The Sacramento River Fox Train runs from West Sacramento 10 miles to the outskirts of Woodland and back. Here are six ideas for your Santa Cruz road trip itinerary, each one giving a glimpse of local life in the coastal destination. 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. There is free Wi-Fi available onboard as well as a cafe car for food and drink purchases. She regularly contributes to Travel + Leisure, TravelAge West, Ventura Blvd, and L.A. Parent, writing about food, family travel, and more. If youre looking to take the scenic route then this selection offers some of the very best views in North America. Unwind and enjoy the panoramic views of the Pacific Ocean with a stroll along the pier. 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. Don't leave your car behind when you travel - bring your car with you while on the Amtrak Auto Train. 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. Its a great time for train enthusiasts of all ages. Start from any of the 500+ Amtrak Stations across the United States. Explore California National Parks The San Joaquins 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. Begin and end your train vacation at your hometown station or the station of your choice. 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. Andrea Romano is a writer and editor in New York City. Railbikes start at $109, which covers two riders midweek. Login in for helpful resources, free trainings, and promotional items. Read on to learn more about these iconic routes and discover the perfect train vacation along the California Coast! 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. Top 10 California Train Trips Best Places to Ride Trains - Daytrippen.com The park is open daily in summer and Saturdays and Sundays the rest of the year. Sign up today to save up to $350 on your next vacation! Prices start at $265 per bike. 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. © 2023 Amtrak Vacations. Amtrak's Coast Starlight. Train rides are offered on Saturdays and Sundays at 11 am and 2:30 pm. The new Tasting on the Rails trip launches in May, with tickets starting at $395. Tours available include the, Hollywood is a star-studded destination, even for those that aren't star-struck. A Diesel-electric locomotive pulls vintage passenger cars over this historic railroad route. These five Pacific Surfliner trips feature sightseeing, exploration, and sun. There are homeless people in and around the LA station. San Diegos historic Santa Fee train Station is the end of the Pacific Surfliner route. Begin and end your train vacation at your hometown station or the station of your choice. 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. Chelsee Lowe is a Los Angeles-based writer with an obsession with good eats and interesting stories. Learn from our experts with insider tips, read helpful suggestions, be inspired for your next trip, and much more! Or an extra day in between in a different destination? The Amazing Sights You'll See on California's Best Coastal Train Route While it is possible to take the Surfliner train to Santa Barbara for a day trip, we suggest spending at least one night. The ride is a lot more scenic, and downtown SLO is within walking distance. Amtrak trains, for example, are 47 percent more energy efficient than traveling by car and 36 percent more efficient than domestic air travel. There are seven daily round trips featured on this train, five between the cities of Oakland and Bakersfield, and two between Sacramento and Bakersfield. There used to be a company that hooked on a Parlor car to Amtrak trains. TRAVEL + LEISURE is a registered trademark of Travel + Leisure Co., registered in the United States and other countries. Here are five of the most scenic train rides to take in California. 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. Trains are easy to navigate, budget-friendly, space-saving, and are oftentimes safer than driving. Just a short walk from the San Diego train station is the USS Midway Museum, restaurants, and the ferry to Coronado Island. Surfliner does not stop at Trestles, but passengers get as close as possible without standing on the beach. You can still do it. Add extra nights in a favorite destination. 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 Yosemite Sugar Pine Railroad. There is also an excellent museum on-site with rolling stock and railroad artifacts. If the train goes there so do we! Head from San Diego through Anaheim (a useful port of call for Disneyland), then up through L.A.s historic and lively downtown environment. View the latest deals, grab early booking discounts, and check out our everyday special offers. Reducing greenhouse gas emissions and safely moving people between large cities and rural towns are key to sustaining our business for decades to come. Travel + Leisure is published by Meredith Corporation under license from Travel + Leisure Co. 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. Chula Vista Live Steamers Caltrain is a Northern California commuter rail line that services the San Francisco Peninsula and Santa Clara Valley. For a limited time only, save $150 per couple on any of our Grand Canyon National Park vacations inclusive of 4 nights or more. NO particular travel times or days. You will have to call Amtrak with that question. Discover our three easy ways to book your perfect train vacation. Sign up today to save up to $350 on your next vacation! Is such a thing feasible ? Complete Guide to Train Travel in California - TripSavvy The Spanish adobe-style building has 268 rooms and suites and offers a lively, creative scene with top-notch food and drink outlets. Fill out our helpful form and we'll be in touch shortly. Learn More Meals and Dining West Coast Train Tours | USA Today Carpinteria is south of Santa Barbara, and the Amtrak station is within easy walking distance of Carpinteria State Park. 20 Most Beautiful Small Towns in the U.S. How to Travel From San Francisco to Lake Tahoe By Train, Bus, Car, and Plane, How to Travel From Los Angeles to San Francisco by Train, Bus, Car, and Plane, How to Travel From LA to Palm Springs by Train, Bus, Car, and Plane, How to Travel From San Diego to San Francisco by Train, Bus, Car, and Plane, Los Angeles to San Francisco on US Highway 101, How to Travel from Los Angeles to Seattle by Train, Bus, Car, and Plane, How to Travel from Los Angeles to Denver by Train, Bus, Car, and Plane, The 9 Best Train Rides in Northern California, How to Travel From Seattle to San Francisco by Train, Bus, Car, and Plane, How to Travel from Sacramento to San Francisco by Train, Bus, Car, and Plane, How to Travel from Santa Barbara to Los Angeles by Train, Bus, Car, and Plane, Getting Around Los Angeles: Guide to Public Transportation, Amtrak's New Airo Fleet Will Transform US Train Travel as We Know It. They are sure to bring you relaxation, joy, and memories to last a lifetime. You never know what youll find in a small-town thrift shop. Los Angeles to San Diego travel time is a little under three hours. Your options are unlimited, we have thousands of stations from Florida to California and everywhere in between. Santa Cruz is rich with incredible hikes, so pack your most comfortable shoes and favorite snacks. However, what is unique about the Western Pacific Railroad Museum is that it allows you, under supervision, to drive one too. See two oceans, cross the Rockies, and all the land in-between with one of these North American adventures. 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. Pacific Southwest Railway takes passengers on a 12-mile round-trip journey and the old San Diego & Arizona Railway track. Can I get on in San Diego, get off at stops along the way and reboard on the same ticket, same day? With unprecedented ocean views and stops in beautiful oceanside cities like San Diego, Santa Barbara, and San Francisco, Amtraks routes winding along the California coast are some of the most scenic and popular in the country. It's a one-of-a-kind experience through the beautiful redwoods. Far north from the crowded beaches of LA, Grover Beach along the Central Coast makes for an excellent day trip. Passengers can also lounge in swivel chairs so they can get a wide view. Classic and well known routes across America. Alesandra Dubin is a Los Angelesbased writer and editor focusing on travel, lifestyle, entertainment, health, and events. On special occasions, a 1950 Fairmont Speeder can be seen rolling along the track. Fillmore & Western Railway 351 Santa Clara, Fillmore, California. Rail options from the Amtrak train station include the San Diego Trolley to Old Town San Diego or the border. In Santa Cruz proper, check out vintage clothes at Tomboy and Forever Thrift. Amtrak Vacations featuring the Coast Starlight: California Coast Pacific Northwest and Roundtrip from Los Angeles Pacific Rail Experience. Hop on a Train. We took the train." From north to south, here are some of the ways to get around Southern California by rail. Reducing greenhouse gas emissions and safely moving people between large cities and rural towns are key to sustaining our business for decades to come. Some of the most exciting events only come around once a year. 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,. California Train Vacation Packages - Vacations By Rail Some sections of the trip are inland. 5401 Graham Hill Road, Felton, CA. I want to take advantage of discount tickets. Oregon Coastal Excursion - Rockaway Beach or Garibaldi. Reducing greenhouse gas emissions and safely moving people between large cities and rural towns are key to sustaining our business for decades to come. Open since 1907, this seaside amusement park was the bees knees for NorCal kids growing up in the 1990s, and the fun continues today. It runs from the ballpark in San Francisco south through San Jose, Silicon Valley, and ends in Gilroy. Families, school groups, and day-trippers all enjoy the convenience of traveling by train to see the mission. The Ultimate California Train Trip To Plan Now Gain instant access to our online brochures and download them for free. Travelling down the west coast on the Coast Starlight provides a comfortable and luxurious alternative to flying. Website: California State Railroad Museum. All rights reserved. Please let me know about how many days a train trip along the west coast would take and cost. The Amtrak. Then, stroll Shark Fin Cove, named for a massive rock formation that stands guard just off the sand. Goleta, California, is just north of Santa Barbara. California Vacations by Rail | Amtrak Vacations Travel time on the Coast Starlight from LA to Seatle is 36 hours. Next is Santa Barbarathe so-called American Riviera for its coastal views, fine wines, and film festivals. Oceanview areas of the trip include Point Conception, Gaviota Coast, Santa Barbara Coast, North, and Central San Diego County coast. Classic and well known routes across America. Nowadays, its a more pleasant experience! Each train has observation cars with floor-to-ceiling windows. It would be best to contact Amtrak for exact cost and departure dates. 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. You can also join the Moonlight Special ride, which ends with a delicious barbecue under the stars. The wine train can carry nearly 400 passengers through Napa Valley and usually makes two daily trips. If you are considering booking this service read on for a . TRAVEL + LEISURE is a registered trademark of Travel + Leisure Co., registered in the United States and other countries. This out-and-back path will take you about two hours, and it shows off some unique regional geography. 3. Prices start at $16 for a single leg of the journey. All rights reserved. Instead, hop aboard the private Napa Valley Wine train, a 36-mile winetasting loop with wine and artisanal food cooked to order on board. Along the way, you'll enjoy views of the coastline and Pacific Ocean before arriving in the scenic oceanside town of Santa Barbara. Youre paying for the ride, but also for the food or wine along with it, so save this train ride for a special occasion. 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. Your options are unlimited, we have thousands of stations from Florida to California and everywhere in between. Scroll down to check out our list of scenic train rides in California, USA. California Coast | Amtrak Vacations Onboard Accommodations Get a good night's sleep onboard the train! For the last eight years, she has been a lifestyle journalist for. Weve put together 5 great options to enjoy the California Coast from onboard the train! The Pacific Surfliner route offers five daily round-trip services between Santa Barbara and San Diego, and 13 between San Diego and Los Angeles. Some of the most exciting events only come around once a year. Private rooms get priority boarding, a dedicated Sleeping Car attendant, access to the train lounge, and complimentary meals included. Up for a long haul on Amtrak? Explore the spectacular Canadian Rockies by rail with these chart-topping vacations. This charming vintage railroad rides around - not unreasonably, youll surely agree - the Niles Canyon, a region in the San Francisco Bay Area. This carefully curated list has the top suggestions of vacations for first-time rail travelers. 10 Scenic Train Rides In California | Trip101 So, what are you waiting for? The wine train can carry nearly 400 passengers through Napa Valley and usually makes two daily trips. Travel + Leisure magazine may receive compensation for some links to products and services on this website. One day is just not enough for most travelers. 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. Luckily, we no longer fell these giant beauties, and some of the machinery used to move them once upon a time remains, giving visitors a peek into the past. Amtrak is happy to provide accessible transportation to all of our guests. Staying in Santa Barbara. Today the Skunk Train takes passengers on a seven-mile round trip. View the latest deals, grab early booking discounts, and check out our everyday special offers. Enjoy scenic vistas from the train en route to Americas greatest national treasures. 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. The slow ride takes passengers through stunning redwood forest, and the steam whistle is plug-your-ears loud. free bus connections to Pacific Surfliner passengers, Is Flying This Summer Going to Be a Repeat of the 2022 Air Travel Mess? The park also features a few historic train cars that guests can tour. 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. We are pleased to provide additional services to customers with disabilities. Theres also an onboard cafe with fresh food, snacks, and drinks. Buses and trolleys depart every few minutes from the train station to many of San Diegos most popular attractions. 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. Login in for helpful resources, free trainings, and promotional items. Passenger trains depart hourly South to San Diego and North to Santa Barbara and points beyond. 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. Visit Santa Cruz County/Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk. While this trip may be short, its worth checking out Poway-Midland Railroad. Route: Ride north from Los Angeles through Portland to Seattle. 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. Your Guide to Southern California Events Amtrak Vacations is a proud part of the Railbookers Group family of brands. 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? Amtrak's private sleeping rooms include in-room features, services, and amenities to ensure a smooth and relaxing journey. https://www.instagram.com/AmtrakVacations, https://www.pinterest.com/amtrakvacations/. That was the genesis of what is now commonly known as the Skunk Train (for the pungent fumes it once emitted). View Destination Quebec City, QC After increasing service last fall, the route now offers 11 round-trip services each day, and five between Santa Barbara and San Diego. Due to the size of the state - its Americas third-largest behind Alaska and Texas. Niles Canyon Railroad operates along a portion of the First Transcontinental Railroad constructed in the 1860s. Then board the Pacific Surfliner and head to San Diego to spend your final day of your California vacation exploring on your harbor cruise. Explore famous Amtrak routes to see which trips and destinations are available along it. Riding the Surfliner allows you to see scenic areas of the coast not viewable by car. Departing from Garibaldi or Rockaway Beach, this excursion is 30 minutes each direction. This is Gold Rush country, offering stunning sights from the train. 25 Wonderful Train Rides in Southern California All Aboard - Daytrippen.com Amtraks Surfliner route is one of the busiest in the country, and for a good reason. The journey includes a ride along one of California's most beautiful stretches of . The Roaring Camp & Big Trees is a steam-powered narrow-gauge line using Shay and Heisler locomotives. It's also worth noting that during the long trip, the super saver option does not include a sleeping arrangement. Union Station is a hub of activity with Metro and Amtrak trains arriving hourly. 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. To reserve tickets on Coast Starlight, travelers can visit the Amtrak website. Amtrak Pacific Surfliner Coastal Day Trips by Train - Daytrippen.com Upper Klamath Lake has a canoe trail, or head to Moore Park and the Link River Trail for waterfront hiking and bird-watching. The route hugs the coast the whole way, stopping in 27 stations along 351 miles throughout San Diego, Orange, Los Angeles, Ventura, Santa Barbara, and San Luis Obisbo counties. Also, Amtrak San Joaquins doesnt offer a Business Class ticket selection, so reserving seats isnt possible. With near perfect weather year round and more than 70 miles of beautiful . If you want to see the best of the west coast, take a train. 12 Most Scenic Train Rides On The West Coast 21 Best Train Rides In USA: Top Train Vacations Across the US Plus, you can take some home by the case if you find a favorite. 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. Discover all options for customizing your rail vacation! What the Experts Think, Have a Trip to Paris Planned? Would like to take the train south and back for the day mostly just to experience the ride. The San Diego Getaway Roundtrip from Los Angeles is a great choice for a relaxing coastal vacation. If you wish to travel further north from here, you can continue on the Coast Starlight train. Have a burger at Davenport Roadhouse, which gives off perfect saloon vibes with its dark interior. Amtrak Pacific Surfliner trains run along the coast of Southern California from San Luis Obispo to San Diego. 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. If youre looking to take the scenic route then this selection offers some of the very best views in North America. 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. Any suggestions? 5 of The Most Scenic Train Rides to Take in California - AFAR See our Privacy Policy for more information on how we use your data. 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. Parking and admission to the museum are free year-round except for special events. La Purisima Mission in Lompoc, California, is one of the state's most complete missions, with popular activities for school field trips and visitors. Enjoy scenic vistas from the train en route to Americas greatest national treasures. Learn about your dining choices, onboard dining reservations, and the different types of dining cars. On a trip from Los Angeles to San Diego, you pass the world-famous surfing beach Trestles and then through Camp Pendelton to Oceanside. 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. 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. The Pacific Surfliner takes travelers 351 miles along the California coast, but other trains explore different parts of the state. Discover our three easy ways to book your perfect train vacation. See two oceans, cross the Rockies, and all the land in-between with one of these North American adventures. Coast Starlight Train | Amtrak Don't leave your car behind when you travel - bring your car with you while on the Amtrak Auto Train. A bit south lies Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park, full of gorgeous redwoods and pines, as well as creeks snaking through the trees. 7 Pacific Coast Stops To Make While Riding Amtrak's Coast Starlight Old Town San Diego State Historical Park is a short walk from the train station. The Amtrak Pacific Surfliner is a surfer's dream train journey, taking passengers and their surfboards along the California coast. Learn from our experts with insider tips, read helpful suggestions, be inspired for your next trip, and much more! 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.