One of the best things about living in Los Angeles is the convenient opportunities for a marvelous day trip and vacation to another awesome SoCal town is just a few hours away.
And sure you could jump in your car. But why not make this daycation extra adventurous? There is something very romantic about train travel and we have one of the best options available to use with the Pacific Surfliner Amtrak.
The Pacific Surfliner travels 351 miles through a six-county coastal region in Southern California and for most of it you will be treated to unbelievable ocean views.
The awesome train has many comforts and amenities but the true reason to travel is the view you will get of spectacular beaches, rolling hills, and canyons.
Station stops on this route go both North and South of Los Angeles and include:
North
San Luis Obispo, Grover Beach, Guadalupe, Surf, Goleta, Santa Barbara, Carpinteria, Ventura, Oxnard, Camarillo, Moorpark, Simi Valley, Chatsworth, Van Nuys, Burbank, Glendale
South
Fullerton, Anaheim, Santa Ana, Irvine, San Juan Capistrano, San Clemente, Oceanside, Carlsbad, Encinitas, Solana Beach, Sorrento Valley, and San Diego.
In this article, we highlight some of our favorite stops.
1 – San Clemente
Description:
The Pacific Surfliner stop in San Clemente is arguably the best. Why? Location. Location. Location. The stop is right in the middle of the busiest tourist area and just feet from the Pier.
That means as soon as you step off the train you don’t have to walk to be in the heart of the action. You are already in it!
With Laguna Beach to the North of it and San Diego to the South San Clemente tends to fall under the radar as a Beach town day trip destination.
But it is a spectacular little town that seems to have it all. Great bars, restaurants, outdoor activities, and those amazing views!
Location:
615 Avenida Victoria, San Clemente, CA 92672
Pic Credit:@kellypetrovski
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If you have always wanted to visit San Clemente a really good time to do it would be during the annual Ocean Festival in July (for 2019 July 20th & 21st).
As we mentioned the train station is right next to the pier and that is where this amazing festival takes place.
It is a fun, family event, with beach and water activities for all ages and the biggest annual party at the San Clemente Pier.
2 – San Diego
Description:
San Diego has the nickname “Americas Finest City” and if you have been there you know it lives up to that name. If there is one place I would live besides Los Angeles it would likely be our beautiful neighbor to the South San Diego.
A drive down to San Diego takes about 2 hours but any Angeleno day tripper knows that can go up to 3 or even 4 hours depending on traffic.
The Pacific Surfliner takes about 2 1/2 hours from LA to San Diego but the advantage is you know it is going to be consistent.
You can take the train all the way to the historic Santa Fe Train Depot stop in Downtown San Diego and you will be right there in the heart of Americas finest city.
Location:
4005 Taylor St, San Diego, CA 92110
PIC Credit:@ines_song
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The train station is located right smack dab in gorgeous downtown San Diego. You can grab an Uber or even a bike and have an amazing amount of choice restaurants and bars.
Or you could head the other way and be on the breathtaking San Diego waterfront in a matter of minutes.
3 – Ventura
Description:
Beautiful vibrant Ventura CA! This awesome beach town offers so much to every visitor. From professional surfing tournaments to spectacular happy hour menus 🙂
Ventura has so much to offer including, Seaside playgrounds, Pier Under The Stars (this year will be held on October 5th, 2019) and camping in the Channel Islands and many, many more attractions for the entire family.
Right off the Amtrak Ventura station, you can appreciate the mesmerizing Emma Wood State Beach, you can also take a short walk to take in the peaceful beauty of San Buenaventura State beach.
We do recommend that you download the Amtrak Pacific Surfliner’s app for schedules, as it has a reputation of sometimes running late.
Location:
Harbor Boulevard and Figueroa Street, Ventura, CA 93001
PIC Credit:@visitventura
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The Ventura Station is another beauty located in an incredible location. You are only 2 blocks away from one of their most popular tourists stops; the Old San Buenaventura Mission.
If you are hungry downtown Ventura full of delicious restaurants and cafes is also walkable.
And finally the star of the show, the beautiful beach is a short walk away as well.
Jump off the train, go rent and bike and start exploring amazing Ventura.
4 – Santa Barbara
Description:
Nicknamed the “American Riviera” Santa Barbara is another spectacular day trip destination!
Take the Amtrak, sit back and enjoy the breathtaking views along the Pacific coast until you reach one of the multiple stops in Santa Barbara County.
Destinations in Santa Barbara County include Lompoc-surf ( we remind you that The Lompoc Valley Flower Festival is the last week of June), Guadalupe, Goleta, Santa Barbara, and Carpinteria.
But the main Santa Barbara stop is conveniently located off State Street, close to the Wharf and all the beauty and happpenings of the waterfront.
Location:
PIC Credit@visitsantabarbara
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The Pacific Surfliner is one of the most spectacular train rides you can take in the USA.
But if you love those Ocean views it offers you will really want to pay attention for the Santa Barbara leg of the trip.
The views on the part of that route that nears Santa Barbara are considert by most to be the most beatiful of all.
So close that laptop, put down that book and look out the window to take in that beautiful landscape.
5 – San Luis Obispo
Description:
This stop is the beginning of a 350-mile train trip along the coast from the North. From San Luis Obispo to San Diego this is a long luxury train trip that all California residents and tourists should experience at least once.
You also have the option to upgrade to business class in case you want a roomier seat and a complimentary glass of wine while enjoying the trip.
Nicknamed the SLO – San Luis Obispo is a laid back town, full of beauty, flavor and great wineries. Less than a mile away from the Amtrak station is the San Luis Obispo Farmers Market which is open every Thursday from 6 to 9 pm if the weather allows it.
There are several restaurants and wine bars near the station. Also, galleries are popular where visitors can appreciate a variety of cultural objects.
Location:
1011 Railroad Ave, San Luis Obispo, CA 93401
PIC Credit:@sanluisobispo
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The train from Los Angeles to San Luis Obispo is a 12 1/2 hours long(!) so if you really enjoy looking at the beautiful landscape from the window this may be the trip for you.
If you prefer to sleep on a long journey this might be the destination trip that you spring for the upgraded seats for more comfort.
Do you agree with our list or did we miss an obvious one? Let us know by commenting below!