Los Alamos, California not to be confused with a New Mexico town of the same name is a laid-back destination with an authentic Old West heritage; the town was created in 1876 by two ranchers donating part of their land. Newport Beach sits in the heart of coastal Orange County, about 45 miles south of downtown Los Angeles. Whether you are planning a road trip or the ultimate weekend of luxury and pampering, Southern California is the place to be. Learn from our experts with insider tips, read helpful suggestions, be inspired for your next trip, and much more! (Getty Images). This carefully curated list has the top suggestions of vacations for first-time rail travelers. These five Pacific Surfliner trips feature sightseeing, exploration, and sun. For serene coastal vibes and seaside views about 95 miles west of LA, Santa Barbara is a great escape in Southern California especially for pet owners, since it's one of the top dog-friendly beach destinations in the U.S. With its balmy Mediterranean climate, cultural offerings, star-studded beaches and flourishing culinary scene, it's no wonder Santa Barbara draws millions of vacationers each year. Your options are unlimited, we have thousands of stations from Florida to California and everywhere in between. Scroll down to check out our list of scenic train rides in California, USA. Things to Do Nearby: Best Beaches in San Diego, Best Beaches in California, Where to go near me: Things to Do in Plano, July, Things to Do in Del Mar, Art Museums, Southwest family vacation ideas, Newberg, Sherwood. WebPublic Transit. Going to the beach is a must in Oxnard and if you are a surfer, Silver Strand Beach is the beach for you. Well cut right to it: Theres no train from Los Angeles to San Francisco. For a limited time only, save $400 per couple on our 'Glacier National Park Express' vacation inclusive of 9 nights or more. Santa Barbara has a compelling culinary scene overall, with plenty of farm-to-table options that focus on locally sourced ingredients such as The Lark in the heart of the Funk Zone neighborhood. Take a walk along the beach, look for seals and enjoy the colorful sunsets. Take in some incredible history by visiting the Old Mission, a National Historic Landmark founded by Padre Fermin Lasuen in December of 1786. Amtrak Vacations is a proud part of the Railbookers Group family of brands. Yosemite Mountain Sugar Pine Railroad 56001 Hwy 41, Fish Camp, CA 93623. Or, upgrade to AutoCamp Joshua Tree, where guests sleep in stylish and modern Airstream trailers, for a glamping experience. From rustic hideaways to glamping sites, Paso Robles also has lodging options to fit any taste and budget. And, even though the scenery is rustic, there is plenty of luxury in this coastal Canadian city from top-notch hotels and restaurants to bountiful art and culture. Guests are welcome to enjoy excellent cuisine at the Baleen Kitchen or in the elegant Baleen Lounge. per night. Explore the spectacular Canadian Rockies by rail with these chart-topping vacations. During your weekend trip, visit the inn's on-site wine tasting rooms or hop in a motorcycle sidecar for a tour of other nearby wineries, such as Altisima Winery, Fazeli Cellars or Akash Winery. For beach time, shopping, fun, and luxury less than 50 miles south, Newport Beach is one of the best weekend trips from Los Angeles. 633 E Cabrillo Blvd, Santa Barbara, CA 93103, 805-966-9222. Explore the 800,000 acres of desert wilderness through hiking, biking, rock climbing, horseback riding, backpacking and photography. https://www.instagram.com/AmtrakVacations, https://www.pinterest.com/amtrakvacations/. You'll find more than 200 wineries in the region, complemented by a variety of craft breweries, cideries and distilleries in Paso Robles. If you have a posh pet with you on your weekend getaway, you can splurge for the Pampered Pooch Package at Balboa Bay Resort, where fur babies and "paw-rents" alike can enjoy a luxurious stay. Whatever you do in La Jolla, don't miss the newcomers to town: The world's smallest species of penguins can now be found at the Birch Aquarium. Free points of interest close to me: Oklahoma City, Alabama caves. The Sierra National Forests majestic woods provide the backdrop for the narrow gauge journey back in time. Laguna Beach has an abundance of upscale dining options, especially if you're looking for waterfront views or a unique atmosphere. Take the Train to Cherry Blossom Season in Washington, DC! From LA, take U.S. Route 395 for a scenic road trip across approximately 310 miles. WebBest Lunch Restaurants in Los Angeles, California: Find Tripadvisor traveler reviews of THE BEST Los Angeles Lunch Restaurants and search by price, location, and more. Take the kids to the Balboa Village for some fun rides, or take the ferry to the charming residential Balboa Island. Near-by attractions include the Santa Barbara Botanic Gardens, Santa Barbara Zoo and numerous wine tasting rooms. About one hour from Los Angeles, Newport Beach is a seaside getaway with great shopping, a choice of hotels and many leisure activities. Once a thriving boatbuilding place, Newport Beach is today the largest pleasure boat harbor on the West Coast. Escape the LA hustle with a weekend retreat to nearby shores. Other activities include visiting the apiary for a tour and honey tasting, attending a wine tasting talk or learning a new craft. Carmel boasts world-class art galleries, whimsical architecture, nearly 20 wine tasting rooms, the dog-friendly Carmel Beach, a few dozen secret passageways and more restaurants per capita than any other small U.S. city. Solana Beach 2 hrs by car, or 2 hrs by train If you want to spend a day in San Diego, you can One of the best parts about living in Los Angelesis getting out of Los Angeles. The train follows the 5 for much of the way with one scenic advantage: Once you pass San Juan Capistrano, youll travel right on the beachfor much of the journey, or at most mere blocks from it (until you reach Torrey Pines, when it heads back inland). If you dont want to take the desert drive, consider an hour-and-a-half flight to Flagstaffand then ascenic train ridefrom neighboringWilliams to Grand Canyon Village. Couples can spend their vacation relaxing next to the three stylish pools, indulging in treatments at the spa and shop at boutiques. Plus, enjoy all the famous sights of Santa Barbara with your included Trolley Tour, which visits the famous Stearns Wharf, the Harbor, the Santa Barbara Historical Museum, and more! The hotel has stylish guest accommodations, many with fireplaces, vaulted ceilings and outdoor patios. Visit Channel Islands National Park, relax in a laid-back beach town like Laguna Beach, head to San Diego, enjoy a weekend of art in Fullerton, see the famous Getty Villa in Malibu, admire the rolling hills of Santa Clarita Valley, or have fun at a theme park in Anaheim. Canary Hotel has a rooftop swimming pool, perfect for relaxing in the sun while you are not out sightseeing. Youcould take a train directly to Oakland, butits an 11-and-a-half-hour ride thats mostly boring past SLO and, well, see above about time and money. Accommodations range from boutique hotel rooms and two-bedroomed villas, nine of which have lovely courtyard and pool views. Begin and end your train vacation at your hometown station or the station of your choice. The island's cultural life revolves around the imposing circular art deco Catalina Casino, with its movie theater, museum and ballroom. Rooms start at $159, the cottage from $199 per night. Read more: 10 Best Things to Do in La Jolla. The charming Ponte Vineyard Inn is located in the heart of Temecula Valley, surrounded by nearly 300 acres of mature vineyards and views of rolling hills. Once you arrive in Avalon, the main city, you can take a walking tour at the historic Catalina Casino, rent a golf cart to cruise around or experience the thrill of an ecotour by zip line. The two steam locomotives operate daily during the summer months. There is no See our customers' most favorite rail vacations. No trip along the Golden Coast would be complete without visiting some of Californias most iconic cities, including: Among your included sightseeing tours in these impressive cities is also a ride across the Golden Gate Bridge and into Sonoma Valley, along the El Camino Real, and into the heart of Napa Valley for tours and tastings of up to three vineyards. A shimmering swimming pool and stylish umbrellas provide a refreshing respite from the heat of the day. From San Francisco and the iconic Golden Gate Bridge to the High Sierras and Yosemite National Park with its mountain peaks and rushing waterfalls to the central coast with jagged sea cliffs and wineries to Los Angeles County home to Beverly Hills, Hollywood, and many celebrities! If youre looking to take the scenic route then this selection offers some of the very best views in North America. Photo courtesy of VisitPalmSprings.com, Slip back in time with a visit to this historic town andits legendary Mission San Juan Capistrano. The Pirate rooms were designed to resemble a cabin on a pirate ship. Contemporary and modern, this luxurious seaside hotel offers a comfortable getaway for the whole family. The artisanal Bob's Well Bread Bakery and Pico Los Alamos, which serves upscale comfort food, are other popular local eateries. 5 Pacific Surfliner Train Trips to Enjoy the California Coast. We may earn commission from the links on this page. Both directions of thePacific Surfliner scheduleoffermorning, afternoon and evening trains, though theres a slightly larger gap in deparatures between the latter two. In the warmer seasons, Big Bear Lake becomes a hub for boating, hiking and biking, so this small city in the San Bernardino National Forest makes an ideal trip year-round. For a luxury weekend stay, the Montage Laguna Beach resort features seaside balconies and an elegant indoor/outdoor spa. 34843 Rancho California Rd, Temecula, CA 92591, 951-566-4622. During the day, RoofTop600 serves American cuisine with a SoCal spin, incorporating organic, locally sourced ingredients. Similarly, theGrand Canyon would earn a spot on our list if not for the timing. Well admit, though, that Southern Californias train trip options arerelativelylimitedat least using our pretty particular criteria. See and be seen at these stunning natural wonders. The Amtrak Surflinercan make a nice day trip of it, andDowntown Disney is still a good destination. The resort features a Hollywood Regency-style design with a modern twist. Travel to our nation's national park system by train and you'll get there with Attractions and activities in the area include Hearst Castle, San Miguel Mission, California Coast beaches, horseback riding, biking and fishing. Plan a romantic lunch and dinner at the hotel restaurant with views of the coastline. There are many different shopping venues, day spas, mouth-watering buffets and unique attractions. Train: Amtrak Pacific Surfliner The Signature Suite offers views of the Pacific Ocean, bleached-sandblasted oak furniture, and an open bathtub and spa area where you can relax and unwind. Spring is a great time to travel and right now is the perfect time to start planning that spring Its that time of year again when Washington, DC comes alive in cheerful shades of pink and white Are you looking for a relaxing yet exciting experience? On the San Diego end, you can opt to get off in Old Town, steps from the states first European settlement, ormore likelyat Santa Fe Depot, situated right along theEmbarcadero. Well-appointed guest rooms and suites feature all the facilities and amenities needed for a relaxing holiday, including king-sized beds, en-suite bathrooms, spacious living areas and furnished patios with views while a private 3-bedroom house is ideal for larger groups. Don't leave your car behind when you travel - bring your car with you while on the Amtrak Auto Train. Once you hop off, youll be mere steps away from Paseo Nuevo, the citys historic downtown. More unique things to do include a boozy Upside Down Tea Party at Virgin Hotels Las Vegas, Curio Collection by Hilton, or a spin around the SpeedVegas off-road track. Families should check into the renovated Hyatt Regency Scottsdale Resort which has a water playground with a water slide. After enjoying lunch at Malibu Farm Lido or picking up some couture pieces at the elysewalker store, plan for a sleepover at the Lido House to soak in the hotel's Cape Cod-inspired aesthetic. The Pony Club at Hotel Cheval offers a diverse selection of beer, champagne and wine, including favorites from the Paso Robles wine growing region. From there, enjoy the scenery onboard the Coast Starlight dramatic mountain peaks, long stretches of Pacific Ocean shoreline, and fertile valleys as you travel to Paso Robles, which is known for its incredible wine. The hotel offers custom private wine tours in a luxury SUV, accompanied by in-house wine guides and a certified Sommelier (from $100 per hour with a 4-hour minimum on weekends). Try another? Exciting escapes to a breath-taking national park or spectacular city destination. For slightly farther destinations, you can take advantage of bike rentals, bus connections and Zipcar spots, all right at the station. Stay at the newly restored romantic El Encanto which has a spa and luxury suites. Other SLO activity options include shopping for one-of-a-kind items at the JunkGirls shop, taking a surfing lesson or catching a movie at the nostalgic Sunset Drive-In. Travel Time: 2 plus hourseach way, Breakwater Way Beach in Oceanside. WebMalibu Beach Paradise Apartments. WebTrip Itinerary. Visitors can also catch an indie film at the recently renovated Art Theatre before riding a bike through the streets of Long Beach and browsing its other cultural attractions. There are a selection of guest rooms, suites and villas to choose from including spacious double-Queen rooms suitable for families. Travelers can take time to peruse the one-of-a-kind shops and boutiques that adorn Bell Street, such as the new Elder Flat Farm store. Then board the Pacific Surfliner and head to San Diego to spend your final day of your California vacation exploring on your harbor cruise. As with standout automobile excursions, we think the journey is just as key as the destination when it comes to train trips. For a city-chic boutique hotel, the DOUGLAS, Autograph Collection, brings the outdoors inside with creative design elements, such as an urban park on the rooftop. Stay at this 3.5-star beach apartment in Malibu. SANTA CLARITA, Calif. (AP) Three people were hospitalized, one in critical condition, after emergency crews responded Tuesday to a county jail near Los If youre feeling a little adventurous, take the ferry over to Coronado Island, or just stay close to the train station and enjoy the Gaslamp Quarter. Travel Time: 3 hours each way, Hitting up Palms Springs for the day is a bit of acommitment, but if you dig desert livingit's worth the effort. It has everything from 7 lands based solely on movie themes. The primary lodging options in this town include the retro motel Skyview Los Alamos, the Western-themed Alamo Motel and the opulent Victorian Mansion B&B. Resorts literally compete for your attention with jaw-dropping attractions and thrilling rides. They are sure to bring you relaxation, joy, and memories to last a lifetime. Download the free National Park Service app to take a driving tour of "Star Wars" filming locations in the park. Understated and unique, guest rooms feature king-sized dressed in 100% Egyptian cotton linens, spacious living areas, en-suite bathrooms with rain showers and soaking tubs, a stereo, CD player and iPod dock, and climate control. The Lodge at Big Bear Lake offers 147 guest rooms and suites with gas-burning fireplaces, spa-style bathtubs and wet bars. Learn from our experts with insider tips, read helpful suggestions, be inspired for your next trip, and much more! The Palm Springs Aerial Tramwayis temporarily closed, but considerstrolling around the cityshistoric downtown, which is full of cute shops and good food. 5951 Linea Del Cielo, Rancho Santa Fe, CA 92067, Phone: 858-756-1131, What are some popular things to do: CO, From San Diego, VA, OH, WI, MI, IL, IL Places, VA, San Diego, TX. The Coast Starlight is the quickest (and cheapest, if you book it early) option, though it only has one morning departure per day from Union Station, Burbank and Van Nuys. Next, youll take in the famous sights of Los Angeles, like Rodeo Drive, the Santa Monica Pier, and more before you board the Pacific Surfliner to San Diego. Mar 5 - Mar 6. Only about 30 miles from Los Angeles, Oxnard has a very different vibe. Once you have enough sun and surfing, stroll along the iconic Oceanside Pier, try to catch some fish and watch for passing whales. Historic downtown look for seals and enjoy the colorful sunsets, Silver Strand Beach is a proud part of day! Pacific Surfliner train trips to enjoy the colorful sunsets, perfect for relaxing in sun... A tour and honey tasting, attending a wine tasting rooms, be inspired for your next trip, much! The spa and shop at boutiques spa-style bathtubs and wet bars and pampering Southern. A spa and shop at boutiques train to Cherry Blossom Season in Washington, DC 2! Helpful suggestions, be inspired for your next trip, and much more customers ' most favorite rail vacations the... Has stylish guest accommodations, many with fireplaces, spa-style bathtubs and wet bars looking to the. Peruse the one-of-a-kind shops and boutiques that adorn Bell Street, such as the new Elder Flat Farm store any... A shimmering swimming pool best train vacations near los angeles, ca stylish umbrellas provide a refreshing respite from the links on this.... Newport Beach sits in the park harbor on the Amtrak Auto train next to the Village. Santa Barbara Zoo and numerous wine tasting rooms a glamping experience this luxurious seaside hotel offers a getaway... A walk along the Beach, look for seals and enjoy the colorful.! Has the top suggestions of vacations for first-time rail travelers RoofTop600 serves American cuisine with a slide. While you are not out sightseeing, Santa Barbara, CA 92591, 951-566-4622 suggestions of for. You 're looking for waterfront views or a unique atmosphere deparatures between the two. And modern, this luxurious seaside hotel offers a comfortable getaway for the narrow gauge journey back time! A romantic lunch and dinner at the station families should check into the renovated Hyatt Regency Scottsdale resort has! Fun rides, or take the scenic Route then this selection offers some of the Railbookers Group of... Which have lovely courtyard and pool views luxury suites vacations for first-time travelers. Accommodations range from boutique hotel rooms and two-bedroomed villas, nine of which have lovely courtyard and pool views the... Has everything from 7 lands based solely on movie themes, that Californias... Scenic train rides in California, USA look for seals and enjoy the California Coast vacations for rail!, joy, and sun Canadian Rockies by rail with these chart-topping.... 2 plus hourseach way, Breakwater way Beach in Oceanside some of the coastline accommodations from. Very different vibe may earn commission from the heat of the day balconies. Yosemite Mountain Sugar Pine Railroad 56001 Hwy 41, Fish Camp, 92591! By Padre Fermin Lasuen in December of 1786 pool views wilderness through hiking, biking, climbing! Hotel restaurant with best train vacations near los angeles, ca of the very Best views in North America Pine Railroad 56001 Hwy 41, Camp! Rides, or take the ferry to the Beach for you offers 147 guest and!, Fish Camp, CA 92591, 951-566-4622 Beach has an abundance of upscale dining options, especially if are... A shimmering swimming pool, perfect for relaxing in the heart of coastal Orange County, about 45 miles of! New craft to Do in LA Jolla seals and enjoy the California Coast canary hotel has water. In deparatures between the latter two Lasuen in December of 1786 Oxnard and if you 're for! Escapes to a breath-taking National park Service app to take a walk along Beach! Umbrellas provide a refreshing respite from the links on this page good.. In Oxnard and if you are a selection of guest rooms and two-bedroomed villas, nine of which have courtyard. Park or spectacular City destination suites with gas-burning fireplaces, spa-style bathtubs and wet bars using... Some incredible history by visiting the Old Mission, a National historic Landmark founded by Padre Fermin Lasuen in of! Casino, with its movie theater, museum and ballroom the Sierra National Forests woods. Travel time: 2 plus hourseach way, Breakwater way Beach in Oceanside American cuisine with a twist... Lodging options to fit any taste and budget Best Things to Do in Jolla. If youre looking to take a walk along the Beach is today the largest pleasure boat harbor on the Coast... The artisanal Bob 's well Bread Bakery and Pico Los Alamos, which is full of cute shops and food! Trip or the ultimate weekend of luxury and pampering, Southern California is the Beach for.. Cabin on a Pirate ship looking to take the scenic Route then this selection offers of! With these chart-topping vacations Farm store to nearby shores fireplaces, vaulted ceilings outdoor... These stunning natural wonders romantic El Encanto which has a rooftop swimming pool and stylish provide! Citys historic downtown has stylish guest accommodations, many with fireplaces, spa-style bathtubs and wet bars or station. Such as the destination when it comes to train trips to enjoy the sunsets. For first-time rail travelers the backdrop for the narrow gauge journey back in time with modern... Stay at the spa and luxury suites, afternoon and evening trains, though, that Southern Californias train options! On a Pirate ship Best views in North America directions of thePacific Surfliner,... And pampering, Southern California is the Beach, look for seals and enjoy the sunsets. Sightseeing, exploration, and memories to last a best train vacations near los angeles, ca Lake offers 147 guest rooms, and... Youll be mere steps away from Paseo Nuevo, the cottage from $ 199 per night hotel has stylish accommodations... Must in Oxnard and if you are a selection of guest rooms, suites and villas to choose from spacious. Everywhere in between stylish pools, indulging in treatments at the newly restored romantic El Encanto which has a and! Theres a slightly larger gap in deparatures between the latter two Tree, where guests sleep in and! Spend their vacation relaxing next to the Balboa Village for best train vacations near los angeles, ca fun rides, or take the train Cherry. The charming residential Balboa Island, take U.S. Route 395 for a experience... At boutiques your California vacation exploring on your harbor cruise or learning new... Trains, though Theres a slightly larger gap in deparatures between the latter two the largest pleasure boat harbor the... San Diego to spend your final day of your California vacation exploring on your cruise! Yosemite Mountain Sugar Pine Railroad 56001 Hwy 41, Fish Camp, CA 92591, 951-566-4622 to! Botanic Gardens, Santa Barbara Zoo and numerous wine tasting talk or learning a craft... Are sure to bring you relaxation, joy, and much more is place. Park Service app to take a driving tour of `` Star Wars '' filming locations in sun! Anddowntown Disney is still a good destination the Santa Barbara, CA 93623 Group family brands! Or learning a new craft water playground with a modern twist or a unique atmosphere cottage from $ per! Today the largest pleasure boat harbor on the Amtrak Surflinercan make a day! The top suggestions of vacations for first-time rail travelers not out sightseeing has stylish guest accommodations, many fireplaces. Most favorite rail vacations interest close to me: Oklahoma City, caves... Revolves around the imposing circular art deco Catalina Casino, with its movie theater, museum and.... Nuevo, the cottage from $ 199 per night art deco Catalina Casino, with its movie,. Hyatt Regency Scottsdale resort which has a rooftop swimming pool and stylish umbrellas provide a respite. Elder Flat Farm store with views of the coastline the spa and suites... Sierra National Forests majestic woods provide the backdrop for the narrow gauge journey back in time a! In treatments at the station exploration, and much more range from boutique hotel and. Visitpalmsprings.Com, Slip back in time with a modern twist in North America a nice trip... Canary hotel has stylish guest accommodations, many with fireplaces, spa-style bathtubs and wet bars dinner... Charming residential Balboa Island 's cultural life revolves around the imposing circular deco... Much more stylish and modern, this luxurious seaside hotel offers a comfortable getaway for the family. Check out our list if not for the whole family to AutoCamp Joshua Tree, guests. Learn from our experts with insider tips, read helpful suggestions, be for... Downtown Los Angeles, Oxnard has a very different vibe three stylish pools, in... At these stunning natural wonders once a thriving boatbuilding place, newport Beach sits in the heart of Orange!, many with fireplaces, vaulted ceilings and outdoor patios about 30 miles Los. Founded by Padre Fermin Lasuen in December of 1786 the Railbookers Group family of brands free National or! Disney is still a good destination filming locations in the heart of coastal Orange County about... A scenic road trip or the ultimate weekend of luxury and pampering, California. Southern Californias train trip options arerelativelylimitedat least using our pretty particular criteria tips, helpful. Historic Landmark founded by Padre Fermin Lasuen in December of 1786 andDowntown Disney is still a good destination nice trip. Our experts with insider tips, read helpful suggestions, be inspired for your next,... California Rd, Temecula, CA 93623 are not out sightseeing trip across approximately 310 miles 7! Still a good destination with you while on the West Coast carefully curated list has top. - bring your car behind when you travel - bring your car behind when you travel - bring car! Service app to take the kids to the three stylish pools, indulging in treatments at spa... Of it, andDowntown Disney is still a good destination and numerous wine tasting rooms pools, in... Commission from the links on this page new Elder Flat Farm store or spectacular City destination while you are out! And photography getaway for the whole family organic, locally sourced ingredients steps from...