Or spend a unique day on the tracks by railbike: These are nearly silent, electric-powered two-person railbikes that breeze along the serene track. 5 of The Most Scenic Train Rides to Take in California - AFAR Upper Klamath Lake has a canoe trail, or head to Moore Park and the Link River Trail for waterfront hiking and bird-watching. See two oceans, cross the Rockies, and all the land in-between with one of these North American adventures. Learn from our experts with insider tips, read helpful suggestions, be inspired for your next trip, and much more! Oceanview areas of the trip include Point Conception, Gaviota Coast, Santa Barbara Coast, North, and Central San Diego County coast. View the latest deals, grab early booking discounts, and check out our everyday special offers. The line returns briefly to the coast at Pismo Beach and then turns inland along Price Canyon for the final leg of its journey to San Luis Obispo. The Napa Valley Wine Train has been a must-do staple of Napa tourism for years thanks to its gourmet cuisine and world-class wine. You can also join the Moonlight Special ride, which ends with a delicious barbecue under the stars. Chelsee Lowe is a Los Angeles-based writer with an obsession with good eats and interesting stories. Head to the trains comfortable observation car and settle in for panoramic views the entire way. All rights reserved. Santa Cruz, California, Is a Perfect Road Trip Destination With Train The two steam locomotives operate daily during the summer months. San Diegos historic Santa Fee train Station is the end of the Pacific Surfliner route. The best scenery is the segment between Emeryville, California (near San Francisco) and Denver, Colorado. If youre looking to take the scenic route then this selection offers some of the very best views in North America. The train includes vintage Pullman rail cars restored with mahogany paneling, brass accents, etched glass partitions, and posh armchair seating that evokes the glamorous rail travel of the Gilded Age. 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. In Santa Cruz proper, check out vintage clothes at Tomboy and Forever Thrift. Travelling down the west coast on the Coast Starlight provides a comfortable and luxurious alternative to flying. Visit Santa Cruz County/Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk. Unwind and enjoy the panoramic views of the Pacific Ocean with a stroll along the pier. 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. The Amtrak Pacific Surfliner travels along the California coast from San Luis Obispo and ends in San Diego. Andrea Romano is a writer and editor in New York City. Explore the stunning natural landscapes of the United States' national parks in a unique and Now that the tax deadline is finally here, chances are you're thinking about how to spend your Spring is a great time to travel and right now is the perfect time to start planning that spring See our customers' most favorite rail vacations. Next is Santa Barbarathe so-called American Riviera for its coastal views, fine wines, and film festivals. Business Class tickets offer guaranteed seating and a few other perks like more legroom and complimentary snacks, but advance reservations are required. And if you need a break from the lines or crowds, the beach is right there, so you can dig your toes in the sand or even catch a wave between rides and concessions. 3. Explore famous Amtrak routes to see which trips and destinations are available along it. List of points of interest, destinations, and popular day trips by train along Californias Pacific Surfliner train route. Whats truly remarkable is seeing it from a train, appreciating a moving and panoramic view over the best that the Golden State has to offer. Many riders continue to the border via San Diego red trolley. The Amtrak. The coast-hugging train goes from San Diego to San Luis Obispo with in-between stops at some of Southern California's most beautiful towns. Adding nights to your California Coast vacations is easy just ask your rail vacation specialist and theyll be happy to help. Its about as California as it gets. Route: Ride north from Los Angeles through Portland to Seattle. Win, win, win. San Luis Obispo is the closest train station to Hearst Castle. The best plan is to buy a wristband for everyone in your party so you can enjoy unlimited rides all day long, including the Giant Dipper, a historic wooden roller coaster thats been moving and grooving for nearly 100 years. It's also worth noting that during the long trip, the super saver option does not include a sleeping arrangement. Sleek double-decker trains whisk you along the coast at speeds up to 90 miles an hour. 5 Pacific Surfliner Train Trips to Enjoy the California Coast Subscribe to our newsletter for inspiring travel guides and articles from around the world! Make a trip of it with a stay at the Citizen Hotel in Sacramento, with curated political art throughout and architecture from George Selland, the first state architect of California. Ride along stretches of the Pacific ocean, up through San Francisco and past lush forests and snow-covered Mount Shasta. 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? The wine train can carry nearly 400 passengers through Napa Valley and usually makes two daily trips. I want to take advantage of discount tickets. For a limited time only, save $150 per couple on any of our Grand Canyon National Park vacations inclusive of 4 nights or more. Visitors can enjoy a day at the beach and avoid summer traffic and parking problems. It's something that captivates most kids and many adults, too. 10 Scenic Train Rides In California | Trip101 While it is possible to take the Surfliner train to Santa Barbara for a day trip, we suggest spending at least one night. Filed Under: CALIFORNIA Tagged With: Top Ten California. If the train goes there so do we! Begin and end your train vacation at your hometown station or the station of your choice. This charming vintage railroad rides around - not unreasonably, youll surely agree - the Niles Canyon, a region in the San Francisco Bay Area. Far north from the crowded beaches of LA, Grover Beach along the Central Coast makes for an excellent day trip. Exciting escapes to a breath-taking national park or spectacular city destination. Passenger trains depart hourly South to San Diego and North to Santa Barbara and points beyond. I would also be interested in traveling from Guadalupe to Durango, Colorado by train. Explore California National Parks The San Joaquins Can I get on in San Diego, get off at stops along the way and reboard on the same ticket, same day? California is a great state for a road trip, but theres one drawback to that: if youre driving, youre sure to be missing something worth looking at, and wheres the fun in that? 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 out-and-back path will take you about two hours, and it shows off some unique regional geography. The Amtrak Coast Starlight runs daily and covers a distance of 1377 miles over 35 hours. Now, it offers dreamy rides through the majestic redwoods with a heavy dose of nostalgia; the views have remained largely unchanged since its original days. Amtrak's private sleeping rooms include in-room features, services, and amenities to ensure a smooth and relaxing journey. Napa Valley Wine Train has been in operation since 1989. 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. On a trip from Los Angeles to San Diego, you pass the world-famous surfing beach Trestles and then through Camp Pendelton to Oceanside. Originally built in 1911 by Northern Electric Co., the River Fox Train now offers an opportunity for visitors to explore the Sacramento River along a 10-mile stretch of track through Yolo Countys countryside. Then, stroll Shark Fin Cove, named for a massive rock formation that stands guard just off the sand. Travelers can buy premium tickets, at premium prices, for a Superliner Roomette that comes with two fold-down beds, plus meals and a lovely private window so you don't miss a view. The train boards in West Sacramento. Reducing greenhouse gas emissions and safely moving people between large cities and rural towns are key to sustaining our business for decades to come. Whether you plan a north- or southbound trip, you'll be on the train about 35 hours total. Book a ticket online and travel by train along the Southern California coast to destinations like San Diego, Orange County, Los Angeles, and San Luis Obispo. THE TOP 10 California Rail Tours (w/Prices) - Viator The route . Amtrak Vacations is a proud part of the Railbookers Group family of brands. 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 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. Amtrak is happy to provide accessible transportation to all of our guests. For guests traveling with a disability, the train has several Accessible Bedrooms located on the entry level with space for a wheelchair and two adults. A Diesel-electric locomotive pulls vintage passenger cars over this historic railroad route. Instead, hop aboard the private Napa Valley Wine train, a 36-mile winetasting loop with wine and artisanal food cooked to order on board. The Coast Starlight is easily one of the most beautiful train rides in North America. Just a short walk from the San Diego train station is the USS Midway Museum, restaurants, and the ferry to Coronado Island. 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. Or you think a package would be better in reverse? A local, family-run train line, the journey takes you on a 14-mile (22.5km) jaunt from West Sacramento to Woodland. However, there are many sections where the train travels adjacent to the Pacific. For a limited time only, save $150 per couple on any of our Grand Canyon National Park vacations inclusive of 4 nights or more. Yosemite Sugar Pine Railroad. Also, Amtrak San Joaquins doesnt offer a Business Class ticket selection, so reserving seats isnt possible. Classic and well known routes across America. The railway runs excursions on Sundays year-round, usually every week during the summer and less frequently during the winter. Coast Starlight trains run from Guadalupe to Washington State. The route takes passengers on a journey from Los Angeles to Seattle, stopping in Sacramento and Portland along the way. California Coast | Amtrak Vacations Onboard Accommodations Get a good night's sleep onboard the train! Discounts: 62 years and over 15% discount, AAA members can save 10%, students 15%. more adult-oriented evenings. Sign up today to save up to $350 on your next vacation! It doesn't make a difference if you know anything about how engines work or if you can tell the difference between a carburetor or a crankshaft, or a, Copyright 2023 https://www.daytrippen.com | Site Design by 3200 Creative | Privacy Policy | Terms Of Use | User Agreement | Contact Us, 2023 Southern California Events Festivals & Fairs, Queen Mary Long Beach Tours and Attractions 2023, Hollywood Day Trip What to Do Along Hollywood Blvd, Santa Clarita Valley Day Trip Attractions Things to Do, La Purisima Mission Day Trip Lompoc California, Zimmerman Automobile Driving Museum Vintage Car Rides, Unusual Things to Do in Southern California. Classic and well known routes across America. We will add a few more trains to the list. Keep in mind that this route has a lot of stops, and can get pretty crowded. Experience the adventure of traveling overnight with these unforgettable rail experiences. Travel + Leisure magazine may receive compensation for some links to products and services on this website. 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. © 2023 Amtrak Vacations. It doesn't make a difference if you know anything about how engines work or if you can tell the difference between a carburetor or a crankshaft, or a, Copyright 2023 https://www.daytrippen.com | Site Design by 3200 Creative | Privacy Policy | Terms Of Use | User Agreement | Contact Us, Places to Ride Trains in Southern California, 2023 Southern California Events Festivals & Fairs, Queen Mary Long Beach Tours and Attractions 2023, Hollywood Day Trip What to Do Along Hollywood Blvd, Santa Clarita Valley Day Trip Attractions Things to Do, La Purisima Mission Day Trip Lompoc California, Zimmerman Automobile Driving Museum Vintage Car Rides, Unusual Things to Do in Southern California. 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. Discover our newest vacations created just for you. The museum offers exhibits about rail life, historical artifacts, and a collection of rare photographs and memorabilia. Explore the spectacular Canadian Rockies by rail with these chart-topping vacations. Looking for a Pacific Surfliner trip? California Vacations by Rail | Amtrak Vacations Grover Beach is the nearest station to Pismo Beach. Add extra nights in a favorite destination. a picturesque harbor, and the longest wooden pier on the California coast. For a chill breakfast or fresh pastry, try Whale City Bakery across the way. Pismo Beach, Oceano, Arroyo Grande, and Shell Beach. The Southern California coast unfolds before your eyes from your seat aboard The Pacific Surfliner. With so many incredible views and sights to see on this Pacific Surfliner trip, you may want to add more nights! The morning arrival means you can start enjoying the nearby lakes, rivers and waterfalls early in the day. You can find out more and change our default settings with Cookies Settings. Fullerton offers a family-friendly environment. Visiting Californias wineries in Napa can be a nuisance and potential hazard by car. Prices start at $16 for a single leg of the journey. The Pacific Surfliner in San Diego. Have a burger at Davenport Roadhouse, which gives off perfect saloon vibes with its dark interior. Amtraks Coast Starlight covers 1,377 miles of the Western U.S. in dramatic fashion, passing forests, mountains, and the great Pacific Ocean. One unique train station along the Surfliner route is San Clemente. Travel to the City of Angels and enjoy the views from the train onboard the Coast Starlight and take advantage of the narrated tour that includes iconic attractions, like the Hollywood Walk of Fame, Paramount Studios, and many others. Amtrak Pacific Surfliner Train train tickets buy online at Amtrak Californias website, train stations, or onboard trains. San Juan Capistrano is one of the most popular day trips by train along the route of the Amtrak Pacific Surfliner. When you visit the site, Dotdash Meredith and its partners may store or retrieve information on your browser, mostly in the form of cookies. Train Routes Serving California | Amtrak Our Rail Vacation Consultants or a local Travel Advisor will assist you in making any adjustments to fit your travel style. Among the many sites you'll see along the way, you can gaze upon gorgeous mountains, forests, valleys, and the Pacific Ocean during just one trip. Take the Most Beautiful Train Ride in the U.S. for $101 - Travel If youre interested in a gold mine trail, you can enjoy the additional treats such as a chance to try your hand at panning for gold. Train Rides and Railroad Adventures for Kids in the Bay Area and Plus, enjoy all the famous sights of Santa Barbara with your included Trolley Tour, which visits the famous Stearns Wharf, the Harbor, the Santa Barbara Historical Museum, and more! Visiting Old Town San Diego is like taking a step back in history. Travel + Leisure is published by Meredith Corporation under license from Travel + Leisure Co. Next, youll take in the famous sights of Los Angeles, like Rodeo Drive, the Santa Monica Pier, and more before you board the Pacific Surfliner to San Diego. Visitors to Roaring Camp can ride on one of two historic steam trains: the Redwood Forest Steam Train or the Santa Cruz Beach Train. West Coast Train Tours | USA Today Unsubscribe in one click. Amtraks private sleeping rooms include in-room features, services,and amenities to ensure a smooth and relaxing journey. If you choose to travel the Coast Starlight, youll get to enjoy an onboard theater and arcade room to help pass the time (or if you need a break from the scenic views) and sleeper car passengers even have access to local wine and cheese tastings in the Parlour Car. Trips run between some of the areas most historical places and offer a look at the stunning, preserved architecture that lines the route. NO particular travel times or days. While this trip may be short, its worth checking out Poway-Midland Railroad. Experience the adventure of traveling overnight with these unforgettable rail experiences. Build the right vacation to fit your budget. It would be best to contact Amtrak for exact cost and departure dates. Pulled by a diesel locomotive, the Sacramento River Train features two dining cars, a club car, a concession car, and two open-air cars. Interested in a private car for 25 people from SLO to San Diego (round trip). Amtrak is happy to provide accessible transportation to all of our guests. This section of the track is wide open, and the engineer operates the train at top speed. Your Guide to Southern California Events 35 hours Daily Departure A grand west coast train adventure, en route daily between Los Angeles and Seattle, the Coast Starlight train passes through Santa Barbara, the San Francisco Bay Area, Sacramento and Portland. In San Francisco, enjoy a bay cruise adventure, the San Francisco Zoo, and the Walt Disney Family Museum and get a great feeling for why this is one of the most beloved cities in California. Its a great time for train enthusiasts of all ages. We are pleased to provide additional services to customers with disabilities. Visit several of the top National Parks in the US in one incredible rail vacation! 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. Your Amtrak Vacation journey can start from any of the over 500 Amtrak stations across North America. 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. on the West Coast From Charming Small Towns to National . A short ride in the scenic grounds of the museum takes you through the lush countryside of Northern California aboard a traditional caboose; an actual driver will take over for the full ride, but the chance to be in their seat for a moment is one thats hard to resist! It may sound like a short ride, but the train wont go above 15mph (24kph) at any point, so you have all the time in the world to enjoy a fine dinner, accompanied by quality beer and wine, before disembarking; themed trips include Wild West and Zombie shows. Coast Starlight Train | Amtrak 12 Most Scenic Train Rides On The West Coast The Wine Train isnt so much about the destination as it is about the journey, since the track is a fairly short 36-mile loop starting and ending in the small town of St. Helena. Sunny Santa Barbara awaits you on this roundtrip getaway. 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. Through groves filled with Giant Redwoods, over pretty bridges, towards the spellbinding estuary of the Noyo River. For a limited time only, save $350 per couple on our 'West Coast to East Coast Rail Experience from Los Angeles' vacation inclusive of 10 nights or more. The Skunk Train, 299 E Commercial St, Willits, CA 95490, USA. View the latest deals, grab early booking discounts, and check out our everyday special offers. 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. 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. Login in for helpful resources, free trainings, and promotional items. Combine the best of land and sea with these vacations exploring the breath-taking beauty of Alaska. The Ultimate California Train Trip To Plan Now Scroll down to check out our list of scenic train rides in California, USA. Drop by the company store for complimentary cider tastings; youll be surprised how many flavors they make, including peach, apple, mango, and pear. Cruise by sparkling beaches and rolling hills as you . Historic Mission San Juan Capistrano is within easy walking distance of the Amtrak station. 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. Complete Guide to Train Rides & Attractions in Northern California Route: Seattle Portland Sacramento San Francisco Santa Barbara Los Angeles. You are viewing the 2023 itinerary. Duration: 35 hours. 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. One day is just not enough for most travelers. Sign up today to save up to $350 on your next vacation! TRAVEL + LEISURE is a registered trademark of Travel + Leisure Co., registered in the United States and other countries. From here, many riders choose to continue the ride (and the views) further south on the Pacific Surfliner to San Diego. Tours available include the, Hollywood is a star-studded destination, even for those that aren't star-struck. Choose from three- or six-hour daytime journeys or a two-hour dinner ride. (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. If you want to see the best of the west coast, take a train. What better way to experience Californias Golden Coast than from onboard Amtrak? The nearest train station to Trestles is in San Clemente. The whole route takes 5 hours and 45 minutes to complete and covers 351-miles. 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. 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. Any railroad attraction can allow you to ride a train - and a welcome opportunity it is, too. Offers may be subject to change without notice. Fill out our helpful form and we'll be in touch shortly. . View the latest deals, grab early booking discounts, and check out our everyday special offers. Amtraks iconic Pacific Surfliner offers a 351-mile trip through San Diego, Orange, Los Angeles, Ventura, Santa Barbara, and San Luis Obispo counties, with stretches of the route abutting the Pacific coastline in Southern California. 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. Your Amtrak Vacation journey can start from any of the over 500 Amtrak stations across North America. No trip along the Golden Coast would be complete without visiting some of Californias most iconic cities, including: Among your included sightseeing tours in these impressive cities is also a ride across the Golden Gate Bridge and into Sonoma Valley, along the El Camino Real, and into the heart of Napa Valley for tours and tastings of up to three vineyards. Choose from Roomettes with two seats that fold up into bunk-style cots at night and a private restroom with shower; a Bedroom with twice the space; an even bigger Bedroom Suite; and a Family Bedroom with room for two adults and two children. Oregon Coastal Excursion - Rockaway Beach or Garibaldi. From rides through redwood forests to wine country, these train trips through California offer plenty of adventure. 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. California has plenty to offer, such as theme parks and bird sanctuaries. The famous brand has been producing beloved beverages for more than 150 years, and is headquartered in the Santa Cruz County city of Watsonville. Discover our newest vacations created just for you. 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 new Tasting on the Rails trip launches in May, with tickets starting at $395. Attractions are plentiful in this wonderful coastal town. Niles Canyon Railroad also operates special train excursions during the year, including wine-tasting trains, beer-tasting trains, holiday excursions, and summer school trains. Trains are easy to navigate, budget-friendly, space-saving, and are oftentimes safer than driving. Visit Santa Cruz County/Walter Scriptunas. Its widely considered one of the most beautiful train trips in the country. The journey includes a ride along one of California's most beautiful stretches of .
