LeMay - America’s Car Museum — Attraction in Tacoma

This is a 3.5 star review. This is the only car museum I've ever been to as of May 2025 and my brother paid my admission fee which was at least $24. They didn't charge him a parking fee. I didn't see a wheelchair ramp that led from the parking lot to the museum. Most of the cars were crammed in so you couldn't walk around to the back of the cars the way you could with the vehicles near the front of the museum on the main floor.

There was a mix of modern and antique cars and even the Flintstones mobile from the live action movie "The Flintstones".

There was a lot to look at but I'm not a car enthusiast so I had no clue which were truly American cars versus European cars. I didn't read all the placards because they used terminology like horsepower that I didn't understand. All I know is that 6 horsepower is more powerful than 2 horsepower.

They had a couple flat screen TVs that were playing car documentaries with sofa couches in front. I was grateful to sit down as I'm older and a stroke survivor besides being physically out of shape.

I saw other visitors with young children. My niece is a young adult. My brother enjoyed himself and he is a car enthusiast. He made no complaints.

I bought food and drink from the top floor museum cafe and I liked their creamy chicken and wild rice soup. Their iced tea is unsweetened and strong and so was their iced coffee.

I don't know too much about the other museum offerings because I'm not a museum member. The biggest reason I wanted to visit this museum is because I wanted to advertise Jehovah's name as one of Jehovah's Witnesses.

You see, I once had a conversation with Mr. LeMay during the 1990's. I didn't know who he was back then but he took a "The Watchtower" magazine from me and gave me a large denomination bill as a donation. I can't remember if it was a $10 or $20 bill. I'm old enough to remember when we offered "The Watchtower" and "Awake!" magazines for a quarter each to cover the cost of paper and ink. I was surprised by his generosity. Most people don't give me a $20 bill for our publications.

That day there was a baby blue vintage car in his backyard. I looked for that car and color at the museum but didn't recognize it. I did see more than a handful of baby blue cars in the museum but none that resembled that car.

"Old man LeMay" had a gray beard. He was wearing a T-shirt, jeans, and blue and white flannel shirt that day. I never found him home again. I only had one conversation with him.

The museum employees were pleasant to us and the women's restroom was clean. The gift shop was small but...

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

America's Car Museum is an absolute gem for car enthusiasts and history buffs alike! From the moment you walk in, you're greeted with a stunning display of automotive history that is both extensive and beautifully curated. The museum boasts an impressive collection of over 300 cars, ranging from vintage classics to modern marvels, ensuring there's something for everyone to admire.

One of the highlights of the museum is its meticulous attention to detail. Each car is accompanied by comprehensive information about its history, specifications, and significance, allowing visitors to truly appreciate the craftsmanship and innovation behind each vehicle. The displays are well-organized and engaging, making it easy to navigate through the different eras and styles of automobiles.

The museum's layout is spacious and thoughtfully designed, providing plenty of room to explore without feeling crowded. The staff are incredibly knowledgeable and passionate, always ready to share interesting facts and answer any questions. Their enthusiasm adds an extra layer of enjoyment to the experience, making it clear that they genuinely care about the cars and the visitors.

In addition to the impressive car collection, the museum offers a variety of interactive exhibits and activities. The racing simulators and hands-on displays are a hit with both kids and adults, providing a fun and educational experience for all ages. The museum also hosts special events and rotating exhibits, ensuring there's always something new and exciting to see.

A unique feature that sets America's Car Museum apart is its summer drive-in movies. This seasonal offering allows visitors to enjoy classic films from the comfort of their cars, creating a nostalgic and fun atmosphere that's perfect for families, couples, and friends. Watching a movie under the stars, surrounded by a backdrop of historic cars, is an experience you won't want to miss.

The facility itself is immaculate, with clean restrooms, a well-stocked gift shop, and a lovely café that offers a great selection of snacks and beverages. Parking is ample and convenient, making it easy to spend a full day immersing yourself in the world of automobiles.

Overall, America's Car Museum is a must-visit destination. Whether you're a die-hard car enthusiast or just looking for an interesting and enjoyable outing, this museum delivers an unforgettable experience that will leave you in awe. Highly...

Update — August 30, 2025 (3:45 p.m. visit): After posting my review, the manager on duty, Brionna (Brionna Hopes), kindly spoke with me. She apologized for our experience and said she regretted that this was our first impression after PCS’ing from Hawai‘i. She provided the Guest Services Manager, Justin Collins’ contact information, shared her card, and encouraged me to follow up so we can better understand the museum’s military discount policy. She also granted our request for a refund, which I appreciate.

While I’m grateful for Brionna’s professionalism and the refund, my original concern remains: the policy recognizing only the service member—and not dependents traveling with valid military IDs—feels out of step with how many organizations honor military families. I’m following up with Guest Services for clarification and hope the museum will consider extending recognition to the whole family.

(Original review below.)

We just moved to Washington from Hawai‘i on military PCS orders and were so excited to make the LeMay Car Museum one of our very first family outings here. Unfortunately, our experience today (Saturday, August 30 at 3:45 p.m.) left us feeling dismissed and unwelcome.

My husband, an active-duty Army service member, visited with me (his spouse), our 16-year-old daughter, and our infant baby. While we all hold valid military dependent IDs, we were told at the register that only the service member himself qualified for the military discount — not his family, even when visiting together. This policy excludes the very people who share in the sacrifices of military service, and it was disappointing to hear that dependents are not recognized.

Many organizations honor military families as a whole, understanding that service impacts spouses and children too. I would like someone to explain why this museum chooses to limit recognition to just the service member, especially when we were excited to support and enjoy the museum as part of our new chapter in Washington. Sadly, this experience has left a negative first impression and I cannot recommend the museum to other...