Local railroad history
Indoor exhibits cover Central Coast railroads and places including the Pacific Coast Railway, Southern Pacific, Amtrak, Surf, and the Santa Maria Valley Railroad.
SLO Railroad District family visit
San Luis Obispo Railroad Museum
A nonprofit museum in the SLO Railroad District with Central Coast railroad exhibits, an operating model railroad, a children’s play area, and outdoor rolling stock.
1940 Santa Barbara Avenue, San Luis Obispo, CA 93401SettingIndoor exhibits and outdoor rail equipment
Visit shapeLocal rail history, a model railroad and outdoor rolling stock
What helps you choose
Is this the right stop?
Choose this for a rail-focused visit that mixes indoor history and interactive exhibits with outdoor equipment. Check opening days before you travel.
Indoor and outdoor displays
The historic Freighthouse holds exhibits and maintenance equipment; the outdoor display track holds rolling stock, a locomotive, and railroad signals.
Hands-on elements
The exhibits page describes an interactive locomotive simulator, working signal displays, telegraph activity, and a children’s play area.
Family learning
Programs beyond a general visit
Program dates, registration, and availability change. Use the official calendar before making the drive.
Central Coast Model Railroad
The operating 1,200-square-foot HO-scale layout depicts portions of the Pacific Coast and Southern Pacific railroads along the Central Coast.
Self-guided exhibit context
QR codes on museum signs link to more information about the exhibits for use during or after a visit.
Special museum days
Festival activities, presentations, and other special programs appear in the Museum’s event listings. Check the current listing before planning around one.
Before you go
Plan this visit
Use the official visitor information for opening days, admission and arrangements for your group.
Opening days
Use the visitor page to check public opening days and any holiday or special-event exceptions.
Admission
Check the visitor page for current admission, age bands and discounts.
Parking and location
The Museum is about half a mile south of the SLO Amtrak station. Its visitor page explains adjacent parking; check posted restrictions on arrival.
Need current hours, exhibit, or group-visit details?
Call the Museum: (805) 548-1894Browse the collection