Step back in time with a vintage train ride that brings railroad history vividly to life. Perfect for families and history buffs, this experience offers a memorable outdoor activity in Perris, CA.
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Difficulty
easy
Duration
20 minutes for the train ride; additional time for museum exploration
Fitness Level
Open to all fitness levels; comfortable walking shoes recommended
Wildlife
History
The Southern California Railway Museum has been preserving rail history since 1990, offering visitors an authentic glimpse into the past.
Conservation
The museum actively maintains historic locomotives and promotes sustainable practices in preservation.
Southern California Railway Museum
Step back in time with a vintage train ride that brings railroad history vividly to life. Perfect for families and history buffs, this experience offers a memorable outdoor activity in Perris, CA.
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.
Arrive Early
Ensure you arrive on time for your scheduled ride to avoid missing out on this unique experience.
Dress Comfortably
Wear comfortable clothing suitable for outdoor weather and walking on historic grounds.
Bring Sun Protection
Use hats, sunglasses, and sunscreen during your visit, especially in warm months.
Check Schedule
Review the museum’s schedule beforehand to plan your day around the ride times.
Comfortable Walking Shoes
Essential for walking around the museum grounds and boarding the train.
Sun Protection
Hats, sunglasses, and sunscreen help protect against sun exposure.
summer
Camera or Smartphone
Capture memories of your vintage train experience.
Water Bottle
Stay hydrated while exploring the outdoor museum.