San Diego Model Railroad Museum Tours

San Diego Model Railroad Museum
San Diego Model Railroad Museum
San Diego Model Railroad Museum
San Diego Model Railroad Museum
San Diego Model Railroad Museum


Train fanatics can have fun observing miniature recreations of Californian railroads and children can learn how to make them at this interactive museum.

While in the museum zone of Balboa Park, visit San Diego Model Railroad Museum, an enjoyable attraction for all ages. Spend time watching working model railways that mimic actual train lines in the natural and humanmade landscapes of California. Bring your own collection of models to exchange with other train enthusiasts and sign the kids up for hands-on model-making workshops.

There are five permanent railway exhibits to discover at the San Diego Model Railroad Museum. Each shows the long railroading history of California by using exact replicas of trains, line layouts, the state’s countryside and major landmarks. Watch locomotives trundle past the Sierra Nevada Mountains on The Tehachapi Pass and see Balboa Park as it looked in 1915 on The Centennial Railway Garden. Trains run alongside the Carlsbad Flower Fields, Carrizo Canyon and other San Diego landmarks on the Pacific Desert Lines.

School age children can join educational workshops that combine railroad and science themes. This gives them the chance to conduct experiments that teach about the strength of arch bridges and triangles and learn the basic concepts of scale and proportions. Summer camps present the opportunity to construct a fully operational model railroad. Download resources from the museum’s official website for additional learning at home.

Collectors looking to enlarge and improve their personal train hoard can attend regular Swap Meet events. Chat with fellow model enthusiasts while looking for antique, hard-to-find and nostalgic items.

You’ll find the museum in the heart of Balboa Park. It shares the Casa de Balboa Building with the Museum of Photographic Arts and the San Diego Historic Center. Drivers can park for free at the rear of the building and at the nearby Fleet Science Center. A public service bus operates between the park and Downtown San Diego.

San Diego Railroad Museum is open from Tuesday to Sunday and there’s an admission fee. Discounts are available for children, students and seniors. Contact the museum for information about group visits and guided tours.

Plan a trip to see San Diego Model Railroad Museum

Price found within the past 48 hours. Click for updated prices.
Quiet Mind Mountain Lodge, Retreat and Spa
Alila Marea Beach Resort Encinitas, a Hyatt Luxury Resort
The Sofia Hotel

Browse tours and tickets to explore San Diego Model Railroad Museum

Tours & day trips

See all 206 activities

History & culture

See all 78 activities

Private & custom tours

See all 59 activities

Food, drink & nightlife

See all 53 activities

Water activities

See all 31 activities

Popular places to visit


Best Lodging Options Near San Diego Model Railroad Museum

The Dextro Hotel, BW Premier Collection

The Dextro Hotel, BW Premier Collection

3 out of 5
1617 1st Avenue, San Diego, CA
The Dextro Hotel, BW Premier Collection
Wyndham San Diego Bayside

Wyndham San Diego Bayside

4 out of 5
1355 N Harbor Drive, San Diego, CA
Wyndham San Diego Bayside
The Little Italy Hotel Downtown San Diego

The Little Italy Hotel Downtown San Diego

4 out of 5
1646 Front St, San Diego, CA
The Little Italy Hotel Downtown San Diego
Manchester Grand Hyatt San Diego

Manchester Grand Hyatt San Diego

4 out of 5
1 Market Pl, San Diego, CA
Manchester Grand Hyatt San Diego
Handlery Hotel

Handlery Hotel

3.5 out of 5
950 Hotel Cir N, San Diego, CA
Handlery Hotel
Alma San Diego Downtown, a Tribute Portfolio Hotel

Alma San Diego Downtown, a Tribute Portfolio Hotel

4 out of 5
1047 5th Ave, San Diego, CA
Alma San Diego Downtown, a Tribute Portfolio Hotel
Marriott Marquis San Diego Marina

Marriott Marquis San Diego Marina

4 out of 5
333 W Harbor Dr, San Diego, CA
Marriott Marquis San Diego Marina
Holiday Inn Express San Diego Downtown by IHG

Holiday Inn Express San Diego Downtown by IHG

2.5 out of 5
1430 7th Ave, San Diego, CA
Holiday Inn Express San Diego Downtown by IHG
TownePlace Suites by Marriott San Diego Downtown

TownePlace Suites by Marriott San Diego Downtown

3 out of 5
1445 Sixth Avenue, San Diego, CA
TownePlace Suites by Marriott San Diego Downtown
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.