Travel Town Gift Shop

If you are looking for a place where transportation history comes to life, the Travel Town Gift Shop will be a real discovery. Located in Burbank, this shop is part of a famous open-air railroad museum in the USA, which attracts thousands of tech enthusiasts and families with children every year.

The shop offers an impressive range of goods: from themed toys and puzzles to rare books on railway history. Of particular note are the unique china replicas that were used in the dining cars of the legendary 1930s train — the Santa Fe Railway Super Chief. It is the perfect place to find a memorable gift steeped in the aesthetics of vintage travel.

With a rating of 4.6 based on hundreds of reviews, this space is famous for its friendly atmosphere and rich collection of artifacts. The shop harmoniously complements the museum's exhibition, allowing visitors to take a piece of railway heritage home after viewing majestic locomotives and vintage carriages.

To check the availability of items or inquire about special events, you can contact the staff through official channels. The shop and museum are always open to communicating with railroad history enthusiasts.

At the Travel Town Gift Shop, shopping turns into an exciting exploration. Collectors and history buffs can purchase exclusive items here: from model trains to authentic china replicas from the famous Super Chief cars. For children, there is a huge selection of educational toys, themed clothing, and books that will help spark an interest in engineering and travel.

Beyond choosing souvenirs, visitors can fully immerse themselves in the museum's atmosphere. You should definitely climb into the cabs of real locomotives and explore the interiors of late 19th-century mail cars. Of particular interest is the Harvey Houses exhibit, where you can see uniforms, menus, and dishes from the legendary chain of roadside restaurants that served railroad passengers.

If you get hungry during your walk through Griffith Park, you can always find light snacks and refreshing drinks at the shop. It is a great place for a short break before heading out on nearby trails or taking a ride on the miniature railway located nearby.

The attraction is conveniently located in the northwestern part of Griffith Park. If you are planning to travel by car, look for Highway 134 (Ventura Freeway) and take the Forest Lawn Drive exit. Free parking is available for visitors within the park, making it an ideal spot for a full-day family trip.

For those who prefer public transport, it is recommended to take the metro (LACMTA Red Line) to the Vermont/Sunset station. From there, you can reach Zoo Drive by taxi, bus, or rented bike; the trip will take about 20–30 minutes.

If you are already in Griffith Park—for example, visiting the Los Angeles Zoo—the shop can be reached on foot in 15–20 minutes via scenic trails. Additionally, a miniature railway operates within the park itself, which can help you comfortably move closer to the Travel Town complex.

The history of this amazing place began in 1947, when William Frederickson Jr., Superintendent of Recreation, proposed creating a museum where children could not just look at machinery, but freely climb inside real locomotives. The official opening took place on December 14, 1952, and since then, the museum has become one of the favorite spots for locals and visitors alike.

The first major exhibit was the Southern Pacific 3025 locomotive, donated to the museum thanks to the efforts of Charlie Atkins. Over time, the collection grew to an impressive scale: even unusual objects like a Japanese Zero fighter and vintage circus wagons appeared here. The exhibition is dedicated not just to machines, but to how transport changed the face of Los Angeles throughout the 19th and 20th centuries.

The gift shop developed as an integral part of the museum, striving to preserve the memory of the golden age of railroads. Today, it offers replicas of artifacts from the famous Harvey Houses chain and Santa Fe trains, allowing the museum to remain free to visit and continue its educational mission for new generations of travelers.

For those planning to stop by the Travel Town Gift Shop just to buy gifts or unique souvenirs, 30 to 60 minutes will be enough. This is plenty of time to leisurely browse the shelves of books, model trains, and branded china.

However, we recommend setting aside at least 1.5–2 hours for the entire museum complex. This will allow you not only to make purchases but also to see the historic locomotives, peek into passenger cars, and enjoy a walk in the fresh air in one of the city's greenest areas.

When planning your visit, you can count on a consistent schedule. The Travel Town Gift Shop is open to visitors daily from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM. This schedule is maintained both on weekdays and weekends, making it a great destination for a family outing.

Since the shop is open seven days a week, you can easily fit a visit into your California travel itinerary. Nonetheless, it is recommended to check the museum's official website in advance for information regarding holidays.

Exploring the surroundings of Griffith Park can significantly enrich your trip. Here, technical monuments neighbor historical buildings and legendary sites associated with the world of cinema and architecture.

Many of these attractions are within walking distance or a short drive away, allowing you to create a packed itinerary for the whole day.