trolley light tours

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Santa Barbara Trolley of Lights

Tour santa barbara’s spectacular holiday neighborhoods.

Visiting Santa Barbara is great any time of year, but winter has gotten even better! It’s time to celebrate the holidays in style during this 90-minute excursion by trolley through Santa Barbara’s most festive neighborhoods.

The Santa Barbara Trolley of Lights tour began in 1999 and quickly became a family favorite.

Our 14-day event welcomes guests from all over the country! Through the year’s we have witnessed our Santa Barbara holiday neighborhoods evolve to greatness!

Book Your Front-Row Seat for the Dazzling Lights & Spirit of The Season

Join us and you’ll have a front-row seat as you experience the dazzling lights and spirit of the season, riding through town as sparkling lights fill the neighborhoods. Watch out as we may encounter a few carolers and Santa’s along the way!

December 8 – December 21, 2024

Weekday Tours (Monday – Friday)

Check in Time: 6:00pm

Weekend Tours (Saturday – Sunday)

Check in Time: 4:30pm

and Check in Time: 6:30pm

Private Trolleys (up to 30 guests):

COVID-19 Trolley of Lights Rules and Regulations:

• Santa Barbara Trolley will continue to follow the guidelines set forth by the Santa Barbara County Health Department.
• By participating in this event, I/We recognize that there are inherent risks in this type of activity. These risks may result in injury or death and include but are not limited to communicable diseases, viruses, and other illnesses including COVID-19. I/We understand the description of these risks is not complete and that unknown or unanticipated risks may result in injury, illness, or death.

December 8 – December 21, 2024 

Private Trolleys (up to 30 guests)

Santa Barbara Trolley

1 Garden Street , Santa Barbara, CA 93101

Phone: (805) 965-0353

Mailing Address: 24 East Mason St. Santa Barbara, CA 93101

Visit our sister company  Wheel Fun Rentals

© Copyright 2022 Santa Barbara Trolley. All Rights Reserved.

© Copyright 2021 Hollywood Food Coalition. All rights reserved.

• Holiday Giving

Looking for a magical holiday experience with loved ones?

Experience an enchanting journey to the captivating Honolulu City Lights, where you can disembark and fully immerse yourself in the holiday spirit, all in one seamless round-trip adventure. Many of our guests come back year after year, making Holiday Lights Tour one of the best holiday traditions Oahu has to offer.

Join us at Waikiki Trolley Winter Wonderland!

Let's start memorable holiday traditions.

Our Winter Wonderland will be located at our designated pick-up location at Kewalo Basin.

Photo Gallery

A celebration for all keiki to enjoy.

Running everyday from December 3rd to 27th, the Holiday Lights Tour will take you through historic downtown where you can hop on & hop off at the Honolulu City Lights at Honolulu Hale. 

We will explore the festive holiday lights, marvel at the city’s 50-foot Christmas tree, Shaka Santa and Tutu Mele. We will also enjoy joyous sing-a-longs and jolly Christmas stories from the comfort of an open-air bus.  

A portion of proceeds will be donated to Hawaii Food Bank

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Holiday Lights Tour

1011 Ala Moana Boulevard, Honolulu, Hawaii 96814, United States

Route: Picking up guests at Kewalo Basin. Drive throughout downtown Honolulu to Honolulu Hale. (808) 591- 2561 [email protected] Last Updated October 31, 2023

Copyright © 2023 Holiday Lights Tour - All Rights Reserved.

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2023 Holiday Light Tour

Description

Experience the holiday season like never before with Philly's ORIGINAL BYOB Holiday Light Trolley Tour! Immerse yourself in festive cheer as our talented local musicians serenade you with delightful holiday tunes. Join us on a journey to the city's most festive locations, where the twinkling lights and joyful atmosphere will surely warm your heart. Sing along to your favorite holiday songs and let the music fill the air with merriment. Last year, we discovered that the more involved our guests are, the merrier the experience becomes. So, don't hesitate to belt out those tunes and bring your favorite beverages along for the ride. Let's make this holiday season unforgettable together! 🎄🎶✨

901 N Delaware Ave Philadelphia PA

Why take this tour?

When I was a kid, my mother would pile me and my three siblings into our station wagon and drive around our neighborhood to take in the Christmas lights. She’d sing along to the carols on the oldies radio station while we looked out the window either singing along or trying to pretend we were too cool to do so despite being mesmerized. I based the Holiday Light Tour on this memory since it’s something I fondly recall and there are so many great light displays throughout Philadelphia. We started this event in 2016 as a fundraiser, with just one tour, where we played carols through a Bluetooth speaker. Our goal for last December was to add live music and run a handful of tours for family and friends, as well as a fundraiser for some local nonprofits. On the morning of November 28th, we had sold around 20 tickets. That afternoon, an article from PhillyVoice went viral and over the next three days, my wife and I fielded enough calls and emails from guests to sell out 28 tours. (Having to answer all of those inquiries and book quality musicians within three days, just three weeks after having our first child, wasn’t stressful at all!) Pulling this off was definitely a Christmas miracle and we couldn’t be more excited to see what we’ll be able to present with time to plan for this December. This year we have even more time slots scheduled and look forward to providing you all with a fun, memorable holiday experience. 

Frequently asked questions

Where can we park, is the tour family friendly, how do i get tickets, how long is the tour, how many people does the trolley hold, can i bring coolers/bottles/cans/cups/wine/hard liquor, do we get off the trolley at all, why aren't we getting off at the miracle on south 13th street this year, are there restrooms along the route, is the trolley handicap accessible, what is the refund policy, things to know, cancellation policy.

Due to the overwhelming demand for this tour, we are unable to offer refunds. However, with at least one week notice we will attempt to resell the seats. If successful, we will refund any recouped revenue. Pending availability, we are happy to move your reservation to a different time slot with at least 72 hours notice.

What to Bring

The tour is BYOB, but please limit it to beer, wine and seltzer.

Things to Know

Dress warmly.

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Punch Line Philly Presents: Stand-Up & Drink Tour

Indulge in a unique experience where you can sip your favorite beverages while we chauffeur you around the city on our BYOB trolley tour! Sit back, relax, and enjoy the ride as some of Philly's finest comedians take the stage...

Old City Historic Walking Tour

Explore historic Philadelphia on this walking tour of the Old City District, a quick and convenient introduction for first-time visitors. See Independence Hall, the Liberty Bell, the Betsy Ross House, Ben Franklin Post Office, Carpenters’ Hall, and more. Then wander down...

Historically Hilarious BYOB Tours of Philadelphia

An entertaining, comedic story-telling adventure through Philadelphia, covering the city's major attractions. Tours runs for 2 hours. All ages are welcome. 21+ to drink.

Tipsy Trolley 21+ BYOB Tours of Philadelphia

Experience an adult-exclusive, entertaining, comedic storytelling adventure through Philadelphia, exploring the city's major attractions. Tours run for 2 hours and participants must be 21 years old and above to enjoy drinks along the way. It's an adult-only fun-filled journey through...

School Tours for Students

At Founding Footsteps, we take pride in creating tours that are not only educational, but also immersive and captivating for students. Our tours are thoughtfully designed to bring Philadelphia's fascinating history and rich culture to life, providing students with an...

Brewery/Bar & Restaurant BYOB Tour

An entertaining, 3 hour adventure through Philadelphia or surrounding areas, covering the city's breweries/bars/restaurants of your choice. You chose the destinations, and the time you spend there. Bring your playlist because we have speakers on the trolley! We will pick...

Private Wedding

Private weddings trolley tours can be a unique and special way to celebrate your wedding day. Here are some reasons why you may want to consider a trolley tour for your wedding: • Convenient transportation: Trolleys offer a convenient way...

Ghost Walking Tour

Unveil the eerie secrets and haunted history of Philadelphia on our Ghost Tour! Step into the shadows of the city's most haunted streets as we guide you through centuries of chilling tales and spine-tingling encounters. Led by expert storytellers, our...

Corporate Events

We offer fully customizable corporate tours to cater to your specific needs and preferences. Whether you're looking to kick off your corporate event with a fun and hilarious tour of Philadelphia or customize an itinerary for your team to experience...

Beer & Band Tour

A brewery tour of Philadelphia with live music on our BYOB trolley.

Private Events

All of our private tours are fully customizable. Kick off your private event with a hilarious tour of Philadelphia on a trolley stocked with local foods and beers. Call on us to escort your bachelor or bachelorette party around the...

South Jersey Brewery Tour

Visit three different local breweries on our BYOB trolley! Each stop is 30-45 minutes and your ticket includes either a pint or a 4-beer flight at each location. Light snacks are also provided on the trolley.

(214) 400-9020

Book your tour now.

Departure Location:

Trolley departs from Twin Sixties Drive/Mockingbird Station. Look for the red trolleys.

Mockingbird Station, surface and garage parking   FREE

1 Hour Holiday Lights Trolley Ride

Limited Seats Available, All Tickets are:

(214) 400-9020 [email protected]

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• Live Bus Tracking
• Horse Drawn Services
• Transportation Services

Our 90 minute Christmas Light tour takes you to all the best sites for viewing the holiday lights

Take the Philly By Night tour — an extension of the Big Bus Double Decker

Christmas Thru July Sale! Book now to save. Save 10% on Public Holiday Light Tours or Save $100 on Private Holiday Light Tours. Use Coupon Code "july23" during checkout. Offer Expires July 31st,2023

Holiday Light Tour – Individuals

Operated by Philadelphia Trolley Works, the Big Bus Sightseeing Tours are offered 7 days per week with frequent departures from the Northeast Corner of 5th & Market streets. Climb aboard the Double Decker Big Bus and enjoy the history, cultural attractions, dining and shopping along the route. Hop on and off at any of our 27 stops or just sit back and enjoy the ride!

See the steps that Rocky climbed, Enjoy an authentic cheese steak or Philadelphia Soft pretzel, celebrate Ben Franklin's 309th birthday, retrace the steps of our founding fathers, visit America's first Zoo or shop along South Street.

See The Big Bus staff to have your ticket validated. Guests just show their ticket to reboard the bus. Parking options are available at Stop 1 in the Independence Visitor Center parking garage or visit spothero.com for additional options.

Choose from the 1 Day, 2 Day, or 3 Day PASS to see the sights and tour the city.

Hop aboard our classic Victorian trolley to experience the holiday lights in style. Our 90 minute Christmas Light tour takes you to all the best sites for viewing the holiday lights. We are the city of Brotherly Love, and a city of neighborhoods, that celebrate the holidays with unique light displays. Sing along to seasonal favorites while enjoying a beverage of your choice. Holiday Lights Tour in Philly is perfect for family, friends, holiday parties, & corporate events.

Some featured sites/neighborhoods include:

• Smedley Street, where you can get out & stretch your legs
• Miracle on 13th St. ( beginning November 26th )
• Christmas Village/Love Park
• City Hall Tree & Dilworth Plaza
• Comcast Building
• Washington Square
• Franklin Square (time permitting; closes at 9PM)

Things to know before booking:

• BYOB: Beer/Wine only (no liquor, no glass). Please drink responsibly and remove all trash.
• Pickup locations: 12th and Filbert Streets across from Maggiano’s
• Nearby Parking: Parkway Garage located at 1201 Filbert Street
• Nearby Dining: Maggiano’s located at 12th and Filbert Street
• Company reserves the right to cancel or alter tour times.
• Cancellations initiated by the client will be subject to a cancellation fee equal to 50% of the booking value.
• Please note: Miracle on 13th St. will not be on display on November 24th and will be inaccessible on November 25th. Broad Street will be used as an alternate for this section of the route on these days. The site will be fully open beginning November 26th.
• Tours will not be cancelled due to rain.
• PTW reserves the right to cancel or change times for any/all tour products. Notification attempts will be made.
• PTW does not control hours/availability of any/all attractions/displays.
• All attraction visits are weather/time permitting.
• Please see Announcements section of homepage for updates and alerts .

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• Please Call : 215-389-TOUR (8687)
• Fax : 215-389-1279
• Email : [email protected] for general info, charter or special information
• Email : [email protected] for Public Big Bus Tour information
• transportation services
• horse drawn services

Jolly Trolley Holiday Lights Tours

JOLLY TROLLEY HOLIDAY LIGHTS TOURS for Private Groups!

2023 Available Dates ~ Every Evening/Night from Friday, December 1st thru Saturday, December 30th!

Do something extra-special with your friends and family, coworkers, or business clients this holiday season!

Jolly Trolley Holiday Lights Tours are entertaining option for family gatherings, holiday parties, business open houses, or for any type of group outing during the holidays!

Experience some of Rochester’s most creative residential and civic lights displays!

Enjoy classic holiday music aboard the warmth of a lighted, decorated, & HEATED trolley!

Now in its 13th Season the Jolly Trolley has become a Rochester Holiday Tradition!

You choose which tour best suits your group and its special occasion!

• Jolly Trolley Holiday Lights Tour ~ 90 minutes ~ Great for Adults and Kids alike ~ Santa’s Workshop Included

Jolly Trolley HOLIDAY LIGHTS Tour ~ 90 minutes!

JOLLY TROLLEY HOLIDAY LIGHTS TOURS!

Do something extra-special with your friends and family, coworkers, or business clients this holiday season! Share in the joy of the season with our public tours.

Choose our original, now classic JOLLY TROLLEY HOLIDAY LIGHTS TOUR as an entertaining option for family gatherings, holiday parties, client open houses, or any type of private group outing during the holidays!

Experience some of Rochester’s most creative lights displays and visit SANTA’S WORKSHOP where SANTA will board the trolley!

2023 Available Dates ~ Every evening/night from Friday, 12/01/23 thru Saturday 12/30/23!

Meet the Trolley at the Centerstone Plaza Hotel 401 6th St SW

Groups are welcome to bring food and beverages on the trolley! 

We encourage you to dress warmly on your legs and feet and/or bring a lap blanket!

Tours depart at 5:00pm and 7:00pm

Jolly Trolley Adult’s Only Holiday Light Tour ~ 90 minutes!

JOLLY TROLLEY ADULTS ONLY HOLIDAY LIGHTS TOURS!

2023 Available Dates ~ Evenings from Friday, December 1st thru Saturday, December 30th! at 9:00 pm

Do something extra-special with your friends, coworkers, or business clients this holiday season! Join us for an adults only tour where you can enjoy the lights and a few beverages as well.

2023 Available Dates ~ Evenings from Friday, 12/01/23 thru Saturday 12/30/23!

THIS TOUR IS FOR ADULTS ONLY – BYOB but please drink responsibly, there will be no bathroom stops.

Tour departs hotel at 9:00 pm on days offered

La Crosse Rotary Lights!

Experience the magic of the holiday season like never before with a trip to the Rotary Lights in La Crosse, Wisconsin! Immerse yourself in a breathtaking winter wonderland that’s perfect for all ages. This beloved annual event features a dazzling display of over 4 million twinkling lights, transforming Riverside Park into a true holiday spectacle.

Stroll through enchanting themed light displays, from classic Christmas scenes to creative and whimsical designs. Be sure to visit Santa’s Workshop for a chance to meet Santa Claus himself and share your holiday wishes. Enjoy the festive music that fills the air, making this a perfect outing for family and friends. Don’t forget to grab a cup of hot cocoa and indulge in some tasty holiday treats from the food vendors.

Whether you’re looking to kick off the holiday season, create lasting memories with loved ones, or simply bask in the beauty of the season, the Rotary Lights in La Crosse is a must-visit attraction. Join us in celebrating the magic of the holidays with this dazzling light extravaganza in the heart of Wisconsin. Make your plans today to brighten up your winter at Rotary Lights!

Bus will depart from the Centerstone Plaza Hotel; 401 6th Street SW

Bus departs at 4:45 pm and will return around 9:45 pm

2023 Dates: December 7 / December 14 / December 21

Dress for the weather, you will be outside

Food and beverages welcome.

Holiday Tour of Lights - Tickets Now On Sale!

Reserve Your seats now!

2023 ticket sales now open, famous holiday tour of lights.

Each year these neighborhoods light up bigger and brighter, all for sharing in the Holiday Spirit. 

Home after home, 

Join us as we tour through to see this years light-up!

What a great time for Family and Friends to spend together.

Tours depart nightly at "2" different times for convenience, 6:15 PM and 8:15 PM

CHECK-IN time is 15 minutes prior to departure.

Please don't be late, we can't wait!

Guests are welcome to bring along a beverage and a snack.

We depart from the parking lot at the McDonald's at the corner of Cattlemen & Bee Ridge Rd. Look for us as we will be staged and ready to go.

Tickets are $20.00 per-person. Reservations required.

 Private tours are available, please call 941.346.3115 for pricing and special arrangements.

Copyright © 2023 Sarasota Trolley - All Rights Reserved.

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• HOLIDAY TOUR OF LIGHTS

[email protected]

(615) 522-8007

HELLO TROLLEY

Franklin  Holiday

Lights trolley tour.

A Holiday Lights Tour has become a MUST when you’re in the Holiday Spirits, so get ready to sit back, relax, and listen to your favorite holiday music, while enjoying the beautiful lights of Franklin, TN and Williamson County.

Complimentary Bottled water, and Candy Canes will be available ON BOARD the trolley!  

Routes for the 2023  will include Festival of Lights, based on its availability.  Routes this year include Franklin area neighborhoods, in addition to Historic Downtown Franklin

Click the BOOK NOW link to reserve your

seat today!

Dates:  December 7 - December 22, 2023 on select days

Times:  Sat thru Sun  5:30pm & 7:30pm, Wed thru Fri 6:15pm & 8:15pm

Tickets:  $30 per seat.  Lap children at no additional charge

Details:  Our Small (Sm) Trolleys seat 24 & Large (Lg) Trolleys seat 30 passengers

There will be no tours on December 23rd, Christmas Eve or Christmas!

Tours Run approx. 1 hour & 30/45 minutes in and around Franklin & Williamson Cty.

This year's tours will begin outside THE FACTORY AT FRANKLIN, Liberty Hall entrance

& will include Franktown Open Heart's FESTIVAL OF LIGHTS

at the Williamson County Ag Center (depending on availability) in addition to

Historic Downtown Franklin

Personal sized snacks and drinks are allowed on board our public tours.  Complimentary bottled water and holiday treats will also be available.

Private Holiday Lights Tours are available and can be booked at anytime!

Please contact Hello Trolley directly to book a trolley just for your party!  Treats and drinks are welcome on board!  Available dates and times for Private Trolley Tours are listed on our booking calendar starting in the beginning of October each year, but please inquiry for times, as not all availabilities may be listed.

ON SALE  OCTOBER 2, 2023

Click to book.

Christmas Lights: Trolley & Driving Tours

Top ways to see christmas lights during winterfest in the smoky mountains.

Pigeon Forge sparkles with more than five million twinkling lights during Winterfest. One of the best ways to take in the shimmering sights of the season is by hopping aboard a Winterfest trolley tour!

Gatlinburg Winter Magic Trolley Ride Of Lights

November 22, 2019 - january 31, 2020.

Visitors can soak up the spirit of the Gatlinburg Winter Magic season from the comfort of a Gatlinburg Trolley by taking the relaxing Trolley Ride of Lights . The specially designated trolleys carry their guests on a memorable journey through downtown and adjacent Hwy. 321, allowing everyone to experience the magical wonder of Gatlinburg Winter Magic.

Pigeon Forge Driving Tour Of Lights

November 9, 2023 - february 18, 2024.

Winterfest lights in Pigeon Forge shine from late November through the end of February. See more than 5 million shining Pigeon Forge holiday lights when you take the Winterfest Driving Tour of Lights !

Gatlinburg Winter Magic Lights Tour

November 10, 2023 - february 15, 2024.

Gatlinburg is also decked out in light displays during the winter months. Walk through the magical tunnel of lights on River Road and peruse the displays on the strip in downtown Gatlinburg, or explore the best light displays in the Great Smoky Arts & Crafts Community .

Pink Jeep Tours: Christmas Lights

Starting november 13, 2022.

Let the award-winning guides at Pink Jeep Tours keep you cozy and show you the best of the best Winterfest Displays. Tours begin on November 13 and you canb buy tickets now.

Scenic Helicopter Tours Night Flight

November 12, 2023 - february 18, 2024.

Gain a completely new perspective of the best Winterfest lights in the Smoky Mountains with an extremely cool night flight with Scenic Helicopter Tours . They'll take off in Sevierville and take you over some of the best displays including the Great Smoky Mountain Wheel at The Island and Dollywood.

Redneck Comedy Bus Christmas Lights Tour

November 10, 2023 - december 29, 2023.

Join your favorite rednecks for a merry tour of the Christmas lights in the Smoky Mountains! Put on your tackiest Christmas gear and hop on board the Redneck Comedy Bus Christmas Lights Tour this holiday season for a fun-filled, festive adventure. Let the rednecks lead the way while you enjoy all of the displays!

Shadrack's Christmas Wonderland

November 17, 2023 - january 7, 2024.

Soaky Mountain Waterpark lights up during Shadrack's Christmas Wonderland . The Christmas lights are turned on at dusk until 10:00 pm nightly during the winter months. Plus, there are more things to do in the stadium; you can even visit Santa's Workshop.

Winterfest trolley tours offer an an exciting way to experience holiday magic in the Great Smoky Mountains -- without battling traffic and crowds. Visitors can embark on an enclosed trolley car ride; then sit back, relax and be whisked away to see some of the most breathtaking holiday light displays the region has to offer!

Polar Express Train Ride

Pigeon Forge sparkles with more than five million twinkling lights during Winterfest. One of the best ways to take in the shimmering sights of the season is by …

Dollywood Smoky Mountain Christmas

Winterfest Driving Tour Of Lights

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Merry & Bright: The Detroit Holiday Lights Tour

Make the most magical time of the year extra magical-er. The coziest holiday bus ever is rolling again to the best light installations and attractions in Detroit. Includes one “very special” warm holiday drink on us. 😉

Picks up in Ferndale and Detroit

Everyone: $58.99 each Groups of 10 or more: $55.99 each

You can also book this tour as a private group booking for groups of 30 or more.

Description

• Reviews (4)

It might be cold outside but it’s DOWNRIGHT COZY on our Art Bus. Let’s do this thing.

Hop on and let’s go see some liiiiiiiiights! We’re hitting the road with our worst holiday sweaters on, tasty snacks in our hands and singing in our voices. Oh yeah, plus a delicious holiday drink.

Don’t Grinch it up, come on, it’s fun and you know it. Give into the best season of all and feel the love.

Where We’re Going

Campus martius.

This isn’t any old tree — this is OUR tree. Campus Martius is where all of Detroit’s major roads meet downtown and it’s a heck of a celebration. We’ll take another group walk for our final jaunt together.

Downtown Detroit Holiday Market

Located in Cadillac Square, this holiday market is like none other. Tons of great local stores packed into one super-festive place. Next door to the Cadillac Lodge which might be described as the coziest tent on earth.

The Congregation

Then we’re equipping you with an included spiked hot chocolate, regs hot chocolate, or a holiday drink in this gorgeous converted church-turned-cozy warm paradise.

Light Up Beacon Park (DTE)

When the energy company makes a holiday lights installation you know it’s gonna be UNREAL. Detroit Edison decked the heck out of Beacon Park for you to enjoy. We’ll take a group stroll through together.

The Berry Gordy Mansion

We’re doing a quick roll by Mr. Gordy’s mansion estate in Boston-Edison. This incredible home was once owned by the creator of Motown Records, the sound of the motor city.

The Fisher Building

When they say “Detroit’s Largest Art Object” they’re not screwing around. The Fisher Building never gets old. The new owners do a splendid job with a massive tree and gorgeous decorations. Premium family photo spot. 📸

What exactly am I getting for my bucks?

☕️ includes a delicious spiked (or not) hot drink at congregation 😛.

We’ve got you covered! Just present your ‘lil ticket we give you and be rewarded with a bevvy.

🍪 Holiday Snacks 😻

The next best thing to a warm heart is a full belly, am I right? We’re putting together special gift bags of Detroit’s best local snacks for each person. Come ready to snack.

👕 The Ugly Sweater Contest 🤦🏽‍♀️

You got ’em, we want ’em. Break out those hideous, complicated, gigantic sweaters and let us throw down. Only the most ultimate holiday sweater getup wins the gold medal. We’ll have GREAT prizes for the gaudiest of the gaudy. Bring your A game, people.

THE DETAILS

What’s the schedule?

The Pickup Location for this tour is choose your own adventure: you have two (2) options.

Option 1: One Eye’d Betty’s in Ferndale. 6:00PM on Tuesday through Saturday. 4:30PM on Sundays.

Option 2: Checker Bar Detroit. 6:30PM on Tuesday through Saturday. 5:00PM on Sundays.

The tour is about 3 hours, then we’ll drop you back off at Checker Bar Detroit, then One Eyed Betty’s, and then we’ll miss you very much.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

What’s the refund policy?

We’ll gladly refund your tickets in full 14 days prior to the day of the event. After that, there’s no refunds. Sorry to be so mean about it.

If you want to change the date or cancel your tickets up to 14 days before the event, you can do using the link in your confirmation email or by contacting us. Way easy.

What happens if I miss the bus? Will the bus wait for me if I’m late?

Unfortunately we can’t hold up the bus for late comers, there’s a schedule we gotta keep. If you miss the bus at Ferndale you can head straight to Cadillac Square in Downtown Detroit. Ideally you’re on time.

Can I drink on the bus? I like some beer with my cheer.

YES, you CAN drink on the bus, but under one major condition: You gotta keep it chill. Like Michigander at a family party chill. This isn’t a rager – it’s Christmas lights. You’re welcome to bring one small soft-side cooler with cans or bottles – no open cups or mixed drinks.

Is this tour kid friendly?

OF COURSE with a little caveat: The minimum age for this tour is 5 and up. We’ve had tons of kids and parents on this tour and they’ve had a great time. Understand that some people will be drinking, but we’ll keep the mood easy.

What about food and soft drinks?

We’ll have super tasty locally made snacks on the bus for all to enjoy. You’ll probably wanna eat a real dinner beforehand. You can bring extra snacks and soft drinks with you, but please keep it minimal and plan to take care of your trash afterwards.

What if I can’t show up? Will my friend be able to go instead?

Totally. Just let us know ahead of time via [email protected] and we’ll update your tickets with the new name or send them with your printed tickets.

Will you be selling extra seats at the bus?

Nope. Sorry. All passes gotta be bought online. There’s a limited number of seats and we want you to have plenty of room – no roof riders no matter how cool that might sound.

What about weather SNAFUs?

We live in Michigan. Sometimes Mother Nature likes to throw us a curveball. We keep safety as our highest priority. In case of super bad weather you’ll receive an email the day of the event with a raincheck/snowcheck date. If you cannot make the rescheduled date, you’ll get a voucher good for a future tour with us or a refund. Weather calls are up to us.

Do you do this tour for private groups?

Yes indeed we do! We book out whole buses to private groups to do this tour on their own. Reach out to us right here and we’ll get you a quote. This usually makes sense for groups of 30 or more. There are very few dates available so book now if this is what you’re into!

With every seat you purchase on one of our experiences, we will give a Detroit kid in need of a safe ride to school or after-school program.

Ride for ride ., 4 reviews for merry & bright: the detroit holiday lights tour.

Cowboy1953 – December 31, 2016

Took the Holiday Lights tour with the Detroit Bus Company. The tour guide Raleigh and bus drive David were excellent. The bus group was rowdy and fun, had a great time. Didn’t know the Detroit Zoo Lights were that fantastic. Will look into some of the other Detroit Bus Tours.

Celeste B. – December 20, 2017

They’re a unique mode of transportation in the motor city! They host tours and you can rent out the busses for other small events. For every ride they give they match the money and give rides to the kids of Detroit to school each day. I never knew this, and I LOVE to see Detroit born businesses giving back to the city. How awesome! We used them NYE in 2015 to get to and from a concert in Royal Oak with about 30 friends. It was a really awesome experience, super fun to be on the busses that are covered in beautiful graffiti.

They were our transportation for our wedding in October. Very reasonable pricing. Our bus driver was accommodating and safe! They’re really cool busses with the graffiti. This weekend we’re going on a Christmas lights tour through the Detroit bus company, can’t wait to update my review.

The holiday lights tour was a wonderful idea!!! We loved being on the bus, enjoying our beverages, and getting rides to the various light shows in the area!!! Definitely suggest it to any detroiter!

Ann Cataldo – November 23, 2022

This is the most fun holiday tour! We got to see all the best holiday sights with a happy, lively group that all became our friends. We laughed while we rolled through the lights and it was like a holiday party on there. Plus, no worries about parking downtown. This needs to be an annual event for our family.

Larry Altman – November 23, 2022

LIghts and the city at Christmas — Detroit is definitely back. Our driver and guide were funny and made everyone feel like they were part of the party and we enjoyed this so much. We were just two people and wondered how this bus group would be since we were all strangers but by the time the tour ended we were now friends. funny sweaters too — everyone was really into this being a fun party ride.

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Things To Do | Holiday lights 2023: The 25 best and brightest…

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Things to do | congressional recount: 16 ballots being challenged in san mateo county — some of which went uncounted due to a ‘simple oversight’, subscriber only, things to do | holiday lights 2023: the 25 best and brightest bay area displays, from local neighborhoods to parks, gardens and famous historic sites, bay area lights shine this season.

Nothing can fill you with the holiday spirit like seeing lights, lots and lots of lights, blazing and twinkling in the darkness of winter nights.

That’s the magic of so many festive lights displays around the Bay Area. Some are presented by parks, gardens, churches and historic sites. Others are organized by groups of neighbors and creative homeowners, who turn their streets and their front yards into winter wonderlands with theme-park level, light-and-music-filled extravaganzas.

Here is a selection of the best holiday displays, a list that is likely to grow over the next few weeks as we confirm details about some well-known venues or hear about exciting new displays that deserve attention. Unless otherwise specified, all events are free.

Deacon Dave’s world-famous display, Livermore

Get ready to be dazzled by at least 750,000 lights glowing around the home of Deacon Dave Rezendes. This is the 40th year that Rezendes, a deacon at St. Michael Parish in Livermore, has put on this display at his Casa del Pomba. His extravaganza has been showcased on cable and international TV; only the global COVID-19 pandemic could force Rezendes to skip doing the display in 2020.

Details: Nightly, Dec. 1 to Jan. 1, with an opening night procession at 6:30 p.m. on Dec. 1. 352 Hillcrest Ave. in Livermore; http://casadelpomba.com .

Oakland Zoolights “Glowfari”

The Oakland Zoo hosts one of the Bay Area’s most unusual holiday displays, with gorgeous, detailed, larger-than-life animal lanterns arrayed around the zoo’s 525 acres. On a crisp winter eve, visitors can stroll around the zoo and meet magnificent, glowing elephants and giraffes from Africa, pass through a tropical rainforest, time travel back to the age of the dinosaurs, and visit with mountain lions, wolves, polar bears and other iconic North American wildlife.

Details: Open from 5 to 9 p.m. most nights through Jan. 28 (closed for Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve and Day). Admission is $22-$26; www.oaklandzoo.org.

Historic lights in Woodside

Immerse yourself in classic holiday elegance with a visit to Woodside’s century-old Filoli estate. Inside the stately mansion, elaborately decorated trees radiate celebration in the grand dining room and other elegantly appointed spaces. But what’s especially magical about Filoli during the holidays are the 25 miles of twinkling lights arrayed around the extensive garden, as well as a 210-foot-long light tunnel. Santa will be available for selfies on weekends, and visitors can pause their tour to enjoy mulled wine or hot whiskey cider around fire pits on the Dining Room Terrace or the Woodland Terrace.

Details: 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. daily through Jan. 7 at 86 Cañada Road, Woodside. Filoli will be closed on Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. Admission is $23-$43; https://filoli.org .

Lights of Livermore 

There are still tickets available — though they may not last long — to taste some great Livermore wine and enjoy a one-hour trolley ride around Livermore to see the town’s biggest and brightest holiday displays. This includes a stop at Riesling Circle, where more than two dozen homes are elaborately decked out with lights. The trolley rides start at historic Concannon Vineyard, where you can taste a flight of wines before boarding the trolley. There also are trolley rides nightly for families, at which no alcohol is served.

Details : Rides run from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m., Dec. 8 through Dec. 23. Tickets are $33 to $73 per person. 4590 Tesla Road, Livermore; https://www.livermorewinetrolley.com. 

Bobby and Genee Holiday Lights, San Jose

On this cul-de-sac near Santa Theresa County Park, Bobby and Genee Bimbi present a light and music spectacle that has become a favorite destination for people in their neighborhood and beyond. More than 45,000 lights are arrayed around their front yard, while holiday scenes flash across the front of the house. Visitors can also listen to their music on 99.5 FM and make donations to Toys for Tots.

Details: Weather permitting, show runs 5 to 9 p.m. Sunday-Thursday, and 5 to 10 p.m. Friday-Sunday, Nov. 24 to Dec. 31, at 259 Kaybe Court in San Jose; https://www.facebook.com/bobbyandgeneeholidaylights

Alex Dourov’s extravaganza, Livermore

This home show by the founder of the California Christmas Lights website offers a mix of old-school decorations that Dourov has accumulated over the past 30 years and high-tech light and sound effects, as well as a snow machine, a dancing 6-foot-tall “Joy” sign and penguins around a campfire. Kids are invited to make calls to Santa, and guests can listen to music from the sidewalk or on 107.9 FM from their car.

Details: Nightly from Nov. 25 through Dec. 29 at 467 Knottingham Circle in Livermore; http://californiachristmaslights.com/

Willow Glen, San Jose

Year after year, residents in a five-block area of this central San Jose neighborhood decorate their homes in their own unique ways, but expect to find plenty of brightly lit archways, light poles, candy canes, giant snow people and Santas and his reindeer. San Jose Bike Brew , which operates tours of bars, breweries and other local hot spots via 15-passenger cycles, can also take groups on one-hour tours of the neighborhood, starting Dec. 1.

Details: Nightly through the holiday season, with most homes generally getting their decorations up by the first weekend of December. Streets to visit include Glen Echo, Glen Eyrie, Glen Brook and Cherry avenues, as well as Camino Ramon, Camino Pablo and Camino Ricardo.

Temple Hill, Oakland

The spectacular gardens of the Mormon Temple, visible from many parts of the Bay Area, make an ideal location to create a holiday lights display. Against the white granite of the temple, thousands of lights are arrayed around the garden, which features fountains and lush flora. There’s also a pool, surrounded by 42 towering palm trees and leading to a glowing manager scene. The lights also illuminate the five golden spires atop the temple.

Details: Nightly, from dusk to 9:15 p.m through Dec. 31, at 4770 Lincoln Ave., Oakland; https://templehill.org/christmas-lights-at-the-oakland-temple

Crippsmas Place, Fremont

For six decades, residents of the 70 homes in this north Fremont neighborhood have illuminated their front yards and raised larger-than-life plywood cutouts of favorite cartoon characters in a representation of community solidarity and goodwill. They’ve also used their displays to raise money for worthy causes. This year, visitors can donate to six local organizations, as well as the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society. Santa and Mrs. Claus will pay visits on the evenings of Dec. 10, 11, 17, 18 and 19, and the Mission Peak Chamber Singers will perform on Dec. 17.

Details: 6 to 10 p.m. Dec. 9 to 31 on Nicolet Avenue, Cripps Place and surrounding streets in Fremont; www.crippsmas place.org .

Lights in the Cacti in Walnut Creek

During the fifth annual “Garden of d’Lights,” visitors can meander along the paths of the 3.5-acre Ruth Bancroft Garden, where its world-famous collection of gorgeous cacti and other succulents and drought-tolerant plants are presented with fantastical and specially-programmed lasers and thousands of LED lights.

Details: 5:30, 6:30 and 7:30 p.m., Thursday through Sunday, Nov. 24 to Jan. 6 at 1552 Bancroft Road, Walnut Creek. Admission is $12-$29 and must be purchased ahead; https://www.ruthbancroftgarden.org/garden-of-dlights

Merry Merry-Go-Round

The famous Tilden Park carousel in Berkeley becomes a winter wonderland during the holidays, festooned with bright, colorful lights and graced by visits from Santa and his elves and Olaf the Snowman.

Details: 4 to 8 p.m. weekdays and 11a.m. to 8 p.m. weekends, Nov. 24 to Jan. 7. Closed Christmas Eve and Day. Tilden Regional Park, at the intersection of Central Park Drive and Lake Anza Road, Berkeley. Tickets cost $4 each, and reservations are recommended; https://tildenmerrygoround.org

Christmas on a Hill, Morgan Hill

Climb the hill at West Hills Community Church in Morgan Hill to watch a synchronized musical light display and explore the dazzling light tunnels, decorated trees and hand-painted, life-sized displays. This is the show’s third year in this distinctive hillside location, and free hot chocolate is poured for everyone.

Details: 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. weekends, Dec. 9 to Dec. 24, with a special Christmas Eve service 4 p.m., Dec. 24. West Hills Community Church, 16695 DeWitt Ave., Morgan Hill; https://www.westhills.org

Christmas in the Park, San Jose

The beloved San Jose tradition offers two ways to see lights and other festive displays. The popular walk-through takes place in the heart of downtown in Plaza de Cesar Chavez with a 65-foot illuminated tree and a forest of pines decorated by San José schools, community groups and businesses.  A separate drive-through light show takes place at San Jose’s History Park.

Details: The walk-through opens Nov. 24 in Plaza de Cesar Chavez and is open from noon to 11 p.m. daily at 1 Paseo de San Antonio. The History Park drive-through runs from Nov. 29 to Jan 1, starting at 5 p.m. at 635 Phelan Ave. Tickets are $30-$35 per car, and reservations are recommended;   www.christmasinthepark.com

Los Gatos’ Fantasy of Lights

The 25th annual show at Vasona Lake County Park offers one of the Bay Area’s most popular drive-through holiday displays, with a 1.5-mile route taking families through a fantasyland of lights, animated figures and a 90-foot twinkling tree, courtesy of the Santa Clara County Parks Department.

Details: 6 to 10 p.m. Dec. 5 to 30 (closed Christmas Day). The route starts at 333 Blossom Hill Road in Los Gatos. Tickets ($39 per standard vehicle, $50 for oversized) must be purchased ahead online; https://parks.sccgov.org/fantasy-lights-2023

Christmas Tree Lane, Alameda

This cooperative effort, put on by more than 50 households, is in its 85th year. Local groups will perform, and kids can drop off letters to Santa in a specially designated mailbox that routes them to the North Pole. Santa also will stop by on certain nights to visit with kids.

Details: 5 to 10 p.m. nightly, Dec. 3 to 31, 3200 block of Thomson Avenue, between High Street and Fernside Boulevard, Alameda; www.facebook.com/christmastreelane .

Christmas Tree Lane, Palo Alto

For the 82nd year, residents along this stretch of Fulton Street, off Embarcadero, will put on a show radiating old-fashioned charm, elegance and history, with front yards decorated with lights and glowing, larger-than-life cutouts of Santa Claus and the Three Wise Men.

Details: 5 to 11 p.m. Dec. 16 to 31, 1700 and 1800 blocks of Fulton Street, Palo Alto; www.christmastreelane.org

Rudolph takes flight in San Ramon

At the Fairbanks family home, Rudolph and his red nose lead Santa’s team of reindeer up, up, up into the night sky, as lights flash and blink below, synchronized to a selection of Christmas songs.  Over the 37 years that the Fairbanks family has mounted this display, it has become ever more elaborate and expanded to their next-door neighbor’s home. This year, visitors can also enjoy the sight of singing Christmas trees and Frosty the Snowman tipping their hat at them. You can also listen to the music from your car at 100.7 FM.

Details: 5:30 to 10 p.m. nightly through New Year’s Day, weather permitting, 15 Molina Court, San Ramon; http://californiachristmaslights.com

A festive ride in San Leandro

People passing along bustling Estudillo Avenue into downtown San Leandro may do a double-take as they pass the home of real estate broker Antonio Cardenas. Santa Claus is in his front yard, not driving a sleigh but an old-fashioned horse-drawn carriage. Of course, it’s not a real horse, carriage or Santa, but an elaborate and eco-friendly display created by Cardenas. It’s mostly made of recyclable materials, including plastic water bottles, chicken wire and landscaping materials, topped with lights, tinsel and adorable stuffed animals.

Details: Nightly through Jan. 1, 975 Estudillo Ave., San Leandro, californiachristmaslights.com

Widmer World, Pleasanton

For more than 30 years, the Widmer family of Pleasanton has presented a popular home display that includes a Big Tree of red and green lights, giant “Peace on Earth” sign and a tunnel of decorated trees, displays of popular cartoon characters and elaborate arrangements of life-sized Santas, reindeer and snowpeople.

Details: Nightly Dec. 1 to Jan. 1, weather permitting, 3671 Chelsea Court, Pleasanton; http://widmer-world.com

Foster Family Christmas, Redwood City 

Details: 5:30-10:30 p.m. nightly, Nov. 24 to Jan. 5, 411 Topaz St., Redwood City; https://www.instagram.com/fostersholidays/ .

Light shows and hockey-playing penguins in San Jose

After you pass under an arch spanning this residential street, you’ll come to a front yard, filled with reindeer, an animated train and a flock of hockey-playing penguins. The owners of this home also present two musical lights shows every half hour, stepping up the frequency to every 15 minutes on Dec. 20. One show is set to a version of “The 12 Days of Christmas” by Straight No Chaser, and the other to the Trans-Siberian Orchestra’s “Christmas in Sarajevo.” You can also listen to the music from your car on 89.1 FM.

Details: 6 to 9 p.m. nightly through December, 1419 Lamore Dr.; https://lamorelights.com/wp/

Alamo Square’s Painted Ladies in Walnut Creek

If you’re in the East Bay, you don’t need to drive all the way to San Francisco to see some of the city’s famous Painted Ladies. In his front yard, a Walnut Creek homeowner with some serious set-design skills has constructed a version of the famous Victorians that line Alamo Square, and lit them up anyone to see while passing by his cul-de-sac, just south of downtown.

Details: Nightly through New Year’s Day, 1880 Castle Oaks Court, Walnut Creek.

Winter Wonderland in Oakley

A 19-foot singing tree, the Grinch doing Grinch things and Mickey and Minnie riding in Santa’s sleigh with the elves helping to pass out packages. These figures, plus more than 10,000 lights, are among the highlights of this popular, computer-controlled display created by homeowner Michael Wright. You can also listen to the music from your car on 93.3 FM.

Details: 5:30 to 10 p.m. Sunday through Thursday and 5:30 to 11 p.m. Friday and Saturday, Nov. 25 to Dec. 31, 733 Solitude Drive, Oakley; http://californiachristmaslights.com/

Lights and music in Redwood City

The annual lighting of two 65-foot trees in downtown Saturday begins Redwood City’s month of holiday celebrations, which includes evening strolls by carolers, a band concert on Saturday night, a Carpenters-themed show and the 14th annual Chanukah Festival on Dec. 10, with the lighting of a unique 7-foot-tall menorah, created from 27 pre-painted, assembled during the festival.

Details: The tree lighting takes place 5:45 p.m. Dec. 2 in downtown, with a band concert that night at 8 p.m. at the San Mateo County History Museum. Carolers also perform the evenings of Dec. 2, 12 and 21. The show, “Carpenters Legacy: A Christmas Portrait,” is presented 8 p.m. Dec. 10 at the Fox Theater, with tickets starting at $36. The Chanukah Festival starts 4 p.m. Dec. 10 at 2200 Broadway Street; https://redwoodcitydowntown.com/hometownholidays/

Friday “Nights of Lights,” Half Moon Bay

This coastal town’s picturesque downtown transforms into a festival of lights on Friday nights, when visitors can stroll by decorated store windows and shop for gifts. The town also hosts four special events: a tree lighting ceremony on Nov. 24, a lighted boat parade with Santa on Dec. 1, an ugly sweater party on Dec. 8 and a holiday movie night with “Elf” on Dec. 15.

Details: 6 to 8 p.m. Fridays from Nov. 24 to Dec. 15, Main Street, Half Moon Bay; www.visithalfmoonbay.org .

Giant Santa in Newark 

This Newark home, a contender on the ABC show, “Great Christmas Light Fight,” features a 33-foot inflatable Santa, a 20-foot inflatable snow man, some very large candy canes and singing Christmas trees. You can listen to the music on 88.1 FM.

Details: 5 to 10 p.m. nightly through Jan. 1 at 6716 Fountaine Ave., Newark; http://californiachristmaslights.com

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California Scenic Train Rides (2024): A Complete Guide

Last revised: December 10, 2023

By:  Adam Burns

If interested in California scenic train rides the guide here provides that information as well as a brief history of the state's railroads. 

Although its first did not appear until the mid-1850's ( nearly 30 years after the  Granite Railway was formed on March 4, 1826 ), California has an illustrious history with trains. 

It began with the Gold Rush and grew exponentially after the Transcontinental Railroad's completion. 

According to an in-depth analysis  Trains Magazine  published in its January, 2007 issue entitled, " Great Railroading: State-By-State ," the state really was " Like Nowhere Else On Earth! "

In time it was served by five major "Class I's" (Southern Pacific, Union Pacific; Atchison, Topeka & Santa Fe; Western Pacific; and Great Northern), enjoyed a healthy industrial base, contained rich agricultural lands, and eventually encompassed a network of more than 8,000 route miles.  

As a result, California now offers several scenic train rides ranging from the noteworthy Napa Valley Wine Train and Fillmore & Western to the Yosemite Mountain Sugar Pine Railroad and Niles Canyon Railway. 

There are also numerous museums, such as the California State Railroad Museum which houses the last preserved "Cab Forward" steam locomotive.  

Please note!   The information here pertains only to California train rides pertaining to vacation and tourism destinations.  If you are interested in intercity/long distance rail travel please visit  Amtrak's website .

State Rail History

It could be rightfully argued California single-handedly settled the West. 

Its lands remained in territory status for only two years ( following their sale from the Mexican government as part of the 1848 Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo ) before it achieved statehood on September 9, 1850 as the 31st state of the United States. 

Nearly a decade would pass before a bordering territory would gain a similar status (Oregon, granted statehood on February 14, 1859). 

While the "Gold Rush" (which began after James W. Marshall found the rare metal at Sutter's Mill in Coloma on January 24, 1848) brought tens of thousands of prospectors (eventually totaling around 300,000) it was rich farmland, within the San Joaquin Valley, and seaside ports (totaling 840 miles) that transformed California into the country's most successful economy. 

Its involvement with the iron horse predated the Transcontinental Railroad's completion by more than a decade. 

The Sacramento Valley Railroad is identified as the state's first to file articles of incorporation as a common-carrier when it was formed on August 4, 1852.

-  California's very first railroad put into operation was the Arcata & Mad River Railroad, established in 1854 and opened its first two miles in 1855.  It was built by private interests to load lumber schooners in Humboldt Bay near Arcata . -

Four years later, on February 22, 1856, the Sacramento Valley was opened from Sacramento to Folsom (22.9 miles). 

In time, the SVRR would join the sprawling Southern Pacific network, a system which came to define California.

The SP'S heritage began with the Central Pacific Railroad, which completed the western leg of the Transcontinental Railroad. 

It was the vision of Theodore Judah who loosely formed the "Central Pacific Railroad Company of California" on November 1, 1860. 

Unfortunately, Judah was later. outmaneuvered by the "Big Four" consortium of Charles Crocker, Collis P. Huntington, Mark Hopkins, and Leland Stanford. 

He had approached them about securing needed financing for the project but they quickly took over the endeavor after realizing its monetary potential. 

They subsequently incorporated the Central Pacific Railroad of California on June 28, 1861 to " construct a railroad and telegraph line from the Pacific coast, at or near San Francisco, or the navigable waters of the Sacramento River, to the eastern boundary of California. " 

With the passage of the Pacific Railroad Act, signed into law by President Abraham Lincoln on July 1, 1862, the CP adopted the agreement on October 7th and formally accepted it through the Department of the Interior on December 24th.

With the government's support the CP was provided land grants and federal loans for the purpose of establishing a connection with the Union Pacific (building west from Omaha, Nebraska) somewhere near the Sierra- Nevada Mountains. 

The two sides, through federal remediation, eventually settled on Promontory Summit, Utah and the Transcontinental Railroad was formally completed on May 10, 1869. 

To learn more about this endeavor please click here .  According to the book, " The Routledge Historical Atlas Of The American Railroads " by author John F. Stover, in time California was crisscrossed with ribbons of steel rail that had peaked at more than 8,300 miles by the 1920's. 

The Southern Pacific was always the state's primary rail provider but several other notables would also reach its borders including:

• Western Pacific (its main line paralleled the SP from San Francisco/Sacramento to Salt Lake City)
• Santa Fe (served all of the state's major cities)
• Union Pacific (originally accessed only Los Angeles)
• Great Northern (completion of its "Inside Gateway" to Bieber on November 10, 1931 offered a link to the Bay Area in conjunction with the Western Pacific)

California was also home to several short lines, the world's largest interurban (Pacific Electric Railway), and several logging operations.  Today, it's network totals 4,803 miles according to the Association of American Railroads.

• Billy Jones Wildcat Railroad

This little operation is based in Los Gatos and provides 1/3rd-scale California scenic train rides. Its history is not that of your typical scale railroad; it all began with William "Billy" Jones, a longtime Southern Pacific. 

In 1939 he located and acquired an 18-inch gauge steam locomotive designed for the Venice Miniature Railway in Venice Beach, California. 

Jones then used the little steamer to establish a miniature railroad of his own to host rides for the public. 

After he passed away in 1968 a local group formed a non-profit organization called the Billy Jones Wildcat Railroad, Inc. to continue operating his collection at the Oak Meadow Park and Vasona Park in Los Gatos. 

It reopened in July, 1970.  Today, the railroad maintains an engine house, depot, and even a water tank while offering trips over 1 mile of track. 

They operate nearly year-round but have various hours depending on the seasons.  The attraction has become so popular it now hosts more than 100,000 visitors annually!

• Calico & Odessa Railroad

Another small railroad, this tourist attraction is based in Yermo and operates a 2-foot, 6-inch narrow gauge line through the ghost town of Calico, California (in its heyday this community produced over $20 million in silver ore from 500 local mines during a 12-year period). 

The Calicao & Odessa is based from the actual Waterloo Mining Railroad, a local narrow-gauge system which hauled this silver ore from Calico to the mills of Daggett during the 1880's. (It does not, however, utilize the original right-of-way.)

• California State Railroad Museum

Not surprisingly, scenic train rides can be found at one of the state's biggest train attractions.  Perhaps few other museums, except the Illinois Railway Museum, rival the California State Railroad Museum in terms of size, scope, and collection. 

With a history dating as far back as 1937, it's based in Sacramento and remains one of the city’s top tourist destinations, seeing over a half-million visitors annually (a testament to just how interesting and engaging railroad museums can be).

Given the sheer size of CSRM's collection it would not be possible to cover it all here in a brief paragraph.  Thanks to the numerous resources available, of which few other museums are privy, CSRM is large enough to contain a number of various operating departments.

While it tends to spotlight and feature historic pieces related to California, or western railroads overall, it also highlights railroad history in general (including the Transcontinental Railroad). 

Finally, you can catch a train ride while there!  They offer excursion trips using an 0-6-0 steam locomotive, operating from the spring through late Summer, every hour on Saturday and Sunday. 

• California Trolley & Railroad Corporation

This museum, located in San Jose, was established in 1982 as a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization.  Its primary mission aims at preserving the memory and history of rail transportation in the Santa Clara Valley. 

The group has two noteworthy steam locomotives under their care, Southern Pacific 4-6-2 #2479 (Class P-10) manufactured by Baldwin in 1923 and Southern Pacific 0-6-0 #1215 (Class S-10) also built by Baldwin (1913). 

They are currently working towards the complete restoration and operation of the former while the latter will remain a static display piece. 

In addition, they operate a number of trolleys on a short stretch of track.  Finally, their long term goals involve opening the San Jose Steam Railroad Museum which will maintain Southern Pacific's historic, six-stall Lenzen Roundhouse and turntable.

• California Western Railroad, "The Skunk Train"

The famed  Skunk Train , one of California's most popular scenic train rides, operates from Fort Bragg to Willits (where a connection was once made with the now-defunct Northwestern Pacific Railroad). 

The heritage of this trackage, which totals 40 miles, can be traced back to the Fort Bragg Railroad that began operations in 1885 for the purpose of moving redwood logs from the rich forests of Glenblair to a mill at Fort Bragg. 

After various name changes it became the California Western Railroad on December 19, 1947.  Following many years moving timber products the CWR discontinued freight operations in 2001. 

The carrier had operated passenger trains for many years and essentially transitioned into a tourist attraction, particularly after freight service ceased.  The railroad operates both steam and diesel locomotives year-round while also hosting a number of special events.

• Carolwood Barn & Museum

This organization, located in Griffith Park, Los Angeles looks to preserve Walt Disney's vast collection of scale model trains, one of his longtime interests. 

The barn in which these displays are housed holds particularly historical significance.  It was built in 1950 by Disney, himself, at his home in Holmby Hills, California, replicating a similar structure at his family's farm in Marceline, Missouri. 

The building acted as a workshop, used to maintain his 1/8th scale live-steam railroad, the so-called "Carolwood Pacific Railroad." 

A few years later he went on to build the now world-renowned attraction, Disneyland, although the barn always remained on his property. 

Today, it continues to feature his original works and is open the third Sunday of each month from 11:00 AM to 3:00 PM.  Admission and parking to the museum are both free of charge.

• Colma Historical Association

This organization, which launched in 1993, is housed within the Southern Pacific's restored wooden depot in Colma, originally completed between 1863-1870. 

They are open throughout much of the week and there is no admission.  The entire grounds include three additional buildings; the main museum, freight depot (built between 1904-1905), and blacksmith’s shed. 

Please note this group is not primarily centered around railroad preservation. 

While they do have some displays relating to trains it also features historic embalming equipment, blacksmithing items, typewriters, and information concerning Colma's 14 different cemeteries. 

There are also quilts on display, vintage buttons, telegrapher items, period clothing, and numerous photos from year's past.  It is an interesting place with a little of everything to see!

Fillmore & Western Railway (Closed - June 28, 2021)

Found just up the coast from Los Angeles, the Fillmore & Western offered several different excursions, from dinner trains to murder mystery specials.

The railroad was best known as the location of many featured films, television shows, and various commercials.  Until operations ceased on June 28, 2021 when its leased expired, this number had totaled more than 400!  

The history of the trackage, which totals 28.25 miles connecting Piru with Saticoy, dates back to the Southern Pacific. 

The state's most famous railroad completed the line in 1885, which remained its primary corridor between San Francisco and Los Angeles until 1904. 

Today, the right-of-way is owned by the Ventura County Transportation Commission. 

• Folsom Valley Railway/Folsom City Zoo

The Folsom Valley Railway is part of the Folsom City Zoo in Folsom, California. 

The train ride has been in operation since 1970 and utilizes an authentically-scaled steam engine and cars (12-inch gauge) running on about 4/5-mile of track. 

In June, 1978 the operation was taken over by Mylon Thorley from the original owners, the Sherman brothers.  A little over a decade later there was another ownership change when, on January 1, 1991, Terry Gold acquired the little attraction and he remains the caretaker today.   

There are currently two locomotives on the grounds; a 4-4-0 named " Cricket " (built by Erich Thompson of Berkeley Hills, California in 1950) and 4-4-2 #3001 (a project launched by Alan Shelly in 1938, it was later finished more than a decade later in 1949).

If the weather permits the railroad operates during select days of the week every month of the year.

• Fort Humboldt State Historic Park

Based in Eureka, this state park (since 1977) carries the goal of preserving the region's logging history.  

Specifically their mission statement is " ...to create awareness and appreciation for the impact of timber, logging, and railroads on the settlement and growth of Humboldt County. " 

In addition, since the grounds are within a former Army fort, military history is presented here as well.  Of their many attractions the group offers scenic train rides, or speeder trips, during the summer months.  

They also have two small, standard-gauge (4 feet, 8 1/2 inches) steam locomotives on displa:

• Elk River Mill & Lumber 0-4-0 #1, named the " Dolly Varden " (built by Marshutz & Cantrell [National Iron Works] in 1884)
• Bear Harbor Lumber Company 0-4-0RT #1 (manufactured by Marshutz & Cantrell [National Iron Works] in 1892)

The park's website states it is open daily from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM.

• Irvine Park Railroad

The Irvine Park Railroad is situated in Orange, California and offers scale-California train rides (1/3-scale) throughout much of the year (except major holidays, including Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, and New Year’s Day) within the Irvine Regional Park. 

This recreational venue is also home to numerous other outdoor activities such as the Orange County Zoo, paddle-boat and bike rentals, pony rides, and numerous hiking trails. 

The railroad began in 1996 and has transformed into one of their most popular attractions, running a sort of semi-circle loop over a portion of the property. 

Also, be sure to visit the park for special events, such as their Easter Extravaganza , events for Halloween, and a special "Christmas Train!" 

Finally, visit their website to learn more about hosting parties on the grounds (which includes pavilion/moon bounce rentals and even enjoy an outdoor get-together at the "Locomotive Loop").

• Knott's Berry Farm

Don't let the name fool you!  Scenic train rides can be found at this tourist attraction. 

Knott's Berry Farm provides a laundry list of family activities and is essentially a theme park.  Some of these include a roller-coaster, water slides, and virtual reality game. 

They even have the Mrs. Knott’s Chicken Dinner Restaurant (opened in 1934) and a hotel accommodations.  Finally, one of their very popular attractions is the Calico Railroad, which operates tours around the park. 

This is not a scale-train ride.  The equipment is actual, full-size locomotives and cars operating on three-foot ("narrow-gauge") track. 

The equipment is particularly noteworthy and historic.  They include:

• Operational 2-8-0 #41 (originally built for the Rio Grande Southern in 1881 by Burnham, Parry, Williams Company [Baldwin Locomotive Works] as a Class C-19 "Consolidation" which spent many years in Colorado) 
• 2-8-0 #340 under restoration (originally built for the Denver & Rio Grande in 1881 by Burnham, Parry, Williams Company [Baldwin Locomotive Works] as a Class C-19 "Consolidation")

There are also a pair of 24-inch gauge locomotives on the premises including 0-4-0T #3 (built by the Vulcan Iron Works in 1908) and 4-4-0 #83 (this locomotive is operational and was built by Crown Metal Products in 1982)

• LARail.com, Inc.

One of the most luxurious of scenic train rides can be found through LA Rail, designed to whisk passengers back in time and experience what rail travel was like during the industry's "Silver Age" of streamliners. 

The cars operate largely between Santa Barbara, Los Angeles and San Diego running as part of Amtrak consists. They also offer long-distance trips from time to time. 

Please check their website to learn more about these adventures. 

Their current fleet includes Pacific Sands (10-roomette, 6-bedroom Pullman sleeper), Silver Splendor (Vista-Dome lounge-diner), Pacific Trail (44-seat coach), Overland Trail (39-seat club/lounge), and Tioga Pass (open-observation business car).

• Laws Railroad Museum

This museum (operated by the Bishop Museum & Historical Society) is based in Bishop and housed within the city's preserved Carson & Colorado Railway depot (built in 1883). 

The C&C was a very noteworthy narrow-gauge (3-foot) system that, according to Dr. George Hilton's book, " American Narrow Gauge Railroads ," operated some 293 miles from Mound House, Nevada to Keeler, California. 

Construction on the project began from the Virginia & Truckee's (the C&C's parent company) main line at Mound House on May 31, 1880 and had reached Keeler three years later in July, 1883. 

Like the V&T, it was built primarily to handle the silver mining boom and then later served a quick flurry of gold mining activity. 

In March, 1900 the Southern Pacific acquired the property for $2.75 million, converted it to standard gauge, and reincorporated it as the Nevada & California Railroad (May 11, 1905). 

Afterwards, the line was extended to Mojave in 1910. The museum's most significant display piece is Southern Pacific 4-6-0 #9, a narrow-gauge steam locomotive manufactured by the Baldwin Locomotive Works in 1909.

• Lomita Railroad Museum

This museum, housed in a beautiful replica (constructed in 1966) of Boston & Maine's depot that still stands in Wakefield, Massachusetts. 

They have also built a full-scale water tank on the property, a device commonly used by steam locomotives to gather water along the tracks. 

Finally, several pieces of rolling stock can be found on the grounds including a Southern Pacific tender, Union Pacific caboose (built in 1910), Santa Fe caboose, Union Pacific boxcar, and Union Oil tank car. 

Their featured attraction is preserved Southern Pacific 2-6-0 #1765 (M-6) which sits on display next to the building.  This little "Mogul" was built by the Baldwin Locomotive Works in 1902. 

In addition to these there are various displays on-hand to peruse.  The museum is open Thursday through Sunday, offers tours for groups and schools, and charges admission for ages 3 and over.  To learn more please visit their website.

• Napa Valley Wine Train

One of the most popular scenic train rides, and well known throughout the country, is the Napa Valley Wine Train. 

They offer one of the best dinner train experiences you can enjoy anywhere featuring a wide range of options (including wine, of course) aboard their train which operates through the beautiful Napa Valley region. 

The train itself is operated by the Napa Valley Railroad, a reborn entity tracing back to 1864.  It originally connected Calistoga and Crockett (48 miles).

The purpose of the original, just like today, was to bring tourists to Napa Valley (in this case to Calistoga, a resort city). 

If you find yourself vacationing or traveling through this region's famous vineyards you may want to consider stopping for a visit to this very posh train, which spares no expense in the meal and journey!

The Napa Valley Wine Train was initially started in 1987 by local preservationists and railroad enthusiasts among stiff opposition from local communities.

After a lengthy court battle the railroad won out and was granted the right to operate the then ex-Southern Pacific trackage between Napa and St. Helena. 

• Nevada County Narrow Gauge Railroad Museum

This organization is based in Nevada City and its mission is to preserve the region's narrow-gauge history, which was predominantly centered around the logging industry.  

They have a rather substantial collection on the premises with many pieces restored.  Of particular note is their preserved 2-6-0 #5, built by the Baldwin Locomotive Works for Carson & Tahoe Lumber & Fluming in 1875. 

They also feature another steamer, 2-6-2 #5, manufactured by the Lima Locomotive Works in 1911 for Williamson & Brown Land & Lumber Company (a few years later, in 1916, it was sold to the Argent Lumber Company Railroad of Hardeville, South Carolina). 

Other pieces of rolling stock include a pair of small Plymouth diesel switchers, a modern 0-4-0 steam locomotive, an operating "rail bus" car, and various other freight cars.  To plan a visit and learn more please visit their website.

• Niles Canyon Railway

The Niles Canyon Railway features a number of different scenic train rides on its 1 hour, 15 minute round trips, pulled by both steam and diesel locomotives. 

It is one of many tourist lines in the state providing excursions on a former Southern Pacific (SP) route.  This particular corridor extends a little under 10 miles with a history that can be traced back to the Civil War era.  

The SP discontinued service in the mid-1980s and subsequently abandoned the line.  However, thanks to the hard work of many volunteers a section was rebuilt a few years later and today provides a popular tourist attraction for thousands.

The railroad has since grown to the point it now hosts several specials throughout the year.  Noteworthy among its collection are four operating steam locomotives:

• Robert Dollar 2-6-2T #3 (manufactured by American Locomotive in November, 1927)
• Quincy Railroad 2-6-2T #2 (built by American Locomotive in 1924)
• Clover Valley 2-6-6-2T #4 (manufactured by Baldwin in March, 1924 it is one of only a few Mallet locomotives currently in operation)
• Southern Pacific 4-6-2 #2472 (built by Baldwin in 1921, listed as Class P-8)
• Pacific Southwest Railway Museum

This museum is operated by the Pacific Southwest Railway Museum Association (PSRMA) with two locations, Campo and La Mesa. 

Throughout much of the year they offer excursions via a 16-mile round trip over trackage originally built by the San Diego & Arizona Railway (SD&A). 

It was later sold to the Southern Pacific in 1932 whereupon the property became known as the  San Diego & Arizona Eastern Railway. 

There are two preserved depots maintained by the PSRMA, a former SD&A wooden structure in Campo and San Diego & Cuyamaca Railway trolley building, built in 1894, which served La Mesa. 

The museum maintains a fairly sizable collection of steam and diesel locomotives along with an assortment of other equipment. 

Their notable pieces include Coos Bay Lumber 2-8-2T #11 (built by Alco in 1929) that is under restoration and an eclectic collection of diesels. 

• Poway-Midland Railroad

Located in Poway, the Poway-Midland Railroad operates on a 0.5-mile segment of track in the city's park using a 0-4-0 steam locomotive (originally built by Baldwin Locomotive Works in April, 1907 for Cowell Cement) and a trolley car. 

The arrangement carries an usual 3-foot, 6-inch narrow-gauge alignment.  This little organization, owned by the city, and headed by the Poway–Midland Railroad Volunteers, Inc., has been open since 1991. 

According to the railroad, its history can be traced back to a Colonel John Porter who built a small attraction on his property near Aubrey, known as the "Rattlesnake Creek Railroad." 

He passed away in 1980 before the idea could be fully put into operation.  However, the city subsequently purchased his railroad in 1986, which led to the volunteer group's formation and eventual operation of the property. 

Some of their other better known pieces include an 1894 Los Angeles trolley car, Fairmont Speeder built in 1956, and a cable car manufactured in 1906 that originally operated in San Francisco.

• RailGiants Train Museum

This museum is located in Pomona at the Fairplex and operated by the Southern California Chapter of the Railway & Locomotive Historical Society (the oldest railroad preservation society in the United States, the R&LHS was founded in 1921).  

They have a large outdoor collection available to see and peruse.  The group's most famous piece, Union Pacific 4-8-8-4 "Big Boy" #4014, was reacquired by UP in 2013 for restoration and operation as part of its heritage steam fleet. 

Their other noteworthy locomotives include:

• Outer Harbor Terminal Railway (Santa Fe) 0-6-0 #2 (Schenectady Locomotive Works, 1887)
• Fruit Growers Supply Company 3-truck Climax #3 (Climax Locomotive Works, 1909)
• United States Potash Company 2-8-0 #3 (Baldwin Locomotive Works, 1903)
• Santa Fe 4-6-4 #3450 (Baldwin, 1927)
• Southern Pacific 4-10-2 #5021 (American Locomotive, 1926)
• Union Pacific 4-12-2 #9000 (American Locomotive, 1926)
• Union Pacific SD40-2C #3501 (Electro-Motive, 1972; this unit, fully operational when it arrived, was traded to the museum for 4-8-8-4 #4014)
• Union Pacific DDA40X "Centennial" #6915 (Electro-Motive, 1986)

The museum is open on the second full weekend of each month; 10 AM - 5 PM.

• Railtown 1897 State Historic Park

Railtown 1897 is located in Jamestown offering excursions pulled by steam locomotives and restored vintage railroad equipment. 

They house their collection within the town's historic shops and roundhouse.  Excursions are offered throughout much of the year with special events also hosted. 

These trips are presented under the name of the Sierra Railway, with ties to this trackage.  It dates back to 1897, originally projected to connect the California Central Valley with the Gold Country foothills. 

At its largest length the railroad ran 57.43 miles from Tuolumne (serving the West Side Lumber Company's mill there) to Oakdale where interchange was established with the Southern Pacific and Santa Fe. 

The name "Rail Town 1897" first appeared in 1971 when the railroad began marking excursions and slowly grew from that time forward. 

In 1982 California's Department of Parks and Recreation purchased the property, renaming it as Railtown 1897 State Historic Park.  Today, they offer a wide range of trips and special events throughout the year.

• Redwood Valley Railway

Located inside Tilden Regional Park at Berkeley the Redwood Valley Railway offers miniature train rides on weekends year-round and weekdays during the summer. 

The attraction has been around for many years; it all began in 1952 when Erich Thomsen established the Tilden South Gate & Pacific Railway, a 12-inch gauge system (later expanded to 15-inch in 1968). 

Today, the railroad operates 1.25 miles of track and draws over 160,000 passengers a year. 

There are five, live-steam locomotives which pull the trains: 

• 0-4-0 #2 named Juniper
• 2-4-2 #4 named Laurel
• 4-4-0 #5 named Fern
• 2-6-2 #7 named Oak
• 4-6-0 #11 named Sequoia  (all of these machines were manufactured locally at the organization's Redwood Valley Shops; the newest is 2-6-2 #7 built in 2006)

These miniature railroads have become increasingly popular over the years, particularly the more authentic venues with live steamers and scale-structures/equipment.

• Roaring Camp Railroads

The Roaring Camp offers a number of different scenic train rides to experience. They also host special dinner trains throughout the year featuring entertainment.

What became the Roaring Camp & Big Trees Narrow Gauge Railroad was the dream of F. Norman Clark who wanted to bring back the majesty of the steam locomotive. 

His idea began in the late 1950s when steam was all but gone from main line railroads.  Eventually, Clark located a 2-Truck Shay in Dixiana, Virginia that had long been removed from service and rusting away. 

The Shay was a classic geared steam locomotive, created by Ephraim Shay in the late 19th century and designed to pull heavy loads at slow speeds up steep, circuitous, and poor trackage.  

This made it ideal for service in the timber industry while it also found use in other applications.  After acquiring it in 1958 he located nearly 200 acres of ground for lease on the Big Trees Ranch in Santa Cruz County near Felton.  

This area is home to a preserved virgin stand of giant redwoods, part of which now comprises the Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park.  

With property acquired Clark set about constructing a 3-foot, narrow-gauge railroad that totaled just over 3 miles.  Whether intended or not he was able to add to its realism by featuring very steep grades on the route, some of which topped out at over 9%! 

In 1985 the Roaring Camp & Big Trees Narrow Gauge expanded its business when it launched the Santa Cruz, Big Trees & Pacific Railway.  

This new system took over the former Southern Pacific's Felton Branch between Felton and Santa Cruz, a one-time narrow-gauge system.  

With declining customers and washouts SP cutback the line to Rincon, which was later restored to Santa Cruz under Mr. Clark. 

Fox River Train

The Fox River Train , previously known as the  Sacaramento RiverTrain , is based out of West Sacramento, features upscale dinner train packages offering entertainment with your meal during the three-hour trip.  They also provide special trains and events throughout the year. 

The history of this line can be traced back to a noteworthy interurban, one of the longest end-to-end system of its kind, the Sacramento Northern Railway (SN). 

It's so-called "Woodland Branch," originally built by the Northern Electric Railway, ran 16-miles from West Sacramento to Woodland and remains in operation today. 

The SN would later join one of California's largest railroads, the Western Pacific.  In 1991, WP-successor Union Pacific sold this trackage to the Yolo Shortline Railroad which went on to merge with the Sierra Railroad in 2003 and began hosting the current dinner train after that time.  

• San Francisco Cable Car Museum

As its name implies this museum tells the rich history of San Francisco's cable cars, which were first put into service in 1873.  

While these machines are not traditional railroads they have played an important role in the city's transportation needs for well over a century.  

Today, they function largely for nostalgia/tourism purposes. The museum contains two notable cars within its collection; a former Sutter Street Railway grip car and trailer manufactured in the 1870's and another grip car belonging to the Clay Street Hill Railroad. 

The latter company holds the distinction as the first to be successfully put into service when it began running on August 1, 1873 along Clay Street. 

Its construction was financed by Andrew Smith Hallidie while the line was engineered by William Eppelsheimer.  In 1888 it became part of the Ferries & Cliff House Railway.  The system remained in operation until February 15, 1942.  Admission is free with varying opening hours.

• San Francisco Municipal Railway

Arguably the most interesting of all scenic train rides is the San Francisco Municipal Railway.  Perhaps nothing more is as quintessentially San Francisco as the city's cable cars, which have been in nearly continuous service since 1873.  

The Municipal Railway keeps alive this important part of the city's history and it remains a popular tourism draw today.  The system covers a nearly 50 square-mile region and hosts more than 240 million riders annually. 

There are currently 82 different lines in service which are covered via bus, trolleybus, light rail, streetcar, and cable cars.  

• Santa Maria Valley Historical Railway Museum

This organization, established in 1999, is located in Santa Maria and has a small collection of equipment on hand, including a small miniature railroad offering rides to the public.  

According to their mission statement they are " ...dedicated to the preservation of the railroad heritage of California, the Central Coast, and the Santa Maria Valley. "  The museum is open every second and fourth Saturdays of each month from Noon to 4 PM.

• Sonoma TrainTown Railroad

This little operation, located in Sonoma and within a small theme park, offers a range of miniature train rides operating on the 15-inch scale. 

The two locomotives featured include 2-6-0 #1 (built by Winton Engineering, 1960) and 4-6-4 #5212.  The railroad can trace its history back to 1958, founded by Stanley L. Frank of Oakland. 

As a successful businessman who held an MBA from Harvard, Frank sought to establish a 10-acre outdoor attraction which would enable the public to ride miniature trains.  It began operation in 1968 and has evolved into a popular entertainment venue ever since. 

While there be sure to visit their carousel and scale-roundhouse which houses the locomotives and other equipment! 

TrainTown is open throughout much of the year although their dates vary depending upon the seasons.  To learn more and plan a visit please check out their website.

• Southern California Railway Museum

Another one of the most scenic train rides available is found at the Southern California Railway Museum, formerly known as the Orange Empire Railway Museum. 

This organization has a substantial collection of preserved equipment and also offers excursions powered by steam locomotives, trolley cars, and diesel locomotives. 

Their noteworthy pieces include:

• Nevada Central Railroad 2-6-0 #2 (named the " Emma Nevada " it was manufactured by Baldwin in 1881)
• Waimanalo Sugar Plantation Company 0-4-2T #1 (manufactured by Baldwin in 1883 and then known as  Pokaa , it later worked on the Grizzly Flats Railroad in San Gabriel, California, whereupon it was renamed  Chloe )
• Belle Point & Reserve 0-4-4RT #1 (manufactured by Burnham, Williams [Baldwin] in 1894)
• Mojave Northern Railroad 0-6-0T #2 (built by Davenport Locomotive Works in 1917)
• Ventura County Railway 2-6-2 #2 (built by Baldwin in 1922 this locomotive is operational)
• Union Pacific 2-8-2 #2564 (Class MK-10 it was built by Alco's Brooks Works in 1921)
• Santa Fe FP45 #98 (built by Electro-Motive in 1967)
• Southern Pacific U25B #3100

There are also historic streetcars originally belonging to the Pacific Electric and Los Angeles Railway (LARy).  Finally, they offer excursions over 1.5 miles of right-of-way as well as a 0.5-mile dual-gauge "Loop Line."  

• South Coast Railroad Museum

Based in Goleta this museum is situated inside the former Southern Pacific's beautifully restored two-story wooden depot built in 1901.

The structure is not at its original location and is currently on display at  300 North Los Carneros Road in the Los Carneros County Park).

During the railroad's construction of its so-called "Coast Line" linking San Francisco with Los Angeles (a corridor that continues seeing considerable usage today). 

This particular depot is based from SP's standard "Combination Station No. 22 plan," a design widely used by the company during the late 19th through early 20th centuries. 

The museum contains a few pieces of rolling stock and states their primary goal is to " focus on the history, technology, and adventure of railroading " within the local region. 

If interested in planning a visit they are open during Friday, Saturday and Sunday from 1:00 PM to 4:00 pm.

• Sierra Railroad

Also operated by the same organization that owns the Skunk Train and Roaring Camp the Sierra Railroad offers their Sierra Railroad Dinner Train, which features both dinner and entertainment.  To learn more please visit the RailTown 1897 listing above .

• Tehachapi Depot Railroad Museum

This organization is housed within a beautiful replica of a Southern Pacific, single-story wooden depot.  It was completed in 2009.  

The attractive facility features a very large collection of historic artifacts inside, all of which is presented to a very high quality. 

What's more, it's free to the public.  While there be sure to take a moment and watch the countless Union Pacific and BNSF Railway trains passing by on a regular basis. 

This very busy route has remained a vital rail corridor dating back to the SP and Atchison, Topeka & Santa Fe (Santa Fe) era, a setup which persists under UP (owner) and BNSF (leaser). 

The line's most striking feature is a grand loop whereupon trains pass over themselves (originally featuring 15 tunnels) to keep grades manageable.  If you would like to learn more about the museum please visit their website.

• Travel Town Museum

The Travel Town Museum is located at Griffith Park in Los Angeles.

Just as they proclaim the organization truly does have the largest collection of preserved steam locomotives in the western United States with some fourteen pieces on display.  

The museum if free and open to the public.  The heritage of this organization dates back to the 1940's when Charley Atkins and a group of railfans wanted to display an authentic steam locomotive next to the miniature train ride at the park. 

They ultimately began with two pieces; Los Angeles Harbor Authority 0-4-0T #31 built by the Davenport Locomotive Works in 1921 and Consolidated Rock Products 0-6-0 #1 built by Alco's Cooke Works in 1925. 

On December 14, 1952 the Travel Town Museum opened and their collection slowly grew from that point forward.

• Western America Railroad Museum

The Western America Railroad Museum (WARM) is based in Barstow with an aim to preserve rail history in the Pacific Southwest (Southern California) region.

The organization is housed within the preserved brick Harvey House (these facilities were spearheaded by the legendary Fred Harvey during the 1870's as a means of providing passengers meals during their trips in a time that pre-dated the modern dining car) and Santa Fe station, originally built in 1911. 

The building carries a wide range of functions including being an active Amtrak stop, home to the Barstow Area Chamber of Commerce & Visitors Bureau, and location of the Route 66 Mother Road Museum. 

The WARM features a wide range of railroad artifacts such as timetables, uniforms, tools, and even artwork.  Also be sure to see their collection of preserved rolling stock outside!

• Western Pacific Railroad Museum

In junction with static displays you can also find scenic train rides at the Western Pacific Railroad Museum.  Located in Portola the WPRM is the premier organization preserving the memory of the Western Pacific.  

They have a very large collection of original WP equipment on hand, many of which are not only preserved but also in operable condition.

The history of the Western Pacific Railroad Museum begins in 1983 when the Feather River Rail Society was formed to preserve the history of the Western Pacific, which only a year earlier had disappeared into Union Pacific.

A year later the society created the Portola Railroad Museum as a means of having a permanent site to both display their growing collection of equipment as well a place where visitors could come to see and learn about the WP.

The original museum was named after the town of Portola, which was once a locomotive servicing and maintenance facility for the WP along the eastern edge of its "Feather River Canyon" route in northern California (east of the famous Keddie Wye and "Inside Gateway" route). 

Today, the organization features a collection of over 35 locomotives and 80 pieces of rolling stock. It is well worth the visit!

• Western Railway Museum

The Western Railway Museum, led by the Bay Area Electric Railroad Association (BAERA), operates trolley service on a former segment of the Sacramento Northern Railway's main line near Suisun City. 

The history of BAERA began long ago when a local group of railfans from San Francisco loosely started the group in 1946 to preserve the region's interurban and streetcar history. 

In 1958 they obtained a collection of used traction equipment following the Key System's closure and subsequently acquired former SN property at Rio Vista Junction. 

With property secured, they formally launched the BAERA, a non-profit organization. 

The operating arm of the group was known as the California Railway Museum, which later became the Western Railway Museum to eliminate confusion with the California State Railroad Museum. 

Today, they have since acquired 22 miles of the former SN trackage and opened a visitor's center in 2001.

• Yosemite Mountain Sugar Pine Railroad

This narrow-gauge operation, operates 4 miles of ex-Madera Sugar Pine Lumber Company trackage near Fish Camp, California in the Sierra National Forest.

It all began in 1961 thanks to the vision of Rudy Stauffer who rebuilt part of the network ( Which peaked at 140 miles running all over the mountains to reach timber reserves.  Its fleet totaled seven locomotives and more than 100 log/skeleton cars. ) that had closed and been removed in 1931 due to the Great Depression and loss of timber reserves. 

The organization has two operating Shay geared steam locomotives, both of West Side Lumber heritage; 3-Truck #15 built by the Lima Locomotive Works in 1913 and 3-Truck #10, also manufactured by Lima in 1928. 

Finally, during select times throughout the operating season the railroad operates specials known as the Moonlight Special , which feature dinner and entertainment. 

• Sacramento RiverTrain

SteamLocomotive.com

Wes Barris's SteamLocomotive.com is simply the best web resource on the study of steam locomotives. 

It is difficult to truly articulate just how much material can be found at this website. 

It is quite staggering and a must visit!

© Copyright 2007-2024 American-Rails.com. All written content, photos, and videos copyright American-Rails.com (unless otherwise noted).

Every railroad has a logo, CTRC is no exception.

CTRC is a California non-profit 501(c)(3) organization dedicated to preserving the historical heritage of railroading and trolleys in the Santa Clara Valley of California.

CTRC welcomes the public to come visit our collection of historic vehicles.

And if you want to become more engaged we invite you to join and help restore and operate them.

SP 2479 At San Jose Depot

This painting by Michael F. Kotowski shows the SP 2479 at the old San Jose railroad depot with an old Orchard Supply Hardware (OSH) pickup. CTRC is proposing to base the future museum on this scene.

SP1215 Arrives

1927 Kleiber

This 1927 Kleiber truck was last owned by the Western States Oil Company of San Jose. It was used to deliver oil to merchants in the San Jose California area.

Little Buttercup Moving To San Jose

Little Buttercup being unloaded at History San Jose. This 1899 vintage locomotive spent time on the San Francisco docks, was at the 1948 Chicago Railway Fair, and spent time at the California Railroad Museum in Sacramento. The move to San Jose was observed by many surprised children.

SP 2479 Drawing

The SP 2479 is a 1923 Baldwin P-10 Pacific that is being restored by CTRC. You can come to the site to see it or help with the work.

SP2479 Refurbished Drivers

Locomotive driver wheels have steel tires that have to be machined with high accuracy to a shape profile that helps keep the locomotive firmly on the rails at all times. Each wheel must be machined to have the same circumference. There are not many places that have the machine tools to perform this kind of work.

Santa Clara Railroad Map

The Santa Clara Valley is a natural transportation focus for the San Francisco Bay area. It is one of the oldest railroad centers in the United States.

SF & SC SPCRR Depot

The South Pacific Coast Railroad (SPCRR) was a narrow gauge line that ran between Santa Cruz and Alameda, with Santa Clara in the middle.

1921 Port Huron Traction Engine

The Port Huron Traction Engine was manufactured by the Port Huron Engine and Thresher Company of Port Huron, Michigan and shipped to Wichita Kansas July 20, 1921. It was used for hauling, plowing and operating machinery from a belt to the engine flywheel. It produced 16 horsepower from a boiler that was designed for 175 pounds of pressure. It took over 10 years of part time work to restore this traction engine.

Removing SP 2479 Wheelset

It takes a lot of work to remove the drivers from a large locomotive.

Lenzen Roundhouse

The Lenzen Roundhouse used to stand between Coleman and Stockton Avenues in San Jose. The roundhouse the roundhouse and turntable were disassembled and are now stored awaiting eventual reassembly.

1916 Detroit Electric Touring Car

This car featured dual controls so it could be driven from either the front or rear seat. It is powered by 14 six volt batteries which can be connected as two 42 volt batteries in parallel or as one 84 volt battery depending upon the speed desired. The controller provides for 5 speeds with the top speed approximately 20 miles per hour. The range before the batteries require recharging was advertised as about 70 miles.

Breaking News!

The California Trolley and Railroad Corporation (CTRC), based in San Jose, will be relocating the former Southern Pacific Railroad steam locomotive, number 2479, and the Lenzen Roundhouse structure and turntable to the Niles Canyon Railway, operated by the Pacific Locomotive Association (PLA).

Established in 1982, CTRC, the California Trolley and Railroad Corporation, is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization with a mission to preserve and reflect the rich legacy of rail transportation in the Santa Clara Valley for the educational and recreational benefit of current and future generations.

Rail Museum from WMS media Inc. on Vimeo .

Among the numerous projects underway is the restoration of Southern Pacific steam locomotive 2479. CTRC has restored for operation a number of historic trolley cars.

The CTRC Blog contains postings and items of interest, in chronological order. Our search page is available to help you find items of intererst.

For the latest weekly updates please visit our Facebook page.

Our quarterly newsletter is The Clearboard .

A major undertaking is the creation of the San Jose Steam Railroad Museum with the focal point becoming the former six stall Lenzen Roundhouse and turntable.

Membership is open to anyone who is interested - you do not need to be an expert welder or machinist.

Please consider making a donation to CTRC.   Donate!

Protect Your Trip »

6 top-rated newport mansion tours + tips from a local.

Newport's famed mansions are a must-see in the City by the Sea.

Top-Rated Newport Mansion Tours

Gavin Ashworth | Courtesy of Newport Mansions

Experience peak luxury and elegance at these stunning properties.

More than a century ago, America's wealthiest families commissioned their "summer cottages" to be built in the coastal enclave of Newport, Rhode Island , along the edge of the Atlantic Ocean. The era's most renowned architects outdid one another in size and scale as well as opulence and grandeur. Today, Newport is synonymous with its exquisite Gilded Age mansions, and experiencing them in person is an absolute must.

The majority of the Gilded Age mansions in Newport – but not all – are owned and operated by the Preservation Society of Newport County, and many of the most popular are open to the public year-round. Get ready to explore the Bellevue Avenue Historic District as you tour Newport's best mansions.

The Breakers

Courtesy of Andrea McHugh

Price: From $29 for adults; $10 for youths 6 to 12

Standout perk: The Breakers offers an audio Family Tour that engages young visitors with stories about the lives of the children who summered there, the staff who ran the home and interesting things to see in the mansion, such as the playful dolphin sculpture beneath the grand staircase.

Considered the grande dame of all the Newport mansions, The Breakers was no doubt built to impress. The summertime escape of Cornelius Vanderbilt II and his family was designed by the Gilded Age's preeminent architect, Richard Morris Hunt, and boasts a classic Italian palazzo design with panoramic views of the Atlantic Ocean.

Visitors can explore the mansion at their own pace via the self-guided audio tour available in nearly a dozen languages on the Newport Mansions free app, which will come in especially handy if you plan to explore more than one mansion. Take some time to explore the beauty of the 13-acre grounds as well, and be sure to wear comfortable walking shoes .

Those with a curiosity of how a mansion of this magnitude worked – after all, The Breakers was considered a modern marvel when completed in 1895 – will enjoy the Beneath The Breakers Tour. This guide-led tour takes you through the boiler room, tunnel and basement. Guests will learn how the home was outfitted with electricity, still considered a novelty during the Gilded Age. This tour requires a separate ticket from The Breakers' audio tour and is best suited for visitors 13 years and older. Advance reservations are recommended.

Local tip: As The Breakers is the most visited mansion in Newport, a good time to visit is either when it opens or toward the end of the day, especially in the busiest summer months. The early evening light can be ideal for photos, but plan accordingly as the house and grounds close one hour after the last tour admission. Before you visit, save time by downloading the free Newport Mansions tour app.

View & Book Tickets: The Breakers | Viator | GetYourGuide

Marble House

Price: From $25 for adults; $10 for youths 6 to 12

Standout perk: While it's hard to rival the splendor of Marble House, the Chinese Tea House on the end of the mansion's lawn parallel to Cliff Walk is an unexpected visual delight. For $35 extra, tour ticket holders to Marble House can enjoy sandwiches and refreshments at the cafe at the Chinese Tea House or make a reservation for brunch and afternoon tea service, offered on weekends May through December. The service is operated by Stoneacre Restaurants, which owns two popular restaurants in downtown Newport.

From the moment visitors walk under the four towering Corinthian columns fronting this mansion, they know they are in for a treat. Like other Newport Mansions audio tours, Marble House has a self-guided tour available via the organization's free app, allowing visitors to peruse the property at their own pace.

Inspired by the Petit Trianon at Versailles , Marble House is an architectural masterpiece. Made from 500,000 cubic square feet of marble, the mansion was a 39th birthday present from businessman and philanthropist William K. Vanderbilt to his wife Alva. He spared no expense for their summer escape. Later in life, Alva Vanderbilt Belmont became a suffragist and hosted events at Marble House in support of women's right to vote. Viewers of the popular HBO series "The Gilded Age" may recognize rooms in the mansion as it was used for filming on location and also inspired sets.

Local tip: Don't miss the ballroom on the first floor – while it's not the largest in Newport, it's widely considered the most ornate, with gilt details from floor to ceiling.

View & Book Tickets: Marble House | Viator | GetYourGuide

Standout perk: While The Elms is spectacular, its formal gardens – 10 acres' worth – are extraordinary, complete with nearly 40 species of trees plus terraces, gazebos, fountains and colorful blooms, depending on the time of year.

Fashioned after an 18th-century French chateau, The Elms is a must-visit mansion, from the sun-soaked conservatory and the drawing room to the handsome library and the breakfast room bearing Chinese-style lacquered wall panels. A self-guided audio tour is available in nearly a dozen languages, but any fan of "Downton Abbey" or those curious about life behind the scenes of Newport's mansions will appreciate the Servant Life Tour at The Elms.

On this newly updated, guide-led tour, visitors start in the basement, where you'll see the operations of the house such as the kitchen and butler's pantry, all the way up to the domestic staff's living quarters on the third floor. Along the way, travelers will learn more about the personal lives of staff, and see rare photographs of servants at work and in their free time. You'll even get to learn about topics like immigration and labor disputes on this tour.

Local tip: The Servant Life Tour is not only fascinating, but you'll get the rare opportunity to go on The Elms' rooftop and be rewarded with an amazing and unexpected view of Newport Harbor.

View & Book Tickets: The Elms | GetYourGuide

Tips on Trips and Expert Picks

Travel tips, vacation ideas and more to make your next vacation stellar.

Rough Point

Price: From $20; free for children 12 and younger

Standout perk: Rough Point sits at the southern end of Bellevue Avenue, so getting here allows you to enjoy views of both private mansions and those open to the public along the way. The mansion's oceanfront perch offers an uninterrupted view of the beautiful Cliff Walk Bridge, a stone arch bridge across the rocky inlet where Doris Duke would swim regularly.

Though a Gilded Age mansion through and through, Rough Point is perhaps best loved not for its grandeur but for its most famous resident: Doris Duke. The late heiress, collector and philanthropist – dubbed the "richest little girl in the world" when she was born – spent considerable time at Rough Point until her death in 1993. A self-guided audio tour leads visitors here through the art-filled home room by room, highlighting eclectic sculpture, family portraits, centuries-old tapestries, renowned furnishings and many pieces Duke collected as an avid world traveler.

While the formal rooms such as the Yellow Room and jaw-dropping Music Room are a sight, the ocean-facing Solarium affords the best views. Whether before or after your tour, visit the house tour on the website for footage of Doris Duke at the home as well as behind-the-scenes videos. Note that Rough Point is typically open seasonally from spring through mid-November.

Local tip: On Rough Point's grounds, you'll find a pair of life-size topiary camels inspired by Doris' pet Bactrian camels, Princess and Baby. Both enjoyed the summer months with the tobacco heiress at Rough Point and have become the unofficial mascots of the mansion. The Newport Restoration Foundation encourages taking a #camelgram photo with the Princess and Baby topiary to share on social media.

View & Book Tickets: Rough Point | GetYourGuide

Dave Hansen | Courtesy of Newport Mansions

Standout perk: Rosecliff's signature feature – despite being home to Newport's largest ballroom, which hosted lavish society events throughout the Gilded Age – is its celebrated heart-shaped grand staircase.

Following a multimillion-dollar renovation, Rosecliff resumed tours in September 2023, much to the delight of Newport's visitors. Architect Stanford White, who was the mastermind behind Newport's historic Casino Theatre and myriad other important buildings, modeled the mansion after the Grand Trianon at Versailles for silver heiress Theresa Fair Oelrichs. Its European influence is felt throughout.

Explore the mansion at your own pace via the self-guided audio tour on the free Newport Mansions app. Don't forget to look up in the ballroom, where the trompe l'oeil ceiling creates an air of whimsy and romance, making it the ideal setting for the filming parts of "The Great Gatsby" with Robert Redford and Mia Farrow, as well as the more recent "27 Dresses."

Local tip: Rosecliff hosts many amazing events, including the annual Newport Mansions Wine & Food Festival, which features dinners, events and seminars with wines and other libations from around the world.

View & Book Tickets: Rosecliff | Viator

Chateau-sur-Mer

Standout perk: A new audio tour is your guide to this National Historic Landmark, considered Newport's first true mansion. Learn about the lives of the Wetmore family members who lived there for more than a century.

Until the arrival of the Vanderbilt houses in Newport in the 1890s, Chateau-sur-Mer was considered the seaside city's most palatial residence. Today, visitors can explore the home, an Italianate-style villa built for wealthy China trade merchant William Shepard Wetmore, who did quite a bit of entertaining at this summer cottage.

Local tip: While Chateau-sur-Mer is essentially a Victorian Era time capsule, the mansion's grounds are home to amazing tree specimens, shrubs and more, including a striking weeping beech tree. If you explore deeper into the grounds, you'll find a cool circular maze made from mounds of grass; this earthwork by artist Richard Fleischner is known as the "Sod Maze" and makes for a relaxing place to meditate.

View & Book Tickets: Chateau-sur-Mer | GetYourGuide

What to do nearby

In addition to the historic mansions, Newport offers a variety of historic attractions, walking trails and museums. To help you fully explore the area, here are some recommendations for things to see and where to eat.

Things to do:

• Wander along the Cliff Walk
• Visit the International Tennis Hall of Fame
• Explore the historic Fort Adams
• Discover automotive history at Audrain Automobile Museum
• Explore The Sailing Museum
• Visit the Redwood Library and Athenæum
• Discover the oldest synagogue in the U.S.
• Browse the private collection at the Newport Car Museum

Nearby restaurant recommendations: 

• Breakfast: Annie's, Lucy's Cafe & Bakery or Corner Cafe
• Lunch: Cru Cafe, Belle's Café or The Mooring Seafood Kitchen & Bar
• Dinner: White Horse Tavern, Clarke Cooke House or Castle Hill Inn
• Drinks: Midtown Oyster Bar, The Roofdeck at the Vanderbilt or The Lounge at The Chanler

Why Trust U.S. News Travel 

Andrea McHugh is a travel and lifestyle writer based in Newport, Rhode Island, where the famed mansions of the Gilded Age are common sights along her daily run in the City by the Sea. Though she regularly visits the mansions as they play host to local business and social events, such as the Newport Mansions Wine & Food Festival, Newport Classical Music Festival and Newport Film, she spent a recent "staycation" touring these turn-of-the-century behemoths to write this article.

You might also be interested in:

• The Top Things to Do in Rhode Island
• The Top Things to Do in New Hampshire
• The Top Things to Do in Maine
• The Top Things to Do in Vermont

Tags: Travel , Tours

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