Amtrak's Best California Train Journeys To Explore The Golden State

For all the conveniences of cars and well-connected roads these days, there's something inimitable about train journeys. For one, they invoke pure nostalgia, and for another, why not allow someone else to do the driving so you can spend all your energy rubbernecking? Rail journeys allow us to see places from different perspectives and access certain parts of the world that cars or other modes of transportation can't get to. From narrow canyons to oceanside cliffs, trains have access to landscapes that we may not otherwise reach.

California is one of the most scenic places to enjoy a train trip, and fortunately, Amtrak offers numerous connections throughout different parts of the state. Three routes — Gold Runner, Capitol Corridor, and Pacific Surfliner — are entirely within California. But you can also embark on multi-state journeys, such as the California Zephyr, which connects to the Midwest, or the Coast Starlight, which stretches to the Pacific Northwest. Take in the view from the comfort of a sightseeing car, or alight at unique train stations, some of which are attractions unto themselves.

The majority of these routes connect through at least one major Golden State hub, be it San Francisco or Los Angeles, but are otherwise vastly different. Each of these train trips provides access to great cities, landscapes, and attractions across California, with unmatched views the whole way through. Hop aboard these remarkable Amtrak journeys that span the whole state from end to end, showcasing its stunning beauty. 

The Pacific Surfliner may just be the greatest of all Southern California Amtrak trips. It's a journey that you can do in one day — nine hours from start to finish — that also swings past some of the most breathtaking coastal views you could ask for. The route extends between San Luis Obispo and San Diego, via Los Angeles, with 29 stations served along the way and spanning 351 miles total. There are five daily round-trip journeys between Santa Barbara and San Diego, and 13 between Los Angeles and San Diego.

Pacific Surfliner is ideal for a stress-free family trip to Disneyland Resort in Anaheim, a California tourist hot spot worth visiting on your next trip. You won't have to worry about parking, thanks to the free shuttle that conveys passengers from the train station directly to the theme park, which can be requested using Anaheim's A-Way WeGo app.

Amtrak is a fantastic way to experience the scenic coast between San Luis Obispo and Ventura, including Santa Barbara, as well as the amazing food and wine that the region is known for, made possible by its Mediterranean-like climate. If you stop in San Luis Obispo, be sure to tour the remarkable Hearst Castle, an early 20th-century mansion with dozens of acres of gardens and out-of-this-world pools. You'll also enjoy epic views of the ocean around San Clemente, where the train winds around a nature preserve, and passengers feel like they're virtually coasting across the sand.

The Coast Starlight is Amtrak's scenic West Coast route that runs from Seattle to Los Angeles, stopping in major cities like Portland and Sacramento along the way. It swings to various Bay Area stations before heading south towards San Luis Obispo and, finally, LA. This route gives you the best of what California has to offer: mountains, coastline — especially between San Luis Obispo and Oxnard — and major urban hubs. The trip takes around 35 hours in total, but of course, you don't need to commit to the whole thing. The beauty of train excursions is that you can get on and off whenever you'd like, purchasing a ticket based on the exact itinerary and length of your visit. On the Coast Starlight route, you can take your pick between Pacific Northwest and Southern California, or enjoy the best of both.

In Northern California, the route stops in the small, woodsy cities of Dunsmuir and Redding before continuing onto the larger Central Valley hubs of Chico and Davis, by way of Sacramento. Along the way, you'll be able to take in views of the Klamath and Cascade Mountains, including the dramatic Mount Shasta. Plus, with a few stops in the East Bay, the San Francisco area is your oyster.

Alight in Salinas, near Monterey, where you can rent a car at the station and continue south to experience some of the most beautiful stops along the Pacific Coast Highway, including Big Sur. Alternatively, continue your train journey through Paso Robles — a spectacular area full of renowned wineries — then onto Santa Barbara and LA, where you'll ultimately be deposited right downtown at the grand and historic Union Station.

In addition to Amtrak's standard routes, the company also offers a slew of longer getaways. Provided by Amtrak Vacations, these journeys range from a couple of days to nearly a month, with various destinations and experiences included in the price. Many also provide overnight accommodations at hotels, as well as some meals. Amtrak Vacations has dozens of itineraries to various parts of the Golden State, including areas not covered by other Amtrak routes in California.

At the time of writing, Amtrak Vacations has 21 packages that include a day visit or overnight stay at Yosemite National Park, California's most famous national park that's home to breathtaking waterfalls. Some of these include trips to several national parks, such as the 13-day Grand National Parks getaway, which takes passengers to the Grand Canyon, Yellowstone, and Yosemite. There are shorter journeys as well, such as the six-day Essential Rocky Mountains to Yosemite route, which heads to California after Rocky Mountains National Park, or the nine-day Ultimate Grand Canyon tour to Yosemite with a stop in Muir Woods.

It's worth noting that the train does not deliver you directly to Yosemite National Park. However, bus transportation is provided and seamlessly integrated into the itinerary, often with a guided tour included. For something more immersive, consider the Grand Canyon Railway, which takes visitors right into the heart of Grand Canyon Village from Williams, Arizona, a retro American town that feels stuck in time.

One of the most extensive West Coast tours offered by Amtrak Vacations is the Grand Pacific Coast Rail Journey, which runs for 21 days and connects Vancouver, Canada, to San Diego. Think of it like the Coast Starlight "deluxe," complete with overnight stays in various cities to help maximize your exploration time.

Between Portland and San Francisco, passengers will have the chance to take in some of Northern California's iconic woodsy landscapes. A three-night stay in San Francisco allows plenty of time to explore this stunning city, followed by a bonus excursion to Yosemite National Park – guided tour provided. Then comes a two-day visit to Napa Valley, one of California's best destinations for a weekend getaway. You'll have the chance to board the charming Napa Valley Wine Train, check out local wineries, and savor the area's striking landscapes before continuing southbound.

The Grand Pacific Coast Rail Journey stops for one night apiece in Santa Barbara, Los Angeles, and San Diego. First, soak up the sunshine in "The American Riviera" on a hop-on, hop-off tour of Santa Barbara, then explore museums and Hollywood landmarks in Los Angeles, and round out your trip with a cruise of San Diego's picturesque harbor. If you decide to linger in San Diego a little bit longer, be sure to visit its world-famous zoo, stroll in Balboa Park, and spot sea lions at La Jolla Cove.

If it's the Central Valley you're after, the Gold Runner is an Amtrak-operated train and bus service in California, a partnership with the San Joaquin Joint Powers Authority. The train route connects Bakersfield in the south, Sacramento in the north, Oakland to the west, and various destinations in between. It also links to dozens of Gold Runner Thruway Bus routes, which take passengers to beautiful locales like the Yosemite National Park visitor center and Mammoth Lakes, one of the most breathtaking towns in the Sierra Nevada Mountains.

In Bakersfield, head out on the Bakersfield Kern County Wine Trail, which includes stops at tasting rooms, vineyards, and wine bars around the area, guided by an app that functions like a digital passport, so you can check in at participating locations. Pick your own fruit at Murray Family Farms, wander through phenomenal natural landscapes at Wind Wolves Preserve, or observe an array of animals at the California Living Museum (CALM) Zoo.

Sticking with the agricultural theme as you head north, Sacramento is California's unique capital full of gold rush history and farm fresh food. Book a tour with SacTown Bites to experience some of the area's best culinary delights, wander the buzzing historic district, and visit the California State Railroad Museum to discover how trains helped transform the American West. Stops along the way, such as Fresno, Modesto, and Stockton, also offer myriad local museums, eateries, and shops.

One of Amtrak's most famous routes, California Zephyr is a huge journey that connects the Midwest to the Bay Area. Starting in Chicago, it heads toward California by way of Denver and the Rocky Mountains, entering the Golden State in the heart of the Sierra Nevada Mountains. Its first California stop is in the charming town of Truckee that offers plenty of trails and campgrounds near Lake Tahoe. It also boasts a historic downtown, nearby skiing, and the iconic Donner Memorial State Park, which offers unique insights into the region's pioneer history. As the California Zephyr begins the descent in elevation toward Sacramento, it also stops in the small Sierra Nevada foothills city of Colfax. Gold rush and railroad history shapes this sylvan destination, along with year-round hiking trails and immanently charming lodging options like the Dutch Flat Hotel.

After Sacramento, the train route continues to the university city of Davis before arriving at its final California destination in Emeryville, sandwiched between Oakland and Berkeley. On the way, you're treated to amazing views of the San Pablo Bay and San Francisco Bay. The train runs parallel to a section of the San Francisco Bay Trail, a network of more than 350 miles of recreational trails around the water. From Emeryville, the Bay Area is yours to explore, whether you stick to the East Bay, head over to San Francisco, or rent a car to travel up and down the coast.

Two of Amtrak's popular routes — Sunset Limited and Texas Eagle — follow a nearly identical track through California. However, their starting cities are vastly different. The Sunset Limited takes a southerly route, beginning in New Orleans and passing through the southern regions of Louisiana, Texas, New Mexico, and Arizona before entering California in the Yuma Desert. The Texas Eagle starts in Chicago and whirls through Texas — hence the name — and enters California right after Yuma, Arizona. Terminating in Los Angeles, both of these routes offer great access to the Golden State's desert region.

The first stop in California is Palm Springs. This winter oasis, known for its vibrant mid-century modern architecture and thriving arts scene, is also your gateway to Joshua Tree National Park, one of the best California parks for camping adventures. Then, hop aboard the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway for unparalleled views of the surrounding landscape from Mount San Jacinto.

From Palm Springs, the Sunset Limited and Texas Eagle continue to both Ontario and Pomona in Southern California's sprawling Inland Empire region. Your final stop is Union Station in Los Angeles, which not only delivers you to the heart the City of Angels, but also gives you the opportunity to explore the train station itself, a spectacular example of railway architecture completed in 1939. From here, you can rent a bike, grab a bite, or join a guided tour.

Capitol Corridor is a relatively brief, California-based route connecting Sacramento — California's capital city — with San Francisco and San Jose, which both served as capitals in the past. This is an ideal route for access between the Bay Area and the northern Central Valley, connecting numerous university towns, commercial hubs, and cultural hot spots.

At the southernmost stop in San Jose, don't miss the Winchester Mystery House, a California legend. The remarkable story goes that Sarah Winchester, of the Winchester rifle family, was informed by a medium that, to atone for all of the lives lost to the guns that her family manufactured, she had to build the spirits a home — and continue building it day after day — in order to avoid succumbing to a curse. It's certainly unique as far as homes go. For something a bit less superstitious, take a stroll through the beautiful Municipal Rose Garden, which is especially vibrant in the spring and early summer.

The Capitol Corridor route is a great way to explore both the Bay Area and the East Bay, as the train makes eight stops from Fremont to Martinez. Hop off at Sacramento Valley Station and rent a vehicle in the area to explore Eldorado National Forest, California's "Gateway to the Sierras" full of recreation, located roughly an hour's drive away. In Auburn, at the northernmost end of the line, immerse yourself in a quaint, walkable town brimming with history and charming architecture.

Like the California Zephyr, Southwest Chief has Chicago at its easternmost point. But true to its name, it dips south on route to Los Angeles, wheeling into the Golden State in Needles, the city where Nevada, Arizona, and California meet. Next comes Barstow's Harvey House Railroad Depot, a unique train station on the National Register of Historic Places. Dating back to 1913, the station was once a destination railway hotel and restaurant. Inside, peruse exhibits at the Route 66 Mother Road Museum.

Additional stops in California include San Bernardino and Riverside in the Inland Empire region, followed by Union Station in Los Angeles. From here, it's easy to explore some of the city's most illustrious sites and neighborhoods, such as the vibrant Arts District. Use public transportation to reach the Griffith Observatory, bike along the Venice Beach boardwalk, and find out whether the Hollywood Walk of Fame is truly as overrated as they say. 

From LA, consider taking a multi-day journey to Death Valley with Amtrak Vacations. The five-day getaway includes two nights apiece in both Los Angeles and the Death Valley National Park area, plus a car rental and accommodations. This gives you plenty of time and flexibility to explore each destination at your own pace. 

Amtrak's California routes are among the most scenic in the whole country, and travelers are fortunate to have quite a few options to choose from. There's no reason to stick to just one route, either — depending on your starting point, you may be able to change lines to craft your ideal West Coast getaway. Amtrak also operates a fleet of buses. Keep this in mind as you plan your itinerary with Amtrak, as some routes include both train and bus connections.

To arrive at this list, we consulted Amtrak.com, AmtrakGuide.com, AmtrakTrainStationPro.com, and AmtrakVacations.com to find specific information about California-based routes and packages. We also consulted local and regional tourism sites for information about specific destinations served by Amtrak, such as CountyofSB.org, VisitBakersfield.com, VisitPalmSprings.com, CityofNeedles.com, and others. Additional details for visitors, such as local attractions and things to do, were obtained from VisitCalifornia.com and NPS.gov. Tripadvisor was used as a resource to narrow down destinations that consistently rank highly among previous visitors.