1 / 3Southern California Railway Museum
📍 Pinacate, CA
Southern California's premier railway museum in Perris featuring hundreds of preserved trains, streetcars, and trolleys. Guided tours, weekend train and trolley rides, and special events including Thomas the Tank Engine days and Polar Express.
Had an absolute blast visiting the Southern California Railway Museum! My mom and I took the guided tour for just $5 each, and it was worth every penny. The collection of vintage streetcars (including one from Kyoto!) and steam engines is massive. The volunteers are so knowledgeable and clearly passionate about rail history. A must-visit if you're in the area!
🏆 Family Action Verdict
Best for families with train-obsessed children of any age — from toddlers at Thomas events to grandparents sharing railway history. The free daily grounds admission makes it accessible; extra experiences add on incrementally. Knowledgeable volunteers throughout the site deliver stories and historical context that bring the collection to life.
ℹ️ What to Know Before You Go
💬 What Families Are Saying
View all reviews →2,185 Google reviews
Annie Cheng
a month ago
“Had an absolute blast visiting the Southern California Railway Museum! My mom and I took the guided tour for just $5 each, and it was worth every penny. The collection of vintage streetcars (including one from Kyoto!) and steam engines is massive. The volunteers are so knowledgeable and clearly passionate about rail history. A must-visit if you're in the area!”
Sheila B
2 months ago
“Getting to explore and read while no one else there. A true treasure. Yes. I didn't enjoy big crowds or people constantly in my way and the nuisances they bring. Thank God for a beautiful evening enjoying this place quietly & freely. A treasure. And thank you to the gentleman that told us a good joke.”
LG O
4 months ago
“Had a great time at the railway museum, so much to do and not much cost. Just 1 extra item the extra train ride. The Thomas and friends was very good. Can’t wait to come Again. The people were all very friendly and nice.”
Stanley Fu
3 months ago
“Came for their Polar Express attraction and it was amazing! Highly recommended for the holidays and just an overall excellent production. The group of kids loved it, especially the songs and story telling.”
Reviews from Google
Overview
The Southern California Railway Museum spans extensive outdoor grounds packed with preserved steam engines, diesel locomotives, streetcars, and trolleys from across the US and internationally, including a vintage Kyoto streetcar. Guided tours run for an additional per-person fee. Weekend ride experiences run on select trains and trolleys. Special events across the year include Day Out with Thomas and a Polar Express holiday production.