LeMay - America's Car Museum, Tacoma: Hours, Address, LeMay - America's Car Museum Reviews: 4.5/5
LeMay - America's Car Museum
LeMay - America's Car Museum
4.5
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Monday
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Tuesday
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Wednesday
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Thursday
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Friday
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Saturday
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Sunday
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
About
LeMay - America's Car Museum (ACM), named one of USA Today's 10 Best Museums in Seattle and KING 5's 2014 & 2015 Best Museum in Western Washington, is an international destination where families and enthusiasts gather to celebrate America's love affair with the automobile and how it shaped our society. The stunning, four-level, 165,000-sq.-ft. Tacoma, Wash., facility features 12 rotating exhibits, five annual Signature Events and serves as an educational center, hosting students of all ages.
Suggested duration
2-3 hours
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The area
Address
How to get there
- South 25th St • 6 min walk
- Tacoma Dome • 6 min walk
Best nearby
Restaurants
398 within 3 miles
Olive Branch Cafe
197
0.2 mi$$ - $$$ • American • Cafe • Soups
Stanley & Seafort's
537
0.4 mi$$$$ • American • Steakhouse • Seafood
Paya Thai Fish & Chips
54
0.3 mi$ • Quick Bites • American • Seafood
Celebrity Cake Studio
29
0.1 mi$$ - $$$ • Bakeries
El Gaucho Tacoma
280
0.5 mi$$$$ • American • Steakhouse • Gluten Free Options
Alfred's Cafe
64
0.3 mi$$ - $$$ • American
Olive Branch Cafe and Tea Room
5
0.2 mi$$ - $$$
Sluggo Brewing Tap & Kitchen
5
0.2 mi$$ - $$$ • Brew Pub • Mediterranean • Greek
Seasons Restaurant
21
0.2 mi$$ - $$$ • American
Wendy's Vietnamese Restaurant
12
0.3 mi$ • Vietnamese
Attractions
72 within 6 miles
Tacoma Dome
211
0.3 miArenas & Stadiums • Civic Centres
Washington State History Museum
238
0.6 miSpeciality Museums
Museum of Glass
1,296
0.7 miSpeciality Museums • Art Museums
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0.3 miDistilleries
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0.4 miBreweries
Union Station
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0.7 miPoints of Interest & Landmarks
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0.6 miBreweries
Chihuly Bridge of Glass
623
1.8 miPoints of Interest & Landmarks
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0.5 miBreweries
Contribute
Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
Popular mentions
4.5
1,058 reviews
Excellent
778
Very good
246
Average
26
Poor
4
Terrible
4
Bill B
Methuen, MA138 contributions
Mar 2022
I preface this by the fact that I am not a motorhead and have only a passing interest in old car, but my god I was impressed by this museum. The collection and special exhibits were amazing. The set up give you an easy path to walk and not miss anything. The staff were helpful and knowledgeable. I drove by the museum every day for the 14 weeks I worked in the Tacoma area and am so glad I decided to stop. This is a national treasure and should be included in any visit to Tacoma.
Written June 1, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Thomas T
Bernalillo, NM396 contributions
Apr 2021
This highly eclectic collection of antique, classic and everyday cars covers over a century of automotive technology and style. We spent a couple of hours walking the five floors of cars on display. Some were true curiosities, as in a couple of teeny-tiny, but fully drivable models from the late 40s. Others were true antiques, as in horseless carriages from the turn of the 20th century. The top floor featured three current exhibits. First was a history of Saleen Racing. Steve Saleen, a well-known Mustang tuner, is also a racing driver of note. The second, a small collection of Ferrari cars, although beautiful, seemed just a filler. The last, a selection of Cadillacs from the 'teens (that is, the Nine-teens) to nearly today, showed the long and steadily more stylish road that marque has taken from its birth to today.
We enjoyed the place, and recommend it to car fans.
We enjoyed the place, and recommend it to car fans.
Written June 2, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Liz V
Issaquah, WA25 contributions
Nov 2021
I have passed this museum on the highway many times and I went with my family after spending the night at Alderbrook Lodge. We were looking for something to do on the way home. It was great! I have a 17 year old son and 19 year old daughter who both loved it. They each picked out their favorite cars and we spent about 2 hours looking at everything. It is great for something to do when passing through Tacoma. I will take out of town visitors there. In my opinion more fun than the Space Needle or the Museum of Glass.
Written November 27, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
joesphb398
Phoenix, AZ67 contributions
Apr 2019 • Friends
what a bonus.four floors of antique,muscle,race,trucks and motorcycles. my dad rode Harley since turning 16 in 1929. the motorcycles exhibit as you enter is fantastic. I made a car club tour for our local Portland AACA Group to Tacoma. The museum location. We found the orginal Bullet Mustang with movie excerpts in the corner down on the second floor in a corner. you enter the museum on the 4th level from the huge parking area. Great day had by all
Written March 5, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Lisa S
7 contributions
Jan 2022 • Solo
Something for everyone! I enjoyed the structure of the museum, it’s many more floors than you see from the outside. Pretty sure I was the only single woman there and one of the car historians was nice enough to make time to give me extra details about some of my favorite cars. The cafe was pretty decent! I took pics the whole time and kept sending them to my dad. It’s a lot to take in! I’ve driven by so many times, glad I made the stop.
Written January 18, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Joe K
Washington738 contributions
Jun 2021
A wonderful museum preserving the history of automobiles. You can walk through multiple levels of cars spanning from the beginning to the future. There is also a cafe and rotating exhibits. The current one is the Alfa Romeo that started in late June 2021 and I'm sharing some photos from the launch.
Written July 10, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
will0rr
Arlington, WA9 contributions
Oct 2019
Spectacular cars, and motorcycles. My friend and I are in our 60's; we both have bad backs and it took everything we had to make it through the building. Could have used a couple more places to rest. Maybe a sparkletts water bottle or two might've helped.
Written April 19, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
tutor8888
hong kong30 contributions
Apr 2019 • Family
Great selection of mainly American Cars, including the original Bullitt Mustang. 3 floors jammed with cars so allow 2 to 3 hours. A good coffee shop. Interesting architecture.
Docent tour wasn't worth the extra charge: just saw the inside of 2 cars from a distance and not much extra information.
Docent tour wasn't worth the extra charge: just saw the inside of 2 cars from a distance and not much extra information.
Written May 25, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Maple Leopard
Seattle, WA171 contributions
Jun 2018
We visited the museum twice for the "Cars and Couture Fashion Show." This museum is a one of a kind experience you won't soon forget! The late Harold Lemay was the owner of a garbage company, and was the owner of all the cars featured in the museum. You will be mesmerized for hours looking all types of cars
Written December 21, 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
webpilot1
Seattle, WA44 contributions
Harold LeMay is gone. His Widow and his legacy however, live on in the newest and certainly amongst the best car museums to be seen. The creme de la creme of the world's largest private collection is on display along with rotating collections such as the Bulgari and the EV-1 on loan from GM.
The ultra modern building reminds some of a giant, upside down boat which is MUCH larger inside than it appears from outside. Approximately twelve galleries on four floors house many more cars than I imagined could be housed there.
Since the displays are dynamic, plan to stop in often to see their latest offerings.
One of my favorite restaurants, Pacific Grill runs the Cafe there. Well done !
This museum represents herculean efforts of thousands of people and hundred of organizational entities to have made it happen. You'll love it !
The ultra modern building reminds some of a giant, upside down boat which is MUCH larger inside than it appears from outside. Approximately twelve galleries on four floors house many more cars than I imagined could be housed there.
Since the displays are dynamic, plan to stop in often to see their latest offerings.
One of my favorite restaurants, Pacific Grill runs the Cafe there. Well done !
This museum represents herculean efforts of thousands of people and hundred of organizational entities to have made it happen. You'll love it !
Written October 13, 2012
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
jimamish
Spring City, TN1 contribution
How long time should one expect to typically spend there?
1952Steve311
Goolwa, Australia318 contributions
There is so much to look at and so many unique cars, the time depends on how much of a petrol head you are. Just for the casual enthusiast I would allow at least 2-3 hours for the die hard at least 4-5 hours. They have a cafe on site and food is reasonably priced and okay.
Is there a charge for parking?
Steve S
Seattle, WA55 contributions
I believe the parking is $10
do we need pay to take camera inside
Gary R
Edmonds, WA53 contributions
No, not at all, photos are welcome
Neetu S
Vancouver, Canada1 contribution
Is there WiFi?
Capayrancher
San Diego, CA266 contributions
They told me no. I used cell without a problem. (ATT)
snauman2017
Redmond, WA
Is there a restaurant at the museum?
Dan M
Golden, Canada554 contributions
Snack bar.
snauman2017
Redmond, WA
Hi, what would you like to know about this attraction? Is there a restaurant at the museum?
Robert B
13 contributions
There is a nice cafe and eating area inside on the top floor. The elevator took us there. It overlooks part of the exhibit. Food is really good, nothing fancy, just good and fairly priced. But I am not sure if they serve any beer or such. It would be nice though.
frone2000
Aloha, OR2 contributions
Are wheel chairs available for guests to rent while visiting or should we bring one along for a senior who isn't able to walk long distances.
brunokay
Seattle, WA1 contribution
Although I have not been to the museum this summer, there have not been wheel chairs available in the past. We have brought along a transport chair for our elderly father and it has worked well in the museum. Every square foot of display is accessible for wheel chairs with long ramps between floors that are themselves areas of display. As you are caught up in viewing the beauty and power of the "art on wheels" that is the vintage or classic automobile, you won't even be cognizant that you have moved between floors. There are also elevators for quick movement between multiple floors. Come and be caught up in the memories that get triggered by your experience among the plethora of vehicles. It is a cross generational family bonding adventure.
Shaho14
Calgary, Canada10 contributions
What is the difference between this museum and the one at Marymount? Also, is the whole collection pre-1980's, or does it include 90's and 21st century vehicles?
meddic1
Tacoma WA11 contributions
The Marymount exhibit is mostly outdoors and and also in some buildings on the grounds of a former convent/school. It's a lot of walking on sometimes uneven or wet terrain. The museum in Tacoma is totally under one roof but with several levels. Marymount is about 15 miles from the LeMay museum.
Tab P
Maple Valley, WA
How much does it cost per adult? Do you have a family pass? If so, how much is it? Can you get it online?
Scott L
Tacoma, WA9 contributions
The most you pay is $16, but there are discounts for active military and seniors, $14, any student regardless of age, $12. Memberships cover families per year for as little as $95. Also 10% off adult admission if you are AAA, or have State Farm Ins. or have Hagerty Ins.
Frequently Asked Questions about LeMay - America's Car Museum
- LeMay - America's Car Museum is open:
- Sun - Sat 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
- Hotels near LeMay - America's Car Museum:
- (0.22 mi) Comfort Inn & Suites Downtown Tacoma
- (0.56 mi) Holiday Inn Express & Suites Tacoma Downtown, an IHG Hotel
- (1.09 mi) Hotel Murano Provenance
- (0.94 mi) Courtyard by Marriott Tacoma Downtown
- (0.91 mi) La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham Tacoma - Seattle
- Restaurants near LeMay - America's Car Museum:
- (0.24 mi) Olive Branch Cafe
- (0.15 mi) Celebrity Cake Studio
- (0.21 mi) Sluggo Brewing Tap & Kitchen
- (0.28 mi) Paya Thai Fish & Chips
- (0.21 mi) Cheers Bar & Grill