That was the genesis of what is now commonly known as the Skunk Train (for the pungent fumes it once emitted). Copyright 2022 Travel + Leisure Co. All Rights Reserved. Visiting Californias wineries in Napa can be a nuisance and potential hazard by car. 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. Build the right vacation to fit your budget. Train Rides for Fall Foliage Views, This Epic 8-state Train Journey Covers the Best of the American West Including the Grand Canyon, Pacific Ocean, and Petrified Forests, 8 Scenic Train Rides in Arizona That Will Take You to the Grand Canyon, Through a Former Movie Studio, and More, 7 Best Train Rides in Texas Vintage Cars and Scenic Views Included, 8 Incredible Night Train Journeys Around the World With Stunning City, Mountain, and Lake Views, The Best Fall Foliage Train Trips to Take This Year, The 9 Best Train Rides to Take From New York City, These Steam Trains Bring You From the Towering California Redwoods to the Pacific Ocean, 5 Amtrak Rides With Spectacular Fall Foliage Views, Gas Prices Are Soaring Here's How Much You Can Save on Train Travel Instead of a Road Trip This Summer, 13 Festive Train Rides You Can Take for the Holidays. But it seems they no longer operate due to the current public health issue (Covid). The Wine Train isnt so much about the destination as it is about the journey, since the track is a fairly short 36-mile loop starting and ending in the small town of St. Helena. Pismo Beach, Oceano, Arroyo Grande, and Shell Beach. It's also worth noting that during the long trip, the super saver option does not include a sleeping arrangement. Yosemite Sugar Pine Railroad. Tours available include the, Hollywood is a star-studded destination, even for those that aren't star-struck. The Amtrak Pacific Surfliner travels along the California coast from San Luis Obispo and ends in San Diego. From here, many riders choose to continue the ride (and the views) further south on the Pacific Surfliner to San Diego. One day is just not enough for most travelers. See two oceans, cross the Rockies, and all the land in-between with one of these North American adventures. San Diego, which has an average temperature of 70 degrees, has over 70 miles of gorgeous coastline. Build the right vacation to fit your budget. 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. Read on to learn more about these iconic routes and discover the perfect train vacation along the California Coast! Los Angeles to San Diego travel time is a little under three hours. Staying in Santa Barbara. Or you think a package would be better in reverse? Perhaps the best part? Here are six ideas for your Santa Cruz road trip itinerary, each one giving a glimpse of local life in the coastal destination. Enjoy scenic vistas from the train en route to Americas greatest national treasures. Discounts: 62 years and over 15% discount, AAA members can save 10%, students 15%. The Napa Valley Wine Train is pulled by a 1950s-era diesel engine and travels adjacent to highway 29 on a 3-hour trip through the valley. on the West Coast From Charming Small Towns to National . Running around the grounds of Old Poway Park, this vintage railroad - with equally vintage cars and equipment - is a simple, leisurely trip where the trains themselves are the main attraction. If you wish to travel further north from here, you can continue on the Coast Starlight train. The park also features a few historic train cars that guests can tour. 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. 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. This out-and-back path will take you about two hours, and it shows off some unique regional geography. Roaring Camp Railroad offers two different tours to suit your tastes. Learn about your dining choices, onboard dining reservations, and the different types of dining cars. Your included wine tour visits between 4-6 different award-winning wineries! The train passes through Santa Barbara, Gaviota State Beach, Jalama Beach, Santa Maria, Pismo Beach, and San Luis Obispo. Save time for mini golf at Neptunes Kingdom and carnival games located at the Midway Games section of the park. For a limited time only, save $150 per couple on any of our Grand Canyon National Park vacations inclusive of 4 nights or more. 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. The installation includes a still-working old-style roundhouse with a turntable, as used to turn trains around at the end of a journey. Fillmore & Western Railway 351 Santa Clara, Fillmore, California. 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. 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. If youre lucky, youll score a secondhand treasure to remember your trip. 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. It serves dozens of stations, but unfortunately doesnt connect riders to the heart of San Francisco (youll need more local public transportation for that). 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. The wine train can carry nearly 400 passengers through Napa Valley and usually makes two daily trips. Go wild at the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk. Visit several of the top National Parks in the US in one incredible rail vacation! 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. Visitors at Roaring Camp in Santa Cruz County can ride magnificent steam trains reminiscent of those critical to the logging economy that thrived here. 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. The narrow-gauge trains are an opportunity to travel through time in the most relaxing way imaginable. If you were to travel the full 350-mile route, the trip would take a little over eight hours. Filed Under: CALIFORNIA Tagged With: Top Ten California. The Sierra National Forests majestic woods provide the backdrop for the narrow gauge journey back in time. Gain instant access to our online brochures and download them for free. Katherine is a freelance writer who covers Hawaii and California travel for Tripsavvy. The Pacific Surfliner in San Diego. 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. You will have to call Amtrak with that question. Some of the more scenic highlights of this route include the section between Stockton and Oakland with views of the Delta and the Bay, between Lodi and Sacramento through vineyards, and between Merced and Fresno with views of the sierras and Central California farmland. All rights reserved. If you are considering booking this service read on for a . 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. All cars are equipped with power outlets for laptops. The $101 super saver option is for a one-way, single ticket. 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. You can still do it. What the Experts Think, Have a Trip to Paris Planned? 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. Any suggestions? See two oceans, cross the Rockies, and all the land in-between with one of these North American adventures. 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. Taking the train for a day trip to San Diego is a fun alternative to driving the busy 405 freeway. In Santa Cruz proper, check out vintage clothes at Tomboy and Forever Thrift. Plus, you can take some home by the case if you find a favorite. While this trip may be short, its worth checking out Poway-Midland Railroad. Due to the size of the state - its Americas third-largest behind Alaska and Texas. Prices start at $265 per bike. Our Rail Vacation Consultants or a local Travel Advisor will assist you in making any adjustments to fit your travel style. Drop by the company store for complimentary cider tastings; youll be surprised how many flavors they make, including peach, apple, mango, and pear. Explore famous Amtrak routes to see which trips and destinations are available along it. Your Amtrak Vacation journey can start from any of the over 500 Amtrak stations across North America. Learn from our experts with insider tips, read helpful suggestions, be inspired for your next trip, and much more! 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. Amtrak's private sleeping rooms include in-room features, services, and amenities to ensure a smooth and relaxing journey. With so many incredible views and sights to see on this Pacific Surfliner trip, you may want to add more nights! Fill out our helpful form and we'll be in touch shortly. Riding the Surfliner allows you to see scenic areas of the coast not viewable by car. On a trip from Los Angeles to San Diego, you pass the world-famous surfing beach Trestles and then through Camp Pendelton to Oceanside. The train ride takes about 15-minutes and runs along the Southside of Charles H. Wilson Park in Torrance, California. 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. Many stations are within walking distance of key attractions; various transit providers also offer free bus connections to Pacific Surfliner passengers. Or an extra day in between in a different destination? 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. Here are five of the most scenic train rides to take in California. something to keep in mind. The best plan is to buy a wristband for everyone in your party so you can enjoy unlimited rides all day long, including the Giant Dipper, a historic wooden roller coaster thats been moving and grooving for nearly 100 years. Along with business and vacation travelers, cyclists and surfers are welcome on board with bikes and boards. We have you covered - if the train goes there, so do we. 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. . All rights reserved. Amtrak Vacations featuring the Coast Starlight: California Coast Pacific Northwest and Roundtrip from Los Angeles Pacific Rail Experience. La Purisima Mission in Lompoc, California, is one of the state's most complete missions, with popular activities for school field trips and visitors. It's something that captivates most kids and many adults, too. You can find out more and change our default settings with Cookies Settings. Passenger trains depart hourly South to San Diego and North to Santa Barbara and points beyond. Santa Cruz is rich with incredible hikes, so pack your most comfortable shoes and favorite snacks. 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. Route: Seattle Portland Sacramento San Francisco Santa Barbara Los Angeles. 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. Explore the spectacular Canadian Rockies by rail with these chart-topping vacations. The Hyatt property offers 141 guest rooms, with hardwood hickory floors and midcentury furnishings. Safe, efficient, and comfortable service to all of our customers is very importance to us. Amtrak Vacations is a proud part of the Railbookers Group family of brands. 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,. For the last eight years, she has been a lifestyle journalist for. Union Station is a hub of activity with Metro and Amtrak trains arriving hourly. Passengers still get comfy reclining seats with power outlets, free Wi-Fi, restrooms, bike and luggage racks, and massive windows to enjoy the views of the sea as it whips by. This tiny town just north of Santa Cruz proper is a nice stop for a meal and beach walk. Visiting Old Town San Diego is like taking a step back in history. 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. NO particular travel times or days. If youre looking to take the scenic route then this selection offers some of the very best views in North America. May 20, 2023 - September 24, 2023. The nearest train station to Trestles is in San Clemente. 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. Fullerton has a large modern train station with a short walk to the old town with dining & shopping options. Add extra nights in a favorite destination. Travel + Leisure magazine may receive compensation for some links to products and services on this website. Then, stroll Shark Fin Cove, named for a massive rock formation that stands guard just off the sand. It would be best to contact Amtrak for exact cost and departure dates. 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. A local, family-run train line, the journey takes you on a 14-mile (22.5km) jaunt from West Sacramento to Woodland. Ride the rails of California from San Francisco to San Diego. You can find out more and change our default settings with Cookies Settings. 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.