The National City Depot


National City Depot Exterior

The San Diego Electric Railway Association operates the historic National City Depot as a museum that is open Saturday and Sunday from 10 am to 4 pm.

This lovely Santa Fe station (California Southern Railway when it was first constructed) was the first terminus of transcontinental rail travel in the San Diego area. It is the oldest railroad-related structure still standing in San Diego County, and it is in its original location.

The city of National City restored the structure to the way it was when it was built in 1882 - restored in 1998. The woodwork and other details of the interior are especially impressive.

The Depot is located at the corner of Bay Marina Drive and Marina Way in National City. Take Interstate 5 about 10 miles south of downtown San Diego, exit at Bay Marina Drive and go west 1 block and turn right on Cleveland Ave. Turn left one block later onto West 23rd St. The Depot is straight in at the end of the street.  Get Directions from Google

From the San Diego Trolley, take the Blue Line to National City / 24th St Station. The Depot is about 4 blocks west of the station.

The Depot is open Saturdays and Sundays 10 am - 4 pm and by appointment. We are closed on major holidays (New Year's Day, Easter, 4th of July, Thanksgiving, and Christmas).    

Some Common Questions about the National City Depot

"I see tracks. Are there trains?"

Yes! BNSF (Burlington Northern Santa Fe Railway) does a fair amount of freight operations in this area. The San Diego Port District has a large terminal just down the road on Bay Marina Drive (restricted access) where large container and car carrier ships make deliveries and the cargo is carried by rail to points all over the country - avoiding the busy port of Long Beach. Remote controlled switching engines are frequently seen passing the Depot property. Recent improvements will increase the number of trains passing next to the Depot!

"Was the second story an addition to the Depot?"

No, the depot appears today much as it did back in the late 1800's and early 1900's. Over the years, awnings were used and an elevated freight dock was available trackside. During renovation in 1998, many changes made while the structure was used as a restaurant were removed to restore it to its original configuration.

"Is the second floor accessible to the public?"

Sorry, no. The second story is used as office space and there are no exhibits on that floor. In the early days of the Depot, that floor was used as a general business office for the railroad.

"What is that wooden platform in the Freight Room?"

That is the original scale used to weigh the freight prior to shipment by rail. While it is not functional at this time, there are components on display nearby.

"Who owns the Depot?"

The City of National City owns the property and building while the San Diego Electric Railway Association, Inc. (d.b.a. San Diego Electric Railway) has a Maintenance and Operating Agreement with the City. SDERA is responsible for maintaining the property and building. If you are interested in helping us with keeping this historic depot in great shape, please contact us at the Depot - 619-474-4400. As will all classic structures, we need to actively work to keep the weather and time from doing what it does best.

"Is the building available for events or meetings?"

Yes! Our main freight room can hold up to 60 people (about 30-35 normally). Please contact our Staff at the Depot - 619-474-4400 - to make arrangements.

"What does it take to be a docent?"

It is easy to be a docent. If you are interested in history, rail, or any combination of the two, and have a few hours to spare a month, contact Docent Coordinator John DeLalla () or call our Staff at the Depot - 619-474-4400. He will be glad to give you a training session.

"The Depot looks unusual. What is the architectural design used for the depot?"

The National City Depot was designed with an Italianate style of architecture - a distinct style in the nineteenth century. For more information on Italianate designs, see http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Italianate_architecture.

"Can we do class or group tours of the Depot?"

Yes - with advance reservations. We do not normally staff the museum Monday through Friday but will make arrangements to support class tours. We would also appreciate advance notice if you are bringing large groups so we can have the right number of docents available.

"Is food available at the Depot?"

We have drinks available for sale in our Gift Shop. Picnic Tables are available outside if you would like to bring a lunch and enjoy the typically nice San Diego-area weather. Fast food is available on the other side of Interstate 5 (In-and-Out Burger and Chipotle are popular spots with Depot volunteers!). The Waterfront Grille is also a short distance away on Marina Way just south of the Depot.

"Does the Depot have an corporate sponsors?"

The Sycuan Band of Kumeyaay Nation and their Sycuan Casino have been generous to maintaining our historic building. As a stakeholder in the new Marina Gateway Best Western Hotel across the street, Sycuan shares our desire to see the Marina Gateway redevelopment effort succeed.

The National City Host Lions Club recently contributed towards our major re-painting effort.

We continue to look for additional sponsors - especially now that we have completed the south yard and are ready to start planning for our north yard. Our long term goals include building a car barn and we will need more than just Memberships to fund a major undertaing of this size!


Contact Us

  922 W. 23rd St. | National City, CA 91950
  619-474-4400
  mailbox@sdera.org
  webmaster@sdera.org

Museum Hours

Normal Business Hours:
  Saturday / Sunday from 10am to 4pm

Tours and Special Events by Appointment.