Experience the rich history of California’s railroads at the South Coast Railroad Museum, located in the heart of Goleta at the Historic Goleta Depot. Whether you’re a train enthusiast, a history lover, or looking for a family-friendly outing, the museum offers something for everyone. Plan your visit today and step back in time to discover the legacy of the railroad in shaping our community.
Museum Hours
- Hours: Open Saturdays and Sundays from 12:00 PM to 4:00 PM
- Please note that the last Goleta Short Line train ride tickets are sold at 3:30 PM.
Location and Directions
- Address: 300 N. Los Carneros Road, Goleta, CA 93117
- Parking: Free parking is available on-site.
- Directions: Easily accessible from Highway 101. Use Google Maps for directions.
Plan Your Visit
Make the most of your visit to the South Coast Railroad Museum with our helpful tips:
- Wear comfortable shoes for exploring the grounds and exhibits.
- Bring your camera to capture memorable moments, and don’t forget to tag us in your photos on social media with #GoletaDepotAdventures.
- Ride the Goleta Short Line! Our miniature train operates during museum hours on Saturdays and Sundays from 12:00 PM to 4:00 PM, with the last tickets sold at 3:30 PM. Learn more about the Goleta Short Line here.
- Admission is free! We rely on your donations and memberships to help keep the museum running smoothly. Your support is greatly appreciated.
- Check our Events Calendar to see if any special events or activities are happening during your visit.
Group Tours and Special Arrangements
Group tours can be arranged by contacting Rebecca Vail at the museum. Whether it’s a school field trip, a club outing, or a family reunion, we offer personalized tours to enhance your experience.
- Contact: Rebecca Vail
- Email: rvail@goletadepot.org
- Phone: 805-964-3540
While You’re in the Area
Explore more of what Goleta and the surrounding Santa Barbara area have to offer. Here are some nearby museums and historical points of interest worth visiting:
- Stow House at Rancho La Patera (Goleta): Explore the history of Goleta’s ranching era.
- Goleta Butterfly Grove (Goleta): A natural sanctuary for monarch butterflies.
- Santa Barbara Historical Museum (Santa Barbara): Discover the history of Santa Barbara from its early days to the present.
- Old Mission Santa Barbara (Santa Barbara): Visit this iconic landmark and learn about California’s mission history.
- Santa Barbara Maritime Museum (Santa Barbara): Dive into the maritime history of the California coast.
Contact Us
Have questions or need more information? Feel free to reach out to us:
Your visit to the South Coast Railroad Museum helps support our mission to preserve and celebrate the history of railroads in Goleta and beyond. If you’d like to further contribute to our efforts, consider becoming a member, making a donation, or volunteering your time. Volunteers play a vital role in maintaining our exhibits, helping with events, and keeping railroad history alive for future generations.