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Location
Best time
Visit on Saturday or Sunday between 10am-4pm as these are the only operating hours. Plan your visit accordingly and note that weekend-only operation means it's less crowded than typical weekday museums.
Visitor tip
Take advantage of the free guided tours led by knowledgeable volunteers who can provide entertaining and informative context about the 100+ years of San Diego electric railway and railroad history. Tours are available by appointment.
Visitor tip
The venue features both indoor exhibits (O-Scale model railroad with miniature trains) and an adjacent building with a historic trolley car display. Plan to explore multiple locations within the immediate area to see the full collection.
Quick Facts
- Type
- Historic Rail Museum
- Highlights
- Historic cable car, light rail vehicle, O-Scale model railroad, rail history spanning 1890-2015
- Hours
- Saturday-Sunday 10am-4pm (tours by appointment)
- Location
- National City, CA (10 miles south of downtown San Diego)
What visitors say
I love History and this gem of a depot was a great find. Friendly volunteers and knowledgeable. We enjoyed exploring and watching the miniature trains. Free admission but we definitely appreciated our visit and gave a donation through…
I seen this place on my way to the park and I'm really glad I stopped. Old historic trains and muesam. Everything was completely free including the tour that was going on.
Discovered this by chance, proximity to our hotel. Open Sat & Sun 10am-4pm no cost (donation). The volunteer made our experience entertaining & informative. Vast history dating over 100yrs. Adjacent corner building displays a trolley…
From 69 Google reviews
Did You Know?
- The National City Depot houses a comprehensive San Diego Electric Railway and railroad history collection spanning 125 years (1890 to 2015)
- The museum features SDERy Car 54, a historic cable car, and San Diego Trolley Car 1002, the first generation light rail vehicle (LRV)
- Admission is completely free with an optional donation system, yet the facility operates with knowledgeable volunteer staff and offers guided tours
Other Children's Museums in National City
More Family Fun Nearby
Other venues within driving distance:
National City Historic Railcar Plaza
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0 miles away
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1 miles away
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