Travel Town Museum Los Angeles
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Travel Town Museum Los Angeles

Explore a free collection of historic trains and enjoy a miniature ride at Travel Town Museum in Griffith Park.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Weekends

More train activity

CrowdMedium
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Travel Town Museum Los Angeles

Travel Town Museum Los Angeles

Best Time

Weekends

More train activity

CrowdMedium
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Explore a free collection of historic trains and enjoy a miniature ride at Travel Town Museum in Griffith Park.

4.7
(2k reviews)

"LA's best kept secret: a free train museum with rides!"

Vertical photo
TIP

🚂 Ride the Miniature Train

Don't miss the mile-long ride on the Travel Town Railroad for a fun perspective!

🤝 Visit LA Live Steamers

Check out the ride-on trains next door for more railway excitement.

Third hero image

Quick Facts

Hours

Rating

4.7 · 2,435 reviews

Type

Museum

👶 Good for kids♿ Wheelchair accessible🅿️ Accessible parking🚻 Accessible restroom

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Historic Locomotives

Historic Locomotives

Throughout the museum grounds

Explore a collection of vintage trains, including locomotives and passenger cars, some dating back to 1918.

Reddit
Travel Town Railroad

Travel Town Railroad

Museum grounds

Enjoy a charming, mile-long miniature train ride that circles the museum, perfect for all ages.

Instagram
LA Live Steamers

LA Live Steamers

Adjacent to Travel Town Museum

Experience ride-on 7½" gauge trains for an extra dose of miniature railway fun.

Reddit
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Planning Your Visit

Free Admission & Nearby Fun

Travel Town Museum in Griffith Park offers free admission, making it a budget-friendly gem. Combine your visit with a ride on the LA Live Steamers' miniature trains next door for an extended railway adventure. Reddit

Best for Young Explorers

This museum is a dream for kids who love trains, offering a chance to see and sometimes even climb on historic locomotives. It's a nostalgic spot for adults too, reminiscent of childhood birthday parties. Reddit

Best Times

When
Weekends
Why
More train activity
Crowd
Medium
When
Weekday mornings
Why
Fewer crowds, more space
Crowd
Low

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

Things to do in DTLA. Felt like a little kid again! @Balloon Museum #balloonmuseum #museum #dtla
@kellywinnn
3.2M likes • 19.8M views

🚂 Ride the Miniature Train

Don't miss the mile-long ride on the Travel Town Railroad for a fun perspective! Instagram

🤝 Visit LA Live Steamers

Check out the ride-on trains next door for more railway excitement. Reddit

Seeing the beauty and the beast rose in real life🫢🥀✨ @Academy Museum @Disney Studios #losangeles #academymuseumgala #academymuseum #beautyandthebeast #beastcastle #enchantedrose #disneystudios
@riri37641
272.1K likes • 1.1M views
We are here everyday, and we would love to see you. Enjoy cooler fall weather in Griffith Park and a lovely ride on the rails at Travel Town Railroad (located inside the lovely Travel Town Museum). ...
griffithparktrainrides
149 likes • 4.1K views

💰 It's Free!

Admission to Travel Town Museum is free, making it a great value. Reddit

☀️ Dress for the Weather

Much of the museum is outdoors, so dress accordingly. Instagram

Things to do in LA: @Balloon Museum is a stunning contemporary art exhibition in DTLA that inmerses you in colorful worlds, encouraging play, and sparking joy. #balloonmuseum #thingstodoinla
@drewmtillman
216.8K likes • 3.9M views

Tips

from all over the internet

🚂 Ride the Miniature Train

Don't miss the mile-long ride on the Travel Town Railroad for a fun perspective! Instagram

🤝 Visit LA Live Steamers

Check out the ride-on trains next door for more railway excitement. Reddit

💰 It's Free!

Admission to Travel Town Museum is free, making it a great value. Reddit

☀️ Dress for the Weather

Much of the museum is outdoors, so dress accordingly. Instagram

📸 Photo Opportunities

Plenty of vintage trains make for great photos, especially for train enthusiasts. Reddit

What Travellers Say

4.7
(2k reviews)

Reviews Summary

Travel Town Museum is widely praised as a free, nostalgic gem in Griffith Park, especially loved by families and train enthusiasts for its collection of historic locomotives and the charming miniature train ride. While some exhibits show signs of age, the overall experience is highly positive, offering a unique glimpse into railway history.

"Travel Town Railroad is an absolutely delightful and engaging museum-park — informative, well-organized, and simply a joy to visit. We’ve been several times already, and it’s never overly crowded, which makes the experience even more relaxing.

There’s a charming kids’ play area where children can bring their own toy cars or trains — perfect for imaginative play since toys aren’t provided there. Our kids always have a blast and never want to leave!

We’ve also ridden the locomotive several times, and on our most recent visit, we got to sit right behind the engineer. It’s thrilling to have that front-of-the-train vantage point, but be aware: it can be quite loud, and there’s a noticeable smell of fuel (probably gasoline or something similar). It was still a memorable experience — just something to keep in mind.

One of the most unique features is that you can celebrate birthdays inside the vintage train cars — such a fun, one-of-a-kind option! The whole atmosphere feels warm and welcoming, and our family absolutely loves it. Highly recommend Travel Town Railroad for a charming family outing."

Anna Yasakova

"For being FREE to the public and having cool exhibitions of old rail cars and getting to know the history is AWESOME! But taking a ride in a mini train with your family creating great memories PRICELESS! Also, don't forget to stop by the gift shop and buy something refreshing or yummy and support this amazing place!
AMAZING place for the kids and the whole family!"

tweek ninearts (tweek9arts)

"Great idea for toddlers and adults alike, train ride is $4 for adults and $3 for seniors and children. Wear comfortable shoes, clean restrooms available. Don't forget to visit the small gift shop for souvenirs, snacks and cold drinks! No entrance nor parking fee."

Heidi Padilla Ruvalcaba

What People Like

Free admission
Historic trains
Miniature train ride

What People Dislike

Some exhibits aging
Limited food options

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

Travel Town Museum is located at 5200 Zoo Dr, Los Angeles, CA 90027, within Griffith Park, near the Los Angeles Zoo. It's easily accessible by car, with parking available. Public transportation options might involve bus routes that stop near the park entrance. Reddit

Yes, there is parking available at the museum, though it can get busy, especially on weekends. Arriving earlier in the day is recommended. Reddit

While specific routes can vary, several Metro bus lines serve the Griffith Park area. It's best to check the current Metro schedules for the most up-to-date information on routes and stops near the museum. Reddit

Yes, Travel Town Museum is a beloved attraction located within the expansive Griffith Park in Los Angeles, California. Instagram

The museum is conveniently located near the Los Angeles Zoo and the LA Live Steamers, offering multiple attractions for a day out. Reddit

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

Yes, admission to the Travel Town Museum itself is completely free, making it an accessible and popular destination for families and train enthusiasts. Reddit

While museum admission is free, there is typically a small fee for the miniature train ride on the Travel Town Railroad. Check on-site for current pricing. Instagram

Operating hours can vary, especially seasonally. It's always a good idea to check the official Travel Town Museum website or their social media for the most current hours before your visit. Instagram

Historically, Travel Town Museum has been a popular spot for birthday parties, with train cars available for rent. Inquire directly with the museum for current availability and booking information. Reddit

The museum occasionally hosts special events or has themed days. Following their social media or website is the best way to stay informed about any upcoming activities. Instagram

🎫 🚂 Onsite Experience

You can explore a diverse collection of historic locomotives, passenger cars, and other railway equipment. Some exhibits may allow you to climb aboard. Reddit+1

Absolutely! The miniature train ride is a highlight for children and is designed to be safe and enjoyable for all ages. Instagram

While some exhibits may allow you to climb on, it's important to respect the historical nature of the trains. Look for signage indicating which areas are accessible. Reddit

Yes, the vintage trains and unique setting provide excellent opportunities for photography, especially for train enthusiasts and families. Reddit

Combine a walk-through of the museum's exhibits with a ride on the Travel Town Railroad and consider visiting the LA Live Steamers next door for a full day of train-themed fun. Reddit

🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining

The museum itself does not typically have a restaurant. However, there are often snack vendors or you can bring your own picnic to enjoy in designated areas within Griffith Park. Reddit

Yes, visitors are generally welcome to bring their own food and drinks to enjoy, especially if you plan to have a picnic in Griffith Park. Reddit

You'll find various dining options in the surrounding areas of Griffith Park, or you can head towards nearby neighborhoods like Los Feliz or Hollywood for a wider selection. Reddit

📸 📸 Photography

The vintage locomotives and passenger cars themselves are prime subjects. The Travel Town Railroad track offers dynamic shots, and the surrounding parkland provides scenic backdrops. Reddit

Photography is generally allowed, but always be mindful of any restrictions posted within specific train cars or exhibits. Reddit

It's ideal for capturing nostalgic, industrial, and family-oriented photos. Train enthusiasts will find it particularly rewarding. Reddit

While generally permissive, avoid using professional lighting equipment or drones without prior permission. Always respect the exhibits and other visitors. Reddit

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