Who doesn’t love a train ride? There’s something so precious about sitting back and relaxing and watching the landscape roll by from your window seat. If you love the idea of Southern California day trips you can take by train, then you’ll want to take a look at these eight rides that will bring out the adventurer in you.
- The Pacific Surfliner – San Luis Obispo to San Diego
flickr/nick chill The first of our day trips in Southern California is the Pacific Surfliner by Amtrak. This train will take you on a journey from San Luis Obispo to San Diego on a scenic ride through the most picturesque towns of SoCal. Just pick your departure town and your destination and you’ll be all set. To see a train schedule and plan your trip, visit the Amtrak webpage .
- Pacific Surfliner – San Clemente
flickr/loco steve A popular destination on the Pacific Surfliner is to the splendid beach town of San Clemente. Leave the car at home and just kick back and relax on your beautiful journey. For ticket prices from your specific location take a look at the rates and schedule to and from San Clemente on the Pacific Surfliner.
- Pacific Surfliner – San Juan Capistrano
flickr/loco steve
flickr/loco steve If San Juan Capistrano is your destination on the Pacific Surfliner, you’ll be treated to dazzling views on your way to and from San Juan Capistrano. After you depart the train, make sure to linger a while to enjoy some fine dining options at this historic train station. You can head here for schedules and ticket prices to San Juan Capistrano.
- Pacific Surfliner – Santa Barbara
flickr/Oran Viriyincy Starting from San Luis Obispo, Santa Barbara is the 6th stop on the Pacific Surfliner. Head into Santa Barbara for an afternoon of dining, shopping, biking, and beach walking. Before the sun goes down jump back on the train and head home. Ticket prices and complete schedules can be found here.
- Pacific Surfliner – San Diego
flickr/william garrett
flickr/don barrett When you take the Pacific Surfliner to San Diego you will depart the train in the heart of the city at the San Diego Santa Fe Depot. You won’t even need a car to explore the bustling downtown area and you can even stroll down to the harbor. This is a great city for some adventures in Southern California. Tickets and times can be found on the Pacific Surfliner website.
- Pacific Southwest Railway Museum, Campo
trip advisor/michael s. If you’re not up for an all day journey, the Pacific Southwest Railway Museum offers 12-mile train rides on Saturdays and Sundays that will take you through the San Diego countryside. Head to their website for more information and train schedules.
- The Coaster and The Surfliner – Oceanside to San Diego and scenic stops in between
flickr/joe wolf Although the Coaster is only a commuter train, it’s the perfect way to travel between downtown San Diego and Oceanside with stops at key locations in between. Just hop off the coaster and explore a new SoCal town like Carlsbad Village, Encinitas, or Solana Beach. You can find ticket prices and schedules right over here.
- Fillmore & Western, Fillmore
wikimedia commons
yelp/nicholas m.
yelp/Mimi M. Whether you’re looking for a scenic weekend train ride, a murder mystery aboard a train that’s full of intrigue, or a special occasion dinner train to celebrate holidays with loved ones, Fillmore & Western is a great pick. Check out their Website for more information about train events, schedules, and ticket prices.
Oh, how nice to spend a leisurely day on the train. What do you think of this list of Southern California day trips you can take by train? Have you ever had a chance to take a ride on any of these routes?
flickr/nick chill
The first of our day trips in Southern California is the Pacific Surfliner by Amtrak. This train will take you on a journey from San Luis Obispo to San Diego on a scenic ride through the most picturesque towns of SoCal. Just pick your departure town and your destination and you’ll be all set. To see a train schedule and plan your trip, visit the Amtrak webpage .
flickr/loco steve
A popular destination on the Pacific Surfliner is to the splendid beach town of San Clemente. Leave the car at home and just kick back and relax on your beautiful journey. For ticket prices from your specific location take a look at the rates and schedule to and from San Clemente on the Pacific Surfliner.
If San Juan Capistrano is your destination on the Pacific Surfliner, you’ll be treated to dazzling views on your way to and from San Juan Capistrano. After you depart the train, make sure to linger a while to enjoy some fine dining options at this historic train station. You can head here for schedules and ticket prices to San Juan Capistrano.
flickr/Oran Viriyincy
Starting from San Luis Obispo, Santa Barbara is the 6th stop on the Pacific Surfliner. Head into Santa Barbara for an afternoon of dining, shopping, biking, and beach walking. Before the sun goes down jump back on the train and head home. Ticket prices and complete schedules can be found here.
flickr/william garrett
flickr/don barrett
When you take the Pacific Surfliner to San Diego you will depart the train in the heart of the city at the San Diego Santa Fe Depot. You won’t even need a car to explore the bustling downtown area and you can even stroll down to the harbor. This is a great city for some adventures in Southern California. Tickets and times can be found on the Pacific Surfliner website.
trip advisor/michael s.
If you’re not up for an all day journey, the Pacific Southwest Railway Museum offers 12-mile train rides on Saturdays and Sundays that will take you through the San Diego countryside. Head to their website for more information and train schedules.
flickr/joe wolf
Although the Coaster is only a commuter train, it’s the perfect way to travel between downtown San Diego and Oceanside with stops at key locations in between. Just hop off the coaster and explore a new SoCal town like Carlsbad Village, Encinitas, or Solana Beach. You can find ticket prices and schedules right over here.
wikimedia commons
yelp/nicholas m.
yelp/Mimi M.
Whether you’re looking for a scenic weekend train ride, a murder mystery aboard a train that’s full of intrigue, or a special occasion dinner train to celebrate holidays with loved ones, Fillmore & Western is a great pick. Check out their Website for more information about train events, schedules, and ticket prices.
For some more towns to visit in SoCal that are not along the train route, take a look at these 12 places that are delightful to visit just as long as you have a car.
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Address: 209 State St, Santa Barbara, CA 93101, USAAddress: 615 Avenida Victoria, San Clemente, CA 92672, USAAddress: 1011 Railroad Ave, San Luis Obispo, CA 93401, USAAddress: Pacific Surfliner (Amtrak), Santa Fe Depot, San Diego, CA 92101, USAAddress: Pacific Southwest Railway Museum, 750 Depot St, Campo, CA 91906, USAAddress: 810 Mission Ave, Oceanside, CA 92054, USAAddress: 351 Santa Clara St, Fillmore, CA 93015, USA
The OIYS Visitor Center
Southern California Day Trips You Can Take By Train April 23, 2021 Melissa M What day trips can I take in Southern California? Exploring our own backyard and surrounding areas always makes a great day trip. The seaside city of Oxnard, located in Ventura County, is packed with gorgeous beaches and plenty of activities to make your day fun. Stroll through Heritage Square and marvel at the Victorian architecture before heading to the beach. And then visit one of the museums like the Mullin Automotive Museum or Channel Islands Maritime Museum. Time here in Oxnard is time well spent! If you love wine, then head to Los Olivos in the Santa Ynez Valley, home to numerous vineyards and tasting rooms. Explore the historic town with all of its boutiques and galleries, take a horseback or bike tour, and, of course, enjoy a glass of wine at one of the local vineyards. What are some of the best attractions in Southern California? The best-known attraction in Southern California is Disneyland, followed by the likes of Universal Studios, Sea World, and other theme parks. The world-famous Griffith Observatory in Los Angeles is another top attraction where you can learn about astronomy and see panoramic views of the city. It’s a breathtaking spot! You can hike to the observatory as well, so read this post for more information about the trail. Aside from well-known attractions, there are several that are a little more on the quirky side. For example, the Cabazon Dinosaurs, visible from the I-10 on the way to or from Palm Springs, is worth a photo stop. These towering dinosaurs will certainly put a smile on your face! And then there’s Salvation Mountain in Imperial County is an outdoor folk art installation that you need to see in person to believe it exists! Learn about these and more in our post These 8 Roadside Attractions In Southern California Will Make You Do A Double Take. What are some of the best adventures to take in Southern California? If you enjoy the great outdoors, Southern California is the place to be. With good weather year-round, outdoor adventures are limitless. From swimming or surfing at one of the numerous pristine beaches to a trip to the mountains of Mammoth or Big Bear to go skiing or snowboarding, adventure awaits wherever you go!
The OIYS Visitor Center
Southern California Day Trips You Can Take By Train
April 23, 2021
Melissa M
What day trips can I take in Southern California? Exploring our own backyard and surrounding areas always makes a great day trip. The seaside city of Oxnard, located in Ventura County, is packed with gorgeous beaches and plenty of activities to make your day fun. Stroll through Heritage Square and marvel at the Victorian architecture before heading to the beach. And then visit one of the museums like the Mullin Automotive Museum or Channel Islands Maritime Museum. Time here in Oxnard is time well spent! If you love wine, then head to Los Olivos in the Santa Ynez Valley, home to numerous vineyards and tasting rooms. Explore the historic town with all of its boutiques and galleries, take a horseback or bike tour, and, of course, enjoy a glass of wine at one of the local vineyards. What are some of the best attractions in Southern California? The best-known attraction in Southern California is Disneyland, followed by the likes of Universal Studios, Sea World, and other theme parks. The world-famous Griffith Observatory in Los Angeles is another top attraction where you can learn about astronomy and see panoramic views of the city. It’s a breathtaking spot! You can hike to the observatory as well, so read this post for more information about the trail. Aside from well-known attractions, there are several that are a little more on the quirky side. For example, the Cabazon Dinosaurs, visible from the I-10 on the way to or from Palm Springs, is worth a photo stop. These towering dinosaurs will certainly put a smile on your face! And then there’s Salvation Mountain in Imperial County is an outdoor folk art installation that you need to see in person to believe it exists! Learn about these and more in our post These 8 Roadside Attractions In Southern California Will Make You Do A Double Take. What are some of the best adventures to take in Southern California? If you enjoy the great outdoors, Southern California is the place to be. With good weather year-round, outdoor adventures are limitless. From swimming or surfing at one of the numerous pristine beaches to a trip to the mountains of Mammoth or Big Bear to go skiing or snowboarding, adventure awaits wherever you go!
The OIYS Visitor Center
The OIYS Visitor Center
Exploring our own backyard and surrounding areas always makes a great day trip. The seaside city of Oxnard, located in Ventura County, is packed with gorgeous beaches and plenty of activities to make your day fun. Stroll through Heritage Square and marvel at the Victorian architecture before heading to the beach. And then visit one of the museums like the Mullin Automotive Museum or Channel Islands Maritime Museum. Time here in Oxnard is time well spent! If you love wine, then head to Los Olivos in the Santa Ynez Valley, home to numerous vineyards and tasting rooms. Explore the historic town with all of its boutiques and galleries, take a horseback or bike tour, and, of course, enjoy a glass of wine at one of the local vineyards.
What are some of the best attractions in Southern California?
The best-known attraction in Southern California is Disneyland, followed by the likes of Universal Studios, Sea World, and other theme parks. The world-famous Griffith Observatory in Los Angeles is another top attraction where you can learn about astronomy and see panoramic views of the city. It’s a breathtaking spot! You can hike to the observatory as well, so read this post for more information about the trail. Aside from well-known attractions, there are several that are a little more on the quirky side. For example, the Cabazon Dinosaurs, visible from the I-10 on the way to or from Palm Springs, is worth a photo stop. These towering dinosaurs will certainly put a smile on your face! And then there’s Salvation Mountain in Imperial County is an outdoor folk art installation that you need to see in person to believe it exists! Learn about these and more in our post These 8 Roadside Attractions In Southern California Will Make You Do A Double Take.
What are some of the best adventures to take in Southern California?
If you enjoy the great outdoors, Southern California is the place to be. With good weather year-round, outdoor adventures are limitless. From swimming or surfing at one of the numerous pristine beaches to a trip to the mountains of Mammoth or Big Bear to go skiing or snowboarding, adventure awaits wherever you go!
