Florida Train Rides & Museums

The Florida Railroad Museum is located in Parrish and was founded in 1981. Since 1992, the museum has operated a heritage railroad that offers weekend excursions along a six-mile section of the former Seaboard Air Line Sarasota Subdivision, traveling roundtrip to the nearby ghost town of Willow. Excursions depart throughout the morning and afternoon hours on Saturdays and Sundays and travel for 13 miles, with rides lasting approximately 80 minutes. In addition to standard weekly trains, a number of special event trains are operated throughout the year, including a train robbery reenactment, a World War II-themed train, and a holiday Polar Express train. The train’s party caboose may also be rented for private parties and special events.

12210 83rd St E, Parrish, FL 34219, Phone: 941-776-0906

The Gold Coast Railroad Museum is a must-see for train enthusiasts and history buffs. With over three miles of tracks, the museum showcases a fascinating collection of vintage locomotives, passenger cars, and other railway artifacts. Visitors can explore several exhibits to learn about the state’s rich railroad heritage, examining impressive displays such as the famous “Ferdinand Magellan” presidential Pullman car used by former presidents Roosevelt, Truman, Eisenhower, and Reagan. Visitors can also see how rail transportation evolved over time through a diverse range of steam, diesel, and electric locomotives featured on-site. In addition to its unique collection of trains, the Gold Coast Railroad Museum also offers rides on a historic train along with other educational programs.

12450 Southwest 152nd Street, Miami, Florida 33177, Phone: 305-253-0063

Train Rides for Families

The Seminole Gulf Railway is operated out of Fort Myers and runs former CSX trains on the Fort Myers and Sarasota Subdivision lines for scenic excursions. The line was originally opened in 1886 under the supervision of the Florida Southern Railway and later operated as the Atlantic and Seaboard Coast Line Railroads before its purchase by CSX. Its primary route travels from Arcadia through downtown Fort Myers and terminates at North Naples, while its secondary route begins at Bradenton and passes near downtown Sarasota before branching off toward Bee Ridge. Murder mystery trains are offered five nights a week year-round and feature unique scripted murder mystery productions along with five-course dinners for passengers. A number of special event trains are also operated, including Valentine’s Day, Halloween, Christmas, and New Year’s-themed trains.

4110 Center Pointe Dr #207, Fort Myers, FL 33916, Phone: 239-275-6060

The Largo Central Railroad is a popular attraction for families and train enthusiasts alike. The enchanting miniature railroad brings passengers on a scenic 15-minute ride through beautiful Central Park. The railroad is operated by local volunteers and features carefully crafted equipment from steam engines to highly detailed cars. Thanks to its realistic design, the Largo Central Railroad allows visitors to experience the spirit of traditional train travel and the nostalgia of a bygone era. Visitors will enjoy a scenic tour around beautiful landscapes, water features, and even a tunnel. After the train ride, enjoy the rest of the day relaxing in the surrounding park with its picnic areas, playgrounds, and beautiful gardens.

101 Central Park Drive, Largo, Florida 33771, Phone: 727-601-3168

Explore the country’s oldest city in a unique way with Red Train Tours. Operated by Ripley’s Believe It or Not, this fun train tour brings passengers on a fully narrated journey through St. Augustine’s historic streets, highlighting over 100 points of interest. Their knowledgeable and friendly drivers are ready to explain the city’s long-spanning history and bring you to discover amazing sites such as the Castillo de San Marcos National Monument, City Plaza, Villa Zorayda, and much more. Be ready for an hour of laughing and gasping as you take in the sights and charms of beautiful St. Augustine aboard Ripley’s Red Express.

19 San Marco Avenue, St. Augustine, Florida 32084, Phone: 904-824-1606

For Couples

The Railroad Museum of South Florida offers a real treat for train lovers. Home to a miniature railroad at Lakes Regional Park, visitors can take a mile-long ride through the northern end of the park aboard a fully operating 1/8th scale train. The ride offers great views of the park as it passes by a lake, waterfall, operating windmill, and reimagined villages replicating local communities from the 1950s. During the holiday season, the village comes alive with decorations and lights to make the evening train rides all the more festive. Inside the museum, visitors are given a glimpse into the golden age of rail travel through an impressive collection of vintage locomotives, passenger cars, and railway artifacts.

7330 Gladiolus Drive, Fort Myers, Florida 33907, Phone: 239-267-1905

The Veterans Memorial Railroad (ORG) offers a unique and meaningful experience for visitors of every age. Located in the heart of Veterans Memorial Park, the No. 59 steam replica locomotive brings passengers on a mile-long journey throughout the park. The 20-minute ride allows passengers to admire the park’s beautiful views and landscaping while reflecting on the meaningful sacrifices made by American veterans. Veterans Memorial Park also offers other family-friendly amenities such as a playground, paved walking trail, basketball court, and a large picnic pavilion with accessible water and electric hookups. Experience outdoor fun with the whole family in a place rich with memory, appreciation, and community.

10561 Northwest Theo Jacobs Way, Bristol, Florida 32321, Phone: 850-643-6646

Families with little kids will have a blast riding the unique trains at Tradewinds & Atlantic Railroad. Their kid-friendly miniature trains are 1/8th the size of full-sized trains, making them large enough for visitors to comfortably ride on top of, yet small enough to pack up and bring to other tracks around the country. Similar to life-size trains, the locomotives are powered by steam, gas, or fuel. Tracks in the park were completed in 1990, and have since been welcoming train enthusiasts from around the globe. Smaller “garden scale” trains can also be found on-site, operating on elevated tracks for kids to admire.

3600 West Sample Road, Coconut Creek, Florida 33066, Phone: 954-494-6877

The beloved Walt Disney World Railroad has been captivating visitors since the opening of Magic Kingdom in 1971. The enchanting steam-powered train was originally built between 1916 and 1928 and was meticulously restored to maintain its vintage-style carriages. Passengers are treated to a magical journey as it circles the park on a scenic 1.5-mile track, passing through the different areas including Main Street, Fantasyland, and Frontierland. Catch charming views of the iconic Magic Kingdom landmarks, landscapes, and whimsical scenes. Add in immersive experiences on board like the train’s authentic steam whistles and gentle rocking motion, and it’s easy to see why the Walk Disney World Railroad has been a long-running favorite amongst parkgoers.

1180 Seven Seas Drive, Lake Buena Vista, Florida 32830, Phone: 407-939-5277

Hop aboard Naples’ only train ride at the Naples Train Museum. Their fun, outdoor scale train offers a unique experience for visitors of every age. Guests with admission can take unlimited rides aboard the miniature train pulled by an authentic steam or diesel locomotive. At the museum, visitors are given a glimpse into the fascinating world of railways and their impact on the Florida region. Explore meticulously preserved exhibits, learn about the golden age of rail travel, and interact with immersive displays and model train layouts. Whether you’re a train enthusiast, a history buff, or simply out on vacation with the family, the Naples Train Museum is a fun and captivating stop for everyone.

401 10th Street South, Naples, Florida 34102, Phone: 239-262-1776