Looking for the perfect Pacific Surfliner trip? There are 204 guest rooms and specialty suites to choose from. Dine at the on-property restaurant, Whitebark, for tasty and healthy options. This does not affect the quality or independence of our editorial content. The solution, obviously, is to let the train take the strain, and enjoy the chance to look out the window onto the wonders of the Californian landscape. Youll be glad you did. Scroll down to check out our list of scenic train rides in California, USA. 1. Fillmore & Western Railway Co [See more of Joshua Tree National Park:Things to Do | When to Visit | Photos ]. Login in for helpful resources, free trainings, and promotional items. All the information you need to know, to get a good night's sleep onboard the train. This classic SoCal beach town less than two hours from Los Angeles. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a private beach. 4.5 /5 (2,348 reviews) Experience state-of-the-art thrill rides and Californias pioneering past at one of Americas oldest and best-loved theme parks. Similarly, theGrand Canyon would earn a spot on our list if not for the timing. For a unique experience, opt for a farm stay such as in an RV on an alpaca ranch or spend a night sleeping in a revamped shipping container at Geneseo Inn. Head to central California's wine country for a visit to charming Paso Robles, a city about 200 miles northwest of LA that's located along coastal U.S. Route 101. If you're not afraid of heights, you can zip line over Fremont Street downtown or experience LIFTOFF at Area 15's immersive playground for panoramic city views. If an adults-only weekend trip is what you have in mind, head out to Las Vegas, a vivacious and walkable city. 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. Boys will love the Pirate themed rooms with wooden interiors and LEGO decor, including a giant green parrot perched up high in the corner. The hotel is located midway between San Francisco and Los Angeles. Browse more great wine country escapes and romantic places to stay in Carmel. For upscale shopping and dining, the trendy Lido Marina Village is the place to be seen. Before you head out, stop by the Joshua Tree Cultural Center in Twentynine Palms, California, to pick up maps, park information and safety tips; this museum space also has exhibits sharing Indigenous stories and more. Slip back in time with a visit to this historic town and its Learn more from our most commonly asked questions from travelers. The Amtrak station also puts you right next to the Funk Zone, a dense cluster of winery tasting rooms best tackled when you dont have to worry about driving home (you can sample all 28 of them for $200,though you probably shouldnt in a single day). Get away to Big Bear Lake in San Bernardino County which offers swimming, boating and hiking in the surrounding San Bernardino National Forest. Take a walk along the beach, look for seals and enjoy the colorful sunsets. Stroll along its 1,000 foot long boardwalk, have a cup of coffee at the end, throw a line into the water or watch the sunset. The suites offer 515 square feet of space, a separate sitting area, and a complimentary minibar with snacks and non-alcoholic beverages. What better way to experience Californias Golden Coast than from onboard Amtrak? U.S. News rates the cheapest travel insurance options, considering expert and consumer recommendations. For the ultimate weekend indulgence, check into La Valencia and relax next to the oceanview pool. From amazing scenery along the coast to five star celebrity resorts, there is a perfect weekend trip for everyone. 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. Rooms start at $289 per night. Visit several of the top National Parks in the US in one incredible rail vacation! The Huntley is a perfect relaxing weekend escape and you will find a lot of stuff to do nearby, including free activities. Only about 30 miles from Los Angeles, Oxnard has a very different vibe. The resort offers an array of excellent facilities, including three mineral pools and a range of indulgent spa services. Eventually, Californias high-speed rail project will providea one-seat link between the two cities thats under three hours, but thatsoptimisticallyanother decade or more away. 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. 1111 2nd Street, Santa Monica, CA 90403, Phone: 855-998-5323, Places to visit near me: Things to Do in Coeur d'Alene, Bremerton, Brooksville, Castle Rock, Things to Do in Jacksonville. You can get out on the lake in a rented pontoon boat, paddleboard, kayak and more or, for an off-road adventure, the Big Bear Jeep Experience is a popular activity. All rights reserved. Full of restaurants, bars, shops, and shows, this part of the city makes it easy to amble away the day wandering its sunny streets. Our experts' top picks for a long weekend getaway for couples: Berkeley, Tybee Island, Nantucket, NH resorts, MN resorts, Kona, Pasadena, ND, ME, From Boston, Salt Lake City. Explore the top-rated styles for every type of trip to the beach. Cool, clean minimalist lines house elegant, contemporary interiors in natural accents that reflect the surrounding landscape. For a bit of local history, visit Old Mission San Luis Rey founded in 1798, and for some fresh food, local color and fun activities, visit weekly Sunset Market. The Oasis at Death Valley part of the Xanterra Travel Collection encompasses the romantic Inn at Death Valley and the family-friendly Ranch at Death Valley. The beauty of the environment lends itself to outdoor activities, such as boating, fishing, hiking, biking, skiing and more. Browse more wine country escapes. It has everything from hotels, shopping centers, restaurants, and a variety of entertainment There is plenty to see and do for an active couple. If you are traveling with children, our list includes destinations with kid-friendly attractions, hotels and restaurants. The Inn has won several awards and accolades, including being nominated as one of the best 100 hotels in the world by Cond Nast Traveler Magazine. You'll find more than 200 wineries in the region, complemented by a variety of craft breweries, cideries and distilleries in Paso Robles. The quaint town also offers a popular petting zoothat feels a bit like time travel. 630 Bartlett Road, Big Bear Lake, CA 92315, Phone: 800-424-4232, Insider travel recommendations, In-depth reviews of our favorite places: NC, NM, ME, VegasFrom LA, WY, Hot Springs, Midwest , Things to Do in Reno, Ohio castles,, KY, South Padre Island, Dream vacation spots. Newport Beach sits in the heart of coastal Orange County, about 45 miles south of downtown Los Angeles. Relax at a day spa or check into a plush hotel like Bernardus Lodge where you will have five star services at your fingertips. To explore more of what Palm Springs has to offer, visitors can hike through the desert and mountains, visit Cabot's Pueblo Museum, browse shops on Palm Canyon Drive, or take the scenic Palm Springs Aerial Tramway for an incomparable view atop Mount San Jacinto (where you'll see snow in winter). When you're not kayaking through a sea cave, admiring adorable sea lions or zipping up the road to Mount Soledad on an e-bike, you can enjoy ocean views and Mediterranean food at La Valencia Hotel, also known as "the Pink Lady of La Jolla," or dine alfresco on California cuisine under century-old olive trees at Herringbone. Whether you are looking for a luxury weekend filled with shopping and five star dining, or you are traveling on a budget, there is plenty to choose from. Looking for a Pacific Surfliner trip? One of the best parts about living in Los Angelesis getting out of Los Angeles. Legoland opened a brand new hotel - now you can spend a night at a LEGO themed hotel located right at the main entrance of LEGOLAND California. 3:08. 1 Mar 2023 0. 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. Travelers seeking outdoor adventure will have plenty of opportunities, whether you opt to scuba dive in a kelp forest, peruse tide pools in Heisler Park, or head to 7,000-acre Laguna Coast Wilderness Park for hiking and mountain biking. 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. Redwood Valley Railway Yelp/ John M. Redwood Valley Railway (Tilden Steam Train), 2481 Grizzly Peak Blvd, Orinda, CA 94563, USA Yelp/ Jeff M. Train enthusiasts and newbies alike will fall in love with this darling miniature train ride. Youll also enjoy a narrated tour of all of San Diegos most popular landmarks: Seaport Village, Shelter Island, Coronado Island, and so much more. 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. Tried-and-true splendor can also be found at The Ritz-Carlton, Rancho Mirage, which boasts stunning views overlooking Coachella Valley. The Lodge at Big Bear Lake offers 147 guest rooms and suites with gas-burning fireplaces, spa-style bathtubs and wet bars. Classic and well known routes across America. Check with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the U.S. Department of State and local tourism boards before traveling. If you are a bird-watcher, spend some time at the unspoiled Mandalay State Beach, an important migratory birds resting place. There are several fantastic hotels in the area, including the ultra-romantic El Encanto and the luxury San Ysidro Ranch popular with celebrities. Stay at the JW Marriott Parq Vancouver for bountiful amenities and impeccable service; there's a spa, access to a casino and plenty of dining choices. Combine the best of land and sea with these vacations exploring the breath-taking beauty of Alaska. Take in some incredible history by visiting the Old Mission, a National Historic Landmark founded by Padre Fermin Lasuen in December of 1786. One-way fares cost $1.75 and include free transfers to other lines. Try some Malene rose in a 1969 Airstream mobile tasting room or visit the adjacent Chamisal Vineyards in Edna Valley to sip chardonnay and pinot noir with views of the vineyards. Take a walk or run on the three-mile, ocean view beach trail or stroll up Avenida del Mar to spend time at local shops, galleries, and restaurants. Fill your time in this California city (only about 25 miles south of Los Angeles) with shopping, dining, art and roaming the coastline: Junipero Beach is one of the top LA-area beaches. Canary Hotel has a rooftop swimming pool, perfect for relaxing in the sun while you are not out sightseeing. Guest rooms start at $220 per night. One thing you won't want to miss is the wine. Download the free National Park Service app to take a driving tour of "Star Wars" filming locations in the park. If youre looking for something different, book a sustainable wine tour, or even charter your own yacht. 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? The Pacific Surfliner takes an extra 20 minutes or so from DTLA butin addition to the stops aboveincludes two departures a day from Glendale and Northridge. Live it up like a high roller with a Sky Suite atop ARIA Resort & Casino, the Sake Suite at the Nobu Hotel inside Caesars Palace or ultra-exclusive The Mansion at MGM Grand. During the warmer months, visitors can ride gondolas for panoramic views on Mammoth Mountain in addition to hiking and mountain biking there and at the Mammoth Lakes Basin. [See more of Las Vegas: Things to Do | Tours | Hotels | When to Visit | Photos ]. If you plan your weekend trip for the summer, you may be able to catch one of the world-famous art festivals hosted by Laguna Beach, such as the Sawdust Art Festival but art lovers can also take a self-guided walking tour that showcases the city's public art any time of year. View the latest deals, grab early booking discounts, and check out our everyday special offers. Guest accommodations overlook the mountains, the valley, or the pool. Learn more about coverage options for frequent travelers and those with multiple upcoming trips. Long Beach is one of the most ethnically diverse U.S. cities, with a variety of cultures represented in its food scene. Beyond the shoreline, travelers can visit the nearby village of Sayulita for artwork by Huichol Indigenous people or dance the night away in lively nightclubs. Winter ushers in world-class downhill skiing, snowboarding, tubing and cross-country skiing in the Mammoth Mountain Ski Area. Feb. 28, 2023 8:13 PM PT. Palm Springsalso doesnt quite make sense by train. 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. Carmel-by-the-Sea is a charming coastal town with cobblestone streets, boutiques and wineries. Most offer beautiful views of the Los Angeles and Santa Monica cityscape. Roosevelt Lake is among the most spectacular natural wonders in the Grand Canyon State but the drive to get there is almost, if not equally, as beautiful. If you bring your fur baby with you on your weekend jaunt, Cypress Inn provides an array of amenities to welcome pets, such as its daily "yappy hour.". Things to Do in Long Beach. Its 3.4 million acres include some of the most unique landscapes and sites you'll find anywhere such as the Badwater Basin salt flats, the Mesquite Flat Sand Dunes, Rainbow Canyon and Artists Palette's colorful hills. Photo courtesy of Visit Oceanside, Our celebrated neighbor to the southSan Diego is an ideal quick trip by train. Leave the kids at home for a romantic getaway with your partner in SoCal wine country. 25 Best Weekend Getaways from Los Angeles. Mt. And the 43-hour journey to Chicago? If the mountains are calling you, head to the Sierra Nevada for a weekend in the resort town of Mammoth Lakes. The artisanal Bob's Well Bread Bakery and Pico Los Alamos, which serves upscale comfort food, are other popular local eateries. For an unforgettable weekend stay, book a room at the sophisticated Mt Ada. Vacationers may also enjoy hitting the beach at Descanso Beach Club or unwinding at the 15,000-square-foot Island Spa Catalina. Oenophiles will have the opportunity to explore more than 30 local wineries along the Santa Barbara Urban Wine Trail some, like Pali Wine Company, allow dogs. Stay at the five star Bernardus Lodge which has luxury guest rooms and a great spa. Photo courtesy of Amtrak, Young Gates - Kids Online Personalized Classes, 26 Best Things To Do in Los Angeles in March 2023 with Kids, 30 Best Indoor Playgrounds in Los Angeles: Indoor Play Spaces for Hot (or Rainy?) Gain instant access to our online brochures and download them for free. The Sierra National Forests majestic woods provide the backdrop for the narrow gauge journey back in time. Build the right vacation to fit your budget. Chicago, IL Salt Lake City, UT If you're looking forcoastal fun, walk down to Dana Point Harbor, known as the "Whale Capital of the West," and keep your eyes peeled. There are plenty of galleries to sate art lovers, but a more unconventional tourist attraction invites visitors to help make graffiti out of chewed gum in Bubblegum Alley. Youll be glad you did. Accommodations range from boutique hotel rooms and two-bedroomed villas, nine of which have lovely courtyard and pool views. Thanks for subscribing! The two steam locomotives operate daily during the summer months. Delicious homemade breakfast is served in the morning, featuring organic, fair-trade-certified coffee, tea and a main dish made from fresh organic ingredients and local produce. 5 Pacific Surfliner Train Trips to Enjoy the California Coast. The hotel has been designed to highlight the magnificent ocean views with spacious, open-plan living spaces that surround a beautiful garden and pool area. Couples can spend their vacation relaxing next to the three stylish pools, indulging in treatments at the spa and shop at boutiques. Relaxation here may include lounging by the pool, cocktail in hand, at a stylish midcentury modern home or hotel. See and be seen at these stunning natural wonders. Train: Amtrak Pacific Surfliner Elegantly furnished guest rooms enjoy magnificent vistas with private balconies and spacious en-suite bathrooms, while king-sized beds, complimentary mini-bars and modern amenities provide creature comforts. California's coastal towns like Newport Beach and Laguna Beach are easy to explore on foot and offer plenty to see and do, from art galleries and outdoor cafes to scenic hiking trails and romantic picnic spots. Find a secluded stretch of beach and watch a colorful sunset, followed by a dinner at an oceanview restaurant for a perfect trip from LA. per night. Adding nights to your California Coast vacations is easy just ask your rail vacation specialist and theyll be happy to help. One buzz-worthy new attraction in this resort city is the Palm Springs Surf Club, which features a state-of-the-art wave pool. Solana Beach 2 hrs by car, or 2 hrs by train If you want to spend a day in San Diego, you can Your Amtrak Vacation journey can start from any of the over 500 Amtrak stations across North America. Fillmore & Western Railway Co. Once in Santa Barbara, youll be let off only a couple blocks from the beach and Stearns Wharf, and even closer to the southern end of State Street, the citys Spanish-Colonial shopping district. Ninety percent of this rugged and mostly undeveloped island is owned and protected by the Catalina Island Conservancy. Both directions of thePacific Surfliner scheduleoffermorning, afternoon and evening trains, though theres a slightly larger gap in deparatures between the latter two. Needless to say, the accommodation options are luxurious. Sitting about 270 miles north of Los Angeles, Las Vegas checks all the boxes for a memorable vacation. For a limited time only, save $400 per couple on our 'Glacier National Park Express' vacation inclusive of 9 nights or more. If the train goes there so do we! The resort features a Hollywood Regency-style design with a modern twist. Find more trips from San Francisco. WebJourney up the west coast in style on an Amtrak Coast Starlight train, as you travel from Los Angeles to Santa Barbara for a day of exploration. Near-by attractions include the Santa Barbara Botanic Gardens, Santa Barbara Zoo and numerous wine tasting rooms. [Read: The Best National Parks in California.]. Nestled across the road from the beach, where the mountains drop down to meet the ocean, the Hilton Santa Barbara Beachfront Resort is a wonderful choice for a weekend getaway. RECOMMENDED: The best secluded Airbnbs near L.A. Youll hug the Central Coast on the final quarter of thiseasy Pacific Surfliner trip to arguably Californias most scenic coastal city. Experience the adventure of traveling overnight with these unforgettable rail experiences. Learn more about this architectural marvel on a guided tour. By entering your email address you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy and consent to receive emails from Time Out about news, events, offers and partner promotions. Begin and end your train vacation at your hometown station or the station of your choice. For the more adventurous, check out Stearns Wharffor some epic seaside views, and stop by the Santa Barbara Shellfish Company for takeout for the freshest seafood above the water. Andbecause Anaheim's so close, you can still be home in time to watch a little Disney Channel before bed. From there, its a quick trolley ride ($2.50, day pass $6) to Little Italy, Petco Park and the Gaslamp Quarter or a short bus ride to Balboa Park and the San Diego Zoo, or you can walk across the street to Broadway Pier and take the ferry to beachy Coronado ($7). WebThe Official Los Angeles Guide to Trains. Escape the LA hustle with a weekend retreat to nearby shores. Browse more fun getaways and local weekend breaks. Therefore, weve limited our picks below to the very best of the bestand outlined why a couple of notable destinations didnt make the cut. Not bad for a days work. Boasting breathtaking views of Palm Springs and the surrounding snow-capped mountains of San Jacinto and San Gorgonio, The Spring Resort and Spa is a relaxing hideaway. Find the best travel insurance for you with these U.S. News ratings, which factor in expert and consumer recommendations. The Penthouse restaurant and lounge serves a contemporary American Menu surrounded by scenic views of the coastline. Weve put together 5 great options to enjoy the California Coast from onboard the train! Known for its incredible coastal and scenic views, Amtraks Pacific Surfliner travels over 350 miles along the coastal region of Southern California and makes for an incredible vacation highlight. 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. Free points of interest close to me: Oklahoma City, Alabama caves. By VacationIdea Staff on January 22, 2023 - Updated. Things to Do in La Jolla, 1132 Prospect Street, La Jolla, CA 92037, Phone: 855-476-6870, Things to do near me today: Getaways from Seattle, NC day trips, FL, Getaways in California, Near Atlanta, AL. Exciting escapes to a breath-taking national park or spectacular city destination. Kids can hunt for clues inside the room to unlock the secret treasure chest (and keep the goodies). The decor is contemporary with SoCal influences. Discover our three easy ways to book your perfect train vacation. If you seek a romantic retreat, enjoy the soaking tub in a couples bungalow at Estancia La Jolla Hotel & Spa. If you are looking for local weekend breaks, you may also like: 25 Best Romantic Things to Do in Los Angeles. Trip Details. $222. Plan a relaxing weekend getaway at The Inn at Rancho Santa Fe in San Diego's North County. The beach is divided by a historic Newport Beach Pier built in 1888, destroyed by nature and rebuilt several times. The Pony Club at Hotel Cheval offers a diverse selection of beer, champagne and wine, including favorites from the Paso Robles wine growing region. Choose from 114 luxury guest accommodations, including suites and Ocean Villas decorated in old-world style. In addition to experiencing the natural world, travelers can hit some balls at world-renowned Torrey Pines Golf Course or browse the boutiques in La Jolla Village. Just outside of Avalon, Hamilton Cove has private villas perched on a hillside overlooking the Catalina coastline or, if you want to rough it in the outdoors, campsites are also available at the island's campgrounds. Enjoy scenic vistas from the train en route to Americas greatest national treasures. But what are the options if youre looking to leave cars out of the equation and travel by train to your favorite SoCal destination? The resort is located 90min from Los Angeles and is just one mile from the Funk Zone district, the arty soul of Santa Barbara. This small town, tucked into the valley of the Topatopa Mountains about 80 miles northwest of Los Angeles, is an outdoor paradise and a wellness retreat destination. All rights reserved. Don't leave your car behind when you travel - bring your car with you while on the Amtrak Auto Train. Cool places to go near me, luxury spas, golf: MA, FL, Caribbean, All-inclusive Jamaica, AR, CO, ME, KS, CT, Missouri caves, Gadsden, Pismo Beach, Blue Ridge, Best caves in Missouri, Beaches Near Atlanta, NJ, FL caves. A major highlight of Los Alamos is the proliferation of top-notch dining options. While in the area, non-Disney options includeskateboardingat Vans skatepark, taking flight at a SwingIt Trapeze lesson, andwandering through the reopened Bowers Museum. Sign up before March 3rd to save up to $500 with our Flash Sale! Seafood fans can enjoy fresh lobster at The Lobster Trap, among other popular dining options. Gain instant access to our online brochures and download them for free. Follow these steps (and allow plenty of time) to get your child a passport. It's not difficult to find a cheap room for under $50 per night in Las Vegas, just be sure not to spend all of the savings at a gaming table during the weekend. Waldorf Astoria Monarch Beach Resort & Club is located within an hours drive from Los Angeles. Limited-time special offer! Fill out our helpful form and we'll be in touch shortly. Well admit, though, that Southern Californias train trip options arerelativelylimitedat least using our pretty particular criteria. Thanks to the world-class wines and family farms, Paso Robles is a mecca for delicious dining including The Restaurant at JUSTIN; the Michelin-starred Six Test Kitchen, located inside the Tin City makers market; and Paso Market Walk, a reinvented farmers market. 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. If you are looking for fun weekend getaways with affordable rates, this is a great place to visit. Please remember to wear masks on the train and observe social distancing safety measures throughout the journey. Weekend activities include wine tasting, biking, kayaking, art museum and, of course, relaxing on the beach. Find things to do and great restaurants. 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! But road trips arent your only option: If youre willing to put in a little bit of extra time and planning, there are a few train trips from Los Angeles that are even more spectacular than their car-based counterparts. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); About an hour from Los Angeles, Laguna Beach offers visitors sandy beaches, miles of coastal hiking trals, art galleries and surf shops. The resort is a two-hour drive from LA. There is a poolside bar and caf and the Agave Sunset Bar and Lounge serves delectable cocktails and California cuisine. 44600 Indian Wells Lane, Indian Wells, top dog-friendly beach destinations in the U.S. The 35-hour route covers 350 miles through Washington, Oregon and California countryside, making about 30 stops, including Santa Barbara, the San