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Exploring the LA Auto Show 2025: Hightlights, Fun Finds and Cool Cars

Hands-on family fun, exciting cars, and exhibits I loved most at this year's show

By Brenna Gutell November 25, 2025

The 2025 LA Auto Show is open daily through November 30, 2025 - including Thanksgiving! I had a sneak peek thanks to the LA Auto Show and wanted to share everything your family can see and do at the Los Angeles Convention Center. 

This is a great way to explore all the makes and models, whether you're shopping for a new vehicle or just visiting for fun. Many vehicles are open for you and your kids to sit in, and there are plenty of chances for test drives and rides in both gas-powered and electric vehicles. There’s hands-on fun for kids and grown-ups, plus two areas where your family can explore pet adoptions.

🚘 Although I received complimentary press tickets, all opinions expressed here are my own.


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Discover excitement outdoors.

If you’ve been following me for a while, you know my family and I love all things automotive - this was basically an auto Disneyland for me. I can’t wait to go back and bring my boys - they’re going to be amazed. I saw almost the entire show, but I spent more time at some exhibits over others, and I could definitely go back another day to explore even more.

The LA Auto Show isn’t just about cars - it’s interactive and family-friendly


The outdoor area features a variety of vehicles and experiences to explore

Don’t Skip the Outdoor Exhibits

The outdoor exhibits feature unique and exciting vehicles and experiences for the whole family. What’s on display can change from day to day, so there’s always something new to see! Keep in mind that some experiences happen only on weekends. Here’s what I loved seeing this year:

  • Coulson Aviation: My favorite! Chat with the crew, climb aboard the Sikorsky S-61 fire-fighting helicopter with your kids, and admire their beautifully restored and upgraded CO truck, a tribute to the Philippine Mars US Navy plane — a true hot rod. Opening weekend only.
  • Scout Motors: An off-road icon reborn, uniting work with play while honoring their past. Their new EV truck and EV SUV are the stars of the exhibit, with a few classic restored Scout Internationals for a fun nod to their history
  • Race cars and sports cars: These will thrill both kids and grown-ups — lots of high-speed machines to admire up close.
  • Pivotal Helix: An all-electric personal aircraft that’s unique and sure to wow your family.
  • Arc Boats: An EV boat adds a unique twist to the exhibits.
  • Test drives and ride experiences: drive or ride in gas-powered and electric vehicles right on site
  • Food trucks: available on weekends, offering everything from snacks to hearty bites.

This area is just one part of the show, but it’s a fun stop with plenty to see and do for kids and adults alike.


Porsche’s latest lineup - admire the design and beauty up close, fun for car enthusiasts of all ages.

Exploring the Main Halls and Specialty Exhibits

My biggest dilemma was where to begin! I started with Buick, GMC, and Cadillac vehicles when I first walked in, then on to Porsche, which had a huge variety of vehicles - one of my all-time favorites. I really loved the Showcase Hall, a collection of beautiful customs, rare exotics, luxury vehicles, supercars, hypercars, restomods, and more. 

The two main halls are filled with vehicles from a wide variety of brands, plus there are smaller specialty halls and areas featuring unique exhibits. Explore my photos for some of my favorites. Be on the lookout for race cars, supercars, hypercars and sports cars throughout the show. Smile and keep your camera handy for photo opportunities for your family throughout the halls. The All Roads Stage features a different car each day. Keep in mind, there’s even more at the show that I didn’t get to mention - so much to see and experience for your family! Here are a few of the larger exhibits I enjoyed.

Hall of SPARQ

  • Hypercars and Formula 1 machines
  • Iconic vehicles from movies and video games
  • One-of-a-kind creations to wow your kids

High-adventure test rides - exciting to watch and even more fun to try

Ford Bronco Built Wild

  • Located within the Ford exhibit
  • Grown-ups can take a Bronco ride on the dynamic obstacle course
  • Kids and kids at heart will love watching the Bronco tackle the steep hill

Camp Jeep

  • Grown-ups can experience the Jeep off-road adventure ride track
  • Everyone will have fun just watching these extraordinary vehicles twist, turn, and climb

OVR Outpost

  • Explore the world of overlanding with vehicles perfect for camping and off-road travel

👉 Macaroni Tip: Weekdays and early mornings are typically less crowded, and weekend VIP tickets let you get on the show floor before the rush.


A few of my personal favorites from the show — the ones that totally made my day

My Favorite Stops at the Show

Honestly, there is so much to see, and I was there all day. I spent more time exploring some vehicles and exhibits over others, and I could definitely go back another day to dive even deeper. Here are my personal can't miss favorites.

Trucks and SUVs

As you may already know I love trucks and SUVs, so I spent extra time sitting in and exploring all the trucks, big and small but I was hyper-focused on the Jeep and Bronco vehicles. I didn't get the chance to ride the off-road tracks but I plan to when I go back.

The Underground: Customs, Restored Classics and more

I  always save the best for last - if only I had more time. The  Underground exhibit is a treasure trove of classics and customs. From my  personal favorites likes the VW squareback, bus and bug to a retro 1952  Chevy Suburban and old-school dune buggy, there’s so much to admire.  Custom lowriders, bikes, and motorcycles are works of art. Don’t miss  the Burning Rubber Toy Company, where you’ll find larger-scale models as  well as pocket sized models, plus exotics made just for kids at Mini  Motorz, where kids can even go on a test ride for a small fee.

I  had a great time at the show - plan to stay all day or spread it over  two depending on how much time you want to spend at each exhibit.  Vehicles and exhibits may change from day to day, but there is so much  to see you will not be disappointed. Find your family fun at the 2025 LA  Auto Show.


Chevy at its best — Corvettes, capable trucks, bold concepts, and a surprise visit from Felix

Chevy Fun

I’m a Chevy girl at heart, so seeing the iconic Felix the Cat wandering the Chevrolet exhibit made my   day - I even snagged a photo! I also sat in the Z06 Corvette - I can   dream can't I -  but it was the CX Concept that made my heart really beat.

Racing and Supercars

If your family loves speed, these vehicles are a must. Race cars, supercars, hypercars, and sports cars are displayed throughout the show. I especially enjoyed the Porsche section, which had a huge variety of vehicles. Make sure you head on over to Chevrolet to see the CX Concept, CX.R Vision Gran Turismo.


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LA Auto Show 2025 Info

⭐ Quick Tips for Families

  • Arrive early for easier parking and smaller crowds
  • Bring a portable charger so you can take lots of photos 
  • Wear comfy shoes - there’s a lot of walking 
  • Weekdays usually have lighter crowds 
  • Weekends often include extras like food trucks and additional experiences

🍔 Food, drinks and Snacks

You won’t go hungry! On-site options include Compass Café, Galaxy Café, Tradewinds Café, plus food trucks - weekends only and nearby restaurants at L.A. Live. Families can enjoy sandwiches, salads, pizza, smoothies, organic options, gourmet grill items and so much more - perfect for a full-day outing.

  • ☕ If you need a coffee break, I highly recommend Groundwork coffee, they have a location in both main halls with plenty of seating.

📢 Important Family Info

  • 🚘 Parking: Convenient options at the LA Convention Center $25–$40, first-come, first-served.
  • 🚏 Public Transit: Pico Station is one block away; use the South or West Hall entrances.
  • 🤜 Re-entry: Be sure to have your hands stamped if you leave the show.
  • 🚫 Restrictions: No outside food, wagons, smoking, vaping, or pets - service animals only.
  • ♿ Wheelchair, stroller, and scooter rentals: Available at West and South Lobby entrances; first-come, first-served. Check the show website for pricing.
    • Elevators are available throughout the Convention Center for easy access with strollers or wheelchairs.

🎟️ Tickets and Pricing

  • 🆓 Kids under 6 are free
  • Any Day General Admission: Adult $25, Senior $12, Child $12
  • Monday–Thursday: Adult $22, Senior $10, Child $10
  • VIP Priority Entry - weekends: Adult $45, Senior $22, Child $22
  • Thanksgiving Family Four-Packs - Wed. and Thurs.: $63
  • No onsite ticket sales - online only

👉 If you want even more details about exhibits, parking tips and planning your visit, don’t miss my full guide

 📲Follow the LA Auto Show® 

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