San Diego isn’t just sun, surf and zoos—it’s also a playground for curious minds! Step forward the Museum of Making Music in Carlsbad and the San Diego Model Railroad Museum right in the heart of Balboa Park. One lets you pluck guitars, drum and explore the story of music-making in America. The other is acres of miniature cities, mountain passes and mesmerizing model trains. Which is best for families, hobbyists, musicians or just anyone who just likes to play? We lay out every detail—from hands-on fun to accessibility, best bites, and more—so you can plan your ultimate creative escape.
The lowdown
Museum of Making Music
- Immersive exhibits on the history, evolution and technology of musical instruments
- 500+ rare vintage and modern instruments you can see, touch and (often) play
- Hands-on interactive playing studios—from synths to ukuleles, drums to guitars
- Insightful audio tours, video demos and changing special exhibitions
- Instrument ‘petting zoo’ and regular live music events, workshops and family days
- Located in Carlsbad, just north of central San Diego
San Diego Model Railroad Museum
- Largest model railroad museum in North America (over 27,000 square feet!)
- Multiple layouts depicting California rail history
- Intricate dioramas—mountain towns, deserts and cities—brought to life with sound and light
- Interactive operating controls for trains, work signals and miniature engines
- Pop-up workshops, seasonal events, Lego train days and scavenger hunts
- Set in Balboa Park’s Casa de Balboa, surrounded by gardens and other museums
Sounds like fun, tell me more...
Sounds like fun, tell me more...
Museum of Making Music
Music geeks and casual listeners alike will love wandering through the Museum of Making Music’s beautifully designed galleries. The museum guides you through more than a century of American music-making, from the first home pianos and jazz-age banjos to futuristic synths and digital rigs. Historic guitars, elegant wind instruments and quirky one-offs (there’s a banjo with a typewriter keyboard!) line the walls. Each stop has built-in listening stations—think vintage radio clips, interviews with musicians and buttons that allow you to hear the instruments in action. The magic happens at the hands-on studios: play a Stratocaster, channel your inner synth god, or create a mini jam session in the digital studio. There are workshops for families, special concerts and even guest artist days where touring musicians share secrets. The whole place hums with creativity, making every visitor feel like a part of the band.
San Diego Model Railroad Museum
Stepping inside the Model Railroad Museum is like tumbling into a giant, detail-stuffed storybook. Trains snake through entire mountain ranges, tiny towns bustle with mini citizens, and every corner feels alive with lights, whistles and the rumble of tiny locomotives. Five main model layouts recreate famous Southern California routes, like the Pacific Desert Line and Cabrillo Southwestern—each with jaw-dropping dioramas: rivers sparkle, snow glistens, and old cars sit at roadside diners. Interactive panels let you blow a horn, throw a switch or send a train on its journey. Little ones are drawn to the Junior Engineer area, where they can safely build and run their own train circuits. Volunteers—many lifelong hobbyists—are always nearby, ready to answer questions or let kids help at the controls. Between special Lego train weekends, scavenger hunts, and ever-changing seasonal landscapes, every visit uncovers a new detail.
Ok, but which is more impressive?
If you judge by scale and sensory wow moments, the Model Railroad Museum is unforgettable. You’re surrounded by a vast, dynamic world that’s constantly in motion—mile-long tracks and fully detailed recreations of mountains, cities and historic scenes make you feel like a train conductor shrunk to fit the landscape. Light changes from day to dusk, tiny headlights flicker on and trains wind past hundreds of lovingly recreated details, from hidden wildlife to working factories. The craftsmanship borders on obsession (in a good way), and visitors of all ages—whether or not they’re model train buffs—leave amazed by the labor of love and impressive engineering on display. The museum’s setting in beautiful Balboa Park is an extra bonus, offering epic ‘big world’ views right outside.
Which one is more fun?
For pure, playful fun and interactive joy, the Museum of Making Music takes the lead. The sheer pleasure of plucking your first bass riff, thumping out a rock beat or twisting synth knobs is universal. Kids and grown-ups alike lose their shyness with gentle staff encouragement to touch, listen and play—with many visitors lingering at their favorite instrument for ages. Live jam sessions, pop-up music lessons and creative ‘make your own song’ demos mean you’re not just passively looking—you’re making music, and memories too. The ‘instrument petting zoo’ is a winner for kids, and special events bring famous musicians, crowd-pleasing concerts and opportunities to build instruments or join community music circles.
Which is more beautiful?
The Model Railroad Museum’s jaw-dropping landscapes and millions of tiny details take the trophy here. Sunsets over scale-model canyons, snowfields sparkling under gentle LED moonlight, and city scenes filled with vintage neon signs and bustling mini nightlife—every corner rewards close looking. Bonus: the panoramic windows of the Casa de Balboa flood the main layouts with sunshine and frame glimpses of Balboa Park’s lush trees and Spanish Colonial architecture.
How do I get there?
How do I get there?
Museum of Making Music
Located in Carlsbad, just north of central San Diego, the Museum of Making Music is about a 35–40 minute drive from downtown and only blocks from the golden sands of Carlsbad State Beach. If you’re coming by car, there’s free parking in the shared lot with the neighboring Legoland California entrance and the Carlsbad Flower Fields. For visitors using public transit, the Coaster train stops at Carlsbad Poinsettia station; from there, it’s a quick taxi or rideshare, or a 20-minute walk through suburban streets.
San Diego Model Railroad Museum
Smack in the heart of historic Balboa Park, the Model Railroad Museum is simple to reach by car, bike or transit. The main park parking lots—like the one off Park Boulevard or at Inspiration Point—offer free parking, and shady paths wind right to Casa de Balboa’s grand entrance. San Diego’s #7 and #215 bus routes drop off at Park Boulevard/Presidents Way, a short walk from the museum itself. Cyclists and scooter riders enjoy plenty of safe paths and quick access from Bankers Hill or downtown; rentals are available within the park if you’re making a full day of it.
Best choice for families, couples or friends
- For families: both museums are a gift for families, but with its tactile ‘try this!’ energy, the Museum of Making Music is pure joy for kids and parents alike. Kid-friendly workshops, the beloved ‘petting zoo’ of instruments, and gentle encouragement from staff help even the shyest child (or grown-up) try something new. The history comes alive as you strum, drum and experiment together—no music lessons required!
- For couples: for a low-key, playful date or romantic outing, start at the Model Railroad Museum. Wander among dazzling cityscapes, dream about cross-country train trips, and go for a stroll through Balboa Park afterwards. The setting is beautiful, quiet, and endlessly detailed—perfect for couples who love to explore together.
- For friends: face-off alert! For groups who thrive on laughter and collaboration, Museum of Making Music offers instant fun: drum circle jams, melody challenges and even amateur attempts at starting a band make for hilarious memories. But for introverts, hobbyist pals or those who bond over design, Model Railroad Museum’s immersive worlds and creative detail set the perfect pace for chill time together.
I’ve got fidgety kids to entertain – which museum is more hands-on?
No contest here! The Museum of Making Music is designed for movement, noise, curiosity and play. Kids can jump from drums to guitars to keyboards, try digital music-making and explore dozens of oddball instruments hands-on. Touch, play, repeat! The ‘instrument petting zoo’ is a near-irresistible space to experiment, regardless of skill level or age.
The Model Railroad Museum does let you push buttons, throw switches, and—on special days—control a train or run a scavenger hunt, but many of the layouts are ‘look but don’t touch. For fidgety kids and restless families, music is simply more active.
What’s the accessibility like?
Museum of Making Music
Entirely accessible, with step-free entry, wide and level galleries and interactive displays at kid and wheelchair-friendly heights. Service animals are welcome, staff are attentive and tactile/guided experiences are available—just let them know if you have special requirements.
San Diego Model Railroad Museum
Fully ADA compliant, with elevators, accessible restrooms and open corridors for wheelchairs and strollers. Volunteer docents are trained to assist, and special sensory mornings and family programs ensure everyone can get in on the excitement. Pathways and hands-on panels are designed with varying heights and reach in mind.
Best lunch spots nearby?
Best lunch spots nearby?
Near Museum of Making Music
- Karl Strauss Brewing Company: right next door—pub grub, sandwiches and craft beer in a breezy beer garden. Perfect for a relaxed meal before or after your museum session.
- The Crossings at Carlsbad: overlooking a golf course, this bistro promises soups, salads and casual lunch options with great views.
- Campfire: a few minutes’ drive into Carlsbad Village, quirky Campfire features creative shared plates and killer s’mores desserts.
- In-N-Out Burger: for fast, family-friendly favorites just down the road.
Near San Diego Model Railroad Museum
- Panama 66: in the San Diego Museum of Art’s garden, grab a sandwich or salad under the palms.
- The Prado: sit-down dining in Balboa Park’s classic Spanish-revival mansion—great for celebrations or special treats.
- Daniel’s Coffee: for a quick refuel, this outdoor café in Spanish Village offers pastries, cold brews and people-watching.
Where can I find the best photo ops?
Museum of Making Music
Snap your first jam on a vintage electric guitar, pose behind a grand piano, or challenge your group to a ‘who played it best’ shot in the interactive gallery. The exhibit space always features curated, with colorful instrument walls and playful lighting providing Insta-friendly nooks. The on-site stage makes for great band selfies—no matter the talent level!
San Diego Model Railroad Museum
Miniature mountain passes, city skylines, old west towns and glimmering engines all make for remarkable close-ups. Kids look especially adorable at the Junior Engineer kid zone controls, and wide shots in the main gallery capture both the trains and Balboa Park’s grand windows. Don’t forget to snap the volunteers at work—they’re as much a part of the scenery as the trains themselves.
We’re done and we’d like a drink – any good bars nearby?
Near Museum of Making Music
- Karl Strauss Brewing Company: inventive local brews—try the Red Trolley Ale or Wreck Alley Stout on the sunny patio.
- Barrel Republic: this Carlsbad Village gem is a self-serve taproom with dozens of craft beers—great for sampling SoCal’s best.
Near San Diego Model Railroad Museum
- Modern Times Flavordome: quirky, colorful craft-beer heaven in nearby North Park.
- Park & Rec: inventive cocktails, lawn games and a lively neighborhood atmosphere in University Heights.
Any other good stuff nearby?
Any other good stuff nearby?
Near Museum of Making Music
- Legoland California: a must for families with kids (or adults who never forgot their brick-building joy).
- Carlsbad Flower Fields: bursting with rainbow blooms in spring and early summer—an Instagrammers’ dream-come-true.
- Carlsbad State Beach: sun, surf and tide pools just a few minutes west.
Near San Diego Model Railroad Museum
- Balboa Park highlights: stroll to the Botanical Building or Spanish Village Art Center, and catch a street musician or art show in the Plaza.
- San Diego Zoo: world-class animal encounters just a short walk away.
- Japanese Friendship Garden: Quiet beauty and koi ponds to wind down the day.
In summary…
Whether you’re drawn to musical memories or model train marvels, San Diego’s Museum of Making Music and San Diego Model Railroad Museum offer creative, hands-on fun in two totally unique flavors. For jam sessions, modern tunes and the thrill of creating your own soundtrack, the Museum of Making Music is an interactive dream, for families and music lovers alike. The Model Railroad Museum wins for awe-inspiring detail, immersive miniature worlds and sheer visual storytelling—sure to captivate railfans and casual explorers. With Go City®, it’s easy to visit both (plus dozens more San Diego attractions!) for the ultimate creative escape. Whichever you choose, expect lots of inspiration, lively play and memories that travel well beyond the museum walls.
Looking for more things to do in and around San Diego? Get our take on some of Balboa Park’s other great museums, and weigh up the various pros and cons of car vs boat tours of the city.
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