Travel + Leisure is published by Meredith Corporation under license from Travel + Leisure Co. In case youre wondering, the name Skunk Train comes from the gasoline-powered engines that once kept vehicles moving - which were not sweet-smelling, as you would imagine. The whole route takes 5 hours and 45 minutes to complete and covers 351-miles. Your Guide to Southern California Events See two oceans, cross the Rockies, and all the land in-between with one of these North American adventures. It's a one-of-a-kind experience through the beautiful redwoods. California Coast | Amtrak Vacations 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. Website: Placerville Sacramento Valley Railroad. Prices for the train start at $59 for adults and $29 for kids. Why not take the chance to enjoy one? Extend the trip with a longer stay in downtown Los Angeles, which has abundant hotel options, including the historic Hotel Figueroa, one of the citys oldest; it opened nearly a century ago as lodging for professional women travelers, a rarity for the era. Many riders continue to the border via San Diego red trolley. © 2023 Amtrak Vacations. Yelp/ Cailyn Yulee C. Possibly one of the most iconic Northern California experiences, everyone should add an experience on Mendocino County's Skunk Train to their bucket list. But it seems they no longer operate due to the current public health issue (Covid). If youve ever taken the train along Californias picture-perfect coastline, you know what a feast for the eyes the journey can be. Santa Cruz is rich with incredible hikes, so pack your most comfortable shoes and favorite snacks. Amtraks private sleeping rooms include in-room features, services,and amenities to ensure a smooth and relaxing journey. . 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! Tours available include the, Hollywood is a star-studded destination, even for those that aren't star-struck. It's also worth noting that during the long trip, the super saver option does not include a sleeping arrangement. For a chill breakfast or fresh pastry, try Whale City Bakery across the way. Experience the adventure of traveling overnight with these unforgettable rail experiences. From here, many riders choose to continue the ride (and the views) further south on the Pacific Surfliner to San Diego. Redwood Grove Loop and River Trail are recommended for kids due to their length and proximity to water, especially if its a warm day to splash and play. Visitors to Roaring Camp can ride on one of two historic steam trains: the Redwood Forest Steam Train or the Santa Cruz Beach Train. Discover all options for customizing your rail vacation! Here's how to plan the ultimate Santa Cruz road trip itinerary. 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? 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. 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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. San Luis Obispo is the Northern Most stop of the Amtrak Pacific Surfline. Amtrak took over the route in 2000, and the Pacific Surfliner was born. However, what is unique about the Western Pacific Railroad Museum is that it allows you, under supervision, to drive one too. California Train Vacation Packages - Vacations By Rail For the last eight years, she has been a lifestyle journalist for. Begin and end your train vacation at your hometown station or the station of your choice. 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. Historic Mission San Juan Capistrano is within easy walking distance of the Amtrak station. Stretch out and relax with your very own bedroom during your Amtrak train trip! Sign up today to save up to $350 on your next vacation! San Diegos historic Santa Fee train Station is the end of the Pacific Surfliner route. And like its sister Skunk Train in Mendocino County, this track also offers the whimsical railbike experience. If you are considering booking this service read on for a . See our Privacy Policy for more information on how we use your data. Visiting Californias wineries in Napa can be a nuisance and potential hazard by car. 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. 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. 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 runs along California's central and southern coastline, transporting passengers from San Diego north to Santa Barbara and terminating at San Luis Obispo. 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 Ultimate California Train Trip To Plan Now Grover Beach is the nearest station to Pismo Beach. Enjoy scenic vistas from the train en route to Americas greatest national treasures. Instead, hop aboard the private Napa Valley Wine train, a 36-mile winetasting loop with wine and artisanal food cooked to order on board. 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. Head from San Diego through Anaheim (a useful port of call for Disneyland), then up through L.A.s historic and lively downtown environment. 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. But if you're just looking to sightsee and save, you can't get much better than a relaxing train ride. I want to take advantage of discount tickets. 3. 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. Discover our three easy ways to book your perfect train vacation. If youre looking to take the scenic route then this selection offers some of the very best views in North America. Courtesy of Amtrak Passenger trains depart hourly South to San Diego and North to Santa Barbara and points beyond. Discover our three easy ways to book your perfect train vacation. Skunk Train. 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. The park itself is pretty, fringed around with trees and filled with greenery, but there is certainly something about the boxcars youll spend time on in these hour-long rides - a pleasing gentility that makes for a relaxing ride. Riding the Surfliner allows you to see scenic areas of the coast not viewable by car. 12 Most Scenic Train Rides On The West Coast Also, Amtrak San Joaquins doesnt offer a Business Class ticket selection, so reserving seats isnt possible. Travel + Leisure magazine may receive compensation for some links to products and services on this website. An educational and entertaining way to spend a few hours, this is certainly one you should have on your itinerary. Oregon Coastal Excursion - Rockaway Beach or Garibaldi. Classic and well known routes across America. On a trip from Los Angeles to San Diego, you pass the world-famous surfing beach Trestles and then through Camp Pendelton to Oceanside. Duration: 35 hours. 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. Fullerton has a large modern train station with a short walk to the old town with dining & shopping options. You never know what youll find in a small-town thrift shop. San Clemente is a popular summer beach day trip from inland areas of Southern California. Visiting Old Town San Diego is like taking a step back in history. Heading into Sacramento, the train crosses the American River, passes through Old Town, then crosses the Sacramento River as it heads south through the scenic towns and agriculture of San Jose, Salinas, Paso Robles, and the breathtaking cliffside ocean scenery from San Luis Obispo to Ventura. The Hyatt property offers 141 guest rooms, with hardwood hickory floors and midcentury furnishings. This sleepy suburb on the Santa Barbara Channel of the Pacific will put visitors in touch with destinations that make Californias coast a travelers delight. Then board the Pacific Surfliner and head to San Diego to spend your final day of your California vacation exploring on your harbor cruise. 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. Some of the most exciting events only come around once a year. NO particular travel times or days. Most scenic Amtrak routes on the West Coast something to keep in mind. Interested in a private car for 25 people from SLO to San Diego (round trip). For a limited time only, save $150 per couple on any of our Grand Canyon National Park vacations inclusive of 4 nights or more. The train passes through Santa Barbara, Gaviota State Beach, Jalama Beach, Santa Maria, Pismo Beach, and San Luis Obispo. Attractions are plentiful in this wonderful coastal town. Cruise by sparkling beaches and rolling hills as you . The Pacific Surfliner route offers five daily round-trip services between Santa Barbara and San Diego, and 13 between San Diego and Los Angeles. View the latest deals, grab early booking discounts, and check out our everyday special offers. Families, school groups, and day-trippers all enjoy the convenience of traveling by train to see the mission. Exciting escapes to a breath-taking national park or spectacular city destination. This section of the track is wide open, and the engineer operates the train at top speed. 5401 Graham Hill Road, Felton, CA. Pismo Beach, Oceano, Arroyo Grande, and Shell Beach. The train ride takes about 15-minutes and runs along the Southside of Charles H. Wilson Park in Torrance, California. You can also join the Moonlight Special ride, which ends with a delicious barbecue under the stars. The train passes over the Trestles Bridge and follows the beach past upper, middle, and lower trestles surf breaks. Some restrictions may apply. Warning for riders: If you're hoping to take a trip, you should plan several weeks in advance if you want to book multiple tickets. When you visit this site, it may store or retrieve information on your browser, mostly in the form of cookies. The Amazing Sights You'll See on California's Best Coastal Train Route, 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/, Pacific Northwest and Roundtrip from Los Angeles. Build the right vacation to fit your budget. Amtrak Vacations is a proud part of the Railbookers Group family of brands. 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. Union Station is a hub of activity with Metro and Amtrak trains arriving hourly. Through groves filled with Giant Redwoods, over pretty bridges, towards the spellbinding estuary of the Noyo River. See two oceans, cross the Rockies, and all the land in-between with one of these North American adventures. Whether its a full sit-down meal or more informal food service, many trains have one or more options for onboard dining. The states railroad offerings include historic journeys through redwood forests, luxurious wine trains, and Amtrak routes along the vibrant Pacific coastline and beyond. One unique train station along the Surfliner route is San Clemente. Once the train reaches the far north, passengers can go even further using the supplementary thruway bus systems. We took the train." From north to south, here are some of the ways to get around Southern California by rail. Santa Barbara is a three-hour train trip from Los Angeles. I believe the Starliner is my interest. Passengers can also lounge in swivel chairs so they can get a wide view. Go wild at the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk. The Sacramento River Fox Train runs from West Sacramento 10 miles to the outskirts of Woodland and back. 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 The ride is a lot more scenic, and downtown SLO is within walking distance. Learn More Meals and Dining The Coast Starlight is easily one of the most beautiful train rides in North America. 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. Enjoy scenic vistas from the train en route to Americas greatest national treasures. Perhaps the best part? Any suggestions? Any railroad attraction can allow you to ride a train - and a welcome opportunity it is, too. 5 hours 45 minutes Multiple Departures Daily The Pacific Surfliner travels along a 351-mile route through San Diego, Orange, Los Angeles, Ventura, Santa Barbara, and San Luis Obispo counties, with portions of the route hugging the Southern California coastline. A local, family-run train line, the journey takes you on a 14-mile (22.5km) jaunt from West Sacramento to Woodland. Youll also enjoy a narrated tour of all of San Diegos most popular landmarks: Seaport Village, Shelter Island, Coronado Island, and so much more. Train Rides and Railroad Adventures for Kids in the Bay Area and Northern California March 21, 2023 It's hard to resist the romantic notion of riding the rails in a train car pulled by an old-fashioned steam locomotive. 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 the information you need to know, to get a good night's sleep onboard the train. Youre paying for the ride, but also for the food or wine along with it, so save this train ride for a special occasion. Departing from Garibaldi or Rockaway Beach, this excursion is 30 minutes each direction. Riding the Surfliner allows you to see scenic areas of the coast not viewable by car. The San Diego Getaway Roundtrip from Los Angeles is a great choice for a relaxing coastal vacation. Get our travel tips Delivered to your inbox. Safe, efficient, and comfortable service to all of our customers is very importance to us. If youre looking to take the scenic route then this selection offers some of the very best views in North America. Upper Klamath Lake has a canoe trail, or head to Moore Park and the Link River Trail for waterfront hiking and bird-watching. 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. Our Rail Vacation Consultants or a local Travel Advisor will assist you in making any adjustments to fit your travel style. 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. Coastal Trains of California - Vacations By Rail Login in for helpful resources, free trainings, and promotional items. Explore helpful videos and webinars with virtual tours of our rail journeys. Because it is a commuter train and pretty casual, it is much cheaper than Amtrak, and will take you further than the BART and MUNI public transportation networks that mostly cater to the Bay Area regionally. San Juan Capistrano is one of the most popular day trips by train along the route of the Amtrak Pacific Surfliner. Its widely considered one of the most beautiful train trips in the country. 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. Up for a long haul on Amtrak? Keep in mind that this route has a lot of stops, and can get pretty crowded. Your Amtrak Vacation journey can start from any of the over 500 Amtrak stations across North America. Learn about your dining choices, onboard dining reservations, and the different types of dining cars. From here, the Surfline route turns inland to San Luis Obispo. Fillmore & Western Railway 351 Santa Clara, Fillmore, California. 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. 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. Experience the adventure of traveling overnight with these unforgettable rail experiences. Learn from our experts with insider tips, read helpful suggestions, be inspired for your next trip, and much more! Win, win, win. 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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. Alesandra Dubin is a Los Angelesbased writer and editor focusing on travel, lifestyle, entertainment, health, and events. The Amtrak. Next is Santa Barbarathe so-called American Riviera for its coastal views, fine wines, and film festivals. Coast Starlight: 24 hours on one of America's most scenic train - CNN © 2023 Amtrak Vacations. Distance: 564 Kilometers or 351 Miles. 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. Old Town San Diego State Historical Park is a short walk from the train station. Gain instant access to our online brochures and download them for free. Redwood logging was commonplace up and down California for decades. Visitors can ride on a vintage 1907 Baldwin Steam Locomotive during the summer and holiday weekends. May 20, 2023 - September 24, 2023. The wine train can carry nearly 400 passengers through Napa Valley and usually makes two daily trips. 7 Pacific Coast Stops To Make While Riding Amtrak's Coast Starlight 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. Adding nights to your California Coast vacations is easy just ask your rail vacation specialist and theyll be happy to help. The train lets passengers enjoy beautiful Northern California scenery with views of redwood trees. Explore helpful videos and webinars with virtual tours of our rail journeys. Sleek double-decker trains whisk you along the coast at speeds up to 90 miles an hour. free bus connections to Pacific Surfliner passengers, Is Flying This Summer Going to Be a Repeat of the 2022 Air Travel Mess? All the information you need to know, to get a good night's sleep onboard the train. Surfliner does not stop at Trestles, but passengers get as close as possible without standing on the beach. TripSavvy rounded up some of the best train routes in California to supplement your staycation, road trip, or domestic travel plans. 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. There is a broad selection of themed rides, with some including picnics and others offering an onboard beer tasting - there is no better way to see California! Start from any of the 500+ Amtrak Stations across the United States. Build the right vacation to fit your budget. From there, the train moves inland through the San Fernando Valley before its final stop in sunny Los Angeles. We will add a few more trains to the list. Top 10 California Train Trips Best Places to Ride Trains - Daytrippen.com Take the Most Beautiful Train Ride in the U.S. for $101 - Travel Your California Coast journey begins in San Francisco with a day full of sightseeing on board a double-decker bus. Is such a thing feasible ? The museum offers exhibits about rail life, historical artifacts, and a collection of rare photographs and memorabilia. Youll be glad you did. The narrow-gauge trains are an opportunity to travel through time in the most relaxing way imaginable. All rights reserved. With near perfect weather year round and more than 70 miles of beautiful . It serves dozens of stations, but unfortunately doesnt connect riders to the heart of San Francisco (youll need more local public transportation for that). We have you covered - if the train goes there, so do we. Filed Under: CALIFORNIA Tagged With: Top Ten California. 5 Pacific Surfliner Train Trips to Enjoy the California Coast The route takes passengers on a journey from Los Angeles to Seattle, stopping in Sacramento and Portland along the way. The morning arrival means you can start enjoying the nearby lakes, rivers and waterfalls early in the day. Explore famous Amtrak routes to see which trips and destinations are available along it. Have a burger at Davenport Roadhouse, which gives off perfect saloon vibes with its dark interior. on the West Coast From Charming Small Towns to National . There are miles of pristine coastline that are not accessible by car on this section of the track. 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. The train offers an array of trips starting at $50. Pacific Surfliner Train | Amtrak The famous brand has been producing beloved beverages for more than 150 years, and is headquartered in the Santa Cruz County city of Watsonville. Disembarking from Seattle, Washington and running all the way to Los Angeles, California, Amtrak's Coast Starlight line shows travelers the most beautiful views of the Pacific coast. One-way travel time to both destinations is 2.5 to 3 hours. Santa Barbara California Amtrak train station is only a ten-minute walk to Stearns Wharf and beach hotels. 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. The route . In addition to the amazing sights youll see onboard the Pacific Surfliner, this trip also includes a fully guided tour of scenic Yosemite National Park. Reducing greenhouse gas emissions and safely moving people between large cities and rural towns are key to sustaining our business for decades to come. Sign up today to save up to $350 on your next vacation! With a coastline over 1,000 miles long north to south, California is an enormous and geographically diverse state, well known for scenic road trips. Sleek double-decker trains whisk you along the coast at speeds up to 90 miles an hour. 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. Read on to learn more about these iconic routes and discover the perfect train vacation along the California Coast! With so many incredible views and sights to see on this Pacific Surfliner trip, you may want to add more nights! The two steam locomotives operate daily during the summer months. The installation includes a still-working old-style roundhouse with a turntable, as used to turn trains around at the end of a journey.