California Family Destination Guide

Griffith Park Southern Railroad miniature trains have been taking riders on a one mile trip since the park opened in 1947. Two trains run along the track an old fashion locomotive called the Colonel Griffith and a more modern train called Freedom Train. The fun ride takes you on a round trip ride over a fifty year old truss style bridge and through a tree line section of Griffith Park. Fares are only $2.50 each and the train journey lasts about 15 minutes. Next door to the train kids can ride ponies and horses on an oval track. Parking is free and there is plenty of shady areas for a picnic lunch. The Griffith Park railroad is located at Located at the Los Feliz entrance to the Park. Hours are 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Weekdays and until 5 p.m. On weekends and holidays.

The Descanso Gardens Enchanted Railroad runs on a loop through the gardens in La Cañada Flintridge, California. the train runs on 7 1/2″ track and passengers sit saddle style on the trains passenger cars. The vegetation grows very close to the right-of-way in places and the conductor gives warning passengers were not to rock back and forth while the train is moving. Passengers must keep hands close to their sides as the train comes very close to the shrubs and bushes in the gardens. Continue Reading »