10 Attractions All Car Enthusiasts Should Visit
Published Dec 30, 2025
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Do you spend your free time daydreaming about roaring engines and classic sports cars?
If this sounds like you, keep reading to learn about our list of car-centric locations.
These spots throughout the U.S. offer enough entertainment value to keep you occupied for hours. Before planning your next road trip, check out our list of attractions geared toward car enthusiasts and see if you can work one (or two!) into the itinerary.
1. Henry Ford Museum of American Innovation in Dearborn, MI
When you visit the Henry Ford Museum of American Innovation, you aren’t just seeing any old museum about cars. Named for Henry Ford, the noted industrialist and founder of Ford Motor Company, the Henry Ford boasts an impressive collection of automotive artifacts that reflect America’s rich history.
The bus Rosa Parks was arrested on, kickstarting the Montgomery bus boycott, is displayed here, as is a presidential limousine John F. Kennedy used to ride in. Tractor engines, vintage fast-food signs, trains, and airplanes are amongst the other exhibits you’ll find when you pay the Henry Ford Museum of American Innovation a visit. Even if cars aren’t usually your thing, you’ll probably find something in this culturally significant museum that interests you.
2. Petersen Automotive Museum in Los Angeles, CA
Renowned for its large selection of rare vehicles, L.A.'s Petersen Automotive Museum is a must-see if you love cars. Established in 1994 by publisher Robert Petersen and his wife, Margie, this museum has delighted visitors for decades with its collection of unique cars.
Pop culture classics like Luke Skywalker’s landspeeder and a 1992 Batmobile are just a couple of examples of the cars you can see when you visit the Petersen Automotive Museum. When you stop here, expect to see ultra-rare vehicles you can’t find anywhere else.
3. Classic Car Museum of St. Augustine, FL
Tucked inside America’s oldest city, the Classic Car Museum of St. Augustine is home to a 30,000-square-foot showroom filled with classic cars. Inside, you’ll see vintage cars from various decades, perfectly preserved for modern-day spectators.
As you make your way through throwback Chevys, Jeeps, and other classic brands, you’ll feel like you’re time-traveling. This museum also hosts car shows throughout the year, so check their website for upcoming events.
4. NASCAR Hall of Fame in Charlotte, NC
If you’re the type who gets a thrill from watching high-speed NASCAR races, you’ll want to stop by Charlotte, North Carolina, to check out the next location on our list: The NASCAR Hall of Fame. Since its opening day back in 2010, this one-of-a-kind tourist stop has allowed visitors to experience what life is like as a racecar driver.
The museum’s Glory Road exhibit, which displays real-life NASCAR vehicles, will excite fans who tune into every race. These cars tell a story, spotlighting NASCAR highs and lows in a time capsule of Monte Carlos, Ford F-150s, and more.
This highly interactive museum isn’t just for big-time NASCAR fans, either. Immersive activities throughout the museum give you a taste of real NASCAR races, keeping the whole family entertained with experiences that simulate races, pit crew tasks, and NASCAR broadcasts.
Upstairs, the Hall of Honor pays tribute to NASCAR legends like Dale Earnhardt and Richard Petty. The NASCAR Hall of Fame is a can’t-miss spot for car enthusiasts, but it’s pretty fun for other visitors, too.
5. Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance in Pebble Beach, CA
A crown jewel amongst car shows, the Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance is an unforgettable experience for enthusiasts with extra money to spend. This prestigious event, first held in 1950, marks the finale of the annual Monterey Car Week, which is held every August.
When you attend the Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance, you see a host of incredible contest entrants. Sports cars, luxury cars, and vintage “postwar” cars from the era following World War 2 all compete for the coveted “Best of Show” title, which is awarded to a vehicle each year based on criteria like authenticity, preservation quality, and appearance. Tickets to this event generally cost between $500 and $1000, but seeing so many cool cars is worth the money if you’re willing to spend it.
6. Savoy Automobile Museum in Cartersville, GA
If you’re ever driving through Georgia, pencil a trip to the Savoy Automobile Museum into your itinerary. Known simply as The Savoy to locals, this newer museum opened in December 2021.
Despite being around for less time than most of the stops on this list, the Savoy has already carved itself a niche in the world of automobile-related tourist attractions. With rotating exhibits showing off everything from prohibition-era cars to vehicles that starred in famous films, the Savoy captivates visitors on every trip. The Savoy sits on a beautiful 37-acre campus, and after viewing the museum’s sleek collection of memorable cars, you can visit its cafe or take a pleasant stroll through the grounds.
7. Cruisin’ The Coast in Biloxi, MS
Cruisin’ The Coast, an event held since 1996 in Mississippi, is nicknamed “America’s Largest Block Party.” During Cruisin’ The Coast, thousands of participants drive their classic vehicles on a 30-mile route with several stops throughout Mississippi’s Gulf Coast. Each stop is a party in its own right, with live music, food, and excitement to spare. Cruisin’ The Coast Attendees don’t only get to view antique cars; they get to socialize with other car lovers in a fun setting.
8. Gilmore Car Museum in Hickory Corners, MI
The Gilmore Car Museum in Hickory Corners, Michigan, is one of the largest automotive museums in North America. Open since 1966, this museum has over 400 vintage vehicles for visitors to enjoy. One of the Gilmore’s permanent exhibits, Born to Perform: The Era of the Muscle Car, features vehicles from bygone ages, such as the 1950s, ‘60s, and ‘70s.
The museum also has other fascinating exhibits, such as a re-creation of a 1930s Shell gas station and a period-accurate dealership. Visit Michigan’s Gilmore Car Museum for a truly captivating look at automotive history.
9. Cadillac Ranch in Amarillo, TX
Like any good tourist trap, Amarillo’s Cadillac Ranch is the perfect combo of quirky and cool. Located just off the iconic Route 66, this public art display has made tourists smile since 1974.
Cadillac Ranch is delightfully simple: 10 Cadillacs with their front ends buried in the ground. Perfect for photo ops, these Cadillacs were even immortalized by Bruce Springsteen in his 1980 song Cadillac Ranch. Cadillac Ranch is an Amarillo staple, but that doesn’t mean it’s stagnant. These legendary Cadillacs are sometimes reimagined, like in 2020 when they were painted over in black to honor the historic Black Lives Matter protests.
Whether you love classic cars or just enjoy unique art pieces, Cadillac Ranch is a great way to disrupt boredom on your next road trip.
10. Back to the 50s Weekend in St. Paul, MN
It was the age of drive-in theaters, jukeboxes, and rock n’ roll. The 1950s, often defined by a period of post-war optimism for Americans, come back to life every June in St. Paul, Minnesota.
During Minnesota’s annual state fair, eager car enthusiasts take a break from corn dogs and rollercoasters to unite over a shared bond: a love of classic cars.
If you’re lucky enough to attend Back to the 50s Weekend, you’ll see over 10,000 cars made in 1964 or earlier. More than just a car show, this highly anticipated event transports attendees to the 50s with diner food and old tunes.
Check out Transwest’s car selection
If you love cars, then you’ll love what Transwest has to offer. Filled with cars of all shapes and sizes, our inventory delivers reliable vehicles from trusted brands. To view our selection, visit Transwest’s website or stop by and visit us at a brick-and-mortar location.
