Day Trip to South Coast Railroad Museum: An Historic Journey

The South Coast Railroad Museum in Goleta, California, is a must-visit destination for train enthusiasts, history lovers, and families. Located at 300 N. Los Carneros Road, the museum features the historic Goleta Depot, a preserved Southern Pacific Railroad station built in 1901 and listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Here’s a guide to what you can see and do at the museum and nearby points of interest.

South Coast Railway Museum Activities

Explore the Goleta Depot: The depot, a Victorian-style station built in 1901, is the museum’s centerpiece. Step inside to see the restored passenger waiting room, agency office, and upstairs spaces, which showcase railroad artifacts, photographs, and historical exhibits about the Southern Pacific Railroad’s impact on Goleta and rural America.

Learn About the Depot’s Past: The 1901 Southern Pacific Railroad Depot was originally located about two miles west of its current location. Boarded up and closed in 1973, the Goleta Valley Historical Society took up the task of saving this historic train depot. In late 1981, sufficient funds had been raised to relocate the building two miles to East Lake, Los Carneros County Park. The Goleta Train Depot is listed on the California Register of Historical Resources and is a Santa Barbara County Historical Landmark.

Take a Ride on the Goleta Short Line:

The South Coast Railroad Museum’s most popular attractions are the miniature train and handcar rides. The Goleta Short Line miniature train operates on the third Saturday of every month. A highlight for both kids and adults, the Goleta Short Line features a 7½-inch gauge miniature train that loops around the museum grounds. Rides cost $1 and are a favorite among children, providing a fun way to explore the property.

Try the Handcar Experience: On special event days, visitors can operate a real handcar, providing a rare and exciting opportunity to engage with railroad history. Railroad workers used handcars to inspect tracks, repair lines, or travel between work sites before motorized vehicles became widespread.

Tour the Southern Pacific Caboose: Climb aboard a restored Southern Pacific caboose, which is open for inspection when the museum is operational. It offers a glimpse into the life of railroad workers.
South Coast Railroad Museum Events: Goleta Bunny Express, Goleta Depot Railroad Day, Depot Dog Days. Goleta Depot Open House and the holiday Candy Cane Train. Handcars and miniature trains operate during most of the museum’s special events. The museum can also host children’s birthday parties with prior reservations.

Getting There: The South Coast Railroad Museum is approximately two miles from Santa Barbara Airport and one mile from the Goleta train station, which is served by Amtrak trains traveling north from Los Angeles. The South Coast Railroad Museum is open Friday through Sunday from 1 to 4 p.m. Address: 300 N Los Carneros Rd.., Goleta, California. Admission to the museum is free.

Nearby Points of Interest

Visit the Santa Barbara Zoo: Rated as the best mid-size zoo on the West Coast, the Santa Barbara Zoo is the perfect size for children and features a fantastic train that circles the zoo. Thanks to generous donations from its members, the zoo has some excellent displays. The zoo is in a lush botanical garden overlooking the Pacific Ocean at 500 Ninos Drive, just 2 miles south of Stearns Wharf. Visit the website for more information.

Take a Tour of Old Mission Santa Barbara: The Santa Barbara Mission is at 2201 Laguna Street in Santa Barbara, California. Visitors have the option to join both self-guided and docent-led tours. While the interior of the Mission tends to attract the largest crowds, you can find some peace by exploring the Sacred Garden outside. This garden features a variety of fascinating cacti and succulents and was once a functional area for the Mission’s inhabitants. For more information, visit the website.

Visit Santa Barbara Stearns Wharf: This historic pier offers a variety of options, including restaurants, museums, and charter boats. You can also enjoy breathtaking views of Santa Barbara and the surrounding mountains. Consider renting a beach cruiser from a rental shop near the pier for a fun activity. There are many bike paths to explore, with many visitors following the trail from Stearns Wharf to Shoreline Park and back.

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