Amtrak Vacations
California Coast
Nine-day rail journey down the California coast, San Francisco to San Diego
9 daysfrom $1,129
33% rail
Amtrak Vacations · Independent rail vacation
California Wine Country by Rail
Nine-day rail trip through Paso Robles, San Francisco, and Napa Valley
Amtrak Vacations runs this nine-day, eight-night independent rail trip through California wine country, starting in Los Angeles and finishing in San Francisco after stops in Paso Robles and Napa Valley. The Coast Starlight carries the trip from Los Angeles to Paso Robles and on to San Francisco, and the Napa Valley Wine Train covers the final rail leg from San Francisco into the valley. Wine touring runs through the middle of the trip: a Paso Robles wineries tour with a vineyard picnic lunch on day three, and a Napa Valley Wine Train journey with a gourmet lunch and a tour and tasting at Grgich Hills Estate on day six. Two nights in Napa Valley at your own pace follow, before a final night back in San Francisco. A 3-day Avis car rental is also included alongside the rail travel. This suits travelers who want a wine-focused rail trip through California with guided tastings built into an otherwise independent schedule.
What to know before you look closer
- A 3-day Avis car rental is included alongside the rail travel, but the itinerary does not say which days it covers or where to pick it up; confirm this with Amtrak Vacations.
- The inclusions list states only 1 lunch is included, but the day-by-day itinerary separately describes a vineyard picnic lunch on the Paso Robles wineries tour (day 3) and a gourmet lunch on the Napa Valley Wine Train (day 6); confirm with the operator which meals are actually covered.
- The 16 accommodation options span a range of tiers and cities, from the Holiday Inn Express & Suites in Los Angeles to the Cameo Beverly Hills; your actual hotel depends on the tier you choose.
Day by day
- Day 1overnight: Los Angeles, CA
Your Journey Begins in Los Angeles
Begin your journey in Los Angeles, taking the city in at your leisure after checking in at your hotel.
- Day 2overnight: Paso Robles, CA
Los Angeles to Paso Robles
Travel to the station this morning and board Amtrak's Coast Starlight to Paso Robles, one of California's hidden gems. Upon arriving in Paso Robles, check in at your hotel and spend some time exploring the quaint town square, which offers lots of charming shops and delicious restaurants.
- Day 3overnight: Paso Robles, CA
Paso Robles and The Vineyards
Fancy yourself a wine connoisseur? Then today is just what you need! Enjoy a celebrated Paso Robles wineries tour, which includes visits to several different award-winning wineries. A leisurely vineyard picnic lunch is included. After your wine tour is complete, head back to the town square for more shopping and dining.
- Day 4railovernight: San Francisco, CA
Paso Robles to San Francisco
Spend the day at your leisure in Paso Robles, doing some more wine tasting or enjoying the town square, before boarding the train for the journey to San Francisco. Upon arrival in Emeryville, you will have a short transfer across the bay to San Francisco. Upon arrival, check in at your hotel for a two-night stay.
- Day 5overnight: San Francisco, CA
San Francisco
Explore all San Francisco has to offer today on a hop-on, hop-off sightseeing tour of this magnificent city. Also included with your tour is a scenic cruise of the San Francisco Bay, which will provide incredible, close-up views of the Golden Gate Bridge and Alcatraz.
- Day 6railovernight: Napa Valley, CA
San Francisco to Napa Valley
Get ready for a memorable day of touring and wine tasting today! Board the elegant Napa Valley Wine Train for the scenic journey through Napa Valley, which includes a freshly-prepared gourmet lunch. Then, indulge in a tour and tasting at Grgich Hills Estate, home to one of the most famous winemakers in the world.
- Day 7overnight: Napa Valley, CA
Napa Valley
Discover more of Napa Valley at your own pace today, perhaps indulging in more winery tours and tastings, or discovering the shopping, spas and renowned restaurants that make this area a premier travel destination.
- Day 8overnight: San Francisco, CA
San Francisco
Return to San Francisco today and check in at your hotel for a final overnight stay. Enjoy more of the city's many attractions, including Chinatown, Golden Gate Park, and Pier 39.
- Day 9
Your Journey Ends in San Francisco
The moments this trip is built around
- Day 3A guided Paso Robles wineries tour with visits to several award-winning wineries and a vineyard picnic lunch.
- Day 5A scenic cruise of San Francisco Bay with close-up views of the Golden Gate Bridge and Alcatraz.
- Day 6The Napa Valley Wine Train, with a freshly prepared gourmet lunch onboard, followed by a tour and tasting at Grgich Hills Estate.
- Day 8A final evening back in San Francisco, taking in Chinatown, Golden Gate Park, and Pier 39.
Included
- One-way Amtrak® in Coach accommodations from Los Angeles to Paso Robles; and Paso Robles to San Francisco on the Coast Starlight®
- 3 Day Avis Car Rental
- 8 nights' hotel accommodations
- 1 meal (1 lunch)
Questions travellers ask
- Is train travel included?
- Yes: Amtrak's Coast Starlight in coach class from Los Angeles to Paso Robles and on to San Francisco, plus the Napa Valley Wine Train from San Francisco to Napa Valley.
- Is it escorted or independent?
- Independent, with guided outings for the Paso Robles wineries tour, the Napa Valley Wine Train and Grgich Hills Estate visit, and the San Francisco Bay cruise; other days, including day 7 in Napa Valley, are at your own pace.
- Which trains are used?
- Amtrak's Coast Starlight in coach class, and the Napa Valley Wine Train.
- Is a rental car included?
- Yes, a 3-day Avis car rental is part of the package, though the itinerary doesn't specify which days it covers.
- What meals are included?
- The inclusions list states 1 lunch, though the itinerary separately describes a picnic lunch on the Paso Robles wineries tour and a gourmet lunch on the Napa Valley Wine Train; confirm with the operator which is counted.
- What hotels are used?
- 16 accommodation options across Los Angeles, Paso Robles, San Francisco, and Napa Valley, including the Regent Santa Monica and the La Bellasera Hotel and Suites.
