If you’re looking for a relaxing, inexpensive place to hang out, Old Poway Park and the Poway-Midland Railroad offer something for everyone.

The park fills a full city block and is dotted with plenty of old trees offering abundant shade from the midday sun. You can plop down on the cool grass beneath the trees, sit at one of the many picnic tables, or even fire up one of their barbecue grills. A number of bridges span a dry creek bed / drainage ditch, adding a bit more charm to the park. [Click on any photo to enlarge.]

You may stumble across a group of friends seated in a circle playing music in an impromptu, unofficial concert, or you may see a small wedding at the gazebo and the Templars Hall.

If you are into local history, you can check out the Nelson House or the Heritage Museum run by the Poway Historical Society, with their informative displays and knowledgeable staff members.

Looping around the park is the Poway-Midland Railroad, a narrow-gauge railroad that offers rides around the park on a steam locomotive-pulled train, a speeder, and a cable car. You can check their website below for the specific schedules each are offered. Tickets may be purchased in the Poway Depot, which also offers a few gifts for sale.

On the first and third Saturdays in January through August, and every Saturday Labor Day through Christmas from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m., the Poway Arts & Crafts Guild hosts and Artisan Market on the boardwalk of the buildings on the edge of the park. You can find everything from pottery, hand-crafted wood pieces, hand-made soaps, photos, to jewelry being sold by very friendly artists.

Every Saturday, there’s a farmer’s market with over 65 vendors offering a variety of fresh produce, flowers, and prepared food. If you get hungry and didn’t bring your own picnic lunch, the Hamburger Factory is right within the park and has a large, family-friendly menu for breakfast, lunch, and dinner.

Old Poway Park is a beautiful little park that takes you on a nostalgic trip back in time, and it’s definitely worth a visit.

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What You Need to Know

Location:	14134 Midland Road Poway, CA 92064
Transit:	MTS Buses 945 and 945A
Hours:	Sunrise to Sunset Daily
Phone:	858-668-4576
Website:	Old Poway Park Poway-Midland Railroad
Cost:	Park: Free Railroad: Locomotive: $3.50 for Adults, $1.00 for Children Speeder: $2.50 for Adults, $1.00 for Children Cable Car: $3.50 for Adults, $1.00 for Children
Tips:	There is plenty of free parking in city parking lots adjacent to the park. Public restrooms and water fountains are available at several locations in the park. Some of the facilities can be reserved for a fee.
Date Visited:	6 August 2022