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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. Website: Placerville Sacramento Valley Railroad. The Amtrak Coast Starlight runs daily and covers a distance of 1377 miles over 35 hours. It's about as California as it gets. Carpinteria is south of Santa Barbara, and the Amtrak station is within easy walking distance of Carpinteria State Park. Explore San Diego - Downtown. Many riders continue to the border via San Diego red trolley. Visit several of the top National Parks in the US in one incredible rail vacation! Sleek double-decker trains whisk you along the coast at speeds up to 90 miles an hour. Distance: 564 Kilometers or 351 Miles. 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. 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. Your Guide to Southern California Events Learn from our experts with insider tips, read helpful suggestions, be inspired for your next trip, and much more! Our Rail Vacation Consultants or a local Travel Advisor will assist you in making any adjustments to fit your travel style. Visit Santa Cruz County/Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk. Sleek double-decker trains whisk you along the coast at speeds up to 90 miles an hour. Trains are easy to navigate, budget-friendly, space-saving, and are oftentimes safer than driving. Classic and well known routes across America. Fullerton has a large modern train station with a short walk to the old town with dining & shopping options. Stretch out and relax with your very own bedroom during your Amtrak train trip! Taking the train for a day trip to San Diego is a fun alternative to driving the busy 405 freeway. Old Town San Diego State Historical Park is a short walk from the train station. Business Class tickets offer guaranteed seating and a few other perks like more legroom and complimentary snacks, but advance reservations are required. The route takes passengers on a journey from Los Angeles to Seattle, stopping in Sacramento and Portland along the way. The best scenery is the segment between Emeryville, California (near San Francisco) and Denver, Colorado. What the Experts Think, Have a Trip to Paris Planned? Amtraks private sleeping rooms include in-room features, services,and amenities to ensure a smooth and relaxing journey. Starting at the Roaring Camp depot in Felton, California, the line runs steep winding grades through the redwood forest to the top of nearby Bear Mountain. 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. Andrea Romano is a writer and editor in New York City. Weve put together 5 great options to enjoy the California Coast from onboard the train! Grover Beach is one of the Five Cities of the Central Coast. This carefully curated list has the top suggestions of vacations for first-time rail travelers. 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. The rest of the year, the Poway-Midland Railroad uses a Los Angeles Yellow Trolley Car for trips around the park. 6. Her favourite domestic destinations include Snowdonia and the Brecon (Do a quick search on the following sites). There are seven daily round trips featured on this train, five between the cities of Oakland and Bakersfield, and two between Sacramento and Bakersfield. Through groves filled with Giant Redwoods, over pretty bridges, towards the spellbinding estuary of the Noyo River. 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. Any suggestions? Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing. 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. We will add a few more trains to the list. It's a one-of-a-kind experience through the beautiful redwoods. Often called the birthplace of California, Old Town is the first Spanish settlement in the region and near the site of the first of Californias 21 missions. There are homeless people in and around the LA station. But if you're just looking to sightsee and save, you can't get much better than a relaxing train ride. 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. There are a total of 28 stops along the way down the west coast to Los Angeles. Exciting escapes to a breath-taking national park or spectacular city destination. 5401 Graham Hill Road, Felton, CA. Don't leave your car behind when you travel - bring your car with you while on the Amtrak Auto Train. Coast Starlight trains run from Guadalupe to Washington State. The wine train can carry nearly 400 passengers through Napa Valley and usually makes two daily trips. Niles Canyon Railroad operates along a portion of the First Transcontinental Railroad constructed in the 1860s. 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. Explore helpful videos and webinars with virtual tours of our rail journeys. Surfliner does not stop at Trestles, but passengers get as close as possible without standing on the beach. Passengers have the opportunity to pass by each climate that California is famous for, from snowy Mount Shasta to the coast of the Pacific Ocean and everything in between. If youre looking to take the scenic route then this selection offers some of the very best views in North America. 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. The Spanish adobe-style building has 268 rooms and suites and offers a lively, creative scene with top-notch food and drink outlets. Win, win, win. Combine the best of land and sea with these vacations exploring the breath-taking beauty of Alaska. This is Gold Rush country, offering stunning sights from the train. 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 experience will include a three-hour journey aboard the 1915 Pullman Lounge car, complete with an observation platform exclusive to guests of this experience, as well as a seven-course meal and seven wine pairings from the valley. Chelsee Lowe is a Los Angeles-based writer with an obsession with good eats and interesting stories. Santa Barbara California Amtrak train station is only a ten-minute walk to Stearns Wharf and beach hotels. Adding nights to your California Coast vacations is easy just ask your rail vacation specialist and theyll be happy to help. Both of these destinations offer easy access to numerous nearby attractions along with connections to a trolley or underground train systems. Build the right vacation to fit your budget. 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. 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. Youll also enjoy a narrated tour of all of San Diegos most popular landmarks: Seaport Village, Shelter Island, Coronado Island, and so much more. 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. The Coast Starlight departs both Los Angeles and Seattle once daily, stopping in 28 cities in between. 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. From here, many riders choose to continue the ride (and the views) further south on the Pacific Surfliner to San Diego. Discover our newest vacations created just for you. 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. The halfway point stopover is the town of Santa Paula, where passengers can enjoy lunch and explore before the return train trip. 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. If youre looking to take the scenic route then this selection offers some of the very best views in North America. The states railroad offerings include historic journeys through redwood forests, luxurious wine trains, and Amtrak routes along the vibrant Pacific coastline and beyond. https://www.instagram.com/AmtrakVacations, https://www.pinterest.com/amtrakvacations/. Any railroad attraction can allow you to ride a train - and a welcome opportunity it is, too. 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. Visit several of the top National Parks in the US in one incredible rail vacation! The romance and convenience of train travel is something that countries throughout Europe and Asia have embraced with open arms. Build the right vacation to fit your budget. 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. Subscribe to our newsletter for inspiring travel guides and articles from around the world! 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! 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. Website: Yosemite Mountain Sugar Pine Railroad. Theres also an onboard cafe with fresh food, snacks, and drinks. California Coast | Amtrak Vacations Onboard Accommodations Get a good night's sleep onboard the train! Unsubscribe in one click. Getting to Durango will take a couple of transfers plus a bus ride. The new Tasting on the Rails trip launches in May, with tickets starting at $395. Chula Vista Live Steamers Prices start at $16 for a single leg of the journey. © 2023 Amtrak Vacations. Here are five of the most scenic train rides to take in California. Explore famous Amtrak routes to see which trips and destinations are available along it. With 135 destinations to choose from, 365 miles of track, 18 stations, and over a million riders every year, the Amtrak San Joaquins offers a connection to the Central Valley and popular spots like Yosemite National Park. Travel + Leisure is published by Meredith Corporation under license from Travel + Leisure Co. Known for its incredible coastal and scenic views, Amtraks Pacific Surfliner travels over 350 miles along the coastal region of Southern California and makes for an incredible vacation highlight. Explore the spectacular Canadian Rockies by rail with these chart-topping vacations. My recommendation would be to go north to San Luis Obispo. The Skunk Train offers two journeys year-round: the Wolf Tree Turn and and Pudding Creek Express. That was the genesis of what is now commonly known as the Skunk Train (for the pungent fumes it once emitted). Visiting Californias wineries in Napa can be a nuisance and potential hazard by car. 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. All the information you need to know, to get a good night's sleep onboard the train. 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. If you want to see the best of the west coast, take a train. Widely regarded as one of the most spectacular of all train routes, the Coast Starlight links the greatest cities on the West Coast. The nearest train station to Trestles is in San Clemente. The wine train is located in downtown Napa, which is only a 15-minute walk from the Andaz Napa. 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 Roaring Camp & Big Trees is a steam-powered narrow-gauge line using Shay and Heisler locomotives. Amtrak took over the route in 2000, and the Pacific Surfliner was born. While this trip may be short, its worth checking out Poway-Midland Railroad. Alesandra Dubin is a Los Angelesbased writer and editor focusing on travel, lifestyle, entertainment, health, and events. Skunk Train. San Juan Capistrano is one of the most popular day trips by train along the route of the Amtrak Pacific Surfliner. Or you think a package would be better in reverse? Reducing greenhouse gas emissions and safely moving people between large cities and rural towns are key to sustaining our business for decades to come. Katherine is a freelance writer who covers Hawaii and California travel for Tripsavvy. From rides through redwood forests to wine country, these train trips through California offer plenty of adventure. A bit south lies Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park, full of gorgeous redwoods and pines, as well as creeks snaking through the trees. 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. Youre paying for the ride, but also for the food or wine along with it, so save this train ride for a special occasion. Can I get on in San Diego, get off at stops along the way and reboard on the same ticket, same day? Login in for helpful resources, free trainings, and promotional items. 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! Visit Santa Cruz County/Walter Scriptunas. Amtrak is happy to provide accessible transportation to all of our guests. The slow ride takes passengers through stunning redwood forest, and the steam whistle is plug-your-ears loud. Open since 1907, this seaside amusement park was the bees knees for NorCal kids growing up in the 1990s, and the fun continues today. This train is a little off the beaten path, but worth the effort it takes to get there. 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. Start from any of the 500+ Amtrak Stations across the United States. Create the perfect train vacation designed exclusively for you, by you! 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. Sign up today to save up to $350 on your next vacation! Stretch out and relax with your very own bedroom during your Amtrak train trip! You will have to call Amtrak with that question. 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, Oregon. Buses and trolleys depart every few minutes from the train station to many of San Diegos most popular attractions. 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. Discover our three easy ways to book your perfect train vacation. If youre lucky, youll score a secondhand treasure to remember your trip. If you are set on going south downtown Los Angele (Union Station). With near perfect weather year round and more than 70 miles of beautiful . North from Los Angeles, the Surfliner hugs the coast from Oxnard past Vanderberg Air Force Base. 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. Roaring Camp Railroad offers two different tours to suit your tastes. Learn More Meals and Dining Whether you plan a north- or southbound trip, you'll be on the train about 35 hours total. Some Amtrak trains stop here along with the San Diego Red Car Trolley. Get our travel tips Delivered to your inbox. On a trip from Los Angeles to San Diego, you pass the world-famous surfing beach Trestles and then through Camp Pendelton to Oceanside. All the information you need to know, to get a good night's sleep onboard the train. The two steam locomotives operate daily during the summer months. See our customers' most favorite rail vacations. Learn about your dining choices, onboard dining reservations, and the different types of dining cars. Learn about your dining choices, onboard dining reservations, and the different types of dining cars. Yosemite Mountain Sugar Pine Railroad 56001 Hwy 41, Fish Camp, CA 93623. So, what are you waiting for? Pismo Beach, Oceano, Arroyo Grande, and Shell Beach. Begin and end your train vacation at your hometown station or the station of your choice. You can still do it. Oregon Coastal Excursion - Rockaway Beach or Garibaldi. 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. If you were to travel the full 350-mile route, the trip would take a little over eight hours. 3. Instead, hop aboard the private Napa Valley Wine train, a 36-mile winetasting loop with wine and artisanal food cooked to order on board. Discover our newest vacations created just for you. 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. The Fort Bragg Redwood Company originally built the fort Bragg Skunk Train as the Fort Bragg Railroad in 1885. The morning arrival means you can start enjoying the nearby lakes, rivers and waterfalls early in the day. 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. © 2023 Amtrak Vacations. Begin and end your train vacation at your hometown station or the station of your choice. Exciting escapes to a breath-taking national park or spectacular city destination. Santa Barbara is a three-hour train trip from Los Angeles. Antonia Kelly is a freelance writer based in Leicester, UK and she enjoys European travel as well as road trips closer to home. 5 Pacific Surfliner Train Trips to Enjoy the California Coast, Six Ways to Enjoy Americas National Parks by Train, 7 Train Getaways to Take with Your Tax Refund, https://www.instagram.com/AmtrakVacations, https://www.pinterest.com/amtrakvacations/, San Diego Getaway Roundtrip from Los Angeles, Santa Barbara Getaway Roundtrip from Los Angeles, San Francisco to San Diego Californias Golden Coast. Enjoy the San Diego countryside on a leisurely 12-mile train trip on the historic San Diego & Arizona railway. Downtown Los Angeles Union Station nearby attractions include Chinatown and Olvera Street. 15 Most Beautiful Places to Visit on the West Coast From Charming Small Towns to National Parks, 25 Best Mother-daughter Trips Around the World, These Steam Trains Bring You From the Towering California Redwoods to the Pacific Ocean, How to Have a Luxurious Day Trip in Santa Barbara for Under $100 Beautiful Beaches, Charming Towns, and Wine Tasting Included, These 10 Hidden Gems Are California's Best-kept Secrets, The 10 Destinations That Make a Road Trip Romantic in the US, This Small California Town Is One of the Most Beautiful Coastal Destinations in the State, 23 Most Beautiful Places to Visit in California. 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. Don't leave your car behind when you travel - bring your car with you while on the Amtrak Auto Train. I want to take advantage of discount tickets. 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. And like its sister Skunk Train in Mendocino County, this track also offers the whimsical railbike experience. There are miles of pristine coastline that are not accessible by car on this section of the track. Build the right vacation to fit your budget. This section of the track is wide open, and the engineer operates the train at top speed. The train passes over the Trestles Bridge and follows the beach past upper, middle, and lower trestles surf breaks. There used to be a company that hooked on a Parlor car to Amtrak trains. The route . One of the best train rides in the entire USA, you'll travel parallel to the pristine Pacific on this Amtrak train that travels 351 miles through southern California. 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. 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. Various routes through Ventura County are available, but what is special about these three- to four-hour rides is that each has a theme - there are Murder Mystery tours, Steam Train rides and, on weekends, special scenic tours that take in such delights as the historic town of Santa Paula, or into the countryside through citrus groves - stopping off at an authentic honey farm on the way. 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. Offers may be subject to change without notice. Railbikes start at $109, which covers two riders midweek. The railway runs excursions on Sundays year-round, usually every week during the summer and less frequently during the winter. Website: California State Railroad Museum. Train trips in California venture through the ever-changing terrain, presenting the very best from the Sierra Nevadas to seaside harbors. Fill out our helpful form and we'll be in touch shortly.
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