Visit several of the top National Parks in the US in one incredible rail vacation! Prices start at $265 per bike. Build the right vacation to fit your budget. The train offers an array of trips starting at $50. North from Los Angeles, the Surfliner hugs the coast from Oxnard past Vanderberg Air Force Base. 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. Skunk Train. 7 Pacific Coast Stops To Make While Riding Amtrak's Coast Starlight View the latest deals, grab early booking discounts, and check out our everyday special offers. There are several popular attractions within walking distance of the station. What to Know About Ongoing Protests, Theres So Much to Do in Peru Beyond Visiting Machu Picchu, The Best Time to Book a Hotel Room, According to Travel Experts, The 8 Hotels in North America to Book for the 2024 Total Solar Eclipse, Chef Nikki Trans 5 Favorite Places to Eat in Houstons Asiatown, 6 Museums and Tours Where You Can Learn About Asian American History, Why Iand So Many FilipinosTravel Hundreds of Miles for Jollibee. Yosemite Sugar Pine Railroad. The morning arrival means you can start enjoying the nearby lakes, rivers and waterfalls early in the day. Don't leave your car behind when you travel - bring your car with you while on the Amtrak Auto Train. Railbikes start at $109, which covers two riders midweek. The best scenery is the segment between Emeryville, California (near San Francisco) and Denver, Colorado. Instead, hop aboard the private Napa Valley Wine train, a 36-mile winetasting loop with wine and artisanal food cooked to order on board. Bring some saltwater taffy to the beach, too some of the best can be bought at Marinis Candies, found right on the boardwalk. It would be nice to travel from Seattle to LA. Trains are much better for the environment than flying or driving. However, there are many sections where the train travels adjacent to the Pacific. Travel the entire route, and the Coast Starlight will be a starting cost of about $100 to $150, or closer to $200 for a business-class seat. After increasing service last fall, the route now offers 11 round-trip services each day, and five between Santa Barbara and San Diego. Union Station is a hub of activity with Metro and Amtrak trains arriving hourly. 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. Coach passengers will still enjoy roomy, comfortable seats with much more legroom than a plane or car, and Business Class guests receive an onboard credit for food or drinks and a fully refundable ticket. You can find out more about our use, change your default settings, and withdraw your consent at any time with effect for the future by visiting Cookies Settings, which can also be found in the footer of the site. The slow ride takes passengers through stunning redwood forest, and the steam whistle is plug-your-ears loud. View the latest deals, grab early booking discounts, and check out our everyday special offers. While on board, you can take advantage of the leisurely pace to enjoy some of the themed events that are a stalwart aspect of the attraction; these include tea, wine and beer tastings as well as regular charity events. While it is possible to take the Surfliner train to Santa Barbara for a day trip, we suggest spending at least one night. Surfliner does not stop at Trestles, but passengers get as close as possible without standing on the beach. Oregon Coast Train Rides | Oregon Coast Scenic Railroad Looking for the perfect Pacific Surfliner trip? free bus connections to Pacific Surfliner passengers, Is Flying This Summer Going to Be a Repeat of the 2022 Air Travel Mess? 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. Both of these destinations offer easy access to numerous nearby attractions along with connections to a trolley or underground train systems. Head to the red barn in Felton that is The Abbots Thrift, followed by the Bizarre Bazaar down the street. It makes sense, in the state that holds Los Angeles, that one of the most noted railway lines should be dedicated to the movie industry - and thats the mission statement of the Fillmore & Western Railway Company. Scroll down to check out our list of scenic train rides in California, USA. If you ever got to stay up until midnight on New Year's Eve as a child, chances are you sipped Martinellis apple cider to celebrate. The railroad museum houses a large collection of historical locomotives, railcars, trolleys, model trains, and a three-foot gauge. 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? Explore the spectacular Canadian Rockies by rail with these chart-topping vacations. Amtraks Surfliner route is one of the busiest in the country, and for a good reason. This section of the track is wide open, and the engineer operates the train at top speed. flickr/Photos By Clark The Pacific Southwest Railway Museum has a vintage dining car on display at the Pacific Southwest Railway Museum. Fullerton offers a family-friendly environment. It serves dozens of stations, but unfortunately doesnt connect riders to the heart of San Francisco (youll need more local public transportation for that). Choose from three- or six-hour daytime journeys or a two-hour dinner ride. You really couldnt wish for a more scenic train ride than this one - the route, which traverses Mendocino County, could have been hand-designed for its picturesque touches. Pulled by a diesel locomotive, the Sacramento River Train features two dining cars, a club car, a concession car, and two open-air cars. You will have to call Amtrak with that question. Can I get on in San Diego, get off at stops along the way and reboard on the same ticket, same day? Explore helpful videos and webinars with virtual tours of our rail journeys. 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. All rights reserved. Destinations & Vacation Routes | Amtrak Vacations 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? Carpinteria is south of Santa Barbara, and the Amtrak station is within easy walking distance of Carpinteria State Park. Journey up the west coast in style on an Amtrak Coast Starlight train, as you travel from Los Angeles to Santa Barbara for a day of exploration. Drop by the company store for complimentary cider tastings; youll be surprised how many flavors they make, including peach, apple, mango, and pear. Its widely considered one of the most beautiful train trips in the country. The entire 35-hour route goes from Los Angeles to Seattle with views of snow-peaked mountains, green forests and valleys, and stretches of the Pacific Ocean, too. Learn from our experts with insider tips, read helpful suggestions, be inspired for your next trip, and much more! A bit south lies Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park, full of gorgeous redwoods and pines, as well as creeks snaking through the trees. 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. One day is just not enough for most travelers. The Pacific Surfliner takes travelers 351 miles along the California coast, but other trains explore different parts of the state. It's also worth noting that during the long trip, the super saver option does not include a sleeping arrangement. If you were to travel the full 350-mile route, the trip would take a little over eight hours. Copyright 2022 Travel + Leisure Co. All Rights Reserved. This train is a little off the beaten path, but worth the effort it takes to get there. Weve put together 5 great options to enjoy the California Coast from onboard the train! There are homeless people in and around the LA station. We have you covered - if the train goes there, so do we. 6. The delights of Sacramento can be forgotten when you list the things to see and do in California, but this scenic train ride is an excellent way to remember them. The Coast Starlight is easily one of the most beautiful train rides in North America. If the train goes there so do we! Learn More Meals and Dining Fillmore & Western Railway 351 Santa Clara, Fillmore, California. Get our travel tips Delivered to your inbox. Through groves filled with Giant Redwoods, over pretty bridges, towards the spellbinding estuary of the Noyo River. The journey includes a ride along one of California's most beautiful stretches of . Any suggestions? See our customers' most favorite rail vacations. Roaring Camp Railroad offers two different tours to suit your tastes. One unique train station along the Surfliner route is San Clemente. The Amtrak Coast Starlight runs daily and covers a distance of 1377 miles over 35 hours. There are a total of 28 stops along the way down the west coast to Los Angeles. 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. The park is open daily in summer and Saturdays and Sundays the rest of the year. TRAVEL + LEISURE is a registered trademark of Travel + Leisure Co., registered in the United States and other countries. How to explore Southern California by train - Lonely Planet Also, Amtrak San Joaquins doesnt offer a Business Class ticket selection, so reserving seats isnt possible. 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. The Pacific Surfliner route offers five daily round-trip services between Santa Barbara and San Diego, and 13 between San Diego and Los Angeles. See our Privacy Policy for more information on how we use your data. Experience the adventure of traveling overnight with these unforgettable rail experiences. 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. The delights of Sacramento can be forgotten when you list the things to see and do in California, but this scenic train ride is an excellent way to remember them. Offering a choice of rides - from Hampton to El Dorado, or perhaps to Latrobe if youd prefer, the Placerville Sacramento Valley Railroad takes you through the heart of Gold country at a leisurely pace. Kids and adults will enjoy a trip to this fun little railroadSoCal Live Steamers 2200 Crenshaw Blvd, Torrance, CA 90501. The train lets passengers enjoy beautiful Northern California scenery with views of redwood trees. Sunny Santa Barbara awaits you on this roundtrip getaway. Its about as California as it gets. 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! Ride along stretches of the Pacific ocean, up through San Francisco and past lush forests and snow-covered Mount Shasta. For a chill breakfast or fresh pastry, try Whale City Bakery across the way. On special occasions, a 1950 Fairmont Speeder can be seen rolling along the track. 5401 Graham Hill Road, Felton, CA. A local, family-run train line, the journey takes you on a 14-mile (22.5km) jaunt from West Sacramento to Woodland. A local, family-run train line, the journey takes you on a 14-mile (22.5km) jaunt from West Sacramento to Woodland. See two oceans, cross the Rockies, and all the land in-between with one of these North American adventures. Santa Cruz, California, Is a Perfect Road Trip Destination With Train 21 Best Train Rides In USA: Top Train Vacations Across the US There are miles of pristine coastline that are not accessible by car on this section of the track. Head from San Diego through Anaheim (a useful port of call for Disneyland), then up through L.A.s historic and lively downtown environment. Many travelers choose to stop in idyllic Santa Barbara, also known as the American Riviera, for its white-sand beaches, unique shopping, and local wine and food delicacies. San Clementes Train Station is adjacent to Pier, only steps to beach and nearby hotels. Take in some incredible history by visiting the Old Mission, a National Historic Landmark founded by Padre Fermin Lasuen in December of 1786. Train rides are offered on Saturdays and Sundays at 11 am and 2:30 pm. Start from any of the 500+ Amtrak Stations across the United States. From the Merced River and the foothills of the Sierra Nevada Mountain range to the tall redwoods and rushing waterfalls, Yosemite is truly a sight to behold. 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. You can find out more and change our default settings with Cookies Settings. The train boards in West Sacramento. Riding the Surfliner allows you to see scenic areas of the coast not viewable by car. Coast Starlight Train | Amtrak . Amtrak took over the route in 2000, and the Pacific Surfliner was born. Think riverfront views and ivy-draped woodlands. Sleek double-decker trains whisk you along the coast at speeds up to 90 miles an hour. Amtrak Pacific Surfliner Train train tickets buy online at Amtrak Californias website, train stations, or onboard trains. The $101 super saver option is for a one-way, single ticket. Oceanview areas of the trip include Point Conception, Gaviota Coast, Santa Barbara Coast, North, and Central San Diego County coast. https://www.instagram.com/AmtrakVacations, https://www.pinterest.com/amtrakvacations/. Some Amtrak trains stop here along with the San Diego Red Car Trolley. Discover our newest vacations created just for you. While this trip may be short, its worth checking out Poway-Midland Railroad. The solution, obviously, is to let the train take the strain, and enjoy the chance to look out the window onto the wonders of the Californian landscape. 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. Metro rail lines connect with the rest of the city, Including Universal Studios Hollywood. San Clemente is a popular summer beach day trip from inland areas of Southern California. Reservations are not normally required on Pacific Surfliner trains; however, its best to book a few days ahead of your departure date on busy summer weekends. 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. California has plenty to offer, such as theme parks and bird sanctuaries. Trains can move a larger number of people at once than cars can, which means they produce less CO2, lower pollution levels, and healthier air quality. 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. Some restrictions may apply. Parking and admission to the museum are free year-round except for special events. California Train Vacation Packages - Vacations By Rail Each train has observation cars with floor-to-ceiling windows. The Golden State, California, is one of the most prominent regions of the USA, home to cities such as San Francisco, San Diego, Los Angeles and more. 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. 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. Take the famous Coast Starlight all the way through California (with the possibility of continuing to Oregon and Washington). However, what is unique about the Western Pacific Railroad Museum is that it allows you, under supervision, to drive one too. 20 Most Beautiful Small Towns in the U.S. 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. Fill out our helpful form and we'll be in touch shortly. Its a great time for train enthusiasts of all ages. 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. We are pleased to provide additional services to customers with disabilities. 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. Metrolink has a $10 Weekend Day Pass that is good for unlimited system wide travel either Saturday or Sunday (perfect for that Disneyland vacation) and a five day flex pass that gives riders 10 percent off. Plus, it sure beats having to keep your eyes on the road while venturing up the beautiful California coast. Along with business and vacation travelers, cyclists and surfers are welcome on board with bikes and boards. 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. Oregon Coastal Excursion - Rockaway Beach or Garibaldi. They are sure to bring you relaxation, joy, and memories to last a lifetime. Redwood logging was commonplace up and down California for decades. This carefully curated list has the top suggestions of vacations for first-time rail travelers. When you visit this site, it may store or retrieve information on your browser, mostly in the form of cookies. San Diegos historic Santa Fee train Station is the end of the Pacific Surfliner route.

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train rides in california along the coast