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Griffith Park & Southern Railroad

4.5
·1k reviews·Los Angeles, United States

Charming miniature train rides through festive lights, a beloved LA tradition with a touch of Walt Disney history.

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Holiday season evenings

Magical lights and festive atmosphere

CrowdHigh
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Griffith Park & Southern Railroad - Image 1

Griffith Park & Southern Railroad

Best Time

Holiday season evenings

Magical lights and festive atmosphere

CrowdHigh

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Charming miniature train rides through festive lights, a beloved LA tradition with a touch of Walt Disney history.

4.5
(1k reviews)

"A magical mini train ride through Christmas lights display, definitely a Christmas activity you don’t wanna miss!"

Vertical photo
TIP

🎟️ Book Holiday Tickets Early

Holiday train rides are popular! Secure your spot online or arrive very early for limited tickets .

✨ Priority Boarding

Consider priority boarding for the holiday train to significantly reduce wait times .

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Holiday Lights Train Ride

Holiday Lights Train Ride

Griffith Park & Southern Railroad

A magical mile-long journey through thousands of festive lights and holiday scenes.

Birthday Parties

Birthday Parties

Coyote Meadow & other event spaces

Rent a party space and enjoy a special train ride with birthday messages from the conductor.

Walt Disney's Connection

Walt Disney's Connection

Carolwood Barn

See Walt Disney's original tools and models, and a train car that inspired Disneyland Railroad.

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Planning Your Visit

Holiday Train Ride Tickets

The popular Holiday Lights Train Ride sells out fast! Book online in advance at griffithparktrainrides.com or arrive early for limited tickets at the booth. Priority boarding is recommended to skip long queues.TikTok+2

Train Ride Experience

The train ride is a mile-long loop, lasting about 10-15 minutes. While not a tour of the entire park, it offers festive decorations and lights, especially during the holiday season.TikTok+2

Best Times

When
Holiday season evenings
Why
Magical lights and festive atmosphere
Crowd
High
When
Weekdays, early afternoon
Why
Shorter lines for rides
Crowd
Medium
When
Off-season mornings
Why
Quieter experience
Crowd
Low

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

Took a $4 train ride at Griffith Park Southern Railroad, a short but sweet loop I’ve been wanting to experience for a while 🚂✨ Honestly, I always thought this train took you around all of Griffith Park. But it’s actually just a 1-mile loop, and there’s another nearby station at Travel Town that does a shorter half-mile ride. The scenery was mostly holiday decorations being set up and a bit of free...
@alonoemi
2.3K likes • 23.1K views

🎟️ Book Holiday Tickets Early

Holiday train rides are popular! Secure your spot online or arrive very early for limited tickets.TikTok+1

✨ Priority Boarding

Consider priority boarding for the holiday train to significantly reduce wait times.TikTok

LA County Christmas Guide: Here’s 5 Fun Holiday Things to Do in the area! 1. Griffith Christmas Train 🚂✨ 
- Take a magical mini train ride through Christmas lights display 🎟️ Tickets: Limited availability at the booth. Reserve online at griffithparktrainrides.com
📍Griffith Park & Southern Railroad - 4400 Crystal Springs Drive, Los Angeles
💸 Cost: $8
🗓️ When: Daily at 5 PM until Jan. 6 (Closed 12/2...
@melissagasia
2.2K likes • 52.5K views
Griffith Park Holiday train ride in Los Angeles - Part 4 of 15 great Christmas attractions in Southern #california
@californiathroughmylens
19.1K likes • 181.9K views

🚂 Ride Duration

The train ride is a short, scenic loop, not a park-wide tour.TikTok+1

🎂 Birthday Packages

Great for parties! Packages include train tickets and special birthday conductor messages.Reddit

we had the best time at the @Griffith Park Train Rides and will definitely be back 🚂 #thingstodoinla #losangelescalifornia #thingstodowithkids #thingstodowithtoddlers
@skyslittlefinds
308 likes • 8.9K views

Tips

from all over the internet

🎟️ Book Holiday Tickets Early

Holiday train rides are popular! Secure your spot online or arrive very early for limited tickets.TikTok+1

✨ Priority Boarding

Consider priority boarding for the holiday train to significantly reduce wait times.TikTok

🚂 Ride Duration

The train ride is a short, scenic loop, not a park-wide tour.TikTok+1

🎂 Birthday Packages

Great for parties! Packages include train tickets and special birthday conductor messages.Reddit

💰 Affordable Fun

Tickets are reasonably priced, making it a great value for families.TikTok+1

🅿️ Free Parking

Enjoy the convenience of free parking, a rarity in LA.TikTok

What Travellers Say

4.5
(1k reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors consistently praise the Griffith Park & Southern Railroad for its affordable, family-friendly fun, especially during the holiday season. The train rides are a hit with kids, and the staff are noted for their helpfulness, particularly for birthday parties. While the ride is short, the festive atmosphere and nostalgic charm make it a beloved LA tradition.

"We took our 3 and 4 yr old grandbabies and we all loved it. Beautiful giant display of Santa was the best. God bless you for this special event weve been coming to for decades."

Angela Lynne

"We threw our son’s 2nd birthday party here at the Coyote Meadow and what an amazing time we had! The venue was very nice and they provided a huge canopy for shade. Our party was later in the day so for next time I will add an extra canopy and set of table and seating that can be added to the package but I think is very worth it! I also added the train table to the package which was totally worth it!! The package came with train tickets where the conductor gave a special birthday message for our son. My son loved the train ride. The staff members were so accommodating and friendly. Thank you Griffith Park & Southern Railroad staff!!"

Naomi Chong

"This place provides calm within the chaos of Los Angeles. A perfect place for everyone. From riding miniature trains to horseback riding, this place is perfect for the entire family. 5his place has bike lanes, horse riding and mountain bike trails, picninc tables with BBQ grills, children's playgrounds, theaters, and the observatory. Most people come here to see the Hollywood sign.

Sadly, their pony rides and carousel has been shutdown."

Don Frasco

What People Like

Affordable ticket prices
Festive holiday lights
Great for young children

What People Dislike

Short ride duration
Long wait times (holiday)

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

The railroad is located at 4400 Crystal Springs Drive, Los Angeles, CA 90027, within Griffith Park. It's accessible by car, and there is free parking available.TikTok Public transportation options might require a bus connection and a walk, so driving is often the most convenient.

Yes, free parking is available at the location, which is a significant perk for visitors.TikTok However, during peak times like the holiday season, parking lots can fill up quickly.

Ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft are a good option if you prefer not to drive. You can set your destination to the Griffith Park & Southern Railroad address.

Yes, it's located within Griffith Park, close to the Los Angeles Zoo and Travel Town Museum.Reddit This makes it easy to combine with other activities in the area.

Operating hours can vary, especially for special events like the Holiday Lights Train. It's best to check their official website or social media for the most up-to-date information on daily hours and event schedules.

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

Ticket prices are generally affordable. For the regular rides, adults are around $3.50 and children (17 and under) are also $3.50.TikTok The Holiday Lights Train Ride is typically $7 per ticket.TikTok+1

Tickets for the popular Holiday Lights Train Ride can be purchased online in advance at griffithparktrainrides.com. Limited tickets may also be available at the booth on the day of the ride, but they sell out quickly.TikTok+1

For the Holiday Lights Train Ride, booking in advance is highly recommended due to high demand and rapid sell-outs.TikTok For regular rides, it's usually possible to purchase tickets on-site.

Children under 18 months often ride for free.TikTok While specific discounts for seniors or military might not be widely advertised, the general ticket prices are already quite low.

Priority boarding is an option, especially for the holiday train, that allows you to skip the very long general queues for a slightly higher fee or by purchasing specific tickets.TikTok

🎫 🚂 Onsite Experience

The train ride is a mile-long loop that lasts about 10-15 minutes. It's a charming experience, especially during the holidays when the track is decorated with thousands of lights and festive scenes.TikTok+2

Absolutely! It's a fantastic activity for young children and families. Toddlers and babies often ride for free.TikTok+1 The short duration and gentle ride are perfect for little ones.

During the holiday season, you'll see elaborate Christmas decorations, thousands of twinkling lights, and festive scenes along the mile-long track.TikTok+1 Outside of the holidays, it's a pleasant scenic loop.

While the main attraction is the train ride, they also host birthday parties and have a souvenir and snack shop. Griffith Park itself offers many other activities like hiking, the observatory, and playgrounds.Reddit

Strollers are generally manageable, but it's best to fold them if possible to maximize space. The boarding process is usually accommodating for families with young children.

📸 📸 Photography

For the Holiday Lights Train Ride, evenings are magical for capturing the twinkling lights and festive displays.TikTok During the day, you can get great shots of the vintage trains and the Carolwood Barn.

Tripods are generally allowed, but it's always a good idea to be mindful of other visitors, especially during crowded events. Check with staff if you have specific concerns.

Expect to capture charming vintage trains, festive holiday decorations, and happy family moments. The Carolwood Barn area offers a glimpse into railroad history and Walt Disney's passion.

Yes, the train ride is short and exciting for kids. Try to get photos of their reactions as the train moves and the lights twinkle.TikTok

Yes, the vintage locomotives themselves are very photogenic. The Carolwood Barn and the surrounding area offer a unique, nostalgic backdrop for photos year-round.

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Young Children

This is an absolute gem for families with young kids! The Griffith Park & Southern Railroad offers a delightful and affordable train ride that captivates toddlers and preschoolers. Children under 18 months often ride for free, making it a budget-friendly outing.TikTok+1 The short, 10-15 minute ride is perfectly paced for little attention spans, and the festive decorations during the holidays add an extra layer of magic.TikTok

Consider booking a birthday party package here for an unforgettable celebration. The staff are known for being incredibly helpful and professional, and the special birthday messages from the conductor are a huge hit.Reddit While pony rides and the carousel are currently closed, the train ride itself remains a top-tier attraction for families looking for simple, joyful fun in Los Angeles.

💰 Budget Travelers

For budget-conscious travelers, the Griffith Park & Southern Railroad is a fantastic option. Regular train rides are incredibly affordable, with tickets often around $3.50 for both adults and children.TikTok Even the popular Holiday Lights Train Ride is a reasonable $7 per person, offering significant value for a festive experience.TikTok+1

Plus, the free parking is a major cost-saver in Los Angeles.TikTok Combining a visit here with other free activities in Griffith Park, like hiking or visiting the Observatory (exterior views), makes for a very economical day out. It's a chance to enjoy a classic LA experience without breaking the bank.

💖 Couples & Nostalgia Seekers

Couples looking for a charming and nostalgic outing will find delight at the Griffith Park & Southern Railroad. The vintage locomotives and the scenic, albeit short, ride evoke a sense of old-world charm. It’s a perfect spot for a relaxed afternoon, perhaps followed by a picnic in Griffith Park or a visit to the Observatory for iconic city views.

For those who grew up visiting or have a fondness for trains, the connection to Walt Disney and his passion for railroads adds a unique layer of appeal.TikTok The Carolwood Barn offers a quiet moment to appreciate this history. It’s a place that can bring back fond childhood memories or create new, sweet ones.

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

The Magic of the Holiday Lights Train

The Griffith Park & Southern Railroad Holiday Lights Train Ride is a beloved Los Angeles tradition, drawing crowds year after year. This special event transforms the mile-long track into a winter wonderland, adorned with thousands of twinkling lights and elaborate festive scenes.TikTok+1 It's a short but incredibly enchanting journey, perfect for families and anyone looking to embrace the holiday spirit.

While the ride itself is about 10-15 minutes long, the experience often involves significant wait times, especially on weekends and evenings. Many visitors recommend purchasing priority boarding tickets online in advance or arriving well before opening to secure a spot and minimize queuing.TikTok+1 The $7 ticket price is considered a great value for the festive atmosphere and the joy it brings, with children under 18 months riding for free.TikTok

Beyond the dazzling lights, the train ride offers a unique opportunity to create lasting memories. The cheerful ambiance, the gentle chugging of the vintage locomotives, and the shared excitement of fellow passengers contribute to a truly magical experience. It's a chance to step away from the usual LA hustle and immerse yourself in a classic holiday spectacle.

A Nod to Walt Disney's Passion

Griffith Park & Southern Railroad holds a special place in the history of animation, thanks to Walt Disney's personal passion for trains. Disney was an avid rail enthusiast, and his love for locomotives directly influenced his work, most notably the Disneyland Railroad. The park features the Carolwood Barn, which houses some of Disney's original tools and models used in his train endeavors.TikTok

Inside the barn, you can find a train car specifically marked 'Santa Fe & Disneyland,' a poignant reminder of the spark that ignited the creation of the iconic Disneyland Railroad. This connection makes the Griffith Park & Southern Railroad more than just a miniature train ride; it's a pilgrimage site for Disney fans and a testament to how personal passions can shape beloved entertainment experiences.

Visiting the Carolwood Barn offers a unique glimpse into the early days of Disney's creative process and his deep affection for trains. It’s a quiet, reflective space that complements the excitement of the train rides and adds a layer of historical significance to the attraction.

Birthday Parties and Group Events

The Griffith Park & Southern Railroad is a popular venue for birthday parties and group events, offering a unique and memorable experience for all ages. The venue provides dedicated party spaces, such as the Coyote Meadow, which can be rented out. These spaces often come with canopies for shade and options to add tables and seating.Reddit

A highlight for birthday celebrations is the option to add a special train package. This includes train tickets where the conductor can deliver a personalized birthday message for the guest of honor, making the celebration extra special.Reddit The staff are frequently praised for being accommodating, professional, and friendly, ensuring a smooth and enjoyable event.

Beyond birthdays, the railroad can accommodate other group gatherings, providing a fun and engaging activity. The combination of a scenic train ride, dedicated event spaces, and excellent customer service makes it a highly recommended spot for celebrating milestones.