Lomita Railroad Museum

Train and history buffs will find a little bit of paradise at the Lomita Railroad Museum, a hidden gem that's about a 45-minute drive south of Los Angeles. The small museum features exhibits that showcase steam train travel during the early 20th century, including actual train cars. The building looks like an old-fashioned train depot; its design was inspired by Boston & Maine's Greenwood Station in Massachusetts.

Best and worst time to go to the Lomita Railroad Museum
Since the Lomita Railroad Museum is rarely crowded, there's really no worst time to go. To avoid heavy traffic getting there, it's best to plan a visit in the late morning or early afternoon.

Must see/do at the Lomita Railroad Museum
Climb aboard the 1910 Union Pacific caboose and imagine what riding the rails was like years before Amtrak trains. Visitors can also sit in the cab of a 1902 Southern Pacific steam locomotive and get up close to a 1923 Union Oil tank car.

Admission to the Lomita Railroad Museum
Admission is in the four dollar range for adults, and around two dollars for children under 12.

Parking and public transportation at the Lomita Railroad Museum
There is free parking in a lot next to the Lomita Railroad Museum. The museum can also be reached via bus or taxi.

Food at the Lomita Railroad Museum
Food isn't served at the Lomita Railroad Museum, but picnic tables are available. There is a gift shop where visitors can buy items like engineer caps and toy trains.

Insider tip for visitors to the Lomita Railroad Museum
The trains at the Lomita Railroad Museum don't move, but visitors who want to take a ride on a miniature steam train can go to Wilson Park, about 2 miles west of the museum in Torrance. Free rides are offered on the first and third Sundays of each month.

Author's bio: Laura Goldman is a freelance writer and lifelong Angeleno. Follow her on Twitter and visit her blog, i Still Love Dogs.