Scenic Train Rides
Enjoy the sights rolling by on scenic train rides in beautiful California. Experience amazing views riding these historic old trains.
This is a great way to relive history and explore fabulous scenery at the same time. There are a variety of historic trains still operating throughout the state. Treat yourself to a train trip soon!
Most of these trains offer a variety of excursions, which often include:
Polar Express Train Rides at Christmas
Murder Mystery Dinner Rides
Wine Tasting Trips
Haunted Rides at Halloween
Mothers' Day and Fathers' Day Celebrations
Vetran's Day and 4th of July Specials
Moonlight Rides
Great Train Robberies
Egg Hunts at Easter
Overnight Trips
Scroll down to learn about the scenic trains of California.
Train Rides in Northern California
Skunk Train of Fort Bragg

This popular train takes you through the California Redwoods for a spectacular scenic trip. Located in Mendocino County, this is the perfect place for a wine country getaway. Special event train excursions include overnight trips, holiday rides, special dinners, barbecues, a train/kayak outing, and even a unique train ride/camping trip.
The Wine Train of the Napa Valley
This 36 miles ride through the Napa Valley is a three hour ride. Excursions include lunch and dinner packages, moonlight rides, exciting holiday events, murder mysteries, vintners lunches, special wine tastings, and winemaker dinners.
Niles Canyon Railway in Sunol
Located in the Livermore Wine Country, this train travels back and forth between Sunol and Fremont. It's a scenic ride. Special events include wine tasting rides, holiday specials, and Boy Scout Merit Badge training. You can even charter the train for your own special event.
California State Railroad Museum - Old Town Sacramento
Enjoy summer train excursions along the river. Special events include the Polar Express Train Ride (sells out well in advance of Christmas) and the Spookomotive Train Ride.
Sacramento River Train
Travel the 28 miles from West Sacramento to Woodland at a leisurely pace as you enjoy the scenery rolling past. Special excursion include holiday events, beer and wine tasting rides, murder mysteries, great train robberies, dinner and brunch trains.
Railtown 1897 State Historic Park - Jamestown
Explore the California Gold Country by train. The 6 mile journey is 45 minutes roundtrip. Special holiday events are usually longer.
Sierra Railroad Dinner Train - Oakdale
Located in Oakdale, the Sierra Railroad Dinner Train is the 3rd oldest train in North America. Have fun on their special holiday excursions, beer tasting rides, murder mystery dinners, champagne brunch rides, and various lunch or dinner trips.
Yosemite Mountain Sugar Pine Railroad
This railroad is located near the south entrance into Yosemite National Park. This 4 mile train trip offers special events which include moonlight barbecues, gold panning, holiday events, and melodramas.
Central California Train Rides
Roaring Camp Railway - Santa Cruz
Enjoy scenic train rides through the Santa Cruz redwoods as well as roundtrip rides to the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk. Special events include special holiday excursions, great train robberies, and moonlight rides.
Train Rides in Southern California
LA Rail - Los Angeles
These trains travel at regular full track speeds of up to 90 mph. Popular excursions include the Portland Wine and Roses Train, the Vino Train from Los Angeles to Santa Barbara, and weekend sleeper trips, You can also book your own charter trip.
Julian Railroad - San Diego County
Experience a unique trail ride and historic gold mine tour. They also have special excursions for the holidays.
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