draws of the Petersen Automotive Museum is The Vault, a subterranean treasure trove of over 250 rare and iconic vehicles. It’s a self-guided tour that takes you behind the scenes, offering a closer look at cars you won’t find anywhere else. From royal rides and presidential limousines to record-breaking speedsters, this part of the museum had us in awe.

For my family, it felt like stepping into a secret lair of legends. Some vehicles date back to the early 1900s, and each one has a story—who drove it, where it’s been, and how it ended up in the Petersen’s collection.Every row we visited, we found more treasure nestled away. An Enzo Ferrari, Magnum PI’s 308, and even Greased Lightning. Honestly, there is way more to tell you, but seeing is believing.

You know I love the 80’s and Back to the Future. At the Petersen, we got to see the actual Back to the Future DeLorean. This was the only one to be used in all three films. It was amazing! We could hardly believe it when they saw the gull-wing doors and the Flux Capacitor. I may have geeked out a little myself, recalling all the times we’ve watched Marty McFly and Doc Brown race through time.

The museum doesn’t stop there when it comes to Hollywood cars. From the 1989 Batmobile, Fast and the Furious, Mission Impossible and James Bond’s Aston Martin, the collection is a nostalgic walk through cinematic history. It was so much fun to excitedly connect the dots between the cars and and our favorite movies, adding a whole new layer to the appreciation for what we were seeing.

What makes the Petersen so special is its ability to appeal to everyone, regardless of their level of car enthusiasm. For my family of gearheads, it was a dream come true to be surrounded by so much automotive history. For me, it was about seeing the artistry and the stories these vehicles hold. The museum brilliantly showcases how cars intersect with culture, art, and history, creating an experience that’s as educational as it is entertaining.

Practical Tips for Visiting:

• Plan for the Vault: book your tickets in advance. It’s worth every penny.
• Bring the Kids: The museum is family-friendly, with interactive exhibits and plenty of eye candy to keep little ones engaged.
• Take Your Time: There’s so much to see, so pace yourself and plan for at least a half-day visit.
• Parking: Convenient parking is available onsite, making it an easy stop even for families with younger kids.

The Petersen Automotive Museum isn’t just for car lovers; it’s for anyone who appreciates history, culture, and creativity. It’s a place where we learned about engineering and design, where we got lost in nostalgia, and where I discovered a new appreciation for the artistry of vehicles. Whether you’re admiring a one-of-a-kind Bugatti, soaking in the vibrant exhibits, or standing in awe of the DeLorean, you’re bound to leave the Petersen feeling inspired.

If you’re in Los Angeles and looking for a family-friendly outing that will leave everyone buzzing with excitement, the Petersen Automotive Museum is a must-visit. And who knows? You might find yourself falling in love with cars, just like I did.

^{*we were invited to facilitate a feature, all opinions are our own*}