Join the Railfanfam
When we first started our railfan adventures, I found it challenging to keep track of everywhere we wanted to go and the operating hours of each location. I created a simple list, and it grew from there. I would have loved a website that provided a map of the train adventures in California and the perfect itineraries for a traincation. As our experience grew, I started to think that maybe I could be the one to create this dream website for other railfanfams like us. And here we are! We hope you'll join us.
Why Join Railfanfam
While our interactive map is available for everyone to view and create your own adventures, subscribers have access to so much more. We will be your personal railroad conductors, passing on everything that we have learned to you.
Interactive Map Expertise & Directory
Subscribers will get access to a directory of over 140 (and counting) train adventures throughout California. Using the interactive map, subscribers will be able to view directory pages with details for each train location including website links, general hours, price ranges, special events, and descriptions. For the places we’ve visited, descriptions will be more detailed, photos will highlight our favorite visuals of the location, and hot tips and history may be included.
Real Stories & Events
Subscribers will get access to a monthly blog highlighting the best upcoming events and train rides, plus stories about our most recent railfanning adventures, tips, train history, craft and party ideas, model railroading, and much more. While the directory is more objective and factual, the blog will highlight our personal experience and thoughts about our adventures.
On-the-Ground Experience
Sometimes it’s hard to follow when each individual train location is open; they are often subject to seasons and volunteer availability. Subscribers will get access to location-specific itineraries, with the exact dates the itinerary should be implemented to maximize railroading fun. These actionable travel guides will highlight the perfect combination of train rides, themed-restaurants, themed-accommodations, and/or museums for a fun weekend adventure. Subscribers will also get access to checklists so you can easily keep track of where you've been and where you want to go.
Seasonal Favorites & More
Rail adventures change for every season. Whether it’s magical holiday trains, haunted rail tours, spring bloom trains with the Easter bunny, or sunny summer journeys, subscribers will get access to a list and description of all the seasonal favorites. Plus, coming in 2027, subscribers will also be able to download scavenger hunts, bingo, and other games to take along on your favorite rail journeys.
Sample Directory Page
Want to see what a train location directory page looks like before subscribing? Check out a sample first! This location isn't in California (we don't want to look like we're picking favorites), but it's the historical epicenter of railroading in the United States. When exploring this page, remember, we will have a page identical to this one for over 140 train locations in California. And subscribers will get full access to them all, starting with over 90 train rides and eventually adding train museums, model railroads, and other train-forward destinations.
Support and Join
Become part of our railfan community! Subscribe for exclusive itineraries and extra content, or share our site with other train-loving families to help us grow.
Not ready to subscribe yet? Sign up for our free monthly event calendar of the top California train adventures of the month.