travel town ca

Travel Town Museum

Review Highlights

“ It took about a hour to take pictures on all of trains, to ride the mini train , and to visit the gift shop. ” in 31 reviews

“ Right now, the buildings except the gift shop are closed and there is a cap on # of people in the shop. ” in 65 reviews

“ We went for a birthday party today, but will certainly return just to hang out on the grass and have a picnic . ” in 39 reviews

Location & Hours

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5200 Zoo Dr

Los Angeles, CA 90027

Griffith Park

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Amenities and More

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Does it have an exhibit of things like old train schedules and ticket books?

What are the current prices on the picnic area rentals? Not cable cars.

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Overall rating

413 reviews

What a lovely place to visit. Even if you don't love trains it's still worth checking out. My son isn't that big of a train fan but when we went here he had a blast. First things first is that the place is free to visit (donations are accepted). That's a rarity in LA!! Also free parking!! Another plus. Best of all it's just nice to walk around with my wife and take in the environment while my son tries to explore everything. There's also a nice train ride that goes around the park. $4 for adults and $3 for kids under 11. I say that's a pretty good deal. And it's a nice long ride as it goes around the track twice. My favorite was watching the traffic on 'the 134' haha. If you have never been here, I would highly recommend it. Just sit back and take in the scenery. Choo choo!

Like a scene right out of a movie, I've been frequenting this place since 1967 with my grandparents, Ortensia and Papa. It's like the perfect storm as we keep bringing my grandkids, now Noah, Aiden, Kaytie, and the other kids. It's just awesome at the moment. You don't have to plan in advance - just come on down anytime with your whole family. It's a beautiful experience. Thank you, Jesus.

This places is so lovely. I enjoy bringing my kids to this park, they love it here. Love the train rides

This is a great place to visit with young kids. It is small and contained for the most part. I love the free parking and free entry. It was not crowded and felt very peaceful even with tons of children. The place was well kept and clean. There are eating tables and a small indoor discovery area for kids to play. The train ride is a must do. It goes around twice, lasting about 10 minutes! The booth is closed for lunch, so I had to wait about 45 minutes to purchase a ticket.

See all photos from Helen H. for Travel Town Museum

Travel Town is an amazing family experience. Get first hand knowledge about transportation from the olden days. Great for education for kid. It's free and allows dogs on the grass (just not in the gift shop). Right off the freeway and a great stop to get away from things and learn about history. Fun for everyone but if you are a train lover, this place is for you!

Amazing time! Great for a few hours with kids. They even give you a little map of grounds Free to enter. They had a few birthday parties going on as well. I came here with my cousins ages 7 and 10. They have lot of walking areas. Massive trains you can walk up to and some you can even walk inside. They have a small train ride which is great for younger kids. A small snack concession stand and a gift shop with more snacks and great little souvenirs. I'm looking forward to coming back. Next time I'm going to bring some sandwiches and a picnic blanket because they have lots of grass area that you can sit on in and many trees for shade.

The best thing is that it's free! The train ride costs $3-4 but the entry to all the outdoor and indoor exhibition is totally free. There are spots where you can give donations too. Great place for family hangouts. It's very kid-friendly. Some trains were accessible. It took me around 30mins to walk around and probably 1hr if you wanna look carefully into the exhibition and history. Free parking. Very spacious parking lot. The restroom wasn't that clean. There were some bugs walking around in summer. But cleanliness in other part of the museum was good.

I took my kids to this museum when they had a day off from school. It is located in the Griffin Park area. It is a great place that is free to take your kids especially if they enjoy trains. It was filled with old trains that you could explore and some that you could go inside of. They had QR codes that could be scanned to give you information about each train. There is ample parking and tables to seat and have a meal in the nice scenery. They offer a mini train ride around the outside of the museum for a low fare. $4 for adults and $3 for kids to ride which is a nice plus. Overall the place was great I gave it four stars because it is something that you can't spend all day doing it's a quick experience and kids eventually become done and bored.

See all photos from Jessica M. for Travel Town Museum

A great place to have a party in one of the train cars. It's spacious, fairly clean and air conditioned. It's quite a distance to carry your party stuff from your car to the train car so bring a cart. Everything was great until something came up and soured my experience. It was ants. There were ants in the train cars. Ants got in my pizza boxes and RUINED the food in my party. I complained to the worker and asked if I can be given a discount since they control the environment. The guy said no since it's a park and it's considered and understood as "nature". My family and friends being there made the event a lot of fun and enjoyable so it wasn't a total disaster. My tip to anyone going there and bringing food, put the food on the tables in the center of the room where it'll be harder for ants to get to. Have someone look at your food every 5-10 minutes. If you see ants, move your food. Never leave your food against a wall. I wouldn't suggest bug spray since it's an enclosed location. If your food isn't ruined it'll be a perfect experience.

Good place to see how they manufacture or build their transportation carts and trains

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Travel Town Museum in Griffith Park Los Angeles

Travel Town Museum is a historic railroad museum in Griffith Park that was created in the 1950s and which preserves the history of California and its connection to the trains and railroads that helped build it. The museum features a big park, dozens of train cars, interior exhibits, and a train you can actually ride. It is fantastic for families or anyone who enjoys trains, and here is all the information if you want to check it out.  

• Free to enter
• $3.50 for a train ride
• Closed on Wednesdays and periodically for events. Check their site before going
• 10 AM – 5 PM on the days it is open
• Location: 5200 Zoo Dr, Los Angeles, CA 90027

Getting There

From the 5 Freeway North, you will get off on the Forest Lawn Drive exit and turn left to go under the freeway. You will then turn left again on Zoo Drive and see the parking lot entrance in front of you. The parking lot here is pretty big, but it can fill up on the weekends.

Here is a video I made from my recent visit.

Travel Town Museum

After parking, you can head into the museum and railyard to start exploring.

The first few trains you will see are the ones that you can actually rent out for birthday parties. I have to imagine this would be a ton of fun if your child were into trains.

You can also climb up into a few of them as well.

You will notice that there is a track that surrounds the whole area. This track is for the train that you can pay to ride if you would like.  

If you want to ride it, I would recommend going over there first and getting a ticket so you will know when you can go on it. When we went, we got the last ticket before the conductors were breaking for lunch.

The train is a lot of fun as it goes slowly around the park twice, and you can see all of the trains on display in a fun way.

After taking the train, you should explore the interior section, which has exhibits on trains and the history of the railroad in California.  

There are many train cars in there, and it is worth walking through.

After exploring the indoor area, head over to the large hanger; it shades the most extensive collection of train cars and engines.  

This area is pretty cool as it has a lot of trains in excellent condition, and you can walk up into a few of the engines. There is also a store if you want to buy any train-related merchandise and a large grass area to have a picnic on.

My family loved exploring the Travel Town Museum, and I highly recommend it if you are looking for a fun spot to explore in Los Angeles. Let me know what you think in the comments.

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Combined Shape .st0{fill-rule:evenodd;clip-rule:evenodd;fill:#fff} region-beach-cities-lax region-downtown region-hollywood region-valley region-westside .st0{fill-rule:evenodd;clip-rule:evenodd;fill:#fff} SMS Main navigation Things to Do Attractions & Tours Arts & Culture Outdoors & Wellness Shopping Budget Family Hidden Gems Luxury Pet-Friendly Eat & Drink Bars Clubs Dine LA Restaurant Week Restaurants Business Spotlight Find Events Itineraries Where to Stay Celebrate LA Heritage AAPI Heritage Black LA Latino Heritage LGBTQ+ Tourist Information Meetings About LA Tourism Travel Trade Membership Business Spotlight Media Research Careers Today's must read Hidden Gems of Los Angeles Log in Search Search Things to Do Arts & Culture Travel Town Museum Share Been There Login Register My Next Trip Login Register Get Directions Go Metro Website Arts & Culture Family Friendly Free Historic Follow Us: Dedicated to the preservation and celebration of railroading in the western United States, featuring displays of historic steam locomotives, passenger cars and trolleys. Its mission is to educate the public about railroad history as it pertains to the development of the Southwest Region of the United States, particularly the Los Angeles area. Contact Information 5200 Zoo Dr., Los Angeles 90027 323-662-5874 Hours Mon - Fri: 10 am - 4 pm Sat - Sun: 10 am - 6 pm

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Travel Town Museum

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Travel Town Museum and its collection

Travel Town Museum is a railway museum situated in the northwest corner of Los Angeles, California's Griffith Park. The museum was officially opened on December 14, 1952, and has since been a significant attraction for railway enthusiasts and tourists alike. It offers a unique insight into the history of railroad transportation in the western United States, particularly in Southern California and the Los Angeles area.

Focus of the Museum's Collection

The collection at Travel Town Museum primarily focuses on the history of railroad transportation in the western United States from 1880 to the 1930s. The museum places a particular emphasis on railroading in Southern California and the Los Angeles area. This focus allows visitors to gain a comprehensive understanding of the development and impact of railroads in this region during this period.

Exhibits and Activities at the Museum

The railroad museum portion of Travel Town Museum houses 43 full-scale railroad engines, cars, and other rolling stock. For those interested in a more interactive experience, tickets can be purchased to ride the Travel Town Railroad. This 16 in (406 mm) gauge miniature railway takes passengers for two circles around the museum grounds, providing a unique perspective of the museum's collection.

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Science & Technology   Science & Technology History & Anthropology   History & Anthropology

#50 History & Anthropology in California #29 Science & Technology in California #37 Free museums in California #4 Science & Technology in Los Angeles #15 History & Anthropology in Los Angeles #14 Free museums in Los Angeles #147 Science & Technology in United States

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Closed Thanksgiving and Christmas

The Museum is free every day to all of our visitors, but donations are cheerfully encouraged and gratefully accepted

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Location & Map

Zoo Drive 5200, Los Angeles

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Los Angeles Zoo

Forest lawn memorial-park, griffith observatory, autry museum of the american west, los angeles live steamers railroad museum, museum of death.

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• Open 7 Days a week

family fun since 1948

The griffith park train rides, hours & prices, hours & prices for regular rides here, miniature antiques running on modern fuel, 2024 special events, celebrate with us, party & picnic area reservations, outdoor enclosures in griffith park, keep scrolling for location information, welcome to griffith park, where to find us.

We have proudly called Griffith Park home since 1948. You can find our trains here:

Griffith Park & Southern Railroad

4400 Crystal Springs Dr, Los Angeles, CA 90027

Travel Town 

5200 Zoo Dr, Los Angeles, CA 90027

image from https://www.tripsavvy.com/griffith-park-los-angeles-4123401

Griffith Park & Southern Railroad

The train at Griffith Park & Southern Railroad travels over one mile of track, across a bridge, through a forest and the Old Western Town. You can also try our T-6 simulator ride, a fun adventure for all ages!

4400 Crystal Springs Drive, Los Angeles

• 3 locomotives
• 1 mile track
• 164k rides per yr
• 73 years running

Travel Town Railroad

The train at Travel Town Museum travels around the perimeter of the museum two times. 

After riding our miniature train, explore dozens of old-time railroad locomotives and cars.

5200 Zoo Drive, Los Angeles

• 2 locomotives
• 1/2-mile track
• 270k rides per year
• 45 years running

Our history

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10 of the Best Small Towns in California

Move over San Francisco and Los Angeles — California is also home to charming small communities.

California is one state that really does have it all — beaches, vineyards, deserts, delicious food...we could go on and on and we haven't even mentioned the Golden State's warm and sunny weather. But you don't have to go big to have a good time. In fact, we think California's small towns make for some of the most memorable vacations. With that in mind, we've rounded up 10 of the best small towns in California with under 15,000 residents, so you can plan your next getaway.

Ojai has long been an oasis for artists and free spirits. Located about 80 miles northwest of Los Angeles, the small town is tucked in a valley among the scenic Topatopa Mountains. The tranquil setting is prime for a mix of outdoor and wellness activities, from hiking to horseback riding to spa treatments at the renowned Ojai Valley Inn . The town's center, Ojai Village, is home to Spanish Colonial Revival architecture and a charming assortment of New Age shops, art galleries, and the world's largest outdoor bookstore, Bart's Books . Pro tip: don't miss the sunset alpenglow, known as the "pink moment," or you'll have nothing to discuss over California chardonnay with the locals at dinner.

Say goodbye to rush hour on the 101 and hello to touring the small town of Avalon, located on Catalina Island. There's a long waitlist to have a car on the island, making it easy to explore the three-square-mile town on foot — or via golf cart. Favorite activities include snorkeling off the coast, relaxing on white-sand beaches, sport-fishing, and hiking the 38.5-mile Trans-Catalina Trail — the views are worth the steps. For even more epic vistas, take a helicopter ride between Long Beach and Catalina for about $180 per person.

Don Eim/Travel + Leisure

Drive or bike to the northern side of the Golden Gate Bridge, and you'll find yourself in one of the best small towns in California: Sausalito. The gorgeous bayfront location and picturesque architecture are all part of the enchanting package here. A stroll around Bridgeway, the town's main drag, offers breathtaking views of the bay and San Francisco, as well as access to quaint shops and restaurants. The Bay Area Discovery Museum , situated right at the foot of the Golden Gate Bridge, offers educational exhibits for kids. Don't leave Sausalito without admiring Galilee Harbor and Waldo Point Harbor 's colorful houseboats. Just be prepared for a dose of water-based real estate envy.

Solvang...California or Denmark? This postcard-perfect small town in the Santa Ynez Valley is entirely Danish in style and architecture. Danish flags hang from street lamps in the town's center, which replicates a Scandinavian village. You can shop for wooden clogs, eat Danish-style food like ebleskiver (think doughnut holes), and take selfies in front of the iconic windmill. And since Solvang is a gateway to Santa Barbara's wine country, it also has several quality tasting rooms.

Carmel-by-the-Sea

If you're headed to Big Sur, stop in one of California's best small towns, Carmel-by-the-Sea . The name alone hints at the romantic quality of the picturesque downtown area, which has enchanting gardens and storybook cottages. The village used to be a boho artist colony, and it's still home to over 100 art galleries. But these days, it's a lot more upscale — wine tasting, high-end boutique shopping, and chilled oyster dinners on Ocean Avenue are often on the itinerary. Cap it all off by watching the sunset on the white sand of Carmel Beach.

St. Helena is often referred to as Napa Valley's Main Street — and that's a good thing. Located about 20 miles north of the city of Napa, the town is big on charm and small on scale. St. Helena's downtown features a half-mile of boutiques, California cuisine restaurants, and, of course, wine-tasting rooms (Napa is known for cabernet sauvignon, so start there). Many businesses are housed inside historic stone and brick buildings. In fact, a three-block portion of downtown is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Another St. Helena draw? Fast access to Napa Valley's wineries and state parks.

Even with a Four Seasons resort , Calistoga is still the chillest small town in Napa Valley. It's where you go to relax, sip, and repeat. The area is best known for its natural hot springs and mud baths. Don't miss out on Old Faithful , one of three geysers in the world with the "Old Faithful'' designation. (The other two, located in Yellowstone National Park and New Zealand, are a bit more dramatic.)

Want to experience California's wine country on a budget? Located about 45 miles north of San Francisco, Sonoma County is less expensive and larger than Napa County, with more wineries and appellations. However, the quaint town of Sonoma stands on its own for colonial architecture, fascinating statehood history, and a picturesque downtown. For hikers, the Sonoma Overlook Trail offers breathtaking views — you might think you walked all the way to Italy.

Pismo Beach

This charming Central Coast town has one of the best beaches in California and a pier that stretches 1,200 feet into the Pacific Ocean. There are dozens of surf stores and beach cafes to visit, but the real action is on the sand and in the surf. Oceano Dunes Natural Preserve allows horseback riding on the beach and ATV tours through the dunes. Get in the water with a kayak tour that explores sea caves at Dinosaur Caves Park. And if you must have that quintessential California surf experience, book a lesson at Esteem Surf Co. Their motto — "Not L.A. Not the Bay!" — says it all.

Tahoe City is proof of California's diverse landscapes and small-town offerings. It's all about lake life in the summer, and downhill skiing in nearby Palisades Tahoe come winter. The tranquil epicenter of Tahoe City is Lake Boulevard, where towering pine trees, beautiful Lake Tahoe views, and a smattering of local shops and restaurants await. When you're not cruising on Lake Tahoe, visit Commons Beach, rent a bike, and head down the Truckee River Bike Trail. No boat? Dive into the lake from the pier found at the Tahoe State Recreation Area, a popular spot for camping. Tahoe City is a two-hour drive from big city Sacramento, but it may as well be a world away.

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Welcome to the City of Solvang,

The danish capital of america.

Stroll down Copenhagen Drive tasting Aebleskiver and other Danish pastries, or sampling wine in the shade of windmills. Solvang is a sun-soaked slice of Danish culture in the Santa Ynez Valley, where California wine cellars mix with European bakeries and shops. It’s where you can drink, dine and shop like a Dane without ever leaving the California sunshine. Explore our wineries , boutique shops , or explore Solvang via four-wheeled surrey cycles at Wheel Fun Rentals, or a historic wooden streetcar pulled by a pair of magnificent draft horses on the Solvang Trolley.   For a full  tour of the town, travel via EVXP , My Electric Vehicle Experience.  The newest , most eco-friendly way to tour Solvang.

Where to Stay in Solvang

The village of Solvang offers an array of places to stay. Choose from a luxury guest ranch resort, full-service hotel, or bed & breakfast. Many properties are within easy walking distance to downtown shops, dining, and attractions. A number of Solvang hotels offer travel packages and are pet-friendly.

A Family-Friendly Guide to Solvang

Solvang’s many adult-oriented attractions are apparent, due to its place in Central California wine country but our pedestrian-friendly village is brimming with delights for the littles. Make the most of your multi-generational vacation with these family-friendly distractions, lodging properties, and dining spots.

Solvang is Dog-Friendly

Tail-wagging adventures await in Solvang, CA! From sniffing historic streets to chilling with locals at dog-friendly cafes, your pup will feel pawsitively pampered. Remember to leash up for fun and ensure a woof-tastic time for everyone!

Upcoming Events

jul PCPA "The Play that Goes Wrong" July 12 - July 28, 2024

Event Details

Solvang Theaterfest 420 2nd Street July 12- July 28, 2024 Welcome to opening night of the Comley University Drama Society‘s newest production, The Murder at Haversham Manor, where things are quickly going from

Month Long Event (July) (GMT-07:00)

Solvang Theaterfest

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jul The Haunt Ghost Tour Recurring Saturday-Sunday 8PM

The Haunt Ghost Tour Brave Solvang’s dark and ghostly past on a real ghost hunt. Armed with ghost gear, you’ll learn eerie true stories about our village, explore the quiet streets, and

The Haunt Ghost Tour

Brave Solvang’s dark and ghostly past on a real ghost hunt. Armed with ghost gear, you’ll learn eerie true stories about our village, explore the quiet streets, and perhaps make contact with spirits.

Visit Website

Month Long Event

Nightly at 8PM

jul Friday Night Flights - Clean Slate Wine Bar Recurring Fridays 4pm-9pm

Introducing Friday Night Flights! Take off into the weekend with delicious bites and wine tasting flights every Friday at our cozy wine bar. Your journey to relaxation starts here. Friday Night

Introducing Friday Night Flights! Take off into the weekend with delicious bites and wine tasting flights every Friday at our cozy wine bar. Your journey to relaxation starts here.

Friday Night Flights –

Clean Slate Wine Bar

448 Atterdag Rd Solvang, CA

Fridays 4pm-9pm

Future Event Times in this Repeating Event Series

jul California's Changing Landscape: The Way of Water | George Rose Recurring weekly Thursday - Monday (Nov. 18, 2023 - July 8, 2024)

California Nature Art Museum 1511-B Mission Drive – Solvang November 18, 2023 – July 8, 2024 Second Floor Valley Oak Gallery The Wildling Museum of Art and Nature is pleased

California Nature Art Museum 1511-B Mission Drive – Solvang

November 18, 2023 – July 8, 2024

Second Floor Valley Oak Gallery

The Wildling Museum of Art and Nature is pleased to announce  California’s Changing Landscape: The Way of Water , an upcoming solo exhibition by photographer George Rose, coming November 2023 to the Wildling Museum’s Valley Oak Gallery.

Featuring more than 20 large-format documentary inkjet photographs of the Golden State, the exhibition showcases Rose’s recent expansive documentation of California’s dramatic water story. His vast exploration of the state and its fraught relationship with water will culminate with the release of his forthcoming book of the same title, coming Spring 2024.

California Nature Art Museum

1511-B Mission Dr

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jul Downtown Scavenger Hunt Recurring daily

Downtown Scavenger Hunt Event Presented by: Urban Adventure Quest 805-603-5620 10 AM – 8 PM Visit Website

Downtown Scavenger Hunt Event

Presented by: Urban Adventure Quest

805-603-5620

10 AM – 8 PM

Downtown Solvang

First Street and Copenhagen Drive Solvang, CA 93463

jul Under the Same Sun: From Low-riders to Farmworkers @ Elverhøj Museum of History and Art Recurring Thursday - Monday

Debuting April 20th at Elverhøj Museum of History and Art is Under the Same Sun: From Low-riders to Farmworkers. The exhibition features works by five visual artists based in Central

Debuting April 20 th at Elverhøj Museum of History and Art is Under the Same Sun: From Low-riders to Farmworkers. The exhibition features works by five visual artists based in Central and Southern California with their own unique approach as seen in the diversity of the work on display and the variety of styles.

The works on display are vignettes that relate to this contemporary moment in California, acknowledging the daily occurrences of shared region. The exhibition celebrates the diverse stratum of communal being and that we are all a part of this everyday experience

The public is invited to meet and celebrate with the artists at the opening reception on April 20 th   from 4:00 to 6:00 p.m. Refreshments will be served; there is no charge for admission. Featured artists are Priscilla S. Flores, Narsiso Martinez, Oscar Pearson, Luis Ramirez, and Jacqueline Valenzuela.

Viewers can learn more about the artists’ tools, techniques, and motivation when they gather for an artist demonstration and dialogue on Saturday, June 29 th , from 4:00 to 6:00 p.m. There is no charge for admission.

Elverhøj Museum of History and Art, located at 1624 Elverhoy Way in Solvang, is open Thursday through Sunday, 11:00 – 5:00. There is no charge for admission. A suggested donation of $5 is gratefully accepted.

Under the Same Sun remains on display through July 7, 2024. For more information, call the Museum at (805) 686-1211 or visit www.elverhoj.org .

Elverhoj Museum of History & Art

1624 Elverhoy Way Solvang, CA 93463

jul Farmers Market Recurring weekly on Wednesdays

The Farmers Market works diligently to bring the freshest and most nutritious produce our rich, local agricultural land has to offer directly to the public. The markets serve to strengthen

The Farmers Market works diligently to bring the freshest and most nutritious produce our rich, local agricultural land has to offer directly to the public. The markets serve to strengthen local community ties and magnify our great outdoors with weekly events while enhancing our locals activities.

Farmers Market

First Street, Downtown Solvang

aug Farmers Market Recurring weekly on Wednesdays

Month Long Event (August) (GMT-07:00)

aug California's Changing Landscape: The Way of Water | George Rose Recurring weekly Thursday - Monday (Nov. 18, 2023 - July 8, 2024)

aug Downtown Scavenger Hunt Recurring daily

aug PCPA "Cabaret" August 2 - August 25, 2024

Solvang Theaterfest 420 2nd Street August 2- August 25, 2024 In Berlin as the 1920’s draw to a close, and as Germany slowly yields to the emerging Third Reich, you can forget your

aug PCPA "The Agitators" August 29 - September 8, 2024

Solvang Theaterfest 420 2nd Street August 29- September 8, 2024 Young abolitionists, Frederick Douglass, and Susan B. Anthony, in are full of dreams and seemingly common purpose when they meet Rochester New York

aug The Haunt Ghost Tour Recurring Saturday-Sunday 8PM

aug Friday Night Flights - Clean Slate Wine Bar Recurring Fridays 4pm-9pm

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Beat The Summer Heat: 7 Cool Mountain Towns In California

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• California's mountain towns offer a cooler escape from the heat, with Julian, Quincy, Idyllwild, Truckee, South Lake Tahoe, June Lake, and Mammoth Lakes being top picks.
• These towns boast picturesque views, historic downtown areas, and a range of outdoor activities like hiking, camping, and water sports.
• Attractions and amenities vary from town to town, with highlights including the Julian Pie Company, Plumas National Forest, Mount San Jacinto State Park, and the Sierra Nevada Mountains.

Besides being known for miles of breathtaking beaches and bustling cities, California also boasts iconic mountain ranges that contribute to its unique topography. These mountain ranges, including the famed Sierra Nevada, which runs across the state’s eastern edge, host some of the most beautiful small towns in California , perfect for a relaxing or adventurous getaway.

Aside from their picturesque views, these mountain towns nestled amid rugged peaks provide a cooling escape from the scorching summer heat witnessed in some places across the state. These towns mostly have a refreshing climate due to their higher elevation, plus their natural areas with abundant trees help reduce peak summer temperatures through processes like evapotranspiration.

Here are several cool mountain towns in California to beat the summer heat, each featuring comfortable temperatures throughout the season to make outdoor activities enjoyable.

7 Most Inviting Towns In The Sierra Nevada

From Kernville to Mammoth Lake, these friendly towns in the Sierra Nevada Mountains offer many recreational and cultural opportunities.

Average summer temperature: Between 46 and 85°F

Julian is a less crowded mountain gem in California , nestled in the Volcan and Cuyamaca Mountains. This mountain town is approximately less than a two-hour drive from San Diego and is a tranquil spot to revel in the countryside vibe and explore unique attractions without having to keep up with the extreme summer heat.

The town's quaint main street is lined with local shops and dining spots, such as the Julian Pie Company, known for its delectable pies and apple cider doughnuts.

However, for a fun outdoor adventure, travelers can explore the 2,900-acre Volcan Mountain Preserve , offering seasonal ranger-led hikes. The preserve also features scenic trails, including the moderate Volcan Mountain Trail , taking hikers to a summit boasting expansive views stretching from the desert to the coast.

Average summer temperature: Between 55 and 84°F

Formerly known as Quinsy, Quincy is a small town nestled in the vast American Valley and surrounded by towering peaks. Although it's one of the most scenic yet underappreciated towns in California , Quincy truly is visually stunning and has a rich history since the area was home to the Mountain Maidu tribe before the pioneers settled in the 1850s.

Today, the town is a perfect destination to enjoy a cool summer and escape from the concrete jungle. The town has a historic downtown with boutique shops, local eateries and bars, and art galleries such as Bear Creek Frames , showcasing original oil paintings and landscape photography masterpieces.

After exploring the downtown area, travelers can head to the Plumas National Forest , known for its rugged natural scenery, providing the perfect backdrop for hiking adventures.

7 Beautiful California Beach Towns That Come Alive In Summer

Discover vibrant beach towns along California's stunning coast, buzzing with summer energy, sun-soaked beaches, and endless outdoor adventures.

5 Idyllwild

Average summer temperature: between 46 and 83°f.

Idyllwild enchants vacationers with its small-town charm and breathtaking mountain scenery. Nestled in the San Jacinto Mountains in Riverside County, this scenic mountain town is worth visiting for its cooler summer temperatures and outdoor adventures.

Nature lovers have a lot to explore, starting with the town’s highlight, the 14,000-acre Mount San Jacinto State Park and Wilderness . The state park is a delight for outdoor adventurers with its over 50 miles of interconnected trails traversing through pine-scented forests to scenic viewpoints.

Along the way, adventurers can spot some of the resident birds, including mountain chickadees and white-headed woodpeckers. But for a memorable outdoor experience, outdoor lovers can camp at the Idyllwild Campground with amenities like flash toilets and coin-operated showers.

Average summer temperature: Between 36 and 82°F

Truckee is one of the most beautiful mountain towns near the Sierra Nevada mountains . Aside from having a rich logging history, Truckee has pleasant summer temperatures that allow adventurers to explore attractions such as Donner Memorial State Park , known for its alpine scenery and outdoor activities.

Travelers can admire the park's beauty along the hiking trails like the highly-rated China Cove Trail Loop . The hike is suitable for the whole family, where they stroll around a lake while soaking in the gorgeous scenery.

For those craving an immersive experience in the outdoors, the park features over 150 camping sites with restrooms and picnic areas welcoming up to eight people per campsite.

8 Most Hike-Friendly Towns In California

Which are the most hike-friendly towns in California? These eight underrated towns are close to some of the best hikes in California!

3 South Lake Tahoe

Average summer temperature: between 38 and 80°f.

This year-round destination is not only one of the best mountain towns in California to see snow , but it's also a perfect spot to escape to beat the summer heat. Set along the stunning Lake Tahoe within the Sierra Nevada Mountains, South Lake Tahoe offers access to scenic summer spots like the Van Sickle Bi-State Park .

The 725-acre park features beautiful trails meandering through pleasant and serene aspen groves, including a connector to the famed Tahoe Rim Trail. While hikers explore the great outdoors, beach lovers enjoy the balmy weather while lounging at the privately managed Lakeside Beach .

Beachgoers can enjoy swimming in the refreshing waters as lifeguards keep watch while water sports enthusiasts jet ski or kayak when the onsite marina is open.

2 June Lake

Average summer temperature: between 62 and 78.7 °f.

June Lake is a beautiful town in Mono County, charming travelers with its alpine beauty, small-town atmosphere, and endless outdoor recreational opportunities. While most travelers come here during winter to explore the family-friendly June Mountain Ski Area , the town makes a perfect destination to beat the summer heat.

Vacationers benefit from the town’s proximity to four stunning lakes, including the 1,100-acre Grant Lake , offering excellent fishing opportunities (there's also June Lake as well). The lake is also one of the best spots to indulge in thrilling watersports such as wakeboarding and jet skiing.

Alternatively, visitors can lay back, relax, and picnic with the family along the beach while admiring the picturesque views of the High Sierra and Mount Wood.

7 Coolest Towns In The Sierra Nevadas For A Summer Vacation In 2024

This summer, pack your bags and head down to the Sierra Nevadas to experience heart-pounding thrills that you won’t get anywhere else!

1 Mammoth Lakes

Average summer temperature: between 36 and 76°f.

Mammoth Lakes is one of California's best mountain towns to escape to and beat the summer heat. Nestled in California’s majestic Sierra Nevada Mountains, this town is an outdoor adventurer’s playground as it offers easy access to beautiful trails within the vast Inyo National Forest.

For a hiking adventure with panoramic views, travelers can explore the Crystal Lake Trail , stretching 3.2 miles. The trail rewards hikers with sweeping vistas of the Mammoth Lakes Basin and offers rock climbing opportunities at the famed Crystal Crag. Besides rock climbing, this spot is also popular with adventurers who want to sleep under the stars.

More views await travelers at the spectacular Minaret Vista Viewpoint , accessed via a moderate 2.3-mile trail. The town's perfect combination of outdoor areas, modern facilities, and reasonable cost of living make it one of the best mountain towns to retire in California .

Why this adorable historic Arizona town is a top summer getaway: Local hidden gems

From overlooked roadside attractions to offbeat museums and obscure natural wonders, Local Hidden Gems will showcase some of the unique and unexpected treasures that make America extraordinary. We will emphasize charm, surprise and delight.

Local hidden gem:  Bisbee, Arizona

To travel into the past, you only have to drive a little more than 200 miles southeast of Phoenix, Arizona, to a former mining town in the Mule Mountains.

Bisbee was once the largest city in Arizona, bolstered by a thriving mining economy that produced 8 billion pounds of copper over a century. Mining ended in the 1970s; today, people can go underground in the mine that propelled the city to prosperity.

The Copper Queen Mine , which opened in 1877 and operated for nearly a century, was where miners descended into constant 47-degree temperatures to find precious metals beneath the Earth’s surface. Miners found a strain of turquoise exclusive to the area , which became known as “Bisbee Blue.”

Learn more: Best travel insurance

Today, visitors can don hard hats and headlamps and ride a small train down into the Copper Queen Mine. Guides who worked in the mine share their experiences.

Local hidden gems: A spotlight on the American treasures in our backyards

Old Bisbee’s historic downtown delights travelers with its quaint small-town ambiance, abundant in eclectic shops and art galleries housed in colorful storefronts. Don't miss the Bisbee Mining & Historical Museum , a Smithsonian affiliate, filled with exhibits from when Bisbee was one of the biggest towns between St. Louis and San Francisco.

There's a handful of culinary institutions, including Patisserie Jacqui, revered for its scratch-made croissants, and fine dining emporium Café Roka ( it’s up for sale ). The smallest bar in Arizona , the Room 4 Bar, is in Bisbee.

The city’s famously steep steps inspired an annual tradition, the Bisbee 1000 Stair Climb, a race held every October that traverses 4.6 miles of the numerous staircases built into the town's hills .

People don't wait for Halloween to go ghost hunting in Bisbee. The Old Bisbee Ghost Tour is open year-round. The Copper Queen Hotel is said to be haunted .

Bisbee's charm and nostalgic appeal have made it a must-visit destination in the U.S., recently overcoming a fire that destroyed two historic buildings in February . The steps, mining history and historic downtown drew attention from Atlas Obscura, which named Bisbee alongside Mongolia; La Paz, Bolivia; Greenland; and Vanuatu as one of the five best places to visit for 2024 .

More info: discoverbisbee.com .

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Planning on traveling for the Fourth of July holiday? Here’s how to avoid the rush

FILE - Motorists head southbound in the local and express lanes on Interstates 90-94 in slow and thickening traffic as a CTA train enters a station on the first day of the Fourth of July holiday weekend, July 1, 2022, in Chicago. Millions of Americans are preparing to get out of town sometime in the coming Fourth of July holiday week, which will likely mean busy roads as well as packed airports and train stations. (AP Photo/Charles Rex Arbogast, File)

FILE - Travelers walk with their luggage through Union Station in Washington ahead of the Fourth of July holiday, July 1, 2023. Millions of Americans are preparing to get out of town sometime in the coming Fourth of July holiday week, which will likely mean busy roads as well as packed airports and train stations. (AP Photo/Stephanie Scarbrough, File)

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NEW YORK (AP) — The Fourth of July is right around the corner, and the travel rush is already heating up.

Millions of Americans are preparing to get out of town sometime in the coming holiday week. That will likely mean busy roads, as well as packed airports and train stations.

Motor club AAA projects that some 70.9 million travelers will head 50 miles (80 kilometers) or more from their homes over a nine-day Independence Day travel period — surpassing pre-pandemic numbers for the U.S. holiday. And the Transportation Security Administration expects to screen over 32 million individuals in airports from this Thursday through July 8, up 5.4% from last year’s numbers.

Are you traveling for the Fourth? Here’s a rundown of what you need to know.

When is the best time to hit the road for July Fourth?

Smooth sailing for travel around any holiday is never a given. But avoiding the most hectic times, when others are rushing out of town, is a good way to start.

If you’re traveling by car for the Fourth of July, it’s best to hit the road in the morning, according to transportation data and insights provider INRIX. Peak traffic congestion varies by location, INRIX data published by AAA shows, but the worst times to drive on, or leading up to, the holiday are generally between 2 p.m. and 7 p.m. Either way, be prepared for the roads to be jammed.

“Road trips over the holiday week could take up to 67% longer than normal,” Bob Pishue, transportation analyst at INRIX, said in a prepared statement.

July Fourth falls on a Thursday this year, and many travelers will likely take Friday July 5th off to extend their trip into a four-day weekend. Drivers in large metro areas can expect the biggest delays on Wednesday July 3 and Sunday July 7 — as travelers leave and return to town, Pishue added.

And if you’re renting a car ahead of July Fourth, the busiest pickup days will be Friday, Saturday and Wednesday before the holiday, AAA notes.

When will airports be busiest?

Airports will also likely be packed all week long — but the TSA expects most people will take to the skies on Friday.

It anticipates that it will screen more than 3 million individuals Friday. That would surpass the agency’s current record for most people screened on a single day, which reached just under 3 million last Sunday.

“We expect this summer to be our busiest ever,” TSA Administrator David Pekoske said, adding that travel typical peaks around Independence Day.

Last year, the busiest day for Fourth of July air travel was also the Friday ahead of the holiday, TSA data shows. If past trends hold, travel will likely be higher on the days before and after the Fourth — particularly closer to the weekend. In 2023, for example, more than 2 million people were screened on the Fourth, which landed on a Tuesday last year, down from 2.88 million the Friday before.

What should I do if my flight is delayed or canceled?

Flights can be delayed or canceled for an array of reasons — from plane-specific mechanical problems to major storms impacting popular travel paths.

If your flight is canceled, airlines are required to provide refunds for customers, even if the cancellation is due to weather . Delays are trickier, because they typically have to meet certain criteria for relief, such as refunds or compensation — but carriers will often give customers to chance to switch to alternative flights, if available, at no cost.

In April, the Biden administration issued final rules that include requiring airlines to provide automatic cash refunds within a few days for canceled flights and “significant” delays. Those rules are set to take effect over the next two years, but the Department of Transportation has a site that lets consumers see the commitments each airline has made for refunds and covering other expenses when flights are canceled or significantly delayed.

Always check your itinerary before leaving home

It’s better to be stuck at home than locked in hourslong traffic or stranded in an airport terminal. Before heading out the door this holiday week, do yourself a favor and check the status of your travel plans.

Was your flight, train or bus ride delayed? Are there are traffic incidents set to disrupt your drive? And what about the weather? A quick look through your itinerary — such as trip updates on a carrier’s website — checking weather forecasts and monitoring traffic safety through services like the 511 hotline or your phone’s navigation apps can go a long way toward avoiding travel misery.

Here are a few more tips to keep in mind:

— Leave early: There are more people everywhere during a holiday week, so lines will be longer and roads will be busier. Give yourself more time to get to your destination or to make your way through airport security.

— Keep an eye on the weather — and not just for your destination: Look at the weather for your entire travel path. Even if it’s sunny skies both at home and the place you’re headed, it’s important to keep an eye out for any storms in between. You may need to do some rerouting.

— Be kind: A trip delay or cancellation can be really frustrating — but if you’re running into disruptions, chances are others are too. Customer service agents have a lot on their plate at this time of year, and it’s important to be patient and respectful as they try to help you.

Travel Town Museum Foundation

Travel Town History

The text below is from a City press release that was sent out shortly after Travel Town’s founding in 1952. Seven decades after Bill Frederickson’s wonderful idea, Travel Town is still open daily at 10:00 AM, free of charge!  The Japanese “Zero” fighter plane has gone off to an air museum, but kids are still climbing in the cab of the majestic Southern Pacific 3025! The Museum continues to thrive as a popular family destination and is still “ visited each week by hundreds of youngsters and adults who are interested in the development of transportation.”

CITY OF LOS ANGELES PRESS RELEASE – 1952

Travel Town, the Los Angeles City Recreation and Park Department’s unique display of vehicles representing many modes and eras of conveyances, is visited each week by hundreds of youngsters and adults who are interested in the development of transportation. Located on a 9-acre site at 5200 Hollingsworth Drive in Griffith Park, Travel Town is open to the public daily from 10a.m. to 5 p.m. There is no admission charge. Displaying everything from a 104-ton locomotive to a one-horse shay, Travel Town offers its visitors what for most of them is the only opportunity they ever have to see and examine at close hand many different types of vehicles.

 Credit for the idea which evolved into Travel Town goes to William Frederickson Jr., the city’s superintendent of recreation. It was Frederickson who, way back in 1947, was struck with the realization that thousands of youngsters had never been close enough to climb into an airplane and get a look at the pilot’s cockpit and its myriad of controls and gauges. This was at a time when the federal government was disposing of large amounts of surplus war material, so Frederickson resolved to see if it would be possible to obtain a surplus plane to be exhibited at one of Los Angeles’ municipal playgrounds. George Hjelte, general manager of the City Recreation and Park Department, and the Board of Recreation and Park Commissioners thought the idea was a good one and allocated the sum of $700 for the purchase of seven planes which were stored in the Middle West. But by the time the necessary purchase orders had been properly channeled, the aircraft were unavailable. Although officially the project was dormant for several years, Frederickson continually mulled the idea of establishing an exhibit where youngsters could actually climb aboard various vehicles.

Just a few months ago, in late September of 1952, Frederickson was able to start the project—his dream—toward reality. Enlisting the aid of Orin Wennersten, the Recreation and Park Department’s supervisor of maintenance, he set about the work of obtaining Travel Town’s first Exhibit. Wennersten assigned a member of his staff, Charles Atkins, the task of writing a letter to D.J. Russell, president of the Southern Pacific Company, in which the suggestion was made that the railroad company might be willing to donate an obsolete locomotive to the display. Russell heartily approved the donation and directed his staff to have Engine “3025” prepared for its emergence from “retirement” and its appearance as an honored exhibit at Travel Town.

The giant locomotive and its 25 1/2 ton tender, which in their heyday pulled several “presidential specials” during campaign sweeps across the nation, now stands on a strip of track at Travel Town, and visitors may enter the engine’s cab, examine the controls, and tug the cord which clangs its big brass bell.

News about Travel town spread like wildfire, and almost immediately the display was receiving new vehicles and other exhibits in rapid, one after the other sequence. By the first of December, Travel Town had on exhibit a 44-passenger street car given by the Los Angeles Transit Lines; an historic 76-year old dray, presented by Paul J. Smith, president of the republic Van and Storage Company, a 50-year-old kerosene tank wagon, donated by Standard Oil Company of California; a colorful old circus wagon, given by the Beverly Amusement Company; Caboose No 2117, a veteran “home on wheels” for nomadic trainmen, given by the Union Pacific Railroad Company; and a one-horse shay, the gift of Knott’s Berry Farm.

To add still more charm to the transportation array, the Pacific Electric Company donated its old Sierra Vista “waiting station,” which had sheltered “big red car” commuters over a period of several decades. With that impressive slate of exhibits cleaned and polished for the occasion, Travel Town was officially dedicated on Sunday, December 14. (1952)

Since then, several new vehicles have been added to the display, including an obsolescent Japanese “zero” fighter plane which was captured on a South Pacific island during World War II; and an ancient petroleum field fire truck, which was donated by the Shell Oil Company. And still more exhibits are being planned and will take their places of honor at Travel town in the near future, according to Frederickson, whose “pet project” has blossomed into a popular attraction for Southlanders and tourists of all ages. The unique facility is particularly a “Mecca” for transportation hobbyists.

Planning on traveling for the Fourth of July holiday? Here’s how to avoid the rush

NEW YORK (AP) — The Fourth of July is right around the corner, and the travel rush is already heating up.

Millions of Americans are preparing to get out of town sometime in the coming holiday week. That will likely mean busy roads, as well as packed airports and train stations.

Motor club AAA projects that some 70.9 million travelers will head 50 miles (80 kilometers) or more from their homes over a nine-day Independence Day travel period — surpassing pre-pandemic numbers for the U.S. holiday. And the Transportation Security Administration  expects to screen  over 32 million individuals in airports from this Thursday through July 8, up 5.4% from last year’s numbers.

Are you traveling for the Fourth? Here’s a rundown of what you need to know.

When is the best time to hit the road for July Fourth?

Smooth sailing for travel around any holiday is never a given. But avoiding the most hectic times, when others are rushing out of town, is a good way to start.

If you’re traveling by car for the Fourth of July, it’s best to hit the road in the morning, according to transportation data and insights provider INRIX. Peak traffic congestion varies by location, INRIX data published by AAA shows, but the worst times to drive on, or leading up to, the holiday are generally between 2 p.m. and 7 p.m. Either way, be prepared for the roads to be jammed.

“Road trips over the holiday week could take up to 67% longer than normal,” Bob Pishue, transportation analyst at INRIX, said in a prepared statement.

July Fourth falls on a Thursday this year, and many travelers will likely take Friday July 5th off to extend their trip into a four-day weekend. Drivers in large metro areas can expect the biggest delays on Wednesday July 3 and Sunday July 7 — as travelers leave and return to town, Pishue added.

And if you’re renting a car ahead of July Fourth, the busiest pickup days will be Friday, Saturday and Wednesday before the holiday, AAA notes.

When will airports be busiest?

Airports will also likely be packed all week long — but the TSA expects most people will take to the skies on Friday.

It anticipates that it will screen more than 3 million individuals Friday. That would surpass the agency’s current record for most people screened on a single day,  which reached just under 3 million  last Sunday.

“We expect this summer to be our busiest ever,” TSA Administrator David Pekoske said, adding that travel typical peaks around Independence Day.

Last year, the busiest day for Fourth of July air travel was also the Friday ahead of the holiday, TSA data shows. If past trends hold, travel will likely be higher on the days before and after the Fourth — particularly closer to the weekend. In 2023, for example, more than 2 million people were screened on the Fourth, which landed on a Tuesday last year, down from 2.88 million the Friday before.

What should I do if my flight is delayed or canceled?

Flights can be delayed or canceled for an array of reasons — from plane-specific mechanical problems to major storms impacting popular travel paths.

If your flight is canceled, airlines are required to provide refunds for customers,  even if the cancellation is due to weather . Delays are trickier, because they typically have to meet certain criteria for relief, such as refunds or compensation — but carriers will often give customers to chance to switch to alternative flights, if available, at no cost.

In April, the Biden administration  issued final rules  that include requiring airlines to provide automatic cash refunds within a few days for canceled flights and “significant” delays. Those rules are set to take effect over the next two years, but the Department of Transportation has a site that lets consumers see the  commitments each airline has made  for refunds and covering other expenses when flights are canceled or significantly delayed.

Always check your itinerary before leaving home

It’s better to be stuck at home than locked in hourslong traffic or stranded in an airport terminal. Before heading out the door this holiday week, do yourself a favor and check the status of your travel plans.

Was your flight, train or bus ride delayed? Are there are traffic incidents set to disrupt your drive? And what about the weather? A quick look through your itinerary — such as trip updates on a carrier’s website — checking weather forecasts and monitoring traffic safety through services like the 511 hotline or your phone’s navigation apps can go a long way toward avoiding travel misery.

Here are a few more tips to keep in mind:

— Leave early: There are more people everywhere during a holiday week, so lines will be longer and roads will be busier. Give yourself more time to get to your destination or to make your way through airport security.

— Keep an eye on the weather — and not just for your destination: Look at the weather for your entire travel path. Even if it’s sunny skies both at home and the place you’re headed, it’s important to keep an eye out for any storms in between. You may need to do some rerouting.

— Be kind: A trip delay or cancellation can be really frustrating — but if you’re running into disruptions, chances are others are too. Customer service agents have a lot on their plate at this time of year, and it’s important to be patient and respectful as they try to help you.

Copyright 2024 The Associated Press. All rights reserved.

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