Gold Coast Railroad Museum
Step aboard a journey through time at the Gold Coast Railroad Museum, exploring historic trains and experiencing the thrill of railroading.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Free admission!
Gold Coast Railroad Museum
Best Time
Free admission!
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Step aboard a journey through time at the Gold Coast Railroad Museum, exploring historic trains and experiencing the thrill of railroading.
"A great way to spend a few hours if you are a fan of railroads."
🎯 Book Experiences Early
Locomotive driver experiences and special rides book up fast. Plan ahead for these unique adventures!
🎟️ Check for Discounts
Free 1st Saturdays & EBT/SNAP/WIC discounts make it budget-friendly.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Presidential & Historic Cars
Indoor Exhibits
Step inside Harry Truman's Presidential Car and the Florida Keys Henry Flagler Train. A journey through American history!
Locomotive Driver Experience
Yard
Ever dreamed of driving a train? This hands-on experience lets you operate a diesel locomotive. Book in advance!
Kid-Friendly Play Areas
Outdoor Exhibits
Little engineers will love the miniature trains, Thomas the Train play tables, and wooden toy sets.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Free Admission Days & Discounts
Operating Hours & Train Rides
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Book Experiences Early
Locomotive driver experiences and special rides book up fast. Plan ahead for these unique adventures!
🎟️ Check for Discounts
Free 1st Saturdays & EBT/SNAP/WIC discounts make it budget-friendly. 
👟 Wear Comfy Shoes
You'll be exploring a large outdoor museum with historic trains. Comfortable footwear is a must!
📸 Capture the History
Plenty of photo ops with vintage trains and unique interiors. Don't forget your camera!
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Book Experiences Early
Locomotive driver experiences and special rides book up fast. Plan ahead for these unique adventures!
🎟️ Check for Discounts
Free 1st Saturdays & EBT/SNAP/WIC discounts make it budget-friendly.
👟 Wear Comfy Shoes
You'll be exploring a large outdoor museum with historic trains. Comfortable footwear is a must!
📸 Capture the History
Plenty of photo ops with vintage trains and unique interiors. Don't forget your camera!
🚂 Ride the Rails
Enjoy a scenic train ride for a different perspective of the museum grounds.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors praise the Gold Coast Railroad Museum as a fun and educational outing, especially for families. The ability to explore historic train cars and the unique locomotive driver experience are major highlights. While some note the need for more funding to improve upkeep, the overall sentiment is positive, with many recommending it for a memorable visit.
"Great spot to bring kids and families! The museum offers a mix of history and fun, with iconic trains you can actually step inside, like the Florida Keys Henry Flagler Train and Harry Truman’s Presidential Train. Outside, kids will enjoy miniature trains, wooden toy sets, and even small rides. There are also special experiences like birthday parties, events, and the chance to ride a real locomotive. It’s both educational and entertaining, making it a wonderful outing where children can learn about Florida’s rail history while having fun. Definitely worth a visit if you’re in the area!"
Fernando Alonso
"A great way to spend a few hours if you are a fan of railroads. I visited during a trip from overseas and treated myself to a locomotive driver experience. It was worth every dollar. I got to drive a diesel locomotive around the yard and even hauled a historic railroad car and caboose. The staff were fantastic and provided lots of history about the railway and exhibits."
Simon Potter
"Was definitely not what I expected!! I seen and took photos of the small train engine outside the entrance and figured the inside would have some memorabilia and that would be it. To my surprise this place was huge and had a very unique back story. Very cool place to check out!"
Joseph Tipton
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The museum is located at 12450 SW 152nd St, Miami, FL 33177, adjacent to Zoo Miami. Driving is the most common way to get there, with ample parking available. Public transportation options might be limited, so check local transit routes if needed.
Yes, there is parking available at the museum. It's generally ample, especially on non-event days.
While driving is easiest, you can explore ride-sharing services like Uber or Lyft to reach the museum. Public transport might be an option, but requires checking specific bus routes and schedules.
Yes, it's located right next to Zoo Miami, making it a great pairing for a day out. It's also a good stop if you're exploring other South Florida attractions.
Most visitors drive or use ride-sharing services. If you're coming from further afield, consider it as part of a larger Miami itinerary.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Regular admission is $12.00 for adults. However, they offer free admission on the first Saturday of each month and a $3 per person discount for up to 4 people with EBT/SNAP/WIC cards and ID.
Yes, admission is completely FREE on the first Saturday of every month! This is a popular time, so expect larger crowds.
Absolutely! You can present your EBT/SNAP/WIC card and ID to receive a $3 per person discount for up to 4 people. This offer is valid any day.
The museum is open Wednesday through Sunday, from 11 am to 4 pm. They are closed on Mondays and Tuesdays.
For general admission, booking in advance is usually not necessary, especially on non-free days. However, for special experiences like the locomotive driver experience or birthday parties, advance booking is highly recommended.
🎫 🚂 Onsite Experience
Explore over 40 historic rail cars, including Harry Truman's Presidential Car and the Florida Keys Henry Flagler Train. There's also a model railroad room, Thomas play tables for kids, and opportunities for scenic train rides.
Yes, the museum offers scenic train rides on certain days. They also have a special locomotive driver experience where you can operate a diesel locomotive.
It's a fantastic spot for families! Kids will enjoy the Thomas play tables, miniature trains, and the chance to explore the interiors of real trains.
Yes, a major highlight is being able to step inside many of the historic rail cars and see their original interiors.
This unique experience allows visitors to get behind the controls of a diesel locomotive and drive it around the yard, often hauling historic cars. It's a thrilling opportunity for train enthusiasts.
📸 📸 Photography
The museum offers numerous iconic shots, from the vintage train exteriors to the detailed interiors of presidential and historic cars. The locomotive driver experience also provides unique action shots.
Yes, photography is generally allowed inside the train cars, allowing you to capture the historical details and unique ambiance.
While generally permitted, it's always a good idea to be respectful of other visitors and the exhibits. Professional photography or drone usage might require special permits.
Many visitors capture the grandeur of the locomotives, the vintage interiors, and the overall historical atmosphere. The 'Cars & Coffee' events also offer a blend of classic cars and trains for unique photo compositions.
Absolutely! The unique backdrop of historic trains makes for memorable family portraits. Consider the free admission days for a lively atmosphere.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Consider visiting on the first Saturday of the month for free admission, which can make a family outing even more budget-friendly. While it can get crowded, the sheer excitement for the children often outweighs the crowds. The museum also offers a fun and intimate space for birthday parties, making it a memorable option for celebrating a special day.
🚂 Budget Travelers
+1Additionally, the museum participates in the EBT/SNAP/WIC discount program, offering $3 admission per person for up to four people with a valid card and ID. This significantly reduces the cost for eligible visitors, making a trip to this unique museum accessible to more people.
🚂 Train Enthusiasts & History Buffs
The locomotive driver experience is a standout opportunity for hands-on engagement, allowing you to truly connect with the machinery. Even if you don't opt for the driver experience, exploring the detailed interiors and learning about the engineering and stories behind each car is incredibly rewarding.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
A Journey Through Rail History
The museum isn't just about static displays; it's about immersion. The opportunity to explore the interiors of these vintage trains provides a deeper understanding of how people traveled and lived during different eras. This hands-on approach makes the history come alive, especially for younger generations who might otherwise find historical accounts dry. It’s a place where the past is not just remembered, but actively experienced.
Beyond the main exhibits, the museum often hosts special events and offers unique experiences. These can range from themed holiday events, like the Polar Express (though specific availability varies), to the highly sought-after locomotive driver experience. These activities transform a typical museum visit into an unforgettable adventure, appealing to both casual visitors and dedicated rail enthusiasts.
Experiences for Every Train Enthusiast
Beyond the thrill of driving, the museum provides other engaging ways to connect with trains. Scenic train rides offer a more relaxed yet equally captivating experience, allowing visitors to enjoy the grounds from a different perspective. These rides are particularly popular with families, providing a gentle introduction to the joy of rail travel. The museum also features a model railroad room, showcasing intricate miniature layouts that are fascinating to observe.
Families with younger children will find plenty to keep them entertained. The Thomas the Train play tables and other interactive elements are designed to spark imagination and provide hands-on fun. These dedicated areas ensure that even the youngest visitors can engage with the world of trains in a safe and enjoyable manner, making the museum a well-rounded destination for all ages.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit