Discover the Best Train Rides in Northern California: All Aboard!

Embark on a journey through the scenic landscapes of Northern California, where the romance of rail travel awaits. From the towering redwoods of Mendocino to the historic tracks of Gold Country, Northern California offers a variety of train rides for rail enthusiasts and casual adventurers. Whether seeking the nostalgic charm of steam locomotives, a family-friendly outing, or a luxurious wine tour, this region’s diverse railroad experiences promise unforgettable moments. Experience the beauty and history of the Golden State as you glide past breathtaking vistas, through tunnels, and over trestles, all from the comfort of vintage train cars. Let’s explore some of the most enchanting train rides that Northern California has to offer.

Napa Valley Wine Train: A Unique Experience

The Napa Valley Wine Train operates on a line built in 1847 to transport visitors to the Calistoga resort. Today, the Train extends as far as St. Helena and is recognized as one of the top twenty rail journeys in the world. Passengers enjoy stunning views of the vineyards while traveling in vintage Pullman dining, lounge, or Vista Dome cars. The Napa Valley Wine Train has recently upgraded to new, environmentally friendly locomotives that improve the passenger experience by lowering noise and pollution. Website. https://www.winetrain.com/

Sonoma Train Town a Quarter-Scale Railroad

Parents and grandparents will appreciate the budget-friendly prices while the kids revel in the carnival-like atmosphere. The trains offers a 20-minute ride through tunnels, over bridges, and past scenic landscapes, including a stop at “Lakeview,” a miniature town with a petting zoo. This ride is handicap accessible. There is a small fee for park rides and train tickets but no general admission fee for visitors who prefer to keep their feet on the ground and skip the rides. Website. https://www.traintown.com/

Billy Jones Wildcat Railroad Los Gatos, California

The railroad features one-third-scale trains, including a 1905 steam locomotive (2-spot) and several diesel engines. Passengers can enjoy an 8 to 10-minute scenic ride that loops through Oak Meadow Park and Vasona Park, circling Vasona Lake. Adults can relax and savor the nostalgia while children marvel at the locomotives as they pass over the bridge at Los Gatos Creek and continue alongside Vasona Park. Website. https://www.bjwrr.org/

Skunk Train-Fort Bragg: Pudding Creek Express

The train journey from Fort Bragg is called the Pudding Creek Express and covers a seven-mile round trip. Originally constructed as a logging railroad, the nickname “Skunk” originates from the early 20th-century motorcars that emitted a distinctive odor similar to a skunk’s. Dogs are allowed on the Train for a fee, making it a pet-friendly attraction, and it offers electric-powered railbike tours. Website. https://www.skunktrain.com/

Niles Canyon Railway, a Heritage Railroad

Historic Niles Canyon Railway runs through the scenic Niles Canyon, providing passengers with views of the area’s natural beauty. The main line stretches from the Niles Depot in Fremont to the Sunol Depot in Sunol, approximately 9 miles one way. The Pacific Locomotive Association has railroad equipment on display and alternates between steam and diesel locomotives on Sunday runs. Tickets can be purchased at the Niles Depot, 37051 Mission Blvd., Fremont, California. Website. https://www.ncry.org/

Redwood Valley Steam Train Berkeley, California

The Redwood Valley Steam Train has been running in Tilden Regional Park in Berkeley for over fifty years. It features a fully operational miniature railway with a collection of steam engine replicas from the past. The railroad has a track length of one and a quarter miles for the trains to travel. Redwood Valley Railway operates on weekends from 11 AM to 6 PM year-round, with extended hours during the summer, from mid-June to Labor Day. Website- https://www.ebparks.org/parks/venues/steam-train

Placerville & Sacramento Valley Railroad

The Sacramento Valley Railroad offers Train and motor car rides along a section of the Southern Pacific’s Placerville Branch railroad right-of-way. A train ride lasts 30 to 45 minutes and features scenic views of the Sacramento Valley. The railway uses equipment donated by the California State Railroad Museum. It operates with a dedicated volunteer staff team focused on maintaining and restoring the Placerville and Sacramento Valley Railroad and its trains. Website- https://www.psvrr.org/

Oakland Zoo Outback Express Adventure Train

Embark on a unique adventure at the zoo by riding the “Outback Express Adventure Train.” This thrilling train ride takes you through the “Wild Australia” exhibit, where you can see emus and wallabies native to the Australian outback. The train ride is the only way to view these animals in the zoo, so take advantage of this opportunity! The train station is in the Adventure Landing area, outside the main zoo entrance, so guests do not need to purchase a zoo admission ticket to ride the Train. Website- https://www.oaklandzoo.org/

Folsom Valley Railway Lions Park

Folsom Valley Railway is adjacent to the zoo and is a perfect place to end your day trip. The Train was originally built in 1950 by Eric Thompson and operated in a park in the Berkeley Hills until 1969. It was brought to Folsom in 1970, making it one of the last commercial steam trains of its size and scale in the United States. The Folsom Valley Railway offers an open-air round trip that lasts approximately 10 minutes and circles through Folsom City Lions Park.

Nevada County Narrow Gauge Railroad Museum

The Nevada County Narrow Gauge Railroad Museum, located in Nevada City, California, is a historical site dedicated to preserving the region’s transportation history, particularly focusing on the narrow gauge railroad from 1876 to 1942. This museum is a must-see for model railroad enthusiasts. It is well-maintained by volunteers committed to preserving rail history in the area. Visitors can explore a fantastic display of rolling stock, tunnels, buildings, and more. Train rides are available on select weekends during the summer and seasonal events held throughout the year. Website- https://ncngrrmuseum.org/

Western Railway Museum in Suisun City, California

Western Railway Museum allows visitors to ride historic streetcars and interurban electric trains from California and other western states. The museum operates vintage streetcars and interurban electric trains over 22 miles of track. The scenic 50-minute interurban train rides through the Montezuma Hills offer views of Mount Diablo and the surrounding marshlands. Streetcar rides are also available around the museum grounds. Address: 5848 State Highway 12, Suisun City, California. Website-https://www.wrm.org/

Yosemite Sugar Pine Railroad Near Yosemite National Park

The Yosemite Sugar Pine Railroad offers a 4-mile excursion at the south gate of Yosemite National Park on Highway 41—experience history with powerful locomotives that once transported log trains through the Sierra Mountains. Enjoy a one-hour narrated tour on “The Logger” through the Sierra National Forest. Conveniently located just 4 miles from the park’s South Entrance, it’s a family-friendly outing with wheelchair accessibility and a pet-friendly policy that allows leashed dogs. Website-https://ymsprr.com/

Roaring Camps Railway Santa Cruz

Roaring Camp’s steam engine collection is one of America’s oldest and best-preserved collections of regularly scheduled passenger service trains. This ride takes passengers through ancient redwood groves to the top of Bear Mountain. It features authentically preserved 19th-century steam locomotives, offering open-air and covered seating. The trip lasts about 75 minutes, departing from Felton in the Santa Cruz Mountains and climbing through Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park. Website- https://roaringcamp.com/

Sacramento River Fox Train

The Sacramento River Fox Train runs from West Sacramento 10 miles to the outskirts of Woodland and back. The Train starts at the edge of the Sacramento River and then travels through fertile farmland for five miles before it reverses back to the train depot. A unique outdoor activity where visitors can pedal custom-made, two-seater railbikes along the tracks, offering a different perspective of the Sacramento River and Yolo countryside. Website- https://www.riverfoxtrain.com/

Jamestown 1897 Park- The Movie Railroad

Jamestown 1897 State Historical Park offers a unique experience for visitors, allowing them to board authentic steam and diesel locomotives. Guests can enjoy a six-mile round-trip ride in vintage passenger coaches while enjoying the scenic beauty of the Sierra Nevada foothills. Known as “The Movie Railroad,” Railtown has been featured in over 200 films, TV shows, and commercials. Iconic movies such as “High Noon,” “Back to the Future Part III,” and “Unforgiven” have utilized its trains and stunning scenery. The Sierra No. 3 locomotive, often called the “Movie Star Locomotive,” is particularly renowned. Website- https://www.railtown1897.org/

San Francisco Zoo Little Puffer Train

The San Francisco Zoo’s little puffer train is older than the zoo. It started as a tourist train along the beach in Santa Cruz in 1907.  In 1925, the Little Puffer began a 50-year run showing guests around the zoo. It was retired in 1978 and returned to service at the zoo in 1997. The Train operates on a 1/3-mile track within the zoo, passing through South America and Bear Country sections, offering a unique way to see parts of the zoo from a different perspective. Website- https://www.sfzoo.org/

Gilroy Family Gardens Train

Bonfante Railroad at Gilroy Family Gardens is a narrow-gauge railroad pulled by a 1/3 scale replica of an 1863 C.P. Huntington steam locomotive. The stop is at two stations, and it circles the theme park. Highlights of this train trip include the greenhouse, a tunnel, a waterfall, and a bridge. Tickets for the train ride are included with park admission. Website- https://www.gilroygardens.org/

Casa de Choo Choo Hollister, California

The Casa de Fruta train, often called the “Casa de Choo Choo,” is a narrow-gauge railroad that offers a scenic ride through the resort’s expansive grounds. This delightful miniature Train captivates children and adults with its charm and authenticity. The Train travels a two-mile loop along Pacheco Creek, providing passengers with beautiful views of the natural landscape, including the picturesque Diablo Mountain Range. This ride allows visitors to experience sights that are not easily accessible on foot, offering a unique perspective of the area. The original Casa de Fruta is at 10021 Pacheco Pass Hwy, Hollister, California. Website- https://www.casadefruta.com/

Cover’s Apple Ranch Train Tuolumne, California

Cover’s Apple Ranch Narrow Gauge Railroad travels past a pond and through two tunnels around the ranch. Many of the apple trees at the ranch are nearly a hundred years old, offering a selection of unique apple varieties. In addition to its train ride, the apple ranch is famous for its Mile High Apple Pie, which is hand-stacked to provide more apples in every bite. Address: 19211 Cherokee Rd, Tuolumne, California. Website-https://www.coversappleranch.com/

Pixie Express Train Stockton, California

Pixie Express is one of three rides at Pixie Woods Children’s Park in Stockton. This fun Train travels through Pixie Forest,  past Frontier Town, and around the park’s lagoon. Rides on the Train only cost a few dollars. For locals, you can buy a season pass and ride all day. Pixie Woods has been enchanting visitors since it opened in 1954, inspired by the success of Disneyland. Pixie Woods is at 3121 Monte Diablo Ave, Stockton, California. Website- https://visitpixiewoods.com/

Timber Heritage Association Eureka Speeder Rides

Timber Heritage Association offers speeder rides on the fourth Saturday of June, July, August, and September.  This scenic four-mile round-trip ride runs along  Humboldt Bay to Manila. The speeder is run along Waterfront Drive in Old Town Eureka on special occasions. The association houses its collection at the historic Roundhouse in Samoa, California. Website- https://www.timberheritage.org/

Howarth Park Train Santa Rosa, California

Howarth Park is a 138-acre community park in Santa Rosa, California. The park features an excellent fishing lake, a small amusement area with a carousel, an animal farm, pony rides, and a miniature Train. The Train takes visitors on a quarter-mile ride with a tunnel and a bridge. There is a small fee for riding the train. Children 12 and under ride for free with an adult. Website- https://www.srcity.org/1271/Howarth-Park

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