California Train Routes Amtrak trains and connecting buses reach more than 150 destinations in the Golden State, including top cities such as San Diego, Los Angeles, Santa Barbara, San Francisco and Sacramento; national parks; wineries; deserts and beaches. This is Gold Rush country, offering stunning sights from the train. Yosemite Mountain Sugar Pine Railroad 56001 Hwy 41, Fish Camp, CA 93623. San Juan Capistrano is one of the most popular day trips by train along the route of the Amtrak Pacific Surfliner. The Amtrak Pacific Surfliner is a surfer's dream train journey, taking passengers and their surfboards along the California coast. Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing. Tours available include the, Hollywood is a star-studded destination, even for those that aren't star-struck. Amtrak Vacations is a proud part of the Railbookers Group family of brands. Unwind and enjoy the panoramic views of the Pacific Ocean with a stroll along the pier. The narrow-gauge trains are an opportunity to travel through time in the most relaxing way imaginable. Can I get on in San Diego, get off at stops along the way and reboard on the same ticket, same day? (Under new owners, no train excursions are scheduled yet) Fillmore and Western Railway winds through the Heritage Valley, offering views of miles of orange, lemon, and avocado groves. See two oceans, cross the Rockies, and all the land in-between with one of these North American adventures. Every month you can find a fair, festival, The Queen Mary has resumed tours for the first time since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic beginning April 1, 2023. Learn More Meals and Dining Exciting escapes to a breath-taking national park or spectacular city destination. When you visit this site, it may store or retrieve information on your browser, mostly in the form of cookies. The route takes passengers on a journey from Los Angeles to Seattle, stopping in Sacramento and Portland along the way. Shorter rides clock in at 45 minutes and offer jaw-dropping panoramas of the Sacramento Valley, while longer trips go over the superb Deer Creek Bridge. See our customers' most favorite rail vacations. The Pacific Coast Highway Is an Iconic Road Trip - but It's Even Better Redwood logging was commonplace up and down California for decades. Website: Placerville Sacramento Valley Railroad. Trips from the Park go through Gold Country and the Sierra Mountains, offering stunning views through sweeping countryside over the course of a 45-minute round trip. Private rooms get priority boarding, a dedicated Sleeping Car attendant, access to the train lounge, and complimentary meals included. Open since 1907, this seaside amusement park was the bees knees for NorCal kids growing up in the 1990s, and the fun continues today. Fullerton offers a family-friendly environment. 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The train cars are made up of restored vintage Pullman cars from the early 20th century and the decor is an homage to the glory days of luxury train travel with all its mahogany paneling, brass accents, etched glass partitions, and intimate seating. Its countryside is more epic and awe-inspiring - and on some of the longer rides, youll have the chance to see it in all of its glory, from verdant forests to arid landscapes. The train offers an array of trips starting at $50. Running around the grounds of Old Poway Park, this vintage railroad - with equally vintage cars and equipment - is a simple, leisurely trip where the trains themselves are the main attraction. Sunny Santa Barbara awaits you on this roundtrip getaway. View Destination Quebec City, QC Youll also enjoy a narrated tour of all of San Diegos most popular landmarks: Seaport Village, Shelter Island, Coronado Island, and so much more. Buses and trolleys depart every few minutes from the train station to many of San Diegos most popular attractions. AFAR participates in affiliate marketing programs, which means we may earn a commission if you purchase an item featured on our site. 2023 AFAR Media. Your Guide to Southern California Events If the idea of the hunt appeals to you, try your hand at thrifting in the Santa Cruz area. 6. The Surfliner travels through Santa Ana, Irvine, and San Juan Capistrano from the Fullerton train station. Pacific Southwest Railway takes passengers on a 12-mile round-trip journey and the old San Diego & Arizona Railway track. Head to Wilder Ranch State Park first, where the popular Old Cove Landing Trail delivers scenic views of the Pacific Ocean along an easygoing, 2.5-mile loop. Top 10 California Train Trips Best Places to Ride Trains Top 10 California Train Trips 12/21/2022 by DayTrippen Napa Valley Wine Train Napa Valley Wine Train has been in operation since 1989. Cookies collect information about your preferences and your devices and are used to make the site work as you expect it to, to understand how you interact with the site, and to show advertisements that are targeted to your interests. Amtrak's Coast Starlight. Select your departure year 2023 2024 9 days Not yet on sale Travel on your own following a well-planned itinerary 2023 Tour code: WC-CCTS-23 About the tour more adult-oriented evenings. After turning inland, the Surfliner travels through oak-covered valleys filled with miles of grapevines until it reaches the rich farmland of Santa Maria Valley. Visiting Old Town San Diego is like taking a step back in history. The Redwood Forest Steam Train takes passengers on a scenic ride through the towering redwoods of the Santa Cruz Mountains, while the Santa Cruz Beach Train travels along the coast to the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk. Here are six ideas for your Santa Cruz road trip itinerary, each one giving a glimpse of local life in the coastal destination. With near perfect weather year round and more than 70 miles of beautiful . Trains are much better for the environment than flying or driving. My recommendation would be to go north to San Luis Obispo. See our Privacy Policy for more information on how we use your data. Coast Starlight Train | Amtrak The slow ride takes passengers through stunning redwood forest, and the steam whistle is plug-your-ears loud. The Amtrak Pacific Surfliner travels along the California coast from San Luis Obispo and ends in San Diego. Route: Ride north from Los Angeles through Portland to Seattle. https://www.instagram.com/AmtrakVacations, https://www.pinterest.com/amtrakvacations/. Santa Barbara is a three-hour train trip from Los Angeles. Learn from our experts with insider tips, read helpful suggestions, be inspired for your next trip, and much more! 5 of The Most Scenic Train Rides to Take in California - AFAR Roaring Camp Railroad offers two different tours to suit your tastes. Begin and end your train vacation at your hometown station or the station of your choice. At the time of writing this article, Travel + Leisure found the super saver price as early as April, and the availability was sparse, sometimes with only one ticket available on certain days. For a limited time only, save $150 per couple on any of our Grand Canyon National Park vacations inclusive of 4 nights or more. Coast Starlight trains run from Guadalupe to Washington State. If you are set on going south downtown Los Angele (Union Station). However, what is unique about the Western Pacific Railroad Museum is that it allows you, under supervision, to drive one too. Learn more from our most commonly asked questions from travelers. Some of the more scenic highlights of this route include the section between Stockton and Oakland with views of the Delta and the Bay, between Lodi and Sacramento through vineyards, and between Merced and Fresno with views of the sierras and Central California farmland. From here, many riders choose to continue the ride (and the views) further south on the Pacific Surfliner to San Diego. Travel time on the Coast Starlight from LA to Seatle is 36 hours. It's also worth noting that during the long trip, the super saver option does not include a sleeping arrangement. There used to be a company that hooked on a Parlor car to Amtrak trains. Along the West Coast of the United States, 1,377 miles of railroad tracks run from Seattle to Los Angeles - a route often named as one of the most beautiful train journeys in America. Not only does the California State Railroad Museum offer you a glimpse at the history of the Californian railways - it allows you to live that history by way of a series of interesting interactive rides. Once in California, the line travels through Sacramento, San Francisco, and down the coast to Los Angelesand features both right and left side views of impressive mountain ranges, inland valleys and vineyards, and spectacular shorelines. This carefully curated list has the top suggestions of vacations for first-time rail travelers. Amtrak Pacific Surfliner trains consist of double-decker California passenger cars with wide windows perfect for viewing the Pacific ocean. Adventurous travelers could spend weeks traversing Californias 840-mile coastline, stopping to hike its rugged, seaside cliffs or explore destinations like Santa Barbara and Big Sur. Amtraks Coast Starlight train is considered by many to be one of the most scenic train tours on the west coast, passing through spectacular cities like San Francisco, Santa Barbara, and Portland. The Amtrak Pacific Surfliner route hugs the majestic California coastline to top destinations in San Diego, Orange, Los Angeles, Ventura, Santa Barbara, and San Luis Obispo counties. And the best part is, tickets start at only $101 for a one-way trip. Take a California train ride on an operating trolley every Saturday and Sunday at the museum. Visitors can ride on a vintage 1907 Baldwin Steam Locomotive during the summer and holiday weekends. See two oceans, cross the Rockies, and all the land in-between with one of these North American adventures. Taking the train for a day trip to San Diego is a fun alternative to driving the busy 405 freeway. The Spanish adobe-style building has 268 rooms and suites and offers a lively, creative scene with top-notch food and drink outlets. California Coast | Amtrak Vacations All rights reserved. Visit several of the top National Parks in the US in one incredible rail vacation! Carpinteria is south of Santa Barbara, and the Amtrak station is within easy walking distance of Carpinteria State Park. Kids and adults will enjoy a trip to this fun little railroadSoCal Live Steamers 2200 Crenshaw Blvd, Torrance, CA 90501. And if you want to get off the beaten path, drive to Quail Hollow Ranch County Park in Felton and try the Sunset Trail. NO particular travel times or days. Upgrade to a sleeping accommodation onboard the train. San Luis Obispo is nestled among the hills, just south of Paso Robles, Atascadero, and north of Pismo Beach; the city is halfway between San Francisco and Los Angeles. There is free Wi-Fi available onboard as well as a cafe car for food and drink purchases. The whole route takes 5 hours and 45 minutes to complete and covers 351-miles. 5 Pacific Surfliner Train Trips to Enjoy the California Coast The whole trip takes about 35 hours start to finish and the train departs daily, with different accommodations to fit different travel styles and budgets. This tiny town just north of Santa Cruz proper is a nice stop for a meal and beach walk. Keep in mind that this route has a lot of stops, and can get pretty crowded. Along with business and vacation travelers, cyclists and surfers are welcome on board with bikes and boards. Courtesy of Amtrak Begin and end your train vacation at your hometown station or the station of your choice. See a rail vacation package you like, but it would be even better with an extra day at the beginning or end of the journey? All you need to know about a trip on the Amtrak Coast Starlight From here, the Surfline route turns inland to San Luis Obispo. Excursions take you through the Sacramento Valley to see the historic railroad that still works, while on your return to the depot, you can check out the exhibits, such as an event commemorating 150 years of the Transcontinental Railroad. Filed Under: CALIFORNIA Tagged With: Top Ten California. Follow the coast to Grover Beach. Theres no assigned seating on trains so most likely if you have a group that large it would fill a train car. There is also an excellent museum on-site with rolling stock and railroad artifacts. San Luis Obispo is the Northern Most stop of the Amtrak Pacific Surfline. Take in some incredible history by visiting the Old Mission, a National Historic Landmark founded by Padre Fermin Lasuen in December of 1786. Travel in comfort and style as you explore top attractions like Maid of the Mist, Cave of the Winds, and Niagara Falls State Park, surrounded by stunning views of the falls and the Niagara River. I want to take advantage of discount tickets. This train is a little off the beaten path, but worth the effort it takes to get there. The Amazing Sights You'll See on California's Best Coastal Train Route 15 Affordable Weekend Getaways Around the U.S. 10 Dreamy Amalfi Coast Towns to Visit in Italy, 24 Best Things to Do in Denver, From Brewery Visits to Red Rocks Hiking. But if you are, Hollywood's reputation as an iconic place to rub, Located in the northern part of Los Angeles County, the Santa Clarita Valley is home to Six Flags Magic Mountain and the epicenter of Hollywoods film. Historic Mission San Juan Capistrano is within easy walking distance of the Amtrak station. Widely regarded as one of the most spectacular of all train routes, the Coast Starlight links the greatest cities on the West Coast. This California National Park With Towering Redwoods Also Has Some of the Most Beautiful Wildflowers in the U.S. How I Found Solitude and Freedom on a Weeklong Solo Road Trip Along California's Famed Highway 1, 50 Best Romantic Getaways for a Couples Trip, Nevada's 370-mile Death Drive Is One of the Best Road Trips in the State. Login in for helpful resources, free trainings, and promotional items. The states railroad offerings include historic journeys through redwood forests, luxurious wine trains, and Amtrak routes along the vibrant Pacific coastline and beyond. The Skunk Train, 299 E Commercial St, Willits, CA 95490, USA. The train ride takes about 15-minutes and runs along the Southside of Charles H. Wilson Park in Torrance, California. Then, stroll Shark Fin Cove, named for a massive rock formation that stands guard just off the sand. Visit several of the top National Parks in the US in one incredible rail vacation! The extensive Thruway Bus network can even take passengers as far as Las Vegas or Napa, and the train connects directly to BART (Bay Area Rapid Transit) at the Richmond Station. Learn more from our most commonly asked questions from travelers. You can find out more and change our default settings with Cookies Settings. From Oceanside to Torrey Pines, the train runs along the coast and then turns inland for the final miles before it reaches downtown San Diego. For a chill breakfast or fresh pastry, try Whale City Bakery across the way. Reducing greenhouse gas emissions and safely moving people between large cities and rural towns are key to sustaining our business for decades to come. The train boards in West Sacramento. North from Los Angeles, the Surfliner hugs the coast from Oxnard past Vanderberg Air Force Base. Website: Railtown 1897 State Historic Park. The start and endpoints of the trip are San Luis Obispo and San Diego. Tour options range from 2-3 hour journeys complete with a four-course meal to full or half-day trips that last for 3 to 6 hours and include wine tastings at some of Napa Valleys most famous wineries. Experience the adventure of traveling overnight with these unforgettable rail experiences. Plus, it sure beats having to keep your eyes on the road while venturing up the beautiful California coast. Between April and September, trips from the historic attraction of Railtown 1897 will offer you the chance to step back more than a century and see the way the railroads used to work. Oregon Coastal Excursion - Rockaway Beach or Garibaldi. Offers may be subject to change without notice. Or you think a package would be better in reverse? Along the way, you'll enjoy views of the coastline and Pacific Ocean before arriving in the scenic oceanside town of Santa Barbara. Discover our three easy ways to book your perfect train vacation. The end of the line to the north is San Luis Obispo, known for outdoor activities, farm-to-table dining, and world-class wineries. Fill out our helpful form and we'll be in touch shortly. 7 Memorable And Scenic Train Rides In Southern California "Day Out With Thomas" Train Rides In California (2023) Youre paying for the ride, but also for the food or wine along with it, so save this train ride for a special occasion. This out-and-back path will take you about two hours, and it shows off some unique regional geography. If the train goes there so do we! California Vacations by Rail | Amtrak Vacations We will add a few more trains to the list. Known for its incredible coastal and scenic views, Amtrak's Pacific Surfliner travels over 350 miles along the coastal region of Southern California and makes for an incredible vacation highlight. Cookies collect information about your preferences and your device and are used to make the site work as you expect it to, to understand how you interact with the site, and to show advertisements that are targeted to your interests. Amtrak Pacific Surfliner offers twelve daily round-trip journeys between San Diego and Los Angeles. Explore the spectacular Canadian Rockies by rail with these chart-topping vacations. Don't leave your car behind when you travel - bring your car with you while on the Amtrak Auto Train. Today the Skunk Train takes passengers on a seven-mile round trip. Prices start at $16 for a single leg of the journey. Don't leave your car behind when you travel - bring your car with you while on the Amtrak Auto Train. For a limited time only, save $150 per couple on any of our Grand Canyon National Park vacations inclusive of 4 nights or more. 5 Pacific Surfliner Train Trips to Enjoy the California Coast, Six Ways to Enjoy Americas National Parks by Train, 7 Train Getaways to Take with Your Tax Refund, https://www.instagram.com/AmtrakVacations, https://www.pinterest.com/amtrakvacations/, San Diego Getaway Roundtrip from Los Angeles, Santa Barbara Getaway Roundtrip from Los Angeles, San Francisco to San Diego Californias Golden Coast. Explore San Diego - Downtown. Sleek double-decker trains whisk you along the coast at speeds up to 90 miles an hour. All rights reserved. Sign up today to save up to $350 on your next vacation! Get our travel tips Delivered to your inbox. On special occasions, a 1950 Fairmont Speeder can be seen rolling along the track. If youre looking to take the scenic route then this selection offers some of the very best views in North America. Passengers can also lounge in swivel chairs so they can get a wide view. Goleta beaches are typically less crowded than Santa Barbaras, and Goleta Beach Park is the ideal destination for a quiet family day trip or a romantic weekend getaway. A local, family-run train line, the journey takes you on a 14-mile (22.5km) jaunt from West Sacramento to Woodland. We have you covered - if the train goes there, so do we. Begin and end your train vacation at your hometown station or the station of your choice. Fillmore & Western Railway 351 Santa Clara, Fillmore, California. Explore California National Parks The San Joaquins Passengers still get comfy reclining seats with power outlets, free Wi-Fi, restrooms, bike and luggage racks, and massive windows to enjoy the views of the sea as it whips by. Build the right vacation to fit your budget. The Pacific Surfliner in San Diego. Destinations & Vacation Routes | Amtrak Vacations Each train has observation cars with floor-to-ceiling windows. What the Experts Think, Have a Trip to Paris Planned? Take a scenic train ride to Niagara Falls, NY, and witness the natural wonder of the world. Nowadays, its a more pleasant experience! A bit south lies Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park, full of gorgeous redwoods and pines, as well as creeks snaking through the trees. Safe, efficient, and comfortable service to all of our customers is very importance to us. If you were to travel the full 350-mile route, the trip would take a little over eight hours. Hop on a Train. At one time, the Oceanside Chamber of Commerce Slogan promoted this beach town with a huge billboard along Highway 101, Tan Your Hide in Oceanside. These days the Chamber of Commerce has a slightly different vision Oceanside Classic California Beach Community.. Amtrak Pacific Surfliner trains run along the coast of Southern California from San Luis Obispo to San Diego. Whether its a full sit-down meal or more informal food service, many trains have one or more options for onboard dining. Train ridership in California is up 13% over the past five years, and an estimated 95% of the population lives within 30 miles of an Amtrak station, making train travel within The Golden State an easy, convenient, and pleasant option for driving and flying. Discover our newest vacations created just for you. Combine the best of land and sea with these vacations exploring the breath-taking beauty of Alaska. Discover our three easy ways to book your perfect train vacation. What better way to experience Californias Golden Coast than from onboard Amtrak? Tour Southern California aboard Amtrak trains, including the Coast Starlight and Pacific Surfliner, to visit cities like San Diego and Los Angeles and taste the Paso Robles wine region's varietals. These five Pacific Surfliner trips feature sightseeing, exploration, and sun. The 35-hour route covers 350 miles through Washington, Oregon and California countryside, making about 30 stops, including Santa Barbara, the San Francisco Bay Area, Sacramento and Portland,. . Learn about your dining choices, onboard dining reservations, and the different types of dining cars. Theres also the option to sleep aboard, with the cost of a roomette about $700, or a family room about $1,300which includes meals, water, and coffee. © 2023 Amtrak Vacations. The Coast Starlight departs both Los Angeles and Seattle once daily, stopping in 28 cities in between. From there you can walk to Olvera Street and Chinatown. But it seems they no longer operate due to the current public health issue (Covid). Top 10 California Train Trips Best Places to Ride Trains - Daytrippen.com Napa Valley Wine Train has been in operation since 1989. Sleek double-decker trains whisk you along the coast at speeds up to 90 miles an hour. There are seven daily round trips featured on this train, five between the cities of Oakland and Bakersfield, and two between Sacramento and Bakersfield. This section of the track is wide open, and the engineer operates the train at top speed. You are viewing the 2023 itinerary. The railroad museum houses a large collection of historical locomotives, railcars, trolleys, model trains, and a three-foot gauge. The Southern California coast unfolds before your eyes from your seat aboard The Pacific Surfliner. Similar to Caltrain, Metrolink offers services on a smaller scale, covering the Southern California regions connecting Los Angeles, Ventura County, Antelope Valley, San Bernardino, Riverside, Orange County, and the Inland Empire. Instead, hop aboard the private Napa Valley Wine train, a 36-mile winetasting loop with wine and artisanal food cooked to order on board.

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