California’s scenic railways offer a relaxing way to explore the Golden State without the stress of driving. From coastal routes with ocean views to mountain journeys through ancient forests, train travel reveals California’s diverse beauty at a leisurely pace. Grab your camera and sense of adventure as we explore ten unforgettable day trips where the journey becomes just as memorable as the destination.
1. Coast Starlight to San Luis Obispo
Aboard Amtrak’s Coast Starlight, the stretch between Los Angeles and San Luis Obispo offers some of California’s most breathtaking coastal scenery. The train follows a route inaccessible by car, with dramatic cliffs dropping to the Pacific Ocean and waves crashing against rocky shores below.
San Luis Obispo welcomes visitors with its charming downtown, historic mission, and Thursday night farmers market. The journey includes passage through Vandenberg Space Force Base, where rocket launch pads are sometimes visible.
The observation car, with its floor-to-ceiling windows, provides the perfect vantage point for photographing this spectacular coastline.
2. Wine Tasting on the Napa Valley Wine Train
Restored vintage railcars from the early 1900s create a luxurious time capsule through Napa’s world-famous vineyards. Gourmet meals prepared in the train’s kitchen complement wine tastings as you roll past picturesque vineyards and charming wineries.
The 36-mile round-trip journey between Napa and St. Helena offers various tour options, including winery stops where you can disembark for tastings. Polished mahogany, brass fixtures, and plush seating create an atmosphere of elegant nostalgia.
The experience combines culinary excellence with wine education – perfect for special occasions or treating yourself to a quintessential California experience.
3. Redwood Adventure on the Skunk Train
Named for its original gas-powered engines that passengers said you could smell before you could see, the historic Skunk Train has been operating since 1885. The train chugs through towering redwood groves in Mendocino County, crossing trestle bridges and winding through tunnels carved into the mountains.
Choose between departures from Fort Bragg or Willits, each offering unique perspectives of the ancient forest. The open-air cars provide unobstructed views of massive trees that have stood for centuries.
During stops, stretch your legs on forest paths and breathe in the earthy scent of the redwood ecosystem.
4. Sacramento River Train Excursion
Farm fields and riparian landscapes unfold outside your window on this relaxing journey along the Sacramento River. Unlike commuter routes, this dedicated excursion train offers themed experiences ranging from murder mysteries to beer tastings.
The train departs from West Sacramento and travels at a leisurely pace through agricultural landscapes and natural habitats. Wildlife sightings are common – keep your camera ready for herons, hawks, and river otters.
Seasonal events make each trip unique, from springtime wildflower tours to fall harvest celebrations and holiday-themed rides that delight families.
5. Sierra Railroad Dinner Train Adventure
Step into California’s Gold Rush era aboard the Sierra Railroad Dinner Train departing from Oakdale. Rolling through golden foothills once trodden by prospectors and pioneers, this historic railway has served as a backdrop for over 300 Hollywood movies and TV shows.
While savoring a four-course meal, passengers travel through scenic landscapes that change with the seasons – from vibrant spring wildflowers to the golden hues of summer grasses. The 3.5-hour journey features entertainment that varies by theme, from murder mysteries to Wild West robberies.
History buffs appreciate that portions of this railway have operated continuously since 1897.
6. Pacific Surfliner to Santa Barbara
Ocean waves crash alongside the tracks as the Pacific Surfliner hugs the coastline between Los Angeles and Santa Barbara. The journey transforms travel time into a scenic adventure with unobstructed views of beaches, surfers, and seaside cliffs.
Upon arriving in Santa Barbara, stroll through the Spanish-style downtown or head straight to Stearns Wharf. The train station sits conveniently near State Street’s shops and restaurants, making exploration effortless.
Pro tip: Sit on the coastal side (usually the west-facing seats) for the best ocean views during your journey.
7. Capitol Corridor to Old Sacramento
Connecting the Bay Area to Sacramento, the Capitol Corridor train provides a stress-free journey to California’s historic capital city. Watch the landscape transition from urban centers to the Central Valley’s agricultural abundance through large, comfortable windows.
Upon arrival, it’s a short walk to Old Sacramento, a preserved Gold Rush-era district with wooden boardwalks and historic buildings. Explore the California State Railroad Museum, which fittingly celebrates the very mode of transportation that brought you there.
The train’s business class offers complimentary snacks and beverages, making the journey as enjoyable as the destination itself.
8. Roaring Camp Railroads Steam Train
Authentic 1880s steam locomotives climb through Santa Cruz Mountains’ redwood forests on narrow-gauge tracks originally built to haul timber. The open-air cars provide an immersive forest experience as the train ascends Bear Mountain on grades so steep that the locomotives sometimes need to zigzag up the slopes.
At the summit, explore the recreated logging camp before your return journey. The whistles echoing through the forest and the rhythmic chuffing of the steam engine create a multisensory step back in time.
During summer months, a connecting route travels from the mountains to the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk, combining forest and seaside experiences.
9. Fillmore & Western Railway Movie Train
Known as “Hollywood’s Backlot,” the Fillmore & Western Railway has appeared in countless films and TV shows. Vintage trains traverse the scenic Heritage Valley between Fillmore and Santa Paula, passing through orange groves, avocado orchards, and picturesque farmland.
The railway offers various themed excursions throughout the year, from murder mystery dinners to holiday specials. Film enthusiasts appreciate riding the very same trains used in productions like “Water for Elephants” and “The Lone Ranger.”
Between scenes of rural California beauty, guides share stories about the railroad’s starring roles in Hollywood history and point out recognizable filming locations.
10. Railtown 1897 State Historic Park Excursion
Known as “The Movie Railroad,” this preserved historic railway in Jamestown offers rides aboard vintage trains through California’s Gold Country. The site features an authentic roundhouse and working steam locomotives that have appeared in hundreds of films and TV shows, including “Back to the Future Part III” and “Unforgiven.”
Six-mile round-trip excursions operate on weekends April through October. Before or after your ride, tour the historic shops where skilled mechanics still maintain the historic equipment using century-old techniques.
The park preserves a slice of California’s transportation history that helped build the state and later helped define how the Wild West looked in Hollywood productions.
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