Looking for a fun way to see SoCal? How about taking a little train ride through some of the prettiest parts of Southern California? And when we say little, we truly mean little. These 8 trains are all quite tiny but they sure are a lot of fun. Here’s a look at where you can find some of our favorite small trains that will take you on a memorable ride.
1. Irvine Park Railroad
Hop aboard this small train in the city of Orange for a relaxing ride through historic Irvine Regional Park. Hours vary depending on the season so make sure to check their
website for the most up to date information. Tickets cost $6 per ride at this time.
Address: 1 Irvine Park Road, Orange, CA 92869.
2. Castle Park Railroad
Taking a ride on the Castle Park Railroad is good old fashioned fun. Located inside Castle Park, a 25-acre amusement park in the city of Riverside, you'll find this vintage train that winds its way through a scenic setting inside the park.
Address: 3500 Polk Street, Riverside, CA 92505.
3. The Miniature Train at Balboa Park
You can take a short 3-minute train ride through various parts of Balboa Park on this miniature antique train. Operated by San Diego Zoo within Balboa Park, one of the most beautiful urban parks in the country, this mini train offers a ride that both children and adults will love. Tickets cost $3 per person. The train runs weekends only from 11 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Address: 1800 Zoo Place, San Diego, CA 92101.
4. Enchanted Railroad at Descanso Gardens
There's nothing more beautiful than taking a short ride through Descanso Gardens on this small ride modeled after a diesel train. See the stunning gardens and enjoy the fresh air as you ride the rails through absolute perfection.
Address: 1418 Descanso Drive, La Cañada Flintridge, CA 91011.
5. El Dorado Express
Located inside Eldorado Park in the city of Long Beach you'll find the cutest train ever that the whole family will enjoy. The ride includes a fun narrated story, lively music, and gorgeous scenery along the 1.5-mile track. Train tickets are $5 each.
Address: 7550 E Spring Street, Long Beach, CA 90808.
6. Travel Town Railroad at Griffith Park
Experience Griffith Park in a whole new way by taking a short ride on the Travel Town Railroad that runs along the perimeter of the museum and through a variety of gorgeous scenery. The train station at Griffith Park is open every day at 10 a.m. Tickets cost $3.50 for adults and $3 for children under 11.
Address: 4400 Crystal Springs Drive, Los Angeles, CA 90027.
7. Angels Flight Railway
This tiny funicular railway is such a unique ride and quite the landmark in SoCal. Angels Flight operates on a 298-foot railway and charges $1 per passenger for a one-way ticket.
Address: 350 S Grand Avenue, Los Angeles, CA 90071.
8. Los Angeles Live Steamers Railroad Museum
Los Angeles Live Steamers Railroad Museum is a great destination to visit for all train enthusiasts young or old. Rides on their mini-train are offered to the general public every Sunday from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. for a suggested donation of $3.00.
Address: 5202 Zoo Drive, Los Angeles, CA 90027.
Are there any other tiny trains you would add to this list? Please let us know if we’ve left anything out. If you prefer a longer train ride, you may also want to check out the full-size train located inside this SoCal park. It’s another fun way to ride the rails.
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