Southern California’s top destinations are at their best during the summer, with great weather, long days, and special events. Instead of navigating busy freeways, packed parking lots and crowded downtowns, start your summer getaway with a relaxing trip on the Amtrak Pacific Surfliner®.
The Amtrak Pacific Surfliner carries 3 million passengers each year to 27 stations in San Diego, Orange, Los Angeles, Ventura, Santa Barbara, San Luis Obispo counties. Onboard amenities such as a market-style café, Wi-Fi, power outlets, and spacious seating offer a comfortable ride that let you arrive refreshed and ready to explore.
Travel by train to these top summer events:
1. Comic-Con International – July 18 – 21
More than 160,000 people visit San Diego every year for Comic-Con International. The four-day convention has grown to be the largest of its kind in the world, with a 460,000 square foot exhibit hall and more than 700 events, including workshops, panels, film screenings, and competitions. Even without a convention ticket, there are plenty of themed activities in the downtown area to enjoy.
Getting There: Ride to the Santa Fe Depot, located in the heart of downtown San Diego. From the station, walk or take the trolley to the convention center. Discounted trolley passes can be purchased onboard the train in the Market Café (located on the lower level of Car 3).
2. Del Mar Race Track – July 17 – September 2
The summer season at the Del Mar Racetrack features races from Wednesdays to Sundays, with special activities scheduled on the weekends, including concerts, pony rides for kids, food festivals, happy hours, and more. Enjoy a day of horse racing with an ocean view.
Getting There: Ride to the Solana Beach Station and board the free shuttle to the racetrack.
3. Orange County Fair – July 12 – August 11
More than 1 million visitors attend the Orange County Fair each year to enjoy all it has to offer. Sample the latest deep-fried and bacon-wrapped concoctions, check out special exhibits, play carnival games, meet barnyard animals, go on rides, and browse acres of popup shops. There are also live concerts as well as special events including a beer festival, wine seminars and a 5K run.
Getting There: Ride the train to Anaheim, Santa Ana, or Irvine and connect with the OC Fair Express. This bus provides frequent and direct connections between the train stations and fairgrounds on weekends, and it’s free to ride for passengers who show a valid Pacific Surfliner ticket. Plus, everyone who rides the OC Fair Express will receive a coupon for $4 fair admission (a savings of up to $10).
4. California Wine Festival – July 19 – 20
Santa Barbara is home to the California Wine Festival’s signature annual event, attracting thousands of wine lovers. Choose from hundreds of fine wines, sample regional craft brews, and enjoy gourmet appetizers created by local chefs. Live music and the beach setting create the perfect atmosphere for a leisurely afternoon of wine tasting.
Getting There: The Sunset Rare and Reserve Tasting and the Beachside Wine Festival take place at Chase Palm Park. Walk there from the Santa Barbara Station, or catch the electric shuttle from Cabrillo Boulevard. The shuttle is free to ride for passengers with a valid Pacific Surfliner ticket.
5. Ventura County Fair – July 31 – August 11
Nicknamed “The County Fair with Ocean Air”, the Ventura County Fair sits close to the beach, giving sweeping ocean views to anyone who rides the Ferris Wheel. What started as mostly a horse racing event back in 1875 has grown to a large county fair with carnival rides and games, food, contests, beer and wine tasting, exhibits, free concerts, and more.
Getting There: The fairgrounds are located adjacent to the Ventura Station. Once you get off the train, the entrance to the fair is only steps away.
6. The Disneyland® Resort – Ongoing now – December 31
Enjoy new and exciting attractions at the Disneyland® Resort. Transport yourself to a galaxy far, far away at the Theme Park’s newest land, where you can fly the Millennium Falcon, build a lightsaber or droid, encounter Storm Troopers, try unique foods, and enjoy a drink in the cantina. Disney California Adventure Park has unveiled two new rides, Jessie’s Critter Carousel and Inside Out Emotional Whirlwind. Both can be found at Pixar Pier, where favorite attractions have been reimagined with an “incredible” twist. Now through December 31, 2019, Amtrak riders can unlock a 5 percent savings on Theme Park admission and the Disney MaxPass at PacificSurfliner.com/Disney.
Getting There: Ride the train to Anaheim and show your Pacific Surfliner ticket for a free shuttle ride to and from the resort area on Anaheim Resort Transportation Route 15. The bus drops off and picks up passengers at the Disneyland® Main Transportation Center.
With daily service to San Diego, Orange, Los Angeles, Ventura, Santa Barbara and San Luis Obispo counties, the Pacific Surfliner can take you to top destinations and events like these this summer. For more trip ideas, train schedules, special offers, and more, visit PacificSurfliner.com.
