Father’s Day takes on a new dimension when Dad’s a car fanatic. It’s no longer a question about what to throw on the grill. A proper celebration to honor Dad becomes a search for the coolest auto events, car museums, drives, and races. This guide can help you plan for the celebration on June 18.
Auto Museums
From "Driven To Win." (Photo courtesy of The Henry Ford Museum.)
Car museums are like time machines. Step through the doors, and you’re whisked to a magical place with the world’s most amazing cars from all eras. The price of admission is modest, but the experience for a gearhead dad is beyond measure.
Fabulous car museums dot the American landscape. But only a handful qualify as proper bucket-list destinations. The Henry Ford Museum of American Innovation - opens in new window or tab. in Dearborn, Mich., and the Petersen Automotive Museum - opens in new window or tab. in Los Angeles top our list.
Visit the Indianapolis Motor Speedway Museum. And check out its eBay store.
The Indianapolis Motor Speedway Museum - opens in new window or tab., located on the Brickyard’s infield, is a must-see for open-wheel fans. Current exhibits include tributes to second place Indy 500 drivers and decades of time-honored Speedway traditions.
Automotive Antiques on Display
Does Dad dig the older machines? The Antique Automobile Club of America Museum - opens in new window or tab. in Hershey, Penn. is notable for its vast collection of pre-war automobiles, as well as its trio of Tuckers. Special exhibits in Hershey include prototype and production DeLoreans, along with the Hershey's Kissmobile Cruiser.
The National Automobile Museum - opens in new window or tab. in Reno, Nev., has many notable cars, including the only authentic Dymaxion known to exist, more Tucker automobiles, and the 1989 "Michael Keaton" Batmobile. If Pop’s big on Stingrays, a visit to the National Corvette Museum - opens in new window or tab. in Bowling Green, Ky., is in order.
Fun at the Track
The Sportscar Vintage Racing Association's Indy Speedtour Weekend takes place at the Brickyard from June 15 to 18.
If several hours at the racetrack is your dad’s idea of a perfect day, the choices are plentiful locally. Formula 1's Canadian Grand Prix takes place at Circuit Gilles Villeneuve, and IndyCar is at Road America—but NASCAR, NHRA, IMSA, and Formula Drift are off for the weekend.
It’s not all about the big leagues, of course. There’s plenty of action at local dirt tracks, drag strips, road courses, and motocross tracks.
Gift ideas:
America’s Great Drives
The Pikes Peak Highway is a winding 19-mile toll road.
Everyone has a different opinion of what makes an incredible drive. But one thing is certain: It’s rarely a straight-shot, two-hour ride on a three-lane Interstate highway. It helps to get off the beaten path and head to twisty roads, natural views, and a tasty meal (or two).
Father’s Day doesn’t need to be fancy—that is if oil runs through your veins. All it takes is a great road, tasty snacks, and an awesome playlist.
Whether you’re going to Tail of the Dragon - opens in new window or tab., Pike’s Peak - opens in new window or tab., or your favorite asphalt ribbon, a little preparation goes a long way. You can’t go wrong with a picnic lunch with plenty of ice-cold beverages. Or scout out the best restaurants.
Need some inspiration? Check out Automobile Magazine’s shortlist of the best driving roads in America - opens in new window or tab..
Gift Ideas:
- Test out new tailgating gear - opens in new window or tab.
Father’s Day Car Shows
A local cruise night is a perfect way to kick off a Father’s Day weekend. That stroll down Main Street—catching up with the cars and cats you haven’t seen for a while—is just what we need these days.
Father’s Day 2023 offers an eclectic mix of local car shows, especially if you’re up for a road trip. Here's a quick list of some of the longest-running events:
- Eurocar 2023 - opens in new window or tab.Lafayette, N.Y.
- Rodeo Drive Concours d’Elegance - opens in new window or tab.Beverly Hills, Calif.
Restaurants with Car Themes
Billy Blanco's is a 50-seat tavern made of toolboxes and featuring cars and motorcycles.
Father’s Day dinner takes on an auto vibe when you visit a popular drive-in or car-themed diner. Here are half a dozen of America’s most fabulous gearhead restaurants.
- Billy Blanco’s - opens in new window or tab. - Park City, Utah
- Ford’s Garage - opens in new window or tab. - Locations in Florida, Indiana, and Michigan
- Garage Bar - opens in new window or tab. - Louisville, Ky.
- Hotrods Old Vail - opens in new window or tab. - Tuscon, Ariz.
- Sunday Motor Co. Cafe - opens in new window or tab. - Madison, N.J.
- Vinsetta Garage - opens in new window or tab. - Berkley, Mich.
If your favorite car-themed restaurant is booked wall-to-wall for the weekend, a backyard barbecue (and a gift certificate) are always appreciated.
Holiday meals don’t need to be lavish, of course. A weekend Father’s Day staycation is perfect for getting things done. Helping Dad clear out the garage is a winner. (See: Goodies for the Garage - opens in new window or tab..) This task can be emotionally and financially rewarding with the proper mindset and lubrication.
One thing is for sure. The most important thing you can spend on Father’s Day is measured in hours, not dollars.
A last few gift ideas for Father's Day:
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This article is meant to provide general guidance only. Automotive maintenance, repair, upgrade, and installation may depend on vehicle-specifics such as make and model. Always consult your owner's manual, repair guide for specific information for your particular vehicle and consider a licensed auto-care professional's help as well, particularly for advance repairs.