10 Biggest & Best Car Shows In California in 2024

California and car culture are a perfect match. The Golden State hosts some of the world’s top car shows. Events like the Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance and the Los Angeles Auto Show draw car fans from everywhere. These shows let people see the best of West Coast car culture. You’ll find classic cars, hot rods, supercars, and more. This article will cover the 10 biggest & best car shows in California. We’ll look at their history, the cars they feature, and what makes each event special for car lovers.

1) Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance

The Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance is a top event for car lovers. It brings together car fans, collectors, and experts from all over the world. Since 1950, it has been held on the Monterey Peninsula. Here, rare, vintage, and classic cars are shown off. The cars are displayed on the 18th fairway of the Pebble Beach Golf Links.

Types of Cars Showcased

You’ll see cars from before World War II to today’s supercars at the Concours. It’s a chance to see the skill involved in restoring these cars. Luxury and exotic cars like Ferraris and Rolls-Royces are on display.

Highlights and Unique Features

The event has special VIP experiences for car fans and collectors. These include the Club d’Elegance and The Venue Above the Concept Lawn. VIPs get gourmet lunches, drinks all day, and special views of the cars.

It ends with the “Best of Show” award for the best car. The Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance shows the love and hard work of car fans. It’s a chance to see the world’s most famous cars up close.

2) Monterey Car Week

Every August, Monterey, California, turns into a car lover’s dream spot. People worldwide come for Monterey Car Week, which includes the famous Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance and The Quail: A Motorsports Gathering.

Monterey Car Week is a top event for car fans. It started with the first Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance in 1950. Now, it’s a big deal for classic and vintage car lovers. It has grown to include more events. Now, people from all over come to see the cars on the Monterey Peninsula.

Types of Cars Showcased

At Monterey Car Week, you’ll see many kinds of cars, from old classics to the newest supercars. There are rare race cars, unique concept cars, and cars from different eras.

Highlights and Unique Features

Monterey Car Week is known for its special events. The Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance showcases some of the world’s most beautiful cars. Over 150 cars participate in the Pebble Beach Tour d’Elegance.

The Rolex Monterey Motorsports Reunion brings over 400 historic race cars to life. Fans can see these cars race at the famous Laguna Seca Raceway.

Other events include The Quail and the Werks Reunion Monterey. These events offer exclusive experiences for car lovers, including auctions, art shows, and chances to drive your dream car.

It’s a paradise for anyone who loves Monterey Car Week, Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance, classic and vintage cars, and automotive enthusiasts.

3) The Quail, A Motorsports Gathering

The Quail, A Motorsports Gathering is a top event during Monterey Car Week. It celebrates motorsports history and culture. Held at the Quail Lodge & Golf Club in Carmel, California, it shows rare, exotic cars.

In 2023, The Quail celebrated its 20th anniversary. It had 17 OEM unveilings and over 200 entries. The 21st event is on Friday, August 16, 2024. The Quail Motorcycle Gathering, a part of the event, will show over 200 motorcycles and bicycles.

Types of Cars Showcased

The Quail shows many cars, from pre-war sports to supercars. New for 2024, it includes Pre-War Sports and Racing Cars and more.

Highlights and Unique Features

The Quail offers gourmet food, fine wine, and live music. It’s a luxury event for car lovers. The mix of history, tech, and hospitality makes it a top event.

The 20th anniversary of The Quail in 2023 was a hit. A 1956 Ferrari 410 Superamerica won the Best of Show award. The event honored many cars in different categories.

The Quail is a top spot for luxury and exotic cars. It’s a unique experience in California’s car culture.

4) Sacramento Autorama

The Sacramento Autorama is a top event for classic and custom car fans. It has been running since 1950. This car show is one of the longest-running indoor car shows, showing off the best hot rods, customs, and vintage cars from all over.

The Sacramento Autorama started from a debate among the Thunderbolts Car Club members in the late 1940s. It was a small event back then but has become a top car show. The 73rd show is at the Cal Expo fairgrounds in Sacramento, where over 500 cars compete.

Types of Cars Showcased

Vintage hot rods and gassers
Custom-built classic cars
One-of-a-kind automotive creations
Modern custom builds

Highlights and Unique Features

Sacramento Autorama is famous for the “America’s Most Beautiful Roadster” award for the best custom hot rod. The event also has live music and a fun atmosphere, celebrating car culture.

Event Details	Information
General Admission	$20 for ages 13 and up, $10 for ages 6-12, free for children five and under
Parking	$10 per vehicle at the main gate
Lodging	Courtyard Sacramento Cal Expo offers rates from $135 per night, Cal Expo RV Park charges $50 per day or $300 per week
Recommended Attendance	Friday for fewer crowds, Saturday and Sunday for outdoor car show

If you love cars or enjoy the beauty of classic and custom vehicles, don’t miss the Sacramento Autorama. It’s a chance to join a community celebrating car culture and excellence.

5) San Francisco International Auto Show

The San Francisco International Auto Show is the biggest car event on the West Coast. It draws thousands of car fans to the Moscone Center in downtown San Francisco every year. The show celebrates its 62nd year with the newest cars, futuristic concepts, and green vehicles from top car makers.

Types of Cars Showcased

Visitors can check out interactive displays and test-drive new cars. Brands like Acura, Alfa Romeo, Audi, Jaguar, Lamborghini, Ford, and Subaru exist. You’ll see the Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid, Dodge Durango SRT, and Toyota Corolla Hybrid, among others.

Highlights and Unique Features

The show isn’t just about new cars. It also features classic cars and custom builds for all kinds of car lovers. You’ll see the latest in-car tech, like self-driving cars and electric engines. The event covers over a million square feet, so there’s much to see.

Every year, 11 million U.S. consumers visit auto shows, and 68% plan to buy a new car soon. The San Francisco International Auto Show is a great chance for car fans to see the future of cars.

6) Goodguys, Del Mar Nationals

The Goodguys Del Mar Nationals is a top event for car fans. It’s held yearly at the Del Mar Fairgrounds in San Diego, California. This car show celebrates American cars from the 1940s to the 1970s, with over 3,000 vehicles on display.

The Goodguys Rod & Custom Association runs the Del Mar Nationals. It started in the 1980s as a small gathering for hot rod and muscle car fans. Now, it’s one of the biggest car shows in the area, drawing car lovers from all over.

Types of Cars Showcased

At the Del Mar Nationals, you’ll see many types of cars. There are muscle cars, hot rods, and custom builds. You can check out classic Mustangs, Camaros, and even unique hot rods.

Highlights and Unique Features

The event features more than just cars. It also features vendor displays, judging, live music, food, and family-friendly activities. It’s a place where car fans can connect and celebrate American cars.

7) Grand National Roadster Show

The Grand National Roadster Show is the longest-running indoor car show. It started in 1950. It’s held every year at the Fairplex in Pomona, California. This event honors classic and custom roadsters.

At the heart of the show is the “America’s Most Beautiful Roadster” award, which goes to the best roadster of the year. The show also features hot rods, customs, muscle cars, and vintage vehicles. These cars show the car lover’s culture in California. It’s celebrating its 75th year and is a top event for car fans.

Types of Cars Showcased

Classic and custom roadsters
Hot rods
Customs
Muscle cars
Vintage vehicles

Highlights and Unique Features

The America’s Most Beautiful Roadster (AMBR) Award recognizes the finest pre-1937 vehicles in the show. The Al Slonaker Memorial Award, introduced in 1974, honors the best “Non-Roadster” in the show.

Over 500 show vehicles participate in the indoor awards competition. An additional 400-800 vehicles join the event daily for the Grand Daddy Drive-In. A mix of indoor and outdoor car displays creates a unique and immersive experience for visitors.

The Grand National Roadster Show celebrates classic and custom roadsters and honors California’s hot rod culture. With its history, awards, and variety of vehicles, it’s a top event for car lovers.

8) California Hot Rod Reunion

The California Hot Rod Reunion is a big event for car lovers. It happens every year at the Auto Club Famoso Raceway in Bakersfield. Thousands of fans come to see vintage drag racing and historic race cars.

This event started as the March Meet in 1959 at the Bakersfield Raceway. Now, it’s a top spot for car fans. It showcases the best hot rods and custom builds from all over.

Types of Cars Showcased

At the reunion, you’ll see many vintage drag racing cars, including classic American muscle cars and rare hot rods. These cars show off their power and beauty as they race.

Highlights and Unique Features

There’s more than racing at the reunion. There’s a big swap meet to find rare parts for your car. The car show lets you see amazing hot rods up close.

There’s also a vendor marketplace with cool hot rod stuff. You can enjoy live music and classic food and meet other car lovers. It’s a fun event for everyone.

Year	Key Events
2024	March Meet in BakersfieldCIFCA racesFunny Car Nationals in AlexandriaNight of Fire in Salem
2023	March Meet in BakersfieldMultiple CIFCA racesFunny Car Nationals in Alexandria
2022	March Meet in BakersfieldCIFCA racesCalifornia Hot Rod Reunion

9) Cruisin’ For A Cure

Cruisin’ For A Cure is a special car show that loves classic and custom cars and helps a good cause. It happens yearly at the Orange County Fairgrounds in Costa Mesa, California. The event raises money and awareness for prostate cancer research and treatment. You’ll see over 3,000 cars, from old hot rods and muscle cars to new custom and exotic supercars.

This car show is in its 24th year, showing it’s a big deal in the car world. It offers free prostate cancer tests to men over 40 without an appointment from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. Since it started, over 15,000 free PSA screenings have been done. This shows how much it helps men’s health.

Types of Cars Showcased

At Cruisin’ For A Cure, you’ll see a mix of cars, like vintage hot rods, muscle cars, modern custom builds, and exotic supercars. Over 4,000 men found high PSA levels, showing the need for early checks. Last year, 825 blood tests showed many people came for health checks.

Highlights and Unique Features

The show also features live music, a vendor market, and family-friendly activities. Its focus on giving back makes it special, with all money going to the Cruisin’ For A Cure Foundation. It’s a great place for car lovers who want to help others.

Thanks to Baker’s efforts, the event helps people get checked early for health problems. Many wives are thankful for the help, showing how the event makes a real difference in people’s lives.

Going to Cruisin’ for a Cure costs $17, with parking at $12. It’s held from 6 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. at the Orange County Fairgrounds in Costa Mesa. It draws car fans and those looking for health screenings.

10) Los Angeles Auto Show

The Los Angeles Auto Show is a top event for car fans in California. It started in 1907 and was held at the Los Angeles Convention Center. People from all over the world come to see the newest cars and car tech.

You’ll see cars from big names like Tesla, Maserati, and Mercedes-Benz at the show. New models, cool concepts, and the latest in electric cars, self-driving tech, and car connectivity will also be on display.

Interactive Experiences and Family-Friendly Fun

The show offers more than just cars. Families can enjoy interactive exhibits, VR experiences, and fun activities. Visitors can try out cars, see cool demos, and dive into the world of car innovation.

A Celebration of California’s Car Culture

Los Angeles is the heart of car culture in California. The show is a hit with car lovers. Thousands visit yearly to see new cars, try out tech, and celebrate their love for cars.

Key Facts about the Los Angeles Auto Show	Statistics
Total Number of Vehicles Showcased	Over 1,000
Show Floor Space	Over 1 million square feet
Parking Options	Non-reserved parking at $25-35 per day, with recharging areas for electric vehicles and designated spaces for guests with disabilities
Public Transit Access	Pico Station is the most convenient public transit stop
Show Dates and Hours	Ten days, opening on Thanksgiving day with hours ranging from 9 AM to 10 PM
Featured Automakers	Every major automaker across the globe
New Models and Concept Cars	Hundreds of brand-new makes and models are displayed each year
Test Drives and VIP Experiences	Test drives are available, along with VIP Early Entry and Guided Tours
Ticketing and Schedule	Tickets are available via email, with a full schedule of press conferences and networking events throughout the show

Conclusion

California’s car culture shows the state’s deep love for cars and its fans. Events like the Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance and the Los Angeles Auto Show highlight the best in car design and tech. They are perfect for car lovers, DIY fans, or anyone who admires car art and engineering.

The Sacramento International Auto Show, the Rendezvous Back To Route 66 Car Show, and the Pomona Swap Meet & Classic Car Show are key parts of California’s car scene. Thousands visit these events yearly to see new cars, rare finds, and unique custom cars. California’s car fans are some of the most dedicated, with groups like City Life Oxnard and Pachuco Car Club Ventura County bringing people together.

If you’re considering visiting or living in California and want to check out the car scene, these shows are a must-see. They let you dive into the heart of California’s car culture. So, get your engine ready and prepare to be amazed by the beauty and innovation of California’s cars.Are you looking for secure storage in California? SecureSpace offers reliable storage solutions across the state. Whether you’re in San Francisco, Los Angeles, or Sacramento, our safe and accessible facilities will give you peace of mind. Visit SecureSpace to safeguard your automotive passions today.

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