Ready to take your little railroad conductors on a train ride near you? We’ve got ten local train rides to tell you about––from a quick zip on a rare, antique model G16 to a day trip adventure along the coast––that will thrill kids of all ages. Read on to see where to get on the right track for an unforgettable excursion.
The Pacific Surfliner
Kerry Cushman
Climb aboard the Amtrak Pacific Surfliner for a scenic ride that is sure to please train aficionados of all ages. The Pacific Surfliner extends from San Diego to San Luis Obispo and many SoCal spots in between. Plan a day trip to a nearby beach town or make it a car-free overnight staycation. Either way, the stunning views along the Pacific Ocean will make the journey just as fun as the destination.
Check train schedules online to plan your adventure and look for special deals and discounts.
Located right outside the entrance of the world famous San Diego Zoo, hop on board for a 3-minute ride on a model G16 (a rare antique -- there are as few as fifty currently remaining)! It’s a half-mile mini tour of the San Diego region through four acres of Balboa Park, with signs letting you know what part of town you're traveling through (such as “East County”). Cuddle up to over-sized stuffed animals who ride on the train and enjoy the view. Your little conductor will enjoy spotting zoo animal sculptures and going through a long tunnel before the train ride ends.
Hours: Fri., Sat. & Sun. (and holidays) 11 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. Tickets: $3/person; Free/1 year and under
LEGOLAND Express Train
Beth Shea
While there's so much to see and do at this theme park, a true train enthusiast won't pass up an opportunity to ride a train, even at LEGOLAND. The LEGOLAND Express is located in Duplo Playtown and it makes two laps on a circular track through a farm with LEGO brick crops, including carrots and corn. Unlike many other LEGOLAND rides, there are no height requirements to ride the LEGOLAND Express! However, kids under 36”, must be accompanied by a responsible rider who's 36" or taller.
LEGOLAND California 1 LEGOLAND Dr. Carlsbad, CA 92009 Online: legoland.com
Although their Steam Loco is currently out of service, kids can still climb aboard the cable car or speeder train at Poway-Midland Railroad. The narrow-gauge railroad operates only on Saturdays and Sundays, making it the perfect weekend activity for your little train operators. The Depot Store sells train tickets in addition to Thomas & Friends merchandise.
While the train ride is approximately a 5 minute, 2-lap route around Old Poway Park, it's just the right amount of time to decide what to explore next. There’s something fun for everyone at Old Poway Park: good eats at the Hamburger Factory restaurant or Farmer’s Market as well as craft shows, local history and year-round family fun. Plus, it's a great place to take family photos!
Old Poway Park 14134 Midland Rd. Poway, CA 92064 Online: powaymidlandrr.org
Hours: Sat.: 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. & Sun. 11 a.m. - 2 p.m. CLOSED: Second Sunday of each month and from the second Sunday in December until the first weekend in January for winter break.
The COASTER is a commuter train that runs north and south along the San Diego County coast from the Santa Fe Depot in downtown to Oceanside. Plan to stop in one of the coastal communities and pack a picnic to enjoy at the beach. Or, just enjoy the view of the Pacific Ocean along the route.
Begin by planning a trip by checking out the COASTER's online schedule. It should be noted that fares vary from start-to-end zone. For example, an adult round-trip fare from downtown San Diego to Oceanside (through 3 zones) is $13. Kids under age 6 ride for free with a fare-paying passenger.
A club of railroad hobbyists called the Chula Vista Live Steamers run miniature steam and diesel engine trains on various weekends. No train fare is required, but donations are greatly appreciated. The miniature trains typically run on the second weekend of the month from noon-2:30 p.m., but be sure to check the schedule and online calendar in advance.
Your rail buff will be on cloud nine at the Pacific Southwest Railway Museum located in Campo, East County San Diego. The Golden State Limited rides through the back country scenery of San Diego County and along the Mexican border, crossing the Campo Creek Viaduct and entering into International Tunnel #4. It's a 12-mile round trip ride that lasts about 45 minutes. You can also treat your train fan (age 6 and up) to a cab ride in the locomotive with the engineer by making reservations in advance for $40 for a round trip. Only two riders are allowed in the cab at one time.
After your train ride, visit the train museum and view a large collection of steam and diesel locomotives, passenger cars and cabooses.
You'll board this trackless train on the mall’s level 3 near the Dining Court. After your train ride, your little engineer will be thrilled to shop the nearby Totally Thomas’ Toy Depot stocked from floor to ceiling with Thomas & Friends toys, games and art supplies! If you need to find a limited-edition Thomas train or a perfect birthday surprise for your train collector, this is your store.
Westfield North County 272 East Via Rancho Parkway Escondido, CA 92025 Online: westfield.com/northcounty
Train hours: Mon.-Sat.. 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Sun. noon- 7 p.m. Tickets: $4/per person/per ride. Kids 6 months and younger are free.
Catch this trackless train on the first floor of the mall near Macy’s. After your train ride, the whole family will enjoy the nearby John’s Incredible Pizza Co. featuring a tasty all you can eat buffet, rides, games and attractions. And pay a visit to the Disney store upstairs, where your little ones will love to see their favorite characters including Mickey Mouse, the Disney Princesses, Pooh and so many more.
Westfield Plaza Bonita 3030 Plaza Bonita Rd. National City, CA 91950 Online: westfield.com/plazabonita
Train hours: Mon.- Fri. noon to 8 p.m. Sat. 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Sun. 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Tickets: $4/per person/per ride. Kids 6 months and younger are free.
After scoring deals at nearby Disney Store and Kate Spade outlet, it's time to reward your patient train crew with a well-deserved train ride on a mini steam locomotive replica: The Choo Choo Express located right off center court between Aeropostale and Calvin Klein. Tickets cost $3 per train ride and $2 for an adult to accompany a kiddo (and kids under 3 must be accompanied by an adult). At the end of your ride, head to the Disney Store Outlet, Baby GAP, Carter's and OshKosh B'Gosh to shop.
Don't forget that this outlet mall is close to many other family favorite attractions in the area including The Flower Fields, LEGOLAND and Museum of Making Music.
Carlsbad Premium Outlets 5620 Paseo del Norte Carlsbad, CA 92008 Online: premiumoutlets.com
