Exploring Southern California Onboard the Amtrak Pacific Surfliner

Amtrak Pacific Surfliner runs along the coast of Southern California from  San Luis Obispo to San Diego. The train travels approximately 350 miles (560 km), stopping in cities across San Diego, Orange, Los Angeles, Ventura, Santa Barbara, and San Luis Obispo counties. There are 13 daily round trips between San Diego and Los Angeles, with five to San Luis Obispo. Surfliner trains feature Wi-Fi, a café car, and business-class seating. Passengers may bring bicycles and surfboards; however, only service animals are permitted onboard.

Surfliner Los Angeles to San Diego Route

After departing from Union Station in Los Angeles, the train travels through the sprawling metropolis of LA and into Orange County. Once you reach South Orange County, passengers can enjoy some of the most scenic sections of the route. You will pass by the world-famous surfing beach, Trestles, and then travel through Camp Pendleton on your way to Oceanside. This part of the trip is wide open, allowing the engineer to operate the train at top speed. From Oceanside to Torrey Pines, the train runs along the coast before turning inland for the final miles to downtown San Diego.

Surfliner Los Angeles to San Luis Obispo Route

North of Los Angeles, the Surfliner travels through industrial areas and suburbs before heading toward Ventura, where it follows the coastline to Santa Barbara. This section of the ride is the most scenic, providing fantastic views of the Pacific Ocean. There are miles of pristine coastline along this part of the track that are inaccessible by car. Riders also glimpse Vandenberg Air Force Base. After turning inland near Santa Maria, the Surfliner passes through farmland and vineyards. It briefly returns to the coast at Pismo Beach before turning inland for the final leg of its journey to San Luis Obispo.

Amtrak Pacific Surfliner North – Day Trip Ideas

Here are some points of interest and popular day trips along the California Pacific Surfliner train route. First up Union Station and points North.

Union Station: Transportation Hub and Historic Landmark

Union Station is a hub of activity, with Metro and Amtrak trains arriving hourly. Passenger trains depart hourly South to San Diego, North to Santa Barbara, and beyond. Downtown Los Angeles Union Station’s nearby attractions include Chinatown and Olvera Street. Metro rail lines connect with the rest of the city, Including Universal Studios Hollywood.

Carpinteria, California “World’s Safest Beach”

Carpinteria is 12 miles south of Santa Barbara, and the Amtrak station is within easy walking distance of Carpinteria State Park, making it possible to go beach camping by rail. There is also a small downtown area with shops and dining options. Carpinteria is also home to the California Avocado Festival, which features three days of Peace, Love, and Guacamole. The festival is a great day trip by train idea. https://carpinteriaca.gov/visitor-info/california-avocado-festival/

Santa Barbara, California: the American Riviera

The Amtrak train station in Santa Barbara, California, is a ten-minute walk from Stearns Wharf and nearby beach hotels. While you can take the Surfliner train to Santa Barbara for a day trip, we recommend staying for at least one night, as there are plenty of attractions to enjoy in this beautiful coastal town. Most travelers find that more than one day is needed. Santa Barbara is approximately a three-hour train ride from Los Angeles. https://santabarbaraca.com/

Grover Beach – Pismo Beach: Classic California

Grover Beach is one of the Five Central Coast Cities, including Pismo Beach, Oceano, Arroyo Grande, and Shell Beach. The Grover Beach Amtrak station is on Grand Avenue, the access road to the Pismo Dunes Recreation Area. It is the closest station to Pismo Beach. From this station, the Surfliner route heads inland toward San Luis Obispo.

San Luis Obispo: End of the Northern Surfliner Route

San Luis Obispo is the Northern stop of the Amtrak Pacific Surfliner. You can continue on the Coast Starlight train to travel further north. San Luis Obispo is nestled among the hills, just south of Paso Robles, Atascadero, and North of Pismo Beach; the city is halfway between San Francisco and Los Angeles. San Luis Obispo is the closest train station to Hearst Castle.

Amtrak Pacific Surfliner South – Day Trip Ideas

Here are some points of interest and day trip ideas along the southern section of the Pacific Surfliner train route:

San Juan Capistrano: Mission & Historic District

San Juan Capistrano is one of the most popular day trips by train along the route of the Amtrak Pacific Surfliner. Historic  Mission San Juan Capistrano is within easy walking distance of the Amtrak station. Families, school groups, and day-trippers all enjoy the convenience of traveling by train to see the mission. Directly across the train tracks from the train station is the Los Rios District, the oldest neighborhood in California, with interesting little shops, 100-year-old homes, and several dining options. http://www.sanjuancapistrano.net/los_rios/

San Clemente, California: Enjoy a Day at The Beach

San Clemente’s train station is located next to the pier. The Surfliner drops off passengers at the San Clemente Pier, steps away from the beach and nearby hotels. San Clemente is a popular summer destination for beach day trips from inland areas of Southern California. Visitors can enjoy a day at the beach while avoiding summer traffic and parking issues. Note: Not all Surfliner trains stop at the San Clemente train station.

Trestles World Famous Surf Break

Amtrak Pacific Surfliner does not stop at Trestles, but passengers get as close as possible without standing on the beach. The train passes over the “Trestles Bridge” and follows the coast past upper, middle, and lower trestles surf breaks. The nearest train station to Trestles is in San Clemente. Trestles Bridge can only be reached via a paved trail. There are no public roads to this famous surfing location.

Oceanside, California: Popular Beach Town

The Oceanside Amtrak Pacific Surfliner train station is three blocks from the beach and the town’s impressive wooden pier. Oceanside is an ideal destination for a day trip or a weekend getaway by train. The Oceanside Chamber of Commerce once promoted this beach town with a large billboard along Highway 101 that read, “Tan Your Hide in Oceanside.” Today, the Chamber has embraced a slightly different vision: “Oceanside Classic California Beach Community.”

San Diego, California End of the Southern Surfliner Route

San Diego’s historic Santa Fee train Station is the end of the Pacific Surfliner route. There are several popular attractions within walking distance of the station. Just a short walk from the San Diego train station is the USS Midway Museum, restaurants, and the ferry to Coronado Island. Rail options from the Amtrak train station include the San Diego Trolley to Old Town San Diego or the border.

How Long Will it take to travel the entire Surfliner Route?

If you travel the entire 350-mile route, the trip would take over eight hours. Los Angeles to San Diego travel time is under three hours. Reservations are optional on Pacific Surfliner trains; however, booking a few days before departure on busy summer weekends is best.

How much do Amtrak Surfliner tickets cost?

Adult tickets from Los Angeles to San Diego start at $45; from Los Angeles to San Barbara, it is about the same. Amtrak Pacific Surfliner tickets can be purchased online at Amtrak California’s website, train stations, or onboard trains.

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Places to Ride Trains in Southern California

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