Why visit
It is one of LA's genuinely free, kid-friendly attractions, letting children get nose-to-nose with real locomotives in an unhurried outdoor setting. For train enthusiasts and families alike, it pairs nostalgia and hands-on access with the larger draw of Griffith Park just outside the gate.
Travel Town centers on a collection of historic steam and diesel locomotives, passenger cars, freight equipment, and other railroad memorabilia displayed outdoors where visitors can walk right up to the engines. Several pieces can be boarded or viewed up close, and the grounds have an easygoing, come-as-you-are feel that contrasts with the city's bigger ticketed attractions. An indoor building houses additional exhibits and railroad artifacts.
A miniature train ride typically circles the property for a small separate fee, adding to the appeal for younger children. Because it is free to enter and sits within Griffith Park, Travel Town is an easy add-on to a larger day that might also include the Los Angeles Zoo or the Autry Museum. It is the kind of relaxed spot where families linger, picnic nearby, and let kids burn energy among the trains.
History
Travel Town opened in 1952 in Griffith Park as a place to preserve and display retired railroad equipment, and it has grown into a significant collection of Western and Southern California rail history. It sits in the same Griffith Park area as the Los Angeles Zoo and the Autry Museum of the American West, and as a free outdoor railroad museum it has long been one of the park's most popular destinations for kids.
Insider Tips
- ✦Combine it with the nearby Los Angeles Zoo or Autry Museum for a full Griffith Park day.
- ✦Bring cash for the miniature train ride and any concessions.
- ✦Go early to beat both crowds and summer heat on the shadeless grounds.
Photo Tips
- 📸Frame the big steam locomotives head-on to capture their scale.
- 📸Use early or late light to bring out the texture and color of the vintage paint and metal.
- 📸Get low for kid's-eye-view shots beside the towering engines.
Before You Go
- ✓Confirm days and hours on the official website, as the museum can close on certain holidays.
- ✓A common mistake is assuming everything is free; the miniature train ride usually costs extra, so bring a little cash.
- ✓Check the weather, since the museum is almost entirely outdoors with limited shade.
Visiting with family
This is a top pick for train-obsessed toddlers and young kids, who can roam among real locomotives. Bring a few dollars for the miniature train ride and pack snacks or a picnic.
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Travel Town Museum FAQ
Is Travel Town really free?
Yes, general admission is free with donations welcome, though the miniature train ride typically costs a small separate fee.
Is it good for toddlers?
Very much so; young children love walking among the real locomotives, and the pace is relaxed.
Can you go inside the trains?
Some equipment can be boarded or viewed up close, but access varies by piece, so check current rules on site.
Nearby Neighborhoods
CentralLos Feliz
Los Feliz is a leafy, hilly neighborhood on the eastern edge of the Hollywood Hills, beloved for its mix of historic architecture, indie shops, and gateway access to Griffith Park. It blends bohemian creativity with old-Hollywood elegance.
San Fernando ValleyBurbank
Burbank is the beating heart of LA's entertainment industry, home to Warner Bros., Disney, and a cluster of studios, plus a charming, walkable downtown. With studio tours, leafy streets, and easy access to Universal nearby, it's a fan's dream.
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Travel Town Museum on the map
See Travel Town Museum and what's nearby in los-feliz.
Map pins are approximate and for visitor planning only — they may not mark the exact entrance or parking. Please check official directions before visiting.
Places shown on this map (7)
- Travel Town Museum — Museums
- Hollyhock House — Architecture
- Barnsdall Art Park — Parks
- Los Angeles Zoo — Parks
- Autry Museum of the American West — Museums
- Los Feliz — Neighborhood
- Burbank — Neighborhood