Places To Ride Trains in Southern California – All Aboard

Riding on a train is an exciting way to explore California and often offers views you can’t see from a car or bus. Southern California offers a variety of scenic train journeys to explore, from coastal excursions to mountain adventures. Whether you’re seeking a coastal ride, a mountain adventure, or a historic trip, there is something for everyone. All aboard!

Amtrak Pacific Surfliner San Luis Obispo to San Diego

The Pacific Surfliner serves stations in San Diego, Orange, Los Angeles, Ventura, Santa Barbara, and San Luis Obispo counties, making it a convenient and enjoyable way to explore the region. The train offers daily round trips between San Diego and Los Angeles, extending some routes to Santa Barbara or San Luis Obispo. Amtrak trains are modern double-deckers that can reach up to ninety miles per hour on specific route sections. The Pacific Surfliner provides an excellent way to explore Southern and Central California’s scenic coastline. Amtrak Tickets.

Train rides in Orange County

Goat Hill Junction Costa Mesa: Free Train Rides

Goat Hill Junction, located in Costa Mesa, is popular among kids who are passionate about riding trains. The Orange County Model Engineers offer free rides to children of all ages once a month. The miniature train layout at Goat Hill Junction is one of the largest on the West Coast, providing a unique and enjoyable experience. Each ride lasts approximately 15 minutes, and the best part is that you can enjoy unlimited free rides without any restrictions. Orange County Model Engineers.

Irvine Regional Park Railroad: One-Third-Scale Train

Once you hop on board the one-third-scale train, you will be taken back in time as the train chugs along the tracks, allowing you to take in the sights and sounds of the park. The scenic 12-minute ride passes by the park’s lakes and circles through oak woodland, providing a bird’s-eye view of all the fun and excitement. Your conductor will point out key points along the way and give a brief introduction to the park. The ride’s top speed is only a few miles an hour, which allows ample time to appreciate the view as you meander through the park. Irvine Park.

Adventure City Railroad: Vintage Train for Kids

The Adventure City Railroad is a vintage miniature train dating back to 1938. It travels around the theme park and is one of the most popular attractions. The ride takes only a few minutes but provides a scenic tour around the park, offering a bird’s-eye view of all the fun and excitement. It’s a perfect way to relax, take in the sights, and enjoy a moment of nostalgia. What makes the Adventure City Railroad special is that it passes right through the center of the park’s birthday party area, adding an exciting touch to the experience. Adventure City.

Santa Ana Zoo Train: Ride the Original Santa’s Village Train

The Zoofari Express is a fun miniature train ride within the Santa Ana Zoo. The train was previously situated at Santa’s Village in Lake Arrowhead, an attraction that is no longer operational in the Southern California San Bernardino Mountains. The zoo currently operates two electric-powered train engines, which has resulted in reduced noise and gas fumes around the animals. The train takes passengers on a half-mile loop around the east side of the zoo and then returns to the station. Santa Ana Zoo.

Strand Beach Funicular Cable Car Dana Point, California

The Strand Beach Funicular Cable Car in Dana Point, California, is an inclined elevator that connects Strand View Park to the beach. Visitors can ride the funicular for free. We suggest taking the stairs to the beach and using the funicular to return to the parking lot. The funicular was constructed in 2009 and was part of a real estate development deal to improve public access to Strand Beach. Ownership and operation of the funicular have since been turned over to the city. Strand Beach.

Train rides in the Los Angeles Area

Los Angeles Live Steamers Griffith Park LA

Los Angeles Live Steamers offers a unique attraction where visitors can ride on intricately crafted 7½” gauge model trains that pull miniature passenger cars. The train ride takes approximately 15 minutes and covers over two miles of track. Passengers are immersed in a charming world filled with delightful towns, low-hanging tunnels, and delicate bridges. The trains are perfectly built and well-maintained, providing a fun and enjoyable experience for people of all ages. LA Live Steamers.

Travel Town Train Museum Griffith Park Los Angeles

At Travel Town, visitors can explore a fascinating collection of locomotives, cabooses, passenger cars, and motor cars from 1880 to the 1930s. This fantastic experience allows children to climb aboard some engines and enjoy what it would feel like to be an engineer. The museum offers a delightful miniature train ride that takes you on a scenic tour around the park, giving you a bird’s-eye view of the collection. It’s a perfect way to entertain the little ones while immersing them in the wonders of rail history. Travel Town Train Museum

Angels Flight Railway Downtown Los Angeles, CA

The shortest railroad in the world, Angels Flight Railway, is one of the most iconic landmarks located on the Southwest corner of Third and Hill Streets in Los Angeles. It was constructed in 1901 to transport passengers between downtown and Bunker Hill, a fashionable residential district at the time, because of the steep incline between them. As a cherished historical landmark in Los Angeles, Angels Flight Railway offers visitors and residents a unique and convenient transportation option. Although it has faced challenges, the railway continues to operate and remains an integral part of the city’s public transportation network and cultural heritage. Angels Flight RR.

Descanso Gardens Enchanted Railroad: Replica Diesel Train

If you want an enjoyable activity, consider riding on the Enchanted Railroad. The train is a 1/8th replica of a diesel train that goes around a part of the Descanso Gardens. The Enchanted Railroad operates from 9:30 am to 4 pm daily. Please note that riders must be at least 30 inches tall and can sit independently for safety reasons. The ride lasts about 6 minutes, taking visitors along a section of the gardens near The Promenade on a track approximately ¼ of a mile long.. Visit the Garden Website.

Griffith Park & Southern Railroad A 1940s Gem

The Griffith Park & Southern Railroad miniature train ride covers a distance of approximately one mile and takes around 15 minutes to complete. The railroad has a rich history dating back to the 1940s. The current iteration of the railroad, known as the Griffith Park and Southern Railroad, began operations in the 1960s. This attraction is famous for its mile-long track that takes passengers on a scenic journey. The train ride includes crossing a bridge, passing through a forest, and an Old Western Town. Visit Website.

El Dorado Express Long Beach, California

If you’re looking for something fun in El Dorado Park in Long Beach, you might want to check out the seasonal little train there. The train covers a distance of around one mile and even passes through a tunnel adjacent to the park lake, making for a unique experience. However, before you make your way to Long Beach, it’s best to call ahead and confirm if the train is running on the day you plan to visit. El Dorado Park Website.

Southern California Live Steamers

Free trains ride on the 1st Sunday from 11 am-3 pm and the 3rd Saturday from 12 pm-4 pm each month. Donations are appreciated as they help with the upkeep of the miniature railroad. The train ride takes about 15 minutes and runs along the Southside of Charles H. Wilson Park in Torrance, California. Kids and adults will enjoy a trip to this fun little railroad—SoCal Live Steamers 2200 Crenshaw Blvd, Torrance, CA 90501.

Fillmore & Western Railway Ventura County Heritage Valley

In 2021, after more than 30 years of operation, the Fillmore & Western Railway ceased operations. The new owners, Sierra Northern Railway, signed a 35-year lease to operate on the Ventura County line. They purchased most of the locomotives, rolling stock, and other assets from the former F&W operation. The line is used for freight, move, and TV set operations. Tourist trains may be restarted, but no set date has been announced. The Filmore Train is permanently closed. There are no plans to offer public train excursions along this line.

Train rides in the San Diego Area

Pacific Southwest Railway Museum Campo, California

Since its establishment in 1961 and subsequent incorporation as an educational non-profit in 1963, the Pacific Southwest Railway Museum has been a beacon of railway history in Southern California. With facilities in Campo, California, and La Mesa, California, the museum offers a unique experience. The Campo facility, located 50 miles east of downtown San Diego, is open every weekend, providing 45-minute train rides through San Diego’s high desert backcountry. The museum is typically open every weekend from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm, with train rides available on Saturdays at 10:30 am, 1:00 pm, and 2:30 pm. Railroad Website.

Poway-Midland Railroad: Steam Train Twice a Month

The Poway-Midland Railroad is a must-visit for tasting the Old West in Southern California. Located in Old Poway Park, Poway, California, this heritage railroad is operated by the Poway–Midland Railroad Volunteers, Inc., a non-profit organization dedicated to preserving and showcasing antique railroad equipment. The railroad offers excursions each month’s 1st and 3rd weekends, using a 1907 Baldwin 0-4-0 steam locomotive. Step back in time and immerse yourself in the history of Southern California with an Old West flair. The Poway-Midland Railroad is a destination not to be missed! Poway-Midland RR.

Balboa Park San Diego Miniature Railroad

If you plan on visiting the San Diego Zoo or Balboa Park, you might want to check out the Balboa Park Miniature Train outside the zoo entrance. This train has been running since 1948 and takes visitors on a short half-mile loop, passing through a tunnel and running alongside the zoo parking lot, before returning to the station. The fare is only $3.00, making it a fun and affordable activity for the whole family. Balboa Park Website.

Antique Gas & Steam Engine Museum Special Event Train

This small train was hand-constructed in the 1960s and donated to the museum. Volunteers built a train station and laid down about a quarter-mile of track. The train only operates on special event days, but visitors can explore an extensive indoor N-scale model railroad gallery anytime. In addition to the train exhibit, the museum hosts various events and exhibits throughout the year. One of the highlights is the Antique Engine & Tractor Shows Museum Open House in June, where visitors can see many of the equipment and machinery in action, providing an immersive experience of the past with the sights, sounds, and smells. Visit Website.

San Diego Red Trolley Explore San Diego and Beyond

The Red Car Trolley system in San Diego consists of three lines: blue, Orange, and Green. It aims to provide a reliable, efficient, and eco-friendly mode of transportation for residents and visitors. The development of this system was influenced by the Pacific Electric Railway, also known as the Red Cars, which used to serve Southern California until the mid-1900s. The iconic red cars of the Trolley system were introduced as part of a major transportation overhaul in San Diego. Visit Website.

Chula Vista Live Steamers

Train rides are open to the public every second weekend of the month from noon – to 2:30 pm. Train rides are free; donations are appreciated. Rides last about 15 minutes and are suitable for both adults and children. Chula Vista Live Steamers are in Rohr Park’s corner in the City of Chula Vista, California.4548 Sweetwater Rd Chula Vista, California.

Inland Empire Train Rides

Southern California Railway Museum

Southern California Railway Museum has a collection of restored urban trolley cars. On most weekends, passengers can ride on a 1.5-mile mainline, previously part of the Santa Fe Railroad, in trolley cars and a diesel-powered train. If you are a train enthusiast, the Orange Empire Railway Museum is an ideal destination for a day trip. Visit Website.

Toms Farm Railroad

Tom’s Farm train is a reproduction of an 1800s steam train. This fun little train trip takes you over a covered bridge and through an undeveloped area of Toms Farm in Corona. I plan to spend a few hours at the farm and take home a bag of nuts and candy. Have lunch and enjoy riding the ride train and carnival rides. Toms Farm Website.

Riverside Live Steamers Train Rides

Train rides are open to the public every second and fourth Sunday of each month from 10 a.m. to 3 pm. With 10,000 feet of track, Riverside Live Steamers features one of Southern California’s largest miniature train layouts. This group of volunteers stays true to its name and only runs steam engine trains. Riverside Live Steamers 1496 Columbia Ave, Riverside, CA 92507.

Calico Ghost Town Train

The Calico & Odessa Railway was initially used to transport from Calico to the Waterloo Mills near Daggett during the 1880s. Nowadays, visitors can enjoy a replica train tour that takes them through the Calico Hills, showcasing old mines and the surrounding desert. Even though the train trip is short, it is still an exciting and recommended activity while visiting Calico Ghost Town in Barstow, California. Calico Website.

Santa Barbara Area Train Rides

Santa Barbara Zoo Train

The Santa Barbara Zoo features two miniature C. P. Huntington trains that travel along a half-mile track. The train ride is an excellent way to explore the beautiful Andre Clark Bird Refuge behind the zoo. If you plan a day trip to the Santa Barbara Zoo, you can conveniently reach it using Amtrak. A shuttle bus service along State Street and El Cabrillo Boulevard is available, providing easy zoo access. Santa Barbara Zoo.

South Coast Railroad Museum

The South Coast Railroad Museum is located in Goleta, California. The 1901 Southern Pacific Railroad Depot used to be situated about two miles away from its current location. The museum offers a variety of attractions to its visitors, but the miniature train and handcar ride are the most popular. The Goleta Short Line operates every weekend throughout the year. Goleta Depot Website.

California Living Museum

The Central California Children’s Railroad is located on the grounds of the Living Museum near Bakersfield. It operates on weekends and during special event days. A train ticket costs only one dollar and takes you on a scenic loop around the museum’s backlot. Visit Website.

So Cal Train Museums

Seal Beach Red Car Museum

The Seal Beach Red Car Museum can be found on the corner of Main and Electric, inside Car No. 1734, a restored Pacific Electric Railway car. This museum offers a rare and unique look into the mass transit system that once used streetcars to serve Southern California. It’s an excellent opportunity to learn about the history of transportation in the area and to see how things have changed over the years. Visit the Website.

Harvey House Railroad Depot Barstow

The Western America Railroad Museum, situated on the east side of the Harvey House Railroad Depot, offers free admission and is operated by a non-profit organization. It features a range of indoor and outdoor exhibits, including railroad artifacts, artwork, timetables, uniforms, tools, and other types of railroad memorabilia. The museum is a popular destination for rail enthusiasts of all ages and offers a variety of static displays for visitors to explore. Additionally, visitors can find a collection of rail cars, locomotives, rolling stock, and other general railroad operating equipment outside the museum. RR Museum Website.

---

Northern California Train Rides

Nevada Train Rides

California Railroad Depot Museums

---