Though the cause of the car's extinction is debated between those who blame meteors and those who insist it was the unstoppable spread of speed ramps, the automobile's legacy lives on in memoriam. Today's Groupon invites the nostalgic to explore the Petersen Automotive Museum with an adult general-admission ticket for $6. Trace the mighty impression the car has made on our world through edifying exhibitions and a collection of more than 150 rare vehicles.

The Petersen Automotive Museum covers 100 years of car culture and Los Angeles history as influenced by the roadster. Three floors house a total of 300,000 square feet of automotive space, featuring replica facades that transport audiences back to early 20th-century Southern Californian streets peppered with classic cars. Car-ists can navigate the film-star wheels of the Hollywood Gallery or trace the progression of alternative power to see how buggies have summoned the strength to haul families and golf bags from as early as 1897.

Wheelers of all ages can find items of intrigue with displays such as the Hot Wheels Hall of Fame, which hosts miniature and full-size dragsters in one enormous, interactive space. From toys to movies to music, cars have held a crucial position in the shaping of our modern culture. With vehicles ranging from the beautiful to the surreal, The Petersen reminds us all that without innovative autos, our imaginations would dull and our roads would ripen with unattended potholes.

Reviews

Frommer's says:

• Indeed, this museum says more about the city than probably any other in L.A. Named for Robert Petersen, the publisher responsible for Hot Rod and Motor Trend magazines, the four-story, 300,000-square-foot museum displays more than 200 cars and motorcycles, from the historic to the futuristic.

TripAdvisors and six Citysearchers give the Petersen Automotive Museum 4.5 stars, while Yelpers and nine Judy's Book users give four:

• Some of the cars are just amazing. You can't believe them till you see them. But in addition to the deliberately bizarre ones (the batmobile, a Rolls Royce with round doors, etc.) there is a really fascinating array of ordinary ones and quirky ones...There are art galleries in other cities, but no museum like this: I recommend you visit! – JdeP, TripAdvisor
• This is the place to spend a Sunday afternoon. Meandering around this museum gets you interesting historic facts on America's early automotive days. For those who are star struck, the Peterson also houses famous cars from television and movies. Those of us who love fast cars and kustom cars, this is also the place to go. – izelmorena, Citysearch
• Schedule a full day to see all the exhibits and ogle the beautifully restored vehicles kept here. It's a great trip for the whole family, or present for an automotive buff. – Kayotae, Citysearch