California is famous for many things: beautiful beaches, Hollywood celebrities, and a diverse population. But one thing that often gets overlooked is its thriving car culture. From classic hot rods to modern supercars, California has a long history of car shows and automotive events that attract enthusiasts from all over the world. In this article, we’ll take a look at some of the best car shows in California, what makes them special, and why they’re worth attending.
The Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance
The Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance is one of the most prestigious car shows in the world. Held annually in August at the Pebble Beach Golf Links in Monterey County, this event is a celebration of the world’s most beautiful and historic automobiles. From classic Ferraris to vintage Rolls-Royces, the cars on display are some of the most rare and valuable in existence.
The event also features a number of related activities, such as car auctions, vintage car races, and tours of the beautiful California coastline. But the highlight of the weekend is undoubtedly the Concours d’Elegance itself, where the finest examples of automotive craftsmanship are judged by a panel of experts.
The Los Angeles Auto Show
The Los Angeles Auto Show is one of the largest and most important automotive events in North America. Held annually in November at the Los Angeles Convention Center, this show attracts automakers from around the world to showcase their latest models and concepts.
The show is known for its emphasis on environmentally-friendly and alternative fuel vehicles, with many automakers using the event as a platform to launch new electric and hybrid cars. But the show also features plenty of high-performance and luxury vehicles, making it a must-see event for car enthusiasts of all stripes.
The San Francisco International Auto Show
The San Francisco International Auto Show is another major automotive event in California, held annually in November at the Moscone Center. This show features a wide variety of cars, trucks, and SUVs from both domestic and foreign manufacturers, making it a great opportunity for car shoppers to compare different models side-by-side.
In addition to the latest production vehicles, the show also features concept cars and prototypes that offer a glimpse into the future of automotive design and technology. And for those who want to get behind the wheel themselves, there are several test drive opportunities available as well.
The Goodguys West Coast Nationals
The Goodguys West Coast Nationals is one of the largest hot rod and custom car shows in the world. Held annually in August at the Alameda County Fairgrounds in Pleasanton, this event features thousands of classic cars, muscle cars, and custom vehicles from across the country.
Some Sacramento contractors told me the show is known for its relaxed atmosphere, with plenty of opportunities for car owners and enthusiasts to mingle and swap stories. But there’s also plenty of action, with drag racing, burnout contests, and other competitions taking place throughout the weekend.
The Monterey Car Week
The Monterey Car Week is a week-long celebration of classic cars and vintage racing held annually in August in Monterey County. The event features a wide variety of automotive events, including the aforementioned Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance, as well as vintage racing at the Laguna Seca Raceway and the Rolex Monterey Motorsports Reunion.
But there are also plenty of other activities, such as car auctions, car shows, and driving tours of the beautiful California coastline. The Monterey Car Week is a must-attend event for anyone who loves classic cars and the history of automotive design.
The Orange County Auto Show
The Orange County Auto Show is another major automotive event held annually in October at the Anaheim Convention Center. This show features a wide variety of cars, trucks, and SUVs from domestic and foreign manufacturers, as well as concept cars.