Amtrak Vacations · Independent rail vacation

Bay, Wine, and Waves

California rail trip from San Francisco to Los Angeles via Napa Valley

Bay, Wine, and Waves, a rail journey with Amtrak Vacations

Amtrak Vacations runs this 7-day independent rail vacation from San Francisco to Los Angeles. Three nights in San Francisco include a full-day small-group guided tour of Napa Valley's vineyards and wineries, with the rest of the city days left free for cable cars, Fisherman's Wharf, the Golden Gate Bridge, Chinatown, and Alcatraz Island at your own pace. The Coast Starlight then carries travelers south along the Pacific coast to Santa Barbara for two nights, where a trolley tour covers the town's Spanish colonial architecture before free time on State Street and Stearns Wharf. The Pacific Surfliner finishes the route along the coast to Los Angeles, with a final afternoon open for Griffith Observatory, Beverly Hills, or the Hollywood Walk of Fame. The mix of one guided wine-country day and otherwise self-guided city time suits travelers who want scenic coastal rail journeys with room to set their own pace.

What to know before you look closer

  • The package includes a choice of 17 accommodation options across different tiers and cities, so the exact hotel in San Francisco and Santa Barbara depends on which option you select when booking.
  • No meals are included in this package; only rail travel, hotel accommodations, and the Napa Valley and Santa Barbara sightseeing tours are covered.
  • No current departure dates are listed in this package's details; confirm exact travel dates with Amtrak Vacations.

Day by day

  1. Day 1overnight: San Francisco

    Your Journey Begins in San Francisco

    Welcome to San Francisco! Upon arrival, check in to your hotel and spend the rest of the day soaking in the city's charm. Ride the historic cable cars, enjoy waterfront dining at Fisherman's Wharf, or walk along the iconic Golden Gate Bridge.

  2. Day 2overnight: San Francisco

    Wine Country Day Trip

    Today, enjoy a full-day small-group guided tour through the scenic Napa Valley. Travel north from San Francisco to explore rolling vineyards and sample world-class wines in one of the most famous wine regions in the world. Your guide will share insights into the region's history and winemaking culture as you stop at select wineries. Return to San Francisco in the evening.

  3. Day 3overnight: San Francisco

    San Francisco

    Spend today exploring more of San Francisco's highlights at your own pace. From the colourful streets of Chinatown to the sweeping views atop Twin Peaks, the city offers a unique blend of culture, history, and coastal beauty. Consider a visit to Alcatraz Island or stroll through the lively Ferry Building Marketplace.

  4. Day 4railovernight: Santa Barbara

    Santa Barbara

    Check out of your hotel and head to the station for your scenic rail journey south to Santa Barbara. Enjoy stunning views along the Pacific Ocean as the train winds its way through charming coastal towns. On arrival in Santa Barbara, check in to your hotel and spend the evening discovering the town's vibrant restaurants and beachside charm.

  5. Day 5overnight: Santa Barbara

    Santa Barbara

    Enjoy a relaxing trolley tour of Santa Barbara this morning. Take the afternoon at leisure to explore the town which is known for its Spanish colonial architecture, golden beaches, and laid-back vibe. Wander along State Street, visit the Santa Barbara Mission, or relax on the sandy shores. A walk along Stearns Wharf at sunset is the perfect way to end your day.

  6. Day 6overnight: Los Angeles

    Los Angeles

    Depart Santa Barbara and continue your journey along the California coast to Los Angeles. Upon arrival, check in to your hotel for your final night. Spend your afternoon exploring the city's diverse neighbourhoods, perhaps enjoy the views from Griffith Observatory, shop in Beverly Hills, or stroll the Hollywood Walk of Fame.

  7. Day 7

    Your Journey Ends in Los Angeles

    Check out of your hotel and continue your travels.

The moments this trip is built around

  • Day 1Arrival in San Francisco leaves the rest of the day free to ride the historic cable cars, dine at Fisherman's Wharf, or walk along the Golden Gate Bridge.
  • Day 2A full-day small-group guided tour through Napa Valley visits rolling vineyards and select wineries for wine tastings.
  • Day 4The Coast Starlight travels south from San Francisco to Santa Barbara along the Pacific coast, passing through charming coastal towns.
  • Day 5A trolley tour of Santa Barbara takes in its Spanish colonial architecture, followed by free time along State Street, the Santa Barbara Mission, and Stearns Wharf at sunset.
  • Day 6The Pacific Surfliner continues along the California coast from Santa Barbara to Los Angeles, where the afternoon is free for Griffith Observatory, Beverly Hills, or the Hollywood Walk of Fame.

Included

  • One-way Amtrak® in Coach accommodations from San Francisco to Santa Barbara on the Coast Starlight® and Santa Barbara to Los Angeles on the Pacific Surfliner®
  • 6 nights' hotel accommodations

Questions travellers ask

Is the train travel included?
Yes, one-way Amtrak Coach class travel from San Francisco to Santa Barbara on the Coast Starlight, then from Santa Barbara to Los Angeles on the Pacific Surfliner.
Is this trip guided or independent?
It is an independent rail vacation overall. The Napa Valley day trip on Day 2 is a small-group guided tour, while city time in San Francisco and Santa Barbara is self-guided.
Which trains are used?
The Coast Starlight from San Francisco to Santa Barbara, and the Pacific Surfliner from Santa Barbara to Los Angeles, both in Coach class.
What hotels are used?
A choice of 17 accommodation options across tiers and cities, including San Francisco properties such as the Fairmont San Francisco and InterContinental Mark Hopkins San Francisco, and Santa Barbara properties such as the Harbor View Inn.
What is included besides the trains and hotels?
A small-group guided tour of Napa Valley wine country on Day 2 and a Santa Barbara trolley tour on Day 5.
What is not included?
No meals are listed as included in this package.

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