San Diego Model Railroad Museum

About San Diego Model Railroad Museum

Scale models of California railroads. Kid-friendly museum featuring many working scale models of California rail lines & landscapes. Features multiple working scale model layouts of California railroad lines including the Cabrillo & Southwestern, San Diego & Arizona Eastern, Southern Pacific on the Tehachapi Pass, and Pacific Desert Lines. Rated 4.7 out of 5 stars by 1,253 visitors.

💬 What Visitors Say

• 💡Request a behind-the-scenes tour from the knowledgeable staff members like Jim - they provide insider access to track inner workings and detailed San Diego-Yuma train line history that enhances the experience significantly
• 💬Plan to spend at least 2-3 hours to fully appreciate the massive layouts and intricate details - visitors consistently mention time flies, indicating the attraction is much larger than expected
• 💬Arrive before 6pm if using paid parking, as parking fees end at 6pm - this allows you to enjoy evening hours without additional costs
• 💡The museum appeals equally to both children and adults regardless of prior train enthusiasm - even those without childhood train set experience report feeling nostalgic and amazed by the scale and detail
• 💡Take the public Balboa Park tram (runs 8am-8pm) if you're visiting multiple attractions in the park to save on walking between venues