pacific southwest railway museum

Anyone interested in the history of the SD&AE Railroad should definitely make the trip. The people here are very dedicated and it shows in their restorations. Nothing short of excellent work.

Way out of the way ... not a place you will stumble over ... run entirely by volunteers, the Southwestern Railway Museum is a fun way to spend an afternoon if the trains are running. Lots of trains are on display in the train barns that you can wander through and read billboards about ... but the big draw is being able to take a train ride. The rides are only about a hour long (maybe a bit longer) and you can enjoy seeing parts of the backcountry that you normally would miss. Special events such as the Pumpkin Express or Santa Express are offered. My husband enjoys trains so we go out a few times a year ... lots of improvements have been made over the last year. The volunteers do an excellent job of running the museum ... especially in light of being in a remote location with limited funding opportunities. Can check online to see if the trains are running the day you plan to visit.

This train museum is approx. 1 hour's drive from San Diego. The main museum is inside a large building with about 4 trains in good shape, including a mail train, a business train with meeting areas, sleeping arrangements, kitchen, etc., and others. These trains are set up for walk-throughs. The staff is mostly friendly and knowledgeable. There's also an outdoors area with many additional trains, although these trains are not open for inside tours. Careful in that several of these outside trains appear to hold wasp nests, which don't bother you if you don't bother them, but best to supervise your kids. Did have a less-than-friendly encounter with one of the rail workers outside, who was very upset and rude about me straying outside the 'tourist' area; don't know if he worked for the museum, but he downgraded my impression of the tour overall (dropped a star..). They do offer rides and the times vary depending on time of year: in high summer, they run later when it's not so hot. The price for a ride was $15 and includes entry to the museum.

2 adults and 8 year old. As we were looking for things to do on a Sunday afternoon, we decided to make the drive to Campo from El Cajon. We took the scenic route through the 94, passing through Jamul, Dulzura, taking in the scenery through the rolling mountains and winding roads. Either taking the 8 or going through the 94, give yourself some time to get there and enjoy the scenery. There are a couple of small restaurants and a couple of stores near the station for drinks or food. There is a lot of history at the depot and it is printed out on small billboard in chronological order describing the history of the San Diego railroad and the struggles it took to get it going. There is also a small playground for small kids as well, to keep them entertain while you wait for the train. The depot has gifts and snacks, there is an outstanding restroom building, and yes there are trains parked but they each have a small placard describing what it is and what it did. As a reminder there are no restrooms on the train. The docents and volunteers are awesome and courteous and I'm interested in joining after today. The train ride is a journey along the rail line that used to connect Fort Yuma, Campo, Tecate, and San Diego with the ride only going to the tunnel that leads to Mexico. As of now the rail in Mexico is supposed to be fixed by the government of Baja California, but apparently that is on a standstill. The ride is a classic and is best done in person, with the creaking of the train, rolling through the mountains, and a sense of being back in the early 1900's. I believe you must purchase the tickets online and remember get there early and experience everything on the grounds. The train drops you off at the last building which houses a steam engine, postal car, and a couple of other refurbished cars. All are accessible and are easily explored, I forgot to mention the steps into the cars are narrow and small so go in comfortable shoes and clothes. Also there are two other museums in the area, and unfortunately we ran out of time, we spent about three hours just at the train museum exploring and reading, so we are definitely going back. Thanks and have a great day.

The ride lasts about 2hours, passing through the mountainous countryside all the way to the actual Mexican border. There is hope for a joint continuation of the route into Mexico one day again. It depends on Mexico's meeting some agreements and refurbishing a section of track. The staff is all volunteer and they study, pass tests, certify for service, and they know their stuff. This is a worthwhile attraction just for the museum, but the train ride enhances the experience a lot. Enjoy!

I enjoyed the ride on the train to the tunnel on the border. It's slow with pleasant scenery. The children on the train were all having a great time. The depot/museum seems a bit remote. I drove there from Palm Springs (about 2 1/2 hours). I is probably much shorter trip from San Diego. If you love trains, it's worth the effort. If you have limited mobility, or are in a wheelchair it is probably best to call before hand about the train ride.

The museum and the trains are located out in the lovely countryside of Campo.The area looks like a painting right out of the old west.The area is rolling hills of desert.The museum contains many unrestored trains and locomotives, outside,and several restored ones,in a large indoor building.The train ride itself takes you,via a 1942 diesel locomotive,from Campo to the Mexican border and back.The docents and volunteers are very friendly and helpful.There are very nice and clean restrooms and a quaint gift shop with snacks and beverages.The train and museum admission price is only 15 dollars for an adult.This is a wonderful day trip for any age.It is located about an hour east of San Diego.Please go and support the fight to keep these old trains from the scrap yard.

I love trains and wanted to do something special. This trip was great! You board the train in Campo CA and ride through the hills along the border traveling through tunnels and over bridges. You have many type rail cars to choose from open air to covered. Many many views to enjoy.. You arrive in Tecate Mexico where you get to enjoy a few hours roaming the city. I did the tour at the brewery.. Had a couple tacos then headed back aboard for the trip home. This was a great day excursion for the whole family. Everybody from the youngest on, had a blast... A little out of the way but well worth the drive.

The Pacific Southwest Rail Museum area is comprised of a train depot with a few restored train jewels, and many a wrecked trains just outside of the building. It also has a charming little shop where you purchase (or pickup) your museum tickets.I bought tickets for the cabin and rode next to the conductor and the engineer -- had a great time because I also got a fun History lesson. The train does not go all the way to Tecate because part of the rail has collapsed (and I was told repairs are now in the hands of the Baja California governor). I hope the tracks get repaired soon.I highly recommend visiting the Museum, and while you are there enjoy a train ride.

The all-volunteer staff was extremely friendly, helpful, and informative. They answered all my questions as if they'd never heard them before. I learned a lot about trains of various eras while waiting to board. The trip itself was slow and relaxing, winding through the mountains past a few farms and homesteads. The sounds of the train squealing and chugging made me feel like I was in an old-time western movie. The restored static displays were really worth taking some time. There are several rail cars waiting to be restored. I just can't imagine how they get the time and money for any of these projects. Looks like they have very few volunteers to do a whole lot of work. Overall, well worth the minimal cost and the drive from San Diego.

This is located about 1 hour east of San Diego. We did it when the weather was moderate, but I wouldn't want to do it in the heat of the summer. It was a nice museum all run be volunteers who are really dedicated to it. My husband loves trains and has always wanted to ride in the cab of an engine; he got this experience on this trip at a very moderate cost compared to other rare opportunities that he has seen elsewhere. We would recommend this. (To ride the train, you do have to use the steps on the train. I didn't see any handicap access.)

Really enjoyed my visit, but I would only go if the train is running. There are a few trains on display in a building that is nice, and a bunch of trains outside that seem to be waiting renovation. All nice to see but I wouldn't make the trip just to see them. The train ride is pretty short and slow but still took 1.5 hours. The car was not heated and did not have a restroom. The nice part was that the trip was through some nice desert landscape and took you all the way up to a tunnel that is the border with Mexico. The locomotive was in the back so you got an unobstructed view out of the front to the tracks ahead, There was also a gate at the front of the car that was low enough that it didn't obstruct views but high enough that it was safe to let my 5 year old son stand there without worry for his safety. All of the people working there were very friendly. Note that this place is also known as the San Diego Railroad Museum even though it is about an hour east of San Diego. I'd allow for 3 hours here including the train ride.