About 30 minutes northeast of San Diego, the small city of Poway is home to Old Poway Park, a charming 5-acre community space designed to resemble a turn-of-the-century village.
With its winding pathways, grassy lawns, preserved buildings, and old-time attractions, the park delivers a delightful back-in-time atmosphere. Visitors can explore a functioning narrow-gauge railroad, watch demonstrations at the blacksmith shop, and wander through historic structures that evoke Poway’s early days.
Saturdays are arguably the best time to visit, when the volunteer-operated Poway-Midland Railroad is in service and the weekly farmers market brings extra energy to the park.
Ride the Poway-Midland Railroad
The Poway-Midland Railroad is one of Old Poway Park’s most distinctive attractions. Operated by a dedicated volunteer team, the miniature railway uses vintage equipment including a 1907 Baldwin steam locomotive, a cable car, and a compact motorized “speeder” rail car.
Steam locomotive rides are currently offered on Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 1:45 p.m. for $5. On Sundays, visitors can ride either the cable car for $5 or the speeder for $4 during the same hours, depending on what’s operating that day. Keep in mind that the railroad does not operate on the second Saturday of each month.
🌐 Website: Poway-Midland Railroad
Browse the farmers market and historic village
Every Saturday from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m., Old Poway Park also hosts a popular farmers market with more than 65 vendors. Shoppers can browse certified locally grown produce, fresh-baked goods, flowers, handmade treats, and artisan-made products.
Beyond the central lawn, several preserved buildings offer another window into the area’s agricultural past. Stops include Templar’s Hall and the Nelson House, where interpretive displays share stories from Poway’s early ranching and farming era.
Between the shady picnic tables, an old-fashioned gazebo, a small stream, and wooden boardwalks, the park feels like a living historical village, perfect for a memorable weekend outing in Southern California.
