Explore Southern California Railway Museum — Historic Trains, Events & Film Locations
Discover nearly 100 acres of restored railyards, vintage locomotives, and unique event spaces in Perris, California.
Featured Experiences & Events
Hosted tours, hands-on programs, community events, photo/film locations, and venue rentals for every interest.
About Southern California Railway Museum
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.
Plan a Visit or Book an Event at Southern California Railway Museum
Reserve tours, Carhouse 4, merit badge sessions, or film and photo shoot bookings to secure unique historic backdrops in Perris.