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California Coastal Trains

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Ride the rails of California from San Francisco to San Diego.

You are viewing the 2023 itinerary. Select your departure year
20232024
9 days Not yet on sale
Travel on your own following a well-planned itinerary

2023 Tour code: WC-CCTS-23

About the tour

Begin your vacation in San Francisco and enjoy the major sights aboard a double-decker sightseeing bus. Board the Coast Starlight bound for the wineries of Paso Robles. After a two-night stay, re-board the train for Los Angeles where a guided motorcoach tour awaits. Travel onboard the Pacific Surfliner to San Diego where a Hop-on Hop-off trolley tour caps off your California rail vacation.

Highlights

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What’s included

Itinerary

Day 1 – Arrive in San Francisco

Arrive independently in San Francisco and check into your hotel. San Francisco is a cultural and culinary wonderland. Take the remainder of the day to explore the "City by the Bay" at your own pace. Overnight San Francisco.

Day 2 – San Francisco

Today ride a double-decker sightseeing bus to San Francisco's most famous landmarks. This Hop-on Hop-off tour visits sights like Chinatown, North Beach, Union Square, the Civic Center and more! This evening head to Fisherman's Wharf for a seaside dinner, Ghirardelli Square or Chinatown for a great night on the town. Overnight San Francisco.

Day 3 – Coast Starlight to Paso Robles

Transfer on your own to the rail station and board the Coast Starlight for the journey to Paso Robles. From the comfort of your seat, watch the scenery shift from the busy San Francisco Bay Area to the rolling hills of wine country. When you're ready for a snack or want to get a better view, head to the upper-level Sightseer Lounge Car with its large panoramic floor-to-ceiling windows. When you arrive in Paso Robles, you have an afternoon of free time to explore a city famous for its hospitality. Overnight Paso Robles.

Day 4 – Paso Robles Wineries

Enjoy a tour of the wineries surrounding Paso Robles. This Hop-on Hop-off tour offers you the opportunity to enjoy the flavors and personalities of several different wineries. Enjoy the scenery of wine country as you taste the delicious Rhône-style wines and zinfandels famous to this area. Overnight Paso Robles. 

Includes
  • Lunch
Day 5 – Coast Starlight to Los Angeles

Today board the Coast Starlight from Paso Robles to Los Angeles. This leg of your trip zips along the coast and provides stunning Pacific Ocean views. You'll pass right through seaside Santa Barbara and then wind your way inland to Los Angeles. Upon arrival in the "City of Angels," check into your hotel for a good night's rest. Overnight Los Angeles.

Day 6 – Los Angeles

Touring On your guided motorcoach tour, view the Hollywood sign, Rodeo Drive, and many other landmarks, and keep your eyes open because you may spot some celebrities. See the location of the Pretty Woman apartment, the Walk of Fame, Paramount Studios, and much more! Overnight Los Angeles.

Day 7 – Pacific Surfliner to San Diego

Transfer on your own to the train station and board the Pacific Surfliner to San Diego. A large portion of this journey hugs the edge of the coastline, and at times it's just a thin slice of beach that separates your train from the ocean. Go ahead and make yourself comfortable in "America's Finest City." Overnight San Diego.

Day 8 – San Diego Trolley Tour

Enjoy a Hop-on Hop-off narrated trolley tour that stops at 10 famous sights including the Gaslamp Quarter, the San Diego Zoo, USS Midway and the Cruise Ship Terminal, and Little Italy. This is a great way to travel around the city and tailor an itinerary to your interests. Tonight, dine at one of the cities many restaurants or perhaps you will choose to take a relaxing harbor dinner cruise that covers 25 miles of California's coastline. Overnight San Diego.

Day 9 – Conclusion

Your vacation along the California coast comes to an end this morning.

Additional information

Please note

Please be aware Amtrak may experience occasional schedule changes and service disruptions.  Vacations By Rail recommends visiting the Amtrak web site prior to your departure for the latest information.

Please note that you can customize this tour by picking and choosing your hotel in each destination city, please call one of our rail specialists. Other dates are also available, please call for more information.

 

Pricing Plans

Amtrak accommodations are available in Coach class, Roomette, and Bedroom.

Coach accommodations include a reclining seat with leg rest.

Roomette accommodations include a private cabin featuring two comfortable seats beside a picture window during the day, converting to an upper and lower berth at night. Bedroom accommodations feature a sofa and chair by day, and upper and lower berth by night.

Bedroom accommodations also include a sink and self-enclosed toilet and shower. All travelers have access to the Sightseer Lounge. Roomette and Bedroom accommodations include all meals aboard the train.

Departure times

Departure times vary based on selected rail vacation. This information will be provided in your final documents. For more information please speak with your rail specialist.

Mobility information

Due to the nature of our tours they are generally unsuitable for those with restricted mobility. If you’d like to discuss any particular vacation with us in this respect, then please don’t hesitate to call us.

Hotels

Millennium Biltmore, Los Angeles

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Hampton Inn & Suites, Paso Robles

Hampton Inn & Suites, Paso Robles

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The Westin San Diego

The Westin San Diego

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Hotel Riu Plaza Fisherman's Wharf, San Francisco

Hotel Riu Plaza Fisherman's Wharf, San Francisco

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Trains

Amtrak's Coast Starlight
Amtrak's Pacific Surfliner

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Reviews

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KATHY

5 stars

Submitted 25 Nov 2018

Wonderful Experience

Collected by Vacations By Rail

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