california train trips

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11 Scenic Train Rides In California That Are RIDICULOUSLY Beautiful

California has some of the most beautiful scenery in the entire country.

And one of the best ways to enjoy that scenery is aboard a train!

Luckily, California has many different scenic train rides to choose from.

The only problem?

It’s hard to know which is best!

That’s why, in this guide, we’ve done all the hard work for you and come up with the ultimate list of the best train rides in California.

Some take you through towering redwood forests and others go deep into the mountains.

There’s a ton of variety but the one thing they ALL share in common is the beautiful views!

Let’s get started…

1. Pacific Surfliner

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The Pacific Surfliner train ride is a beautiful 351-mile journey that takes you from San Luis Obispo in central California to San Diego in the south. 

Along the way, you’ll get to see stunning views of the Pacific Ocean, especially between Los Angeles and San Diego, where the train runs right along the SoCal coastline. 

It’s truly breathtaking!

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The route also passes through other major cities like Santa Barbara where you’ll be able to catch a glimpse of its famous pier and beaches. 

The Pacific Surfliner is actually one of Amtrak’s busiest routes in the entire United States!

This really shows how much people love this scenic trip. 

If you ride the entire length, it takes roughly 5 hours and 45 minutes.

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Whilst aboard the train, you’ll witness California’s diverse landscapes from the Mediterranean-style scenery of Santa Barbara to the sandy beaches in the south.

It’s also really easy to sit back and relax as this train is known for its comfortable seats and large windows.

At certain times of the year, you might even be able spot migrating whales in the ocean from your seat!

2. Coast Starlight

The Coast Starlight train stretches from Seattle, Washington, all the way down to Los Angeles, California.

The entire route takes 35 hours.

While it travels through several states, its path through California is arguably the most scenic as it offers incredible views of the Pacific coast, especially near Santa Barbara. 

This train takes riders through the lush forests of the Pacific Northwest, down through the scenic valleys of California and along the beautiful coastline.

It’s mesmerizing.

You’ll even pass through the dramatic snow-capped mountains of the Cascade Range.

The Coast Starlight is particularly known for its observation cars which have large windows that are perfect for taking in the stunning landscapes. 

A highlight of the trip is witnessing the towering Mount Shasta along the way.

This 4,321m volcano is truly a sight to behold.

The train also passes by the San Francisco Bay Area and offers views of the iconic Golden Gate Bridge from a distance. 

You’ll also travel through the famous wine country of California which provides a glimpse of the vineyard-filled landscapes. 

The Coast Starlight isn’t just about the views though, it also has a rich and interesting history.

This train has actually served as a vital link between the north and south of the West Coast since 1971. 

Onboard, you’ll find multiple options for private rooms if you plan on staying overnight and dining. 

3. Santa Cruz Beach Train

The Santa Cruz Beach Train is a fun and unique train ride that takes passengers from the historic Roaring Camp in Felton, all the way to the sunny Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk. 

It takes approximately 1 hour each way.

This special train journey takes you through the towering redwood forests of the Santa Cruz Mountains which offers a shaded escape before reaching the sunny coastline. 

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Along the way, the train even crosses several old wooden bridges and trestles that were originally built in 1909!

This really makes you feel like you’ve stepped back in time. 

The train chugs along the same routes that were once used to transport lumber out of the mountains over a hundred years ago. It’s pretty historic!

In fact, the Santa Cruz Beach Train actually operates on one of the oldest and most historic rail lines in the whole of California.

It originally opened back in 1875.

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You’ll also get the chance to catch glimpses of wildlife and native plants as you make your way through the forest. 

Once the train descends from the mountains, it arrives at the vibrant Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk which is famous for its amusement park that sits right on the beach. 

You can choose from open-air or enclosed passenger cars, depending on the season.

Please note that this train is seasonal and does stop running at certain times of year. Check the current schedule here .

4. Napa Valley Wine Train

The Napa Valley Wine Train is a unique experience that takes you on a journey through the beautiful Napa Valley in California which is famous for its wine production. 

This train ride starts in the historic town of Napa and travels north to St. Helena, winding through the heart of the wine country.

It’s a 36-mile round trip.

Along the way, you’ll be treated to stunning views of vineyards stretching out on both sides with the rolling hills of Napa Valley in the background. 

The train itself is a collection of vintage rail cars that have been restored to their early 20th-century elegance.

It makes you feel like you’re traveling back in time. 

A fun fact about the Napa Valley Wine Train is that it runs on tracks that were originally built in the 1860s to bring guests to the hot springs of Calistoga. 

While on board, you can even enjoy gourmet meals that are prepared in the train’s own kitchen.

The dishes are designed to complement the local wines. 

Speaking of wine, the train also offers tastings of some of the world’s best wines.

They’re all sourced directly from the Napa Valley vineyards you pass by!

The journey not only showcases the scenic beauty of the region but also aims to educate passengers about the history of winemaking in Napa Valley. 

You’ll learn so many things you didn’t know before!

For those interested in more than just the ride, there are stops along the way where passengers can disembark for winery tours and tastings. 

5. Yosemite Mountain Sugar Pine Railroad

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The Yosemite Mountain Sugar Pine Railroad is a historic steam train that takes passengers on a scenic journey through the Sierra National Forest.

It’s located just 10 minutes from the south entrance of Yosemite National Park. 

This exciting ride starts and ends at the historic Sugar Pine Railroad station and lasts around an hour.

You’ll be able to learn about the area’s rich logging history.

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As the train chugs along the tracks, you’ll be treated to beautiful views of towering pine trees and rugged mountain landscapes.

It’s one of the most scenic train rides in California.

One of the coolest things about this train is that it runs on a narrow gauge railway which was commonly used for logging trains in the early 1900s. 

Along the way, the knowledgeable guides will share tons of fun facts and stories about the loggers who worked in these mountains and the history of the railroad itself. 

It’s all super interesting stuff!

The journey takes you past sites where giant logs were once hauled down the mountain, giving you a glimpse into the past. 

Plus, the steam engines that pull the train are historic themselves.

Some date back over a century and have been lovingly restored. 

For something even more unique, the railroad also offers moonlight rides that include a campfire and storytelling under the stars.

They also have a gold panning activity!

Please note that this train is seasonal and only runs from April through to November. Check the current schedule here .

6. Skunk Train

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The Skunk Train is a famous train ride in California that takes passengers through the heart of the redwood forests. 

The train offers several different routes but most begin at either Fort Bragg, on the Mendocino coast, or Willits.

Most rides last between 1 and 2 hours.

This train got its unique name from the original gas-powered motorcars it used which actually smelled like skunks! 

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As the train moves along the tracks, you’ll be surrounded by ancient redwoods.

These are actually some of the tallest and oldest trees in the world. 

The journey also takes you across wooden trestle bridges and through tunnels carved out of the mountain.

It offers a glimpse into the impressive engineering feats of the early 1900s. 

Along the way, the conductors will share stories and fun facts about the train’s history and the surrounding forest. 

One interesting point is that the railroad was originally built for logging and played a crucial role in the development of the area.

It actually began running back in 1885!

Now, the Skunk Train offers a variety of experiences including railbike rides where guests can actually pedal along the tracks on specially designed bikes. 

7. River Fox Train

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The River Fox Train is an exciting adventure on rails that takes place in the heart of California, near Sacramento. 

This train journey starts and ends in West Sacramento, taking passengers along the scenic Sacramento River.

The entire length is around 10-miles.

As it travels, you’ll be able to enjoy beautiful views of the river, lush farmland and the rolling countryside.

It’s truly stunning.

The train ride offers a variety of themed journeys.

Choose from murder mystery, beer and wine-tasting rides, and more.

For kids and families, there are special events like the Great Train Robbery and the Magical Christmas Train which bring stories to life with interactive entertainment. 

The train operates on tracks that have been a part of California’s railroad history for over a century.

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Along the way, you might even catch glimpses of local wildlife, like birds and deer.

Keep your eyes peeled!

The River Fox Train also passes through several historic areas which give a peek into the past of the region’s towns and industries. 

8. California Zephyr

The California Zephyr is an amazing train ride that takes passengers on a journey across the United States.

It runs all the way from Chicago to Emeryville in California, which is located just outside of San Francisco. 

If you rode the entire length, it would take approximately 51 hours (one-way) so you’ll definitely want to set aside a couple of days for this epic train ride!

During its journey through California, the train offers stunning views of the Sierra Nevada mountains which are especially breathtaking. 

You’ll also be able to watch as the landscape changes from the high desert plains in Nevada to the lush, green slopes of the Sierra Nevadas. 

One of the highlights of the trip is crossing the Donner Pass which is famous for its history and spectacular scenery as well as crossing through the heart of the Rockies.

The train also travels through tunnels and over bridges which gives you a close-up look at the rugged terrain and natural beauty of the area. 

The California Zephyr is known for its comfortable observation cars which have large windows that are perfect for sightseeing. 

There are also private rooms available if you’ll be staying overnight.

You’ll also be able to learn about the history of the railroad and the regions you pass through, thanks to informative talks by the train staff. 

This train route is one of the most scenic in North America and offers views that can’t be seen from the highway. It’s bucket-list worthy, that’s for sure!

The journey through California ends in Emeryville but travelers can easily reach San Francisco and other Bay Area cities by bus or ferry.

9. Redwood Forest Steam Train

The Redwood Forest Steam Train is a magical journey that takes you through the towering redwood forests of California. 

This adventure starts and ends at the Roaring Camp Railroads in Felton, near the famous Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk. It lasts approximately 75 minutes.

As the steam train chugs along, you’ll be surrounded by ancient redwoods which are some of the tallest trees in the world. 

The journey feels like stepping back in time, as the train is powered by a real steam engine, just like the ones used over a hundred years ago. 

In fact, their oldest steam engine dates back to 1890!

Along the way, the train conductor shares tons of fun facts and stories about the forest and the history of the railroad. 

This train ride is not just about the trees though, it also offers breathtaking views of the Santa Cruz Mountains and the chance to see local wildlife. 

The track winds through the forest, over trestle bridges and through a tunnel carved out of the mountain. It even takes you up to the summit of Bear Mountain!

The Roaring Camp Railroads were originally built to transport lumber out of the mountains.

Today, the train ride is a way for people to learn about and appreciate the beauty of the redwood forest. 

10. Niles Canyon Railway

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The Niles Canyon Railway is a special train ride that takes you on a trip through the beautiful Niles Canyon in California. 

This journey starts and ends in Sunol.

It takes around 1 hour and 20 minutes round trip.

As the train moves along the track, you’ll get to see the stunning scenery of the canyon including its green hills and the flowing Alameda Creek. 

This area is not just pretty, it’s also full of history!

The railway follows a part of the original Transcontinental Railroad which was actually the first rail line that connected the east coast to the west coast of the United States. 

During the ride, you’ll get to learn about the history of the railway and the region through stories told by the train’s crew. 

The train itself is made up of historic cars and locomotives that have been carefully restored to their former glory.

They’re a sight to behold.

Riding the Niles Canyon Railway gives you a sense of what travel was like in the past. 

In addition to regular rides, the railway also offers special themed trips throughout the year.

11. Amtrak Capitol Corridor

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The Amtrak Capitol Corridor is a popular 168-mile train ride that connects Northern California cities from San Jose to Auburn. 

This train journey starts in the busy tech hub of San Jose and ends in the historic city of Auburn, traveling through beautiful landscapes and important cities along the way. 

The Capitol Corridor passes through the state’s capital, Sacramento, where you’ll get the chance to learn about California’s rich history. 

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The route also offers views of the San Francisco Bay Area.

You’ll be treated to glimpses of the water and cityscapes. 

The Capitol Corridor is not just used for long trips, it’s actually also used by daily commuters going to work or school. 

Along the way, you’ll get to see the rolling hills of Northern California and the lush farmland of the Central Valley. 

The Capitol Corridor does make stops in key cities, including Oakland and Berkeley, so feel free to hop off whenever you like to enjoy some attractions and activities. 

This train service is a great way for travelers to explore multiple cities without the stress of driving!

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Want a Relaxing Alternative to a California Road Trip? Hop on a Train.

From rides through redwood forests to wine country, these train trips through california offer plenty of adventure..

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The Pacific Surfliner takes travelers 351 miles along the California coast, but other trains explore different parts of the state.

Photo by Cory Woodruff/Shutterstock

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 . But consider exploring the state in a different way to remove the stress of potential gridlock in car traffic and gain a novel perspective: by train .

The state’s railroad offerings include historic journeys through redwood forests, luxurious wine trains, and Amtrak routes along the vibrant Pacific coastline and beyond. Here are five of the most scenic train rides to take in California.

1. Pacific Surfliner

• Where: San Diego to San Luis Obispo

Amtrak’s iconic Pacific Surfliner offers a 351-mile trip through San Diego , Orange, Los Angeles , Ventura, Santa Barbara, and San Luis Obispo counties, with stretches of the route abutting the Pacific coastline in Southern California.

Head from San Diego through Anaheim (a useful port of call for Disneyland), then up through L.A.’s historic and lively downtown environment. Next is Santa Barbara—the so-called American Riviera for its coastal views, fine wines, and film festivals. The end of the line to the north is San Luis Obispo, known for outdoor activities, farm-to-table dining, and world-class wineries.

How to do it

• Book a trip: pacificsurfliner.com

The Pacific Surfliner route offers five daily round-trip services between Santa Barbara and San Diego, and 13 between San Diego and Los Angeles. Prices start at $16 for a single leg of the journey. Many stations are within walking distance of key attractions; various transit providers also offer free bus connections to Pacific Surfliner passengers .

Extend the trip with a longer stay in downtown Los Angeles, which has abundant hotel options, including the historic Hotel Figueroa , one of the city’s oldest; it opened nearly a century ago as lodging for professional women travelers, a rarity for the era. The Spanish adobe-style building has 268 rooms and suites and offers a lively, creative scene with top-notch food and drink outlets.

2. Coast Starlight

• Where: San Diego to Seattle

Up for a long haul on Amtrak? Take the famous Coast Starlight all the way through California (with the possibility of continuing to Oregon and Washington). The entire 35-hour route goes from Los Angeles to Seattle with views of snow-peaked mountains, green forests and valleys, and stretches of the Pacific Ocean, too. It’s widely considered one of the most beautiful train trips in the country.

• Book a trip: amtrak.com/coast-starlight-train

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. There’s also the option to sleep aboard, with the cost of a roomette about $700, or a family room about $1,300—which includes meals, water, and coffee.

3. Napa Valley Wine Train

• Where: Napa Valley

Visiting California’s wineries in Napa can be a nuisance and potential hazard by car. Instead, hop aboard the private Napa Valley Wine train , a 36-mile winetasting loop with wine and artisanal food cooked to order on board.

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.

• Book a trip: winetrain.com

Choose from three- or six-hour daytime journeys or a two-hour dinner ride. The new “Tasting on the Rails” trip launches in May, with tickets starting at $395. 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.

The wine train is located in downtown Napa , which is only a 15-minute walk from the Andaz Napa . The Hyatt property offers 141 guest rooms, with hardwood hickory floors and midcentury furnishings. The hotel bar, the Mercantile Terrace, has a bar menu and firepits with a convivial atmosphere.

The Skunk Train offers two journeys year-round: the Wolf Tree Turn and and Pudding Creek Express.

Photo by photosgenius/Shutterstock

4. Skunk Train

• Where: Mendocino

This train goes back to the 1880s, when it ran along the Fort Bragg Railroad to make transporting lumber easier in Northern California’s Mendocino County . That was the genesis of what is now commonly known as the Skunk Train (for the pungent fumes it once emitted). 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.

• Book a trip: skunktrain.com

The train offers an array of trips starting at $50. 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.

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. Prices start at $265 per bike.

5. River Fox Train

• Where: Sacramento

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 County’s countryside. Theme rides range from beer and wine experiences to murder mystery trips to holiday excursions. Think riverfront views and ivy-draped woodlands. And like its sister Skunk Train in Mendocino County, this track also offers the whimsical railbike experience.

• Book a trip: riverfoxtrain.com

Prices for the train start at $59 for adults and $29 for kids. Railbikes start at $109, which covers two riders midweek. The train boards in West Sacramento. 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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This Amtrak Train Route Offers a Perfect Coastal California Trip — With Ocean Views Nearly the Whole Way

Amtrak's Pacific Surfliner ocean-adjacent route travels between San Luis Obispo and downtown San Diego.

Gas prices are soaring , and getting stuck in traffic is never fun. As a result, train travel is gaining popularity this summer. Amtrak's Pacific Surfliner route is particularly special as passengers ride along the ocean for nearly the entire journey, which runs between San Luis Obispo and downtown San Diego . From panoramic views of the California coastline to the hypnotic rolling hills and laid-back beach cities along the way, here's how to make the best of this Amtrak train trip.

San Luis Obispo

Start the day at one of San Luis Obispo 's beloved local coffee shops, like Skippers Brew Coffee House . Then, saunter down Higuera Street to explore the arts and culture scene in downtown SLO , known for its legendary farmers market on Thursday nights. You can step into one (or 12) of the cute boutiques or stop by Mission Plaza , a wonderful outdoor space along the San Luis Creek and adjacent to Mission San Luis Obispo de Tolosa , which offers a unique history lesson. Grab a drink on the roof at Hotel San Luis Obispo 's High Bar, indulging in some delightfully crafted cocktails and small bites, set against a backdrop of rolling hills. Spend the night at the historic Granada Hotel & Bistro , a quaint and luxurious 17-room boutique hotel situated inside an original 1920s brick building. Guests can expect thoughtful design details like wrought-iron Juliet balconies and Persian rugs.

Santa Barbara

Santa Barbara , known as the "American Riviera," offers seemingly endless adventures. Start with a wine or beer tour of The Funk Zone , a trendy district with an impressive variety of tasting rooms, cafes, and art galleries housed in contemporary spaces. Enjoy unmatched Oaxacan cuisine at Flor de Maiz , complete with views of one of Santa Barbara's main attractions, Stearns Wharf . Then, kayak with the Santa Barbara Adventure Company and explore the harbor, or reserve a bike with Wheel Fun Rentals and pedal through this bike-friendly city . Book a stay at the gorgeous Hotel Californian , a meticulously designed luxury boutique property that's right in the heart of the community, just steps from the train station, and only a block from the beach.

Surfing is a large part of Ventura culture, but this relaxed seaside city also offers ample activities beyond the waves. Visit the Botanical Gardens , where you can enjoy views of the Pacific Ocean from the hills above town. Take a self-guided mural tour , which is a great way to become immersed in local art and history. (Tip: Be sure to check out the Westside of Aventura). After working up an appetite, head to the Taco District , a string of Mexican restaurants along Ventura Avenue. Ventura's craft beer scene is incredible, too — Topa Topa has a nice outdoor area and the award-winning MadeWest Brewing Company features a taproom right on the Ventura Pier. As for lodging, Waypoint Ventura is a unique glamping experience in lovingly restored vintage trailers. Note that the Ventura train station is also where travelers can connect or transfer to SoCal's regional passenger railway service, Metrolink , via a convenient codeshare agreement.

San Juan Capistrano

Immediately upon pulling into the station in San Juan Capistrano, travelers can stop to refuel at Trevor's at the Tracks , a restaurant set in a historic train depot dating back to 1894. Explore the Los Rios Historic District, which is said to be the oldest continuously occupied neighborhood in California, with adobe structures from the late 1700s. Head downtown to grab a drink at the newly opened Rooftop Kitchen and Bar , where you can enjoy sweeping city views paired with modern American comfort food. Then, make your way to Mission San Juan Capistrano, known as the "Jewel of the Missions." It's a great spot to learn about California history while exploring the beautiful outdoor gardens. Stay the night at the nearby Inn at the Mission San Juan Capistrano , which overlooks the ruins of the iconic Great Stone Church .

In Oceanside , the Transportation Center is conveniently within walking distance of the Oceanside Pier , countless cute coffee shops, tasty restaurants, breweries, and more. Start at Camp Coffee Company for a to-go cup — this local craft coffee shop is practically across the street from the train station and offers an extensive selection of handcrafted lattes and specialty pastries. Next, explore one of the outstanding breweries in town, like Craft Coast Beer & Tacos and Bagby Beer Company , the latter offering ocean-view seating on their deck. Those seeking something especially fancy can try the Balinese fusion restaurant, Dija Mara , which was recently named a "new discovery" by Michelin Guide. Finally, retire to Mission Pacific or The Seabird, two seaside sister luxury hotels with an ideal location for Oceanside exploration (as well as a hot rooftop bar and pool lounge).

Downtown San Diego

Begin the day with a coffee and pastry at Parfait Paris in the Gaslamp. This neighborhood features beautiful, contrasting architecture — a mix of contemporary design and historic Victorian buildings. Walk along the waterfront Embarcadero, exploring Seaport Village or the new Rady Shell at Jacobs Park , which hosts fun concerts in the summer, including the San Diego Symphony. Then, check out Youngblood , an immersive, personalized cocktail experience in a hidden speakeasy-style bar. Spend the night at InterContinental San Diego , which is in close proximity to the train depot and blends the best of San Diego's offerings, with gorgeous city and bay views, a dynamic rooftop restaurant, and an expansive pool featuring a full bar and sun-soaked lounge.

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Napa Valley Wine Train: Travel Past Vineyards and Wineries

Napa Valley Wine Train has been in operation since 1989. The wine train can carry nearly 400 passengers through Napa Valley and usually makes two daily trips. A  tier 4 locomotive engine pulls the Napa Valley Wine Train and travels adjacent to Highway 29 on a 3-hour journey through the valley. The train station is located at 1275 McKinstry Street, Napa, California. https://www.winetrain.com/

Roaring Camp Railroad Santa Cruz

Roaring Camp Railroad offers two different tours to suit your tastes. The Roaring Camp & Big Trees is a steam-powered narrow-gauge line using Shay and Heisler locomotives. 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. 5401 Graham Hill Road, Felton, California. https://roaringcamp.com/

Amtrak Pacific Surfliner

The Amtrak Pacific Surfliner travels along the California coast from San Luis Obispo and ends in San Diego. Some sections of the trip are inland. However, there are many sections where the train travels adjacent to the Pacific. Oceanview areas of the trip include Point Conception, Gaviota Coast, Santa Barbara Coast, North, and Central San Diego County coast.

Fort Bragg Skunk Train

The Fort Bragg Redwood Company originally built the Fort Bragg Skunk Train as the Fort Bragg Railroad in 1885. Today, the Skunk Train takes passengers on a seven-mile round trip. The train lets passengers enjoy beautiful Northern California scenery with views of redwood trees.

Poway-Midland Railway

While this trip may be short, it’s worth checking out the Poway-Midland Railroad. Visitors can ride on a vintage 1907 Baldwin Steam Locomotive during the summer and holiday weekends. The rest of the year, the Poway-Midland Railroad uses a Los Angeles Yellow Trolley Car for trips around the park.  A 1950 Fairmont Speeder can be seen rolling along the track on special occasions.

Pacific Southwest Railway Campo

Pacific Southwest Railway takes passengers on a 12-mile round-trip journey along the old San Diego & Arizona Railway track. A Diesel-electric locomotive pulls vintage passenger cars over this historic railroad route. There is also an excellent museum on-site with rolling stock and railroad artifacts. This train is a little off the beaten path, but worth the effort it takes to get there.

Niles Canyon Railway Sunol, California

Niles Canyon Railroad operates along a portion of the First Transcontinental Railroad constructed in the 1860s. The railway runs excursions on Sundays year-round, usually every week during the summer and less frequently during the winter. Niles Canyon Railroad also operates special train excursions during the year, including wine-tasting trains, beer-tasting trains, holiday excursions, and summer school trains.

Yosemite Mountain Sugar Pine Railroad

Yosemite Sugar Pine Railroad. The Sierra National Forest’s majestic woods provide the backdrop for the narrow gauge journey back in time. The two steam locomotives operate daily during the summer months. Yosemite Mountain Sugar Pine Railroad 56001 Hwy 41, Fish Camp, CA 93623.

Sacramento River Fox Train

Pulled by a diesel locomotive, the Sacramento River Train features two dining cars, a club car, a concession car, and two open-air cars. The Sacramento River Fox Train runs from West Sacramento 10 miles to the outskirts of Woodland and back.

Placerville & Sacramento Valley Railroad

The Sacramento Valley Railroad offers train and motorcar rides along a section of Southern Pacific’s Placerville Branch railroad right-of-way. Rides last 30 to 45 minutes and feature scenic views of the Sacramento Valley.

Fun places to ride trains in Nevada

Southern califonia railway museum, roaring camp railroads santa cruz.

July 12, 2016 at

Rode ’em all!

Great Job Ken

We will add a few more trains to the list.

Thanks for visiting Daytrippen.com

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A Complete Guide to Train Travel in California

The romance and convenience of train travel is something that countries throughout Europe and Asia have embraced with open arms. Trains are easy to navigate, budget-friendly, space-saving, and are oftentimes safer than driving. Plus, it sure beats having to keep your eyes on the road while venturing up the beautiful California coast.

Perhaps the best part? Trains are much better for the environment than flying or driving. Amtrak trains, for example, are 47 percent more energy efficient than traveling by car and 36 percent more efficient than domestic air travel. Trains can move a larger number of people at once than cars can, which means they produce less CO2, lower pollution levels, and healthier air quality. Win, win, win.

So, what are you waiting for? TripSavvy rounded up some of the best train routes in California to supplement your staycation, road trip, or domestic travel plans.

Coast Starlight

Amtrak’s 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. 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 you choose to travel the Coast Starlight, you’ll 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. It’s about as California as it gets.

The route takes passengers on a journey from Los Angeles to Seattle, stopping in Sacramento and Portland along the way. 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. 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. Private rooms get priority boarding, a dedicated Sleeping Car attendant, access to the train lounge, and complimentary meals included. For guests traveling with a disability, the train has several Accessible Bedrooms located on the entry level with space for a wheelchair and two adults.

Coach passengers will still enjoy roomy, comfortable seats with much more legroom than a plane or car, and Business Class guests receive an onboard credit for food or drinks and a fully refundable ticket.

Pacific Surfliner

The Amtrak Pacific Surfliner serves stations on the southern side of the state. 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. Once the train reaches the far north, passengers can go even further using the supplementary thruway bus systems.

Unlike the Starlight, the Pacific Surfliner doesn’t include any sleeper trains, making it more of a day trip type of train. 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. There’s also an onboard cafe with fresh food, snacks, and drinks.

Coach tickets are unreserved, so you can ride any Pacific Surfliner train from the origin station to the destination station listed on the ticket, making it a bit more flexible should travelers miss a train or if travel plans change. Business Class tickets offer guaranteed seating and a few other perks like more legroom and complimentary snacks, but advance reservations are required.

Amtrak San Joaquins

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. There are seven daily round trips featured on this train, five between the cities of Oakland and Bakersfield, and two between Sacramento and Bakersfield. 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.

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.

There is free Wi-Fi available onboard as well as a cafe car for food and drink purchases. Keep in mind that this route has a lot of stops, and can get pretty crowded. Also, Amtrak San Joaquins doesn’t offer a Business Class ticket selection, so reserving seats isn’t possible.

Caltrain is a Northern California commuter rail line that services the San Francisco Peninsula and Santa Clara Valley. 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. It runs from the ballpark in San Francisco south through San Jose, Silicon Valley, and ends in Gilroy. It serves dozens of stations, but unfortunately doesn’t connect riders to the heart of San Francisco (you’ll need more local public transportation for that).

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. 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. The company recently installed brand new ticket machines located at each station, but tickets can also be purchased through a mobile app.

Seats for both Caltrain and Metrolink commuter trains aren’t assigned, and are much smaller than the long-distance train, similar to city-wide public transportation or subways.

Napa Valley Wine Train

If the thought of traveling by train didn’t give you enough of a European feel, try throwing in the Mediterranean-esque views of the Napa Valley along with it. 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. The train cars are made up of restored vintage Pullman cars from the early 20th century and the decor is an homage to the glory days of luxury train travel with all its mahogany paneling, brass accents, etched glass partitions, and intimate seating.

The Wine Train isn’t 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. Tour options range from 2-3 hour journeys complete with a four-course meal to full or half-day trips that last for 3 to 6 hours and include wine tastings at some of Napa Valley’s most famous wineries. You’re paying for the ride, but also for the food or wine along with it, so save this train ride for a special occasion.

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