Golden State Model Railroad Museum

This was such a cool place. They had 3 different train scales running. It was $10 for 3 of us, 2 adults and 1 kid. The card worker wasn't working, so we had cash. Bring some just in case. My only complaint, and it wasn't on the museum. But more so there were kids running wild unattended; and not even to look at the trains but to use the center as a runway. This created a tad more stressful experience for our child on the spectrum who couldn't really enjoy the full experience. At the front they have a scavenger hunt to keep kids engaged too. Definitely a great stop!

Having a son who is a train fanatic, we had to check this place out! There was plenty of parking and friendly staff. Their admission prices are very reasonable and they even offer family pricing and yearly deals. They have a good selection of train shirts, toys, pins and other random train related items.We loved their displays and tracks and appreciated the variety of train sizes as well. The kids kept going back and forth to catch new details with each go around. My only two small complaints are that I wish they would adjust their hours to make it more napping child friendly 10am-2pm and it would be great if they sold food so that we can make it a longer trip/visit. That said, we made it work by going to a restaurant we love nearby and the exhibit itself is quick to go through so our adventure lasted just over an hour which still allowed us to get back by nap time. Also appreciate both doors being opened to allow ventilation with COVID given visitors are not required to wear masks. We have already have requests to go back more often!

We visited with our train obsessed 2yo last weekend for the first time and this has to be one of my favorite museums in the Bay Area. It's a large room with 3 zones representing the different model train scales/sizes. There's basically small-medium-large. Go on a day the trains are actually running. The level of detail and craftsmanship is so cool and I learned a lot about old railroad stations and model trains. These aren't toys at all-the engineering that goes into them is really advanced.There is a little step for kids to stand up on a see the trains more closely. We spent about 90 minutes here and would definitely recommend it for adults and kids alike. The entry fee of $10 for a family was also really reasonable!

I have to add an additional star to my review. Since we live nearby, we came several times over the past six months. Our most recent visit (just before Christmas), we came with my grandparents and mom, as well. So we had four generations who were all admitted under the single "family" pricetag. Score! My grandpa has been a HUGE model train fan for my entire life--growing up, he kept saying how he was going to build a layout for me and my little brother to enjoy.... Then 15 years later (never built), it was going to get done for my little cousin to enjoy.... Now 30 years after I was a child, he's saying he's going to build a layout for my son to enjoy! BUT he is actually working on the layout now!So, out most recent visit, I think my grandpa actually had the most fun. He brought his camera and took so many photos to use as ideas.My son, though, thinks this place is great. He can easily run around for an hour, back and forth, watching everything. Our favorite part is the cutout tunnel track for the biggest train. They had SO MANY trains running on our last visit!!!! We even got to watch one train as some of the cars became uncoupled accidentally, and then the engine derailed! It was a major show for all of us hahaha. The conductor for that train came down and fixed everything. It was really fun to watch.I think they are closing now for the next few months and will reopen in the springtime. This place is so great for a family with little kids!!!

Great educational trip for the little ones. They were fascinated with the different scale models and the detailed layout. We'll worth the minimal entrance fee.

What an incredible exhibit! The volunteers there have worked very hard to put together the most amazing, elaborate and humorous scenes. It's easy to spend hours in there examining the incredible detail work out into every aspect of the experience.

This was well worth the visit! We went on Saturday not doing the research beforehand to find that the trains only run Sunday, but honestly it was fine (plus free).There are three different gauges, and all are so highly elaborate and with such detail that we went back and forth through it several times. There is a fun scavenger hunt to help keep up the engagement (e.g. look for lions eating a mad cow, school buses on a flatbed, Mayflower moving trucks). Some of the vignettes are funny, others are morbid, all is done with such care and attention to detail.There are also stacks and stacks of free train magazines, if you have some collage projects in mind.We spent about 45 minutes there and will definitely return on a day when the trains are running.

The Museum is CLOSED January, February, and March each year. Don't visit before APRIL 7th!!!!!!!The Museum is CLOSED January, February, and March each year. Don't visit before APRIL 7th!!!!!!!The Museum is CLOSED January, February, and March each year. Don't visit before APRIL 7th!!!!!!!The Museum is CLOSED January, February, and March each year. Don't visit before APRIL 7th!!!!!!!The Museum is CLOSED January, February, and March each year. Don't visit before APRIL 7th!!!!!!!The Museum is CLOSED January, February, and March each year. Don't visit before APRIL 7th!!!!!!!

Who knew tiny trains can be this fun!? This is an extensive collection of small trains and railroads designed to replicate different places like Sacramento and Oakland with a vast backdrop of tiny trees and mountains. Take a picture in front of the tiny trains and feel like Godzilla! What a funny and charming place. Definitely come here on a sunny day. Quirky and charming!

This is one of the best Rail Road Model in NorCal. Locate near the beach where you view the model along with enjoying the beach side not very far from the depot.