If you’re strolling through Balboa Park and your heart skips a beat at the sight of tiny, detailed worlds, the San Diego Model Railroad Museum (SDMRM) is calling your name. Tucked inside the Casa de Balboa, this massive 27,000 sq ft space isn’t just North America’s largest model train museum—it’s a love letter to railroads, history, and craftsmanship.
A Legacy on Rails
Since opening its doors in 1982, SDMRM has been more than a collection of tracks and trains. It carries on a tradition started during the 1935 California Pacific International Exposition. Decades later, nearly three million people have wandered through its scale towns, rugged mountain passes, and coastal canyons—each one built to spark imagination.
Layouts That Wow
Step inside and you’ll find more than just trains circling plastic trees. SDMRM’s layouts cover HO, N, and O scales, each telling its own piece of Southern California’s rail story.
Cabrillo & Southwestern (O Scale)
One of the stars here, the Cabrillo & Southwestern, spans 2,700 sq ft. It’s a freelance line connecting San Diego to Sacramento, full of bridges, tunnels, and bustling yards that feel alive.
San Diego & Arizona Eastern Railway (HO Scale)
This stunning 4,500 sq ft replica traces the historic San Diego–El Centro line. Every switchback through the Carrizo Gorge is captured with a devotion that rail fans truly appreciate.
Tehachapi Pass (HO Scale)
If you’ve ever seen the real Tehachapi Loop, you’ll love this. It’s a two-tier marvel with the same topographical features as the iconic California rail route. You might spot visitors just staring, trying to catch every hidden detail.
Pacific Desert Lines (N Scale)
Ever heard of a rail line that was planned but never built? The Pacific Desert Lines brings that dream to life with 1,200 sq ft of hand-laid track. It’s a lesson in what could have been, brought to life by passionate hobbyists.
Toy Train Gallery (O Gauge)
Got kids? Or feeling nostalgic? The Toy Train Gallery is 42×44 ft of pure fun. Remote-controlled Lionel trains, vintage sets, and interactive features let little conductors (and big ones) run the show.
Hands-On Fun for All Ages
This museum knows how to get you involved. In the interactive area, kids (and curious adults) can run trains themselves. Seasonal displays like the “Tijuana & Tecate Railroad” add fresh twists to every visit.
Dig Deeper in the Erwin Welsch Library
For rail buffs who want more than just a visual treat, the Erwin Welsch Research Library is a treasure. Open Thursday to Sunday, it holds over 10,000 books and 15,000 photos dedicated to North American railroads.
Community Keeps It Rolling
Local clubs manage and maintain the layouts. If you swing by on weekends, you might catch club members at work or even join an op-session where trains run like real freight schedules.
Bring Home a Memory
Before you leave, pop into the gift shop. It’s stocked with themed books, model kits, and fun souvenirs that make perfect gifts for young train lovers—or yourself.
A Deal for Locals and Families
Kids under 12 get in free with a paying adult. If you live in San Diego County, mark your calendar for Residents Day—the first Tuesday of each month when admission won’t cost you a dime. Otherwise, adults pay about $20, with discounts for seniors, students, and military.
Easy to Find in Balboa Park
SDMRM sits in the heart of Balboa Park, right by big attractions like the San Diego Zoo and Fleet Science Center. Parking is shared with nearby museums, and the building is fully accessible with elevators and ramps.
Why SDMRM Should Be on Your List
- Massive Scale, Fine Detail: Huge layouts and photo-accurate scenery.
- Interactive Fun: Control the trains, explore themed displays.
- Educational Value: Learn about railroads, engineering, and history.
- Local Community: Kept alive by dedicated hobbyists.
- Fresh Experiences: Seasonal exhibits keep it interesting every visit.
Plan Your Visit
Open Tuesday to Sunday from 10 AM to 4 PM, SDMRM is ready for train fans, families, and the just-plain-curious. Whether you’re a lifelong railfan or want to show the kids something new, this museum delivers magic in miniature. Check their website before you go for special events and visiting tips.
All aboard—next stop, wonderland on rails!
