San Luis Obispo Railroad Museum - Museum in San Luis Obispo - 1940 Santa Barbara Ave, USA

It is a small museum but is run by many passionate train lovers and we got to chat with some of them to learn about the history of the museum as well as their individual passions (e.g. the person who teaches kids about the train simulator is actually a train conductor). We thoroughly enjoyed our time there and would highly recommend families with kids who love trains to visit. Just note they are not open everyday so check the schedule before you visit to avoid disappointment.

Great little museum! My son LOVED it. It was only $3 to get in and totally worth it! The model train area is not complete... But as with most model train areas it will probably never be truly done! They will always be working on something! It was all decorated for Christmas so it was very pretty! Loved it!

My son is on the autism spectrum and is obsessed with trains. The museum was closed, but they have several trains outside on display with interesting facts about them. There is a really cool bridge you can walk over the tracks. My son loved the visit. This was a great spot to stop on the way to Pismo Beach.

My 3 old enjoyed it, but still think it will be better when he is, a little bit older.

Great Railroad historical displays and Knowledgeable staff about the narrow gauge railroad that was in the area

A very nice HO-scale model train landscape. I can only imagine how much work went into this. Totally worth a trip from the bay area.

This is a great museum with static standard and narrow gauge car displays outside, some very cool history and artifacts inside and one of the coolest HO scale layouts I've ever seen, depicting the region as it appeared in its heyday. Located a quarter mile south of the Amtrak station and near Cal Poly, it's pretty easy to find and has plenty of parking. The only reason it doesn't get 5 stars is the homeless in the immediate vicinity (I wasn't bothered by anyone) and it's only open on Saturdays, but that is a staffing issue. If you live in the area, volunteer! I was afforded a private tour on a Sunday and can't wait to return with the wife and see the model railroad operate.

Very well done and they are adding to it all the time!