Photo by Beyond My Ken, via Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 4.0)
About South Coast Railroad Museum
The Goleta Short Line miniature railroad runs on a 7 ½‑inch (190.5 mm) gauge track at the South Coast Railroad Museum beside Lake Los Carneros in Goleta, California. Trains operate year‑round on Saturdays and Sundays from noon to four o’clock, with the final ticket sold at 3:45 p.m. The ride weaves past the restored 1901 Goleta Depot, a National Register historic site, and offers views of the lake’s walking trails and surrounding bird‑watching areas.
At a Glance
Verified daily- Type
- Heritage railroad & tourist attraction
- Location
- CA
- Rating
- 4.6 ★ 135 Google reviews
Upcoming Events
No ticketed events are currently listed for South Coast Railroad Museum. 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
- Parking
- Free lot
- Accessibility
- Wheelchair-accessible entrance · accessible restroom · accessible parking
- Hours
- Monday: ClosedTuesday: ClosedWednesday: ClosedThursday: ClosedFriday: ClosedSaturday: 12:00 – 4:00 PMSunday: 12:00 – 4:00 PM
Find the Depot
The Trains
The museum operates the Goleta Short Line, a 7 ½‑inch (190.5 mm) gauge miniature railroad that runs alongside Lake Los Carneros. The line includes a Southern Pacific bay‑window caboose as part of its rolling stock, and the miniature train provides a short ride for visitors on a track that circles the park’s walking‑trail area.
History
See full history
The South Coast Railroad Museum originates in 1901, the year the Goleta Depot was built as a Southern Pacific Railroad passenger station. After Southern Pacific ceased passenger service in October 1973, preservationists relocated the depot to Lake Los Carneros County Park in November 1981. Following eleven months of restoration, the depot was dedicated as a Santa Barbara County landmark on October 10 1982. In 1983 ownership of the depot transferred to the Institute for American Research, which continues to develop the site as a living museum.
Around the Depot
The South Coast Railroad Museum is a family-friendly California stop, an easy add to a coastal itinerary.
Goleta DepotMuseum·★ 4.8 (24)1 min walkDirections →George Adams Picnic GrovePark1 min walkDirections →
Rancho La Patera & Stow House c.1873Museum·★ 4.8 (56)2 min walkDirections →
The Stow HouseMuseum·★ 4.6 (43)2 min walkDirections →
Goleta Valley Historical Society, Stewards of Rancho La Patera & Stow HouseMuseum·★ 4.8 (42)2 min walkDirections →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.
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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.