south coast railroad museum

This was perfect for a short visit with our 5 year old, and at his request, we returned the next day. There was a small (very small) train to ride on -- the rails are only 7.5" apart, which he loved. He was also intrigued by the Goleta depot which had been relocated to the museum. The staff in the ticket office and on the train were all friendly and welcoming, which is what made our visit so pleasant.

Kids like the train ride which is only a buck. Not much else there however. The stow house is right there as well. So you can do two things in the area without moving your car.

It's out of the way and should be better advertised but I guess that serves to keep the crowds out of the way. This is a great place to take the kids to see something new.

Great fun for the kids. They'll love the train ride. There are nice grassy areas and a good trail. Saw some great birds, too.

The train is the main attraction and kids love it.

On Friday 10-21-11 I went to South Coast Railroad Museum (after a 4.5 hour airplane flight from the east coast of the US). This is something that I wanted to do before my 50th birthday, but that came and went. Due to my love for Petticoat Junction (anyone over 50 would know what show I am talking about) I have forever wanted to take a ride on a real handcar. The owner assited me in fulfilling my dreams. IT WAS ABSOLUTELY AMAZING!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! He was available for all questions, VERY POLITE AND VERY SINCERE. Thank you South Coast Railroad Museum for your EXTREME KINDNESS. I will forever be grateful to you!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Not crowded even on a Saturday afternoon, which was nice. Wholesome historical ambiance, but it wasn't too overwhelming. The place has been there since 1901, but back in that time it actually was a functioning railroad depot. Train rides are $1, and are not underpriced. The ride covers the entire property--the train is small, but kids love it. It's powered not by steam, but by a modified weed-whacker motor in a wooden 'train'. Extra tracks are scattered around the property, but do not seem to be more than a potential tripping hazard, less dangerous that the wildlife that surrounds the area. Watch that your kids don't eat the flowers, or the 'berries' from the trees, which might be poisonous. As long as one keeps to the designated walking area, one does not really run the chance of stepping on snakes, lizards, or the like. The wildflowers, however, when enjoyed from a safe distance from toddler's mouths, are beautiful, and the kids will love pointing out the tiny critters as they scatter from the train's path. The gift shop is small but tidy, with the conventional gifts and souvineirs...plenty of Thomas the Tank Engine goods. The area is very peaceful--send your kids on a few rides around on the train while you relax on the shady park benches or picnic tables. The place is volunteer-managed, so they may not have the answers to all your train-related questions. All in all, the place was designed with kids in mind, but is not entirely kid proof. It was very clean for a train musuem, but since it only had about three historical exhibits, one model train to watch, and one train to ride, it's good that they don't charge admission. It's more of a place to bring a lunch and take a break from the road than somewhere to drive to from anywhere farther than five miles.