California African American Museum (CAAM)

The basics

Most visitors to the California African American Museum (CAAM) make their way to Exposition Park and opt for a self-guided experience of the museum’s collections. The museum offers free admission, and exploring its galleries usually takes a couple of hours. It’s also within walking distance of USC, the Natural History Museum of Los Angeles, and the California Science Center, so it’s a great addition to a day of attraction hopping.

Things to know before you go

• There is convenient parking at Exposition Park near the museum, but it costs US$15.

• Although the California African American Museum doesn’t have an onsite café, there’s a food court near the California Science Center. Food and drinks aren’t allowed inside the museum galleries.

• CAAM is ADA-accessible and even offers special tours and workshops for groups with disabilities—just make sure to reach out to the museum in advance.

• Talks, workshops, screenings, concerts, and other special events take place throughout the year at the California African American Museum—check the museum calendar ahead of your visit to see what’s on.

How to get there

If you’re driving to the CAAM, it’s at the corner of Figueroa Street and Exposition Boulevard, but the parking lot entrance is at the corner of Figueroa Street and 39th Street. If you’re taking the Metro Expo Line, get off at the Expo Park/USC stop, and then it’s just a short walk over to the museum.

When to get there

The best time of day to visit the California African American Museum is around the mid-afternoon, especially around 1pm or 2pm as it’s after the morning rush and before the last day visitors arrive. You’ll want to avoid the early morning or later afternoon times due to Los Angeles traffic. Also, Tuesdays and weekends can be the busiest, so if you want to beat the crowds, try for a Wednesday or Thursday visit.

Take a drive to Baldwin Hills

Los Angeles’ Baldwin Hills neighborhood has two popular attractions worth visiting after your time at CAAM. Head to the Museum of African American Art on West Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard to explore Black-created and -inspired pieces, and then walk up to the Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial Tree Grove within Kenneth Hahn State Recreation Area.