Some people look at the automobile as nothing more than a vehicle to take them from point A to point B. But that’s not you. For you, the car is nothing short of a masterpiece of modern engineering. And you’re definitely not alone.
Plenty of car enthusiasts like yourself have visited the following locations to pay homage to the ever-important automobile.
- Peterson Automotive Museum
International Historic Motoring Awards named the Peterson Automotive Museum the Museum of the year in 2016, and it couldn’t be easier to get to. If you’re ever in Los Angeles, you almost can’t miss it. Nestled on the Miracle Mile, this car museum is one of the best stops you’ll make along the west coast.
- Bonneville Salt Flats Speedway
You won’t be disappointed with the flatness of the Bonneville Salt Flats. In fact, this Utah speedway is so flat that you can see the curvature of the earth with your naked eye.
The Bonneville Salt Flats span more than 30 thousand acres, and this is where many land speed records have been broken. The best part is that you can visit for free.
- The Autobahn
The Autobahn is on every gearhead’s bucket list, and it’s worth traveling to. Contrary to popular belief, there are suggested speed limits in many areas, and you may even find some traffic jams that’ll slow your pace.
You can ride on the Autobahn for free, but a German driver’s license can run you up to 3 grand.
- North American International Auto Show
If you’re planning a road trip to the country’s greatest automotive sites, you can’t miss the Motor City. Just be sure to plan your trip around the North American International Auto Show. This is where many vehicles are debuted for the first time in the world. It’s kind of a big deal in the auto world. But it’s not cheap. Ticket prices vary by event, but you can expect to pay hundreds of dollars for admission.
- Shelby Factory
Carroll Shelby guided the design of legendary sportscars like the AC Cobra and the Ford Mustang (which eventually led to the Shelby Mustang). Take a guided tour whenever you’re in Las Vegas. Admission to the Shelby Factory is free every day except Sunday. It’s one of the few free family-friendly activities you can find in Vegas.
- National Automobile Museum
After a stop at the Shelby Museum, head north to Reno to explore the National Automobile Museum. Here you’ll get to see about 200 vehicles set against staged street scenes.
The scenes are almost as much of an attraction as the cars with settings like Cars on Mars and the U.S. to Paris Auto Race. Admission is $10 for adults, $8 for seniors and $4 for kids over 5 years old. Kids 5 and under are free.
- Ferrari Factory
If you’re a fan of sportscar racing, you won’t want to miss a tour of the Ferrari Factory and its adjacent museum. Here, you can see the infamous Ferrari track firsthand. Every single Ferrari model has been track tested here since the early 70s. Plus, it offers a great excuse to schedule a trip to Italy. It’s a win-win for everyone. Tickets are 13 euros for adults, 11 euros for students and seniors and 5 euros for minors.
There’s something special about visiting a famous racetrack or an automotive museum. Maybe it’s the feeling that you’re around “your people.” Or maybe it’s the humbling feeling you get when you’re surrounded by decades of history and innovation. Regardless of your reasons, you won’t regret traveling to any of the seven destinations on this list.
Love traveling.
