At a Glance
- TypeHeritage railroad & tourist attraction
- LocationCA
- Rating5.0 ★6 Google reviews
About Pacific Coast Railroad
A 1.5‑mile (2.4 km) narrow‑gauge loop winds through the historic heart of Santa Margarita Ranch in Santa Margarita, California, on the Pacific Coast Railroad’s 3‑ft (914 mm) track. The line runs three steam locomotives dating from 1897 to 1968, including No. 2 Roger Linn—known from the *Dr. Quinn, Medicine Woman* series—pulling four original Santa Fe & Disneyland Railroad Retlaw 1 passenger cars.
Upcoming Events
No ticketed events are currently listed for Pacific Coast Railroad. Many heritage operators publish schedules seasonally or run on regular open hours instead of dated events.
Check the operator’s website for current hours and special runs, or subscribe to event alerts and we’ll email you when something is scheduled.
Plan Your Visit
- AccessibilityAccessible parking
Find the Depot
The Trains
The Pacific Coast Railroad runs on 3 ft (914 mm) narrow‑gauge track in a 1.5‑mile (2.4 km) loop that circles the historic portion of the Santa Margarita Ranch. Its rolling stock includes three steam locomotives built between 1897 and 1968—among them No. 2 Roger Linn, which appeared on the television series *Dr. Quinn, Medicine Woman*—four original Santa Fe & Disneyland Railroad “Retlaw 1” passenger cars, an ex‑International Railways of Central America caboose, the business car *Cuscatlan*, a Ford Model A rail‑speeder, and several former Denver & Rio Grande freight cars.
History
See full history
The Pacific Coast Railroad is founded in 2000 by San Luis Obispo entrepreneur Rob Rossi. Construction of the line proceeds through the next four years, and the 1.5‑mile loop is completed in 2004. Since its completion the railroad operates on a limited public schedule, maintaining its status as a narrow‑gauge tourist attraction on the Santa Margarita Ranch. No subsequent ownership changes, revivals, or major incidents are recorded in the available sources.
Around the Depot
On California's central coast, the Pacific Coast Railroad lies just 9 mi from the San Luis Obispo Railroad Museum.
San Luis Obispo Railroad MuseumTrain Ride·★ 4.5 (225)9.0 miView →
Norgrove RailwayTrain Ride·★ 5 (3)20 miView →
Santa Maria Valley Railway Historical MuseumMuseum·★ 4.6 (20)33 miView →The Giddy Up @ the Rainbow HutGift Shop·★ 5 (26)<1 miDirections →Santa Margarita Community ParkPark·★ 4.6 (301)<1 miDirections →Getting There & Staying Nearby
Optional trip extras from our travel partners.
Rent a Car
Most heritage railroads sit well off the interstate. Picking up a rental at the nearest airport is usually the easiest way in.
Compare rentals on Discover Cars →Bookings made through this link support usatrainrides at no extra cost to you.
Tours & Activities Nearby
Tours
Guided tours, day trips, and things to do around the area, bookable in advance through Viator.
Browse nearby tours →Bookings made through this link support usatrainrides at no extra cost to you.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Pacific Coast Railroad located?
Pacific Coast Railroad is located in CA.
How do I get tickets to Pacific Coast Railroad?
Tickets and current schedules are available on the operator's official website at https://pcrailroad.wordpress.com/.