All rights reserved. California Train Vacation Packages - Vacations By Rail View Destination Quebec City, QC The best scenery is the segment between Emeryville, California (near San Francisco) and Denver, Colorado. Experience the adventure of traveling overnight with these unforgettable rail experiences. Fill out our helpful form and we'll be in touch shortly. If youve ever taken the train along Californias picture-perfect coastline, you know what a feast for the eyes the journey can be. I am having a hard time trying to find info re possibly taking a trip for 2 from Guadalupe to Washington State. Its widely considered one of the most beautiful train trips in the country. Or spend a unique day on the tracks by railbike: These are nearly silent, electric-powered two-person railbikes that breeze along the serene track. Distance: 564 Kilometers or 351 Miles. Departing from Garibaldi or Rockaway Beach, this excursion is 30 minutes each direction. The railway runs excursions on Sundays year-round, usually every week during the summer and less frequently during the winter. 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. 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. Excursions take you through the Sacramento Valley to see the historic railroad that still works, while on your return to the depot, you can check out the exhibits, such as an event commemorating 150 years of the Transcontinental Railroad. The seven-mile round-trip Pudding Express departs from the Fort Bragg depot and runs along the estuary of the same name, where blue herons, ospreys, egrets, and more wildlife all make their homes. I would also be interested in traveling from Guadalupe to Durango, Colorado by train. La Purisima Mission in Lompoc, California, is one of the state's most complete missions, with popular activities for school field trips and visitors. Head from San Diego through Anaheim (a useful port of call for Disneyland), then up through L.A.s historic and lively downtown environment. 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. Your Amtrak Vacation journey can start from any of the over 500 Amtrak stations across North America. 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. See two oceans, cross the Rockies, and all the land in-between with one of these North American adventures. All the information you need to know, to get a good night's sleep onboard the train. If the train goes there so do we! If the train goes there so do we! Upgrade to a sleeping accommodation onboard the train. 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. 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. Take in some incredible history by visiting the Old Mission, a National Historic Landmark founded by Padre Fermin Lasuen in December of 1786. Known for its incredible coastal and scenic views, Amtrak's Pacific Surfliner travels over 350 miles along the coastal region of Southern California and makes for an incredible vacation highlight. You never know what youll find in a small-town thrift shop. The Southern California coast unfolds before your eyes from your seat aboard The Pacific Surfliner. Unlike the Starlight, the Pacific Surfliner doesnt include any sleeper trains, making it more of a day trip type of train. Train trips in California venture through the ever-changing terrain, presenting the very best from the Sierra Nevadas to seaside harbors. There are six daily trains from Los Angeles Union Station north to Santa Barbara. Complete Guide to Train Travel in California - TripSavvy 20 Most Beautiful Small Towns in the U.S. From there, the train moves inland through the San Fernando Valley before its final stop in sunny Los Angeles. Build the right vacation to fit your budget. 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. Any railroad attraction can allow you to ride a train - and a welcome opportunity it is, too. Goleta beaches are typically less crowded than Santa Barbaras, and Goleta Beach Park is the ideal destination for a quiet family day trip or a romantic weekend getaway. Amtrak's Coast Starlight. 5 Pacific Surfliner Train Trips to Enjoy the California Coast Prices start at $265 per bike. Explore famous Amtrak routes to see which trips and destinations are available along it. 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. Take a California train ride on an operating trolley every Saturday and Sunday at the museum. https://www.instagram.com/AmtrakVacations, https://www.pinterest.com/amtrakvacations/. 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. Oceanside is perfect for a day trip or weekend getaway by train. The romance and convenience of train travel is something that countries throughout Europe and Asia have embraced with open arms. Can I get on in San Diego, get off at stops along the way and reboard on the same ticket, same day? California Coast | Amtrak Vacations Her favourite domestic destinations include Snowdonia and the Brecon (Do a quick search on the following sites). Destinations & Vacation Routes | Amtrak Vacations Carpinteria is south of Santa Barbara, and the Amtrak station is within easy walking distance of Carpinteria State Park. Buses and trolleys depart every few minutes from the train station to many of San Diegos most popular attractions. 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. Your California Coast journey begins in San Francisco with a day full of sightseeing on board a double-decker bus. Your Guide to Southern California Events Tours available include the, Hollywood is a star-studded destination, even for those that aren't star-struck. Our signature excursion along the scenic Tillamook Bay and the Oregon Coast offers a relaxed ride and a step back in time behind an authentic steam locomotive! "Day Out With Thomas" Train Rides In California (2023) The two steam locomotives operate daily during the summer months. Metro rail lines connect with the rest of the city, Including Universal Studios Hollywood. Learn about your dining choices, onboard dining reservations, and the different types of dining cars. Whats truly remarkable is seeing it from a train, appreciating a moving and panoramic view over the best that the Golden State has to offer. What the Experts Think, Have a Trip to Paris Planned? The wine train is located in downtown Napa, which is only a 15-minute walk from the Andaz Napa. Interested in a private car for 25 people from SLO to San Diego (round trip). 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. Don't leave your car behind when you travel - bring your car with you while on the Amtrak Auto Train. Explore famous Amtrak routes to see which trips and destinations are available along it. Discover our three easy ways to book your perfect train vacation. Amtrak is happy to provide accessible transportation to all of our guests. However, what is unique about the Western Pacific Railroad Museum is that it allows you, under supervision, to drive one too. Explore helpful videos and webinars with virtual tours of our rail journeys. flickr/Photos By Clark The Pacific Southwest Railway Museum has a vintage dining car on display at the Pacific Southwest Railway Museum. 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. San Clementes Train Station is adjacent to Pier, only steps to beach and nearby hotels. 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. Families, school groups, and day-trippers all enjoy the convenience of traveling by train to see the mission. The Most Scenic Train Rides In The U.S. | HuffPost Life May 20, 2023 - September 24, 2023. 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! Most scenic Amtrak routes on the West Coast Amtrak Pacific Surfliner trains run along the coast of Southern California from San Luis Obispo to San Diego. Looking for the perfect Pacific Surfliner trip? Taking the train for a day trip to San Diego is a fun alternative to driving the busy 405 freeway. This charming vintage railroad rides around - not unreasonably, youll surely agree - the Niles Canyon, a region in the San Francisco Bay Area. Then, stroll Shark Fin Cove, named for a massive rock formation that stands guard just off the sand. a picturesque harbor, and the longest wooden pier on the California coast. List of points of interest, destinations, and popular day trips by train along Californias Pacific Surfliner train route. We have you covered - if the train goes there, so do we. Old Town San Diego State Historical Park is a short walk from the train station. Create the perfect train vacation designed exclusively for you, by you! Getting to Durango will take a couple of transfers plus a bus ride. Travel + Leisure magazine may receive compensation for some links to products and services on this website. Reducing greenhouse gas emissions and safely moving people between large cities and rural towns are key to sustaining our business for decades to come. Copyright 2022 Travel + Leisure Co. All Rights Reserved. The park also features a few historic train cars that guests can tour. Also, Amtrak San Joaquins doesnt offer a Business Class ticket selection, so reserving seats isnt possible. Learn from our experts with insider tips, read helpful suggestions, be inspired for your next trip, and much more! Rail options from the Amtrak train station include the San Diego Trolley to Old Town San Diego or the border. Passengers can also lounge in swivel chairs so they can get a wide view. (Under new owners, no train excursions are scheduled yet) Fillmore and Western Railway winds through the Heritage Valley, offering views of miles of orange, lemon, and avocado groves. The San Diego Getaway Roundtrip from Los Angeles is a great choice for a relaxing coastal vacation. For a limited time only, save $150 per couple on any of our Grand Canyon National Park vacations inclusive of 4 nights or more. Ride along stretches of the Pacific ocean, up through San Francisco and past lush forests and snow-covered Mount Shasta. Fullerton has a large modern train station with a short walk to the old town with dining & shopping options. The train passes through Santa Barbara, Gaviota State Beach, Jalama Beach, Santa Maria, Pismo Beach, and San Luis Obispo. Today the Pacific Surfliner route is one of the busiest passenger train services in the nation. 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. The Amazing Sights You'll See on California's Best Coastal Train Route Trains are much better for the environment than flying or driving. This out-and-back path will take you about two hours, and it shows off some unique regional geography. Santa Cruz, California, Is a Perfect Road Trip Destination With Train