What are the opening hours?

Saturday 12pm - 4pm Sunday 12pm - 4pm

South Coast Railroad Museum

Name: South Coast Railroad Museum
Address: 300 North Los Carneros Road, Goleta, CA, 93117, US
Telephone: (805) 964-3540
Price range: $

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South Coast Railroad Museum

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The South Coast Railroad Museum at the Historic Goleta Depot is a great place for families to visit, learn about local history, and ride our miniature train.

09/25/2026

🚂 Ever wonder why the Goleta Depot looks the way it does?

When Southern Pacific built the Goleta Depot in 1901, it wasn't designing the station from scratch. Goleta was built as a Combination Depot No. 22 — one of Southern Pacific's standard station designs that brought passenger and freight operations together under one roof.

More than 100 depots based on this design were built, including several right here in Santa Barbara County.

But there’s much more to the story — including what the Goleta Depot originally looked like before it became the familiar Colonial Yellow building we know today.

📖 Read the full story on our website:
What Does “Combination Depot No. 22” Mean? The Story Behind Goleta Depot’s Design

🔗 goletadepot.org/combination-depot-no-22-goleta-depot/

09/20/2026

🏛️ Step inside the heart of the old Goleta Depot…

The Freight Office was once the action center of the station. This is where the station agent handled train orders, communications, ticket sales, freight, express shipments and the records that kept the depot running.

Today, the room is filled with reminders of what it took to operate a busy Southern Pacific railroad station — from telephones and tariff books to the station clock, ticket equipment and other artifacts.

And there’s one particularly special piece to look for: the original ticket box mounted on the wall is the only original Goleta Depot artifact still in its original location in the Freight Office.

Come step inside and take a closer look for yourself!

🕛 We’re open today from 12 noon–4 PM.

09/18/2026

🚂 All aboard for the weekend!

Looking for something fun to do with the family? Come take a ride aboard the Goleta Short Line and explore railroad history at the South Coast Railroad Museum!

🚂 Goleta Short Line miniature train rides
🏛️ Explore the historic Goleta Depot
🕛 Open Saturday & Sunday, 12 noon–4 PM
🎟️ Last train tickets sold at 3:45 PM

Come spend part of your weekend with us at the historic Goleta Depot. We’d love to see you!

09/16/2026

🚂 A moment in Goleta railroad history…

On May 13, 1981, Southern Pacific Daylight locomotive No. 4449 passed the closed Goleta Depot on its return from the City of Los Angeles Bicentennial celebration after attending the 1981 Sacramento Railfair.

Look closely behind that spectacular locomotive and you’ll see a very different Goleta Depot from the one you know today.

At the time, the depot was closed and its future was still ahead of it. Today, the beautifully restored building is home to the South Coast Railroad Museum and continues telling the story of railroading on the South Coast.

🚂 Do you remember seeing No. 4449 pass through Goleta in 1981 — or have a memory of trains passing the old depot?

📷 South Coast Railroad Museum Collection
Museum Acc. No. 2006.01.01

09/13/2026

🚂 We’re open today — and the Goleta Short Line is running!

Looking for something fun to do this Sunday afternoon? Come explore the historic Goleta Depot, discover local railroad history, and take a ride aboard our Goleta Short Line miniature train! 🚂

🕛 Open today from 12 noon–4 PM
🎟️ Last train tickets sold at 3:45 PM

Bring the family and spend part of your Sunday with us at the South Coast Railroad Museum!

🚂 All aboard!

04/05/2026

Today is the final day of our 34th Annual Bunny Express, and we’re celebrating from 12 PM to 4 PM — hop on over for a day full of family fun!

Your $5 ticket includes:
🐰 Unlimited rides on the Goleta Short Line miniature train
🎉 Bounce house fun
📸 A visit with the Easter Bunny
Plus — a sweet surprise inside the Visitors Center!

Last chance to donate!
We’re also wrapping up our diaper & wipes drive for Mothers’ Helpers — bring a package to support local families in need. Let’s finish strong and fill the donation table!

Make today extra special — we can’t wait to see you!

04/04/2026

The Bunny Express is rolling today from 12–4 PM!

Join us at the South Coast Railroad Museum for a fun-filled afternoon the whole family will love — all for just $5 per person!

Your ticket includes:
🐰 Unlimited rides on the Goleta Short Line miniature train
🎉 Bounce house fun
📸 A visit with the Easter Bunny
Plus — a special spring surprise inside the Visitors Center!

Let’s come together to help local families!

We’re partnering with Mothers’ Helpers for a diaper & wipes drive — please bring a package to donate if you can. Every donation makes a big difference!

No reservations needed — just hop on over!

03/30/2026

🚂🐰 All aboard the Bunny Express!

Join us at the South Coast Railroad Museum for springtime fun — April 4 & 5 from 12–4 PM! Enjoy train rides, a bounce house, festive activities, and more.

🎟️ Tickets are just $5 per person at the door.
🧷 Don’t forget to bring diapers or wipes for our Mothers' Helpers diaper drive!

Hop on over and celebrate the season with us! 🌷

03/28/2026

🚂 All aboard for a fun weekend at the South Coast Railroad Museum!

Join us Saturday & Sunday from 12:00 PM to 4:00 PM and enjoy a ride on the Goleta Short Line miniature train 🚂 plus a chance to explore inside the historic Goleta Depot 🏛

It’s a great outing for families, train lovers, and anyone looking to experience a piece of local history.

📍 Located in Goleta
📅 Open weekends | 12 PM – 4 PM

Bring the family and make a day of it—we’ll see you at the Depot!

11/28/2025

🎄🚂 All Aboard the 2025 Candy Cane Train! 🚂🎄

Kick off the holiday season with a magical ride on the Goleta Short Line at the South Coast Railroad Museum!

📅 Dates: Saturdays & Sundays, November 29 – December 28
⏰ Time: 12 PM – 4 PM
🎟️ Tickets: $5

Bring your family and friends to enjoy festive decorations, holiday cheer, and a joyful tradition that creates memories to last a lifetime. 🎅✨

Your ticket purchases help support our nonprofit museum and keep the magic of the historic Goleta Depot alive for future generations. ❤️🚂

✨ Special thank you to our 2025 sponsors:
Edward Jones-Financial Advisor: Robert A. Craig
Synergy Bookkeeping

📍 South Coast Railroad Museum
300 N. Los Carneros Road, Goleta
More info: GoletaDepot.org

❄️ Help spread the holiday cheer — share this post and tag your friends!

Address

300 North Los Carneros Road
Goleta, CA
93117

Opening Hours

Saturday	12pm - 4pm
Sunday	12pm - 4pm

Telephone

(805) 964-3540

Website

https://goletadepot.org/

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