This 351-mile Train Route Is One of the Most Beautiful in the U.S.—With Small Towns, Historic Landmarks, and Ocean Views

Key Points

• Amtrak’s Pacific Surfliner is a scenic 351-mile coastal route that travels from San Diego to San Luis Obispo.

• Riders can hop off in charming towns like Solana Beach, San Juan Capistrano, and Santa Barbara for dining, museums, beaches, and boutique hotels.

• With year-round beauty—whale migrations in winter, wildflowers in spring, vineyards in fall—the Surfliner is one of the most relaxing and convenient ways to explore California.

Panoramic views of California beaches, spacious, comfortable seats, and, perhaps best of all, none of the Golden State’s famous gridlock—Amtrak’s Pacific Surfliner route truly has it all.

Stretching from San Diego in the south to San Luis Obispo in the north, the Surfliner gives riders a scenic and stress-free way to travel the California coast without missing any of its highlights. I’ve taken the Surfliner many times during my more than 10 years of living in California, and believe me when I say that the experience never gets old.

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“Whether you’re traveling alone or with friends and family, train travel lets you relax and enjoy the journey,” Caroline Beteta, president and CEO of Visit California, said in a statement to Travel + Leisure. “The 351-mile route hugs swaths of one of the most scenic coastlines in the world, but you don’t have to travel the full route to experience its beauty or convenience. It can be a smooth, easy way to travel between Los Angeles and San Diego, or, if you’re flying into Hollywood Burbank Airport (BUR), you can hop directly on the Surfliner and be in Santa Barbara in a couple of relaxing hours.”

Here’s what you need to know before riding Amtrak’s Pacific Surfliner.

San Diego

The Surfliner departs from the Santa Fe Depot in the heart of downtown San Diego. Since you’ll be walking distance from the hustle and bustle of the Gaslamp Quarter and Little Italy, you can essentially choose your own adventure here. Just make sure you save enough time to grab lunch at The Fish Market, a seafood institution perched right on the Pacific, and peruse the eclectic boutiques of the Seaport Village. When the sun goes down, sample San Diego’s buzzing nightlife scene with a craft cocktail at The Lion’s Share or the reservation-only Garibaldi speakeasy, and spend the night in T+L-approved stays like the Pendry San Diego or The Guild Hotel.

Solana Beach

Just north of San Diego proper, the Surfliner takes you to the heart of Solana Beach’s artsy Design District. Stretch your legs at Annie’s Canyon Trail or the Coastal Rail Trail, a 1.5-mile path that traverses the length of Solana Beach. After a spot of meandering, make your way to Claire’s on Cedros for fish tacos or chilaquiles made with local ingredients. Then again, depending on the time of day, you may find yourself more tempted by drinks at Culture Brewing Co. or Carruth Cellars—since you’re not driving, go ahead and indulge. As for accommodations, you’ll find nearby resorts like the Courtyard by Marriott San Diego Del Mar/Solana Beach or the Hilton San Diego/Del Mar, both a short car ride from the Solana Beach Station.

San Juan Capistrano

Located near the southern border of Orange County, the small town of San Juan Capistrano is sure to charm from the moment you step off the Surfliner. Start your visit with a walk through the shops and adobe museums of Los Rios Street Historic District, the oldest neighborhood in California. Though there’s no shortage of eateries in Los Rios, you can also grab a bite to eat at the bustling food hall of River Street Ranch, or Texas-style smoked meats at Heritage Barbecue. Next, head up the street to the Mission San Juan Capistrano, a beautifully restored historic landmark dating back to the 1700s. Finish your day by checking into the Inn at the Mission San Juan Capistrano—this luxe property is within blocks of the train station.

Downtown Los Angeles

Though the Surfliner stops in several Los Angeles suburbs, there’s nothing quite like the energy of downtown L.A. After disembarking, keep an eye out for the Art Deco design touches throughout Union Station, located within walking distance of neighborhoods like Olvera Street, Chinatown, and Little Tokyo. Each of these nabes has great options for an excellent meal, like Daikokuya in Little Tokyo or the legendary Yang Chow in Chinatown, so make sure to bring your appetite. Next, check out the exhibits at The Broad art museum and unique shops like the Last Bookstore before enjoying a nightcap at Clifton’s Republic, a hopping, multi-story bar where you can choose from different experiences on each floor. As for stays, the Conrad Los Angeles made T+L’s 2025 World’s Best Awards.

Santa Barbara

The American Riviera has something new to try just about everywhere you turn. Cyclists and surfers will love the sandy shores of West Beach, history buffs can’t miss the Old Mission Santa Barbara, and families with kids should spend the day at the Santa Barbara Zoo or the kid-friendly, science-focused Moxi, The Wolf Museum of Exploration + Innovation. No matter what you choose to do, when meal time rolls around, be sure to head back in the direction of the train station to the aptly named Funk Zone neighborhood, where you can sample creative local eats and drinks while admiring colorful murals. Though T+L recommends hotels like the Palihouse Santa Barbara and Drift Santa Barbara, you may want to book a room at the Riviera Beach House for its proximity to the train station.

San Luis Obispo

This laidback college town in Central Coast wine country strikes the perfect balance between hip and high-end. Start your day here with lattes and pastries at Corazón Cafe, then spend your morning hunting for hidden gems at places like Phoenix Books, Boo Boo Records, and Thrifty Beaches. If you really want to get those steps in, you can even walk all the way out to the hiking trails at Cerro San Luis, aka Madonna Mountain. End your day with hearty, Italian American cuisine at Nate’s on Marsh and plan to spend the night at boutique hotels like Petit Soleil, Hotel San Luis Obispo, or the San Luis Creek Lodge.

Best Time to Ride

California’s coastline stays balmy and beautiful all year long, so you can plan your ride around any seasonal attractions you hope to see. A spring ride affords sweeping, panoramic views of blooming wildflowers and lush greenery, while a fall trip features the Central Coast’s many vineyards in full fruit—winter has its charms, too, though.

“The Surfliner is a great option anytime of the year,” says Beteta. “It can be an easy way to navigate the state during the busier summer months, but also a great way to see the coast during winter, when the gray whales are migrating.” She notes that you can hop off the train in many places to take a whale-watching tour, but you might just get lucky and catch a glimpse of breaching whales or dolphins right from your seat on the Surfliner.

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