Capture stunning vintage railroad scenes at the Southern California Railway Museum in Perris. Perfect for film crews and photographers, this historic site offers authentic backdrops that elevate any project. Discover why creatives flock here for unique outdoor shooting experiences.
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Difficulty
easy
Duration
1–4 hours
Fitness Level
Minimal physical effort required; suitable for all skill levels
Wildlife
History
The museum was established in the 1990s and has since become a key site for vintage rail preservation and filming in Southern California.
Conservation
The site emphasizes preservation and sustainability, with efforts to maintain its historic integrity while minimizing environmental impact.
Southern California Railway Museum
Capture stunning vintage railroad scenes at the Southern California Railway Museum in Perris. Perfect for film crews and photographers, this historic site offers authentic backdrops that elevate any project. Discover why creatives flock here for unique outdoor shooting experiences.
Southern California Railway Museum in Perris, California, preserves a large collection of historic locomotives, railcars, and streetcars across nearly 100 acres of restored railyards and depots.
The museum offers narrated hosted tours led by knowledgeable docents, train and trolley rides every weekend, and curated exhibits that highlight regional rail history.
The museum serves as a premier location for photo and film shoots, providing diverse backdrops from vintage depots to industrial yards and an extensive roster of historic equipment. Production teams book the site for creative shoots and location filming because of its variety of authentic rail settings.
Community events and specialty programs are a core part of the museum’s calendar. Annual highlights include the Antique Truck Show, KCBS BBQ competitions such as BBQ Boots and Brew, Perris Appreciation Day with free rides for residents, and the Fall Victorian Tea hosted by the Harvey Girl Historical Society. The museum’s Business Class departures and Carhouse 4 rental offer unique options for private events and special occasions.
Educational offerings include the expanded Merit Badge Program with certified counselors and hands-on activities, plus the Run One Program that lets participants operate electric streetcars and locomotives under engineer supervision. The museum emphasizes safety, preservation, and historical accuracy while providing memorable, hands-on experiences for families, scouts, photographers, and event organizers.
Located in Perris, the museum is accessible to Southern California communities and supports local tourism and education. Staff and volunteers maintain exhibits and coordinate bookings for tours, events, and film projects to ensure smooth operations daily.
Site Size
Nearly 100 acres
Extensive historic railyards
Years of History
64 years
Decades of preservation
Weekend Rides
Train & trolley rides
Available every weekend
Event Venue
Carhouse 4 (up to 150)
Unique historic event space
Reserve tours, Carhouse 4, merit badge sessions, or film and photo shoot bookings to secure unique historic backdrops in Perris.
Plan for golden hour shoots
Capture warm, soft lighting by scheduling shoots during sunrise or sunset.
Check with staff for access
Coordinate your shoot in advance to ensure access to preferred areas and avoid disruptions.
Bring weather protection
Prepare for California’s variable weather, especially if shooting outdoors for extended periods.
Respect the site’s history
Avoid touching or moving historic equipment to preserve the authenticity of the setting.
Camera and tripod
Necessary for capturing steady, high-quality images of vintage subjects.
Lens variety (wide-angle and portrait)
Provides flexibility for different compositions, from sweeping shots to detailed portraits.
Weather protection gear
Protects your equipment against rain, dust, or intense sunlight.
all
Comfortable footwear
Ensures ease when navigating uneven or outdoor terrain around the site.