Amtrak Vacations
Bay, Wine, and Waves
California rail trip from San Francisco to Los Angeles via Napa Valley
7 daysfrom $629
29% rail
Amtrak Vacations · Independent rail vacation
California Icons and Yosemite
Five-day rail trip to San Francisco with a Yosemite day trip
Amtrak Vacations runs this five-day, four-night rail trip from Los Angeles to San Francisco, with a single train ride on day one aboard the Coast Starlight and four nights based in one San Francisco hotel. Rather than moving between cities each day, the trip uses San Francisco as a base for two included day trips: a full day in Yosemite National Park, taking in the valleys, granite peaks and meadows of the Sierra Nevada, and a guided walk through the redwood forest of Muir Woods followed by time in the seaside town of Sausalito. The final full day in San Francisco is left for you to explore on your own, whether that means the Golden Gate or one of the city's neighborhoods. Because only one leg of the trip is by train and the rest is city-based touring, this suits travelers who want a taste of California rail travel alongside two national-park-style day trips, without changing hotels.
What to know before you look closer
- Only one rail leg is included, Los Angeles to San Francisco on day 1; the rest of the trip is city-based touring and day trips from San Francisco, not further train travel.
- No meals are listed as included; the inclusions cover only the rail fare and the 4 nights of hotel accommodations.
- Six San Francisco hotels are listed as options, all for the same 4 nights, including the Fairmont San Francisco and the InterContinental Mark Hopkins; the evidence does not say how your actual hotel is assigned.
Day by day
- Day 1overnight: San Francisco, CA
Your Journey Begins in Los Angeles
Leave the bright lights of Los Angeles behind as you travel north to the iconic city of San Francisco. Settle into your hotel and enjoy your first evening in this captivating urban destination, perhaps wander to the waterfront or peek at city lights from a classic cable car.
- Day 2overnight: San Francisco, CA
Yosemite National Park
Head out for a full-day adventure into the majestic Sierra Nevada. Enjoy panoramic scenery and iconic natural landmarks as you traverse awe-inspiring valleys, granite peaks, and lush meadows in one of America's most beloved parks.
- Day 3overnight: San Francisco, CA
Muir Woods and Sausalito Day Trip
Venture north of the Golden Gate for a guided tour featuring towering redwood forests and tranquil trails. This is your chance to walk beneath ancient giants and soak up the serene atmosphere of California's coastal woodlands. Explore the seaside charm of Sausalito before returning to the city.
- Day 4overnight: San Francisco, CA
San Francisco
Take time today to explore the vibrant neighborhoods and scenic vistas that make San Francisco famous. Take in views of the Golden Gate, stroll through eclectic districts, and absorb the city's eclectic culture.
- Day 5
Your Journey Ends in San Francisco
Check out of your hotel and continue your travels.
The moments this trip is built around
- Day 1Amtrak's Coast Starlight carries the trip north from Los Angeles to San Francisco, arriving in time to settle into the hotel for the evening.
- Day 2A full-day trip into Yosemite National Park, with stops at overlooks across the Sierra Nevada's valleys, granite peaks, and meadows.
- Day 3A guided walk through the redwood forest of Muir Woods, followed by time in the seaside town of Sausalito.
- Day 4A day of exploring San Francisco at your own pace, including views of the Golden Gate.
Included
- One-way Amtrak® in Coach accommodations from Los Angeles to San Francisco on the Coast Starlight®
- 4 nights' hotel accommodations
Questions travellers ask
- Is train travel included?
- Yes, one-way Amtrak in coach class from Los Angeles to San Francisco on the Coast Starlight, on day 1.
- Is it escorted or independent?
- It is a mix. The Yosemite National Park day trip and the Muir Woods and Sausalito day trip are guided outings, but the final day in San Francisco is left for you to explore on your own.
- Which train is used?
- Amtrak's Coast Starlight, in coach class, for the Los Angeles to San Francisco leg.
- What hotels are used?
- Six San Francisco hotel options for the 4-night stay, including the Fairmont San Francisco, the InterContinental Mark Hopkins San Francisco, and the Hilton San Francisco Union Square.
- What is not included?
- No meals are listed as included; the inclusions cover only the one-way rail fare and 4 nights of hotel accommodations.
- How much walking is involved?
- The Yosemite day trip and the Muir Woods walk involve time on your feet outdoors, but no hikes or altitude are described; San Francisco days are at your own pace.
