9 Best Day Trips from San Diego by Train

California may not have the most impressive transportation system in the US, but there’s still a lot you can easily see when traveling by train. I especially love taking the train for day trips – it makes traveling a breeze! If you’re looking to explore the Golden State, I’m breaking down the best day trips from San Diego by train. 

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What Train Goes to San Diego?

There are two main trains that go to (and from) San Diego: the Amtrak Pacific Surfliner and the Coaster Commuter Rail. 

Amtrak’s Pacific Surfliner starts in San Diego at the Santa Fe Depot train station (located downtown), and goes up the coast through North County San Diego, Orange County, Los Angeles, Ventura, and Santa Barbara before ending in San Luis Obispo. You can take a look at the Amtrak Pacific Surfliner schedule to see the most up-to-date timetables.  

You’ll likely take the Coaster Commuter Rail if you’re planning on staying within San Diego County. Like the Pacific Surfliner, it starts at the Santa Fe Depot train station. It takes you out of downtown and through Sorrento Valley, before going up along the coast to stop in Solana Beach, Encinitas, Carlsbad, and Oceanside. The San Diego Coaster Schedule has updated information to help you plan your trip.  

Important Note: Be sure to check the appropriate San Diego train schedule ahead of time to know when you should head out and – more importantly! – what train you should take on the way back. You have a bit less flexibility when taking the train (compared to driving), so it’s important to plan ahead of time to know when and how you’ll be traveling. 

Solana Beach is one of the best day trips from San Diego for those looking for ease and convenience. The Solana Beach Train Station is conveniently located in the heart of the town’s shopping and eating district, and is just a couple blocks from the beach. You can easily explore the area without needing to take any other form of transportation!

This charming coastal San Diego town is super laid-back, and is the perfect destination for anyone looking to spend some time shopping (or window browsing), exploring San Diego’s beer scene, eating, and relaxing at the beach. 

If you’ll be getting to Solana Beach early on in the day, I highly recommend starting your day trip with breakfast at Claire’s on Cedros. This has been a favorite since I was a kid growing up in San Diego – you can’t go wrong with their pancakes! Pro tip: there is often a wait (especially on weekends), but you can join their waitlist online during your train ride.      

While visiting Solana Beach, you’ll want to spend some time at South Cedros Avenue, which is home to quirky shops and great eateries and cafes. Be sure to also stop by Culture Brewing Co. for a craft beer.  

A Solana Beach trip isn’t complete without a stop at the beach. Fletcher Cove is a beautiful beach, and a great place to lounge in the sand, jump in the water, or go on a coastal walk. 

Note: both the Pacific Surfliner and the Coaster Commuter Rail stop in Solana Beach (at the same station), so choose whichever best fits with your schedule. 

2. Encinitas (45 Minute Train)

Another destination that is perfect for a one day trip from San Diego is Encinitas, a chill surf town. Much like Solana Beach, this is a super convenient place to visit by train, as the Encinitas Train Station is located in the center of town. 

There are a ton of great things to do in Encinitas. Be sure to go for a walk or lay out on the sand at Moonlight Beach. You’ll also want to spend some time exploring the many shops, restaurants, and cafes along the 101. If you need a beer and a bite to eat, I highly recommend Modern Times. Need some caffeine? Grab a coffee at Better Buzz. 

Another unique Encinitas attraction is the Meditation Garden at the Self-Realization Temple. The peaceful garden (which is free to visit!) is beautifully landscaped. It’s situated on a coastal cliff, and offers unbeatable views of the coast. 

Note: the Pacific Surfliner doesn’t stop in Encinitas. You’ll need to take the Coaster Commuter Rail. 

3. Carlsbad (1 Hour and 5 Minute Train)

Head further up the coast, and you’ll make your way to Carlsbad, another oceanside town that has a train station conveniently located in the heart of town. This is a popular tourist destination in North County San Diego, and is known for its lively downtown area and great beaches. A Carlsbad day trip is perfect for anyone looking to spend some time by the ocean and explore a charming, energetic town.

Encinitas and Carlsbad share a lot of similarities – as well as some key differences! Check out my Carlsbad vs. Encinitas guide to determine which San Diego town you should visit. 

When looking for things to do in Carlsbad, you’ll want to add Carlsbad Village to your itinerary. It is home to some of the best restaurants, bars, and shops in the area. Campfire is one of my all-time favorite restaurants in all of San Diego, and is a great spot for dinner and/or drinks. 

Of course, you can also spend some time by the water at Carlsbad State Beach – which is just steps away from Carlsbad Village! If the weather is particularly great, consider doing a private surf lesson. Those that would prefer to stay on land can also explore town by renting an electric bike.  

For those visiting with younger kids, one of the top family-friendly attractions in Carlsbad is Legoland. There is the main theme park, as well as an aquarium and a water park. 

If you happen to be visiting Carlsbad in the spring, you also can’t miss The Flower Fields. The seasonal attraction features more than 50 acres of colorful ranunculus flowers. Note that the fields are located about a 10-minute drive south of Carlsbad Village, and you will need to take a rideshare to get there. 

Note: you’ll take the Coaster Commuter Trail, as the Pacific Surfliner doesn’t stop in Carlsbad. Keep in mind that you’ll want to get off at the Carlsbad Village Station – NOT Carlsbad Poinsettia. One exception: those planning on visiting Legoland can get off at Poinsettia, and then either take a rideshare or the North County Transit District 445 Bus to the park. 

4. San Clemente (1 Hour and 20 Minute Train)

San Clemente is located on the southern edge of Orange County. Amtrak’s Pacific Surfliner stops at the San Clemente Pier train station, which is just steps from the beach, the pier, and plenty of great eateries. 

This is one of the best Amtrak trips from San Diego for those looking for a low-key day by the water. While you’re there, you’ll want to walk down the San Clemente Pier to take in the view of town. If you really want to get your steps in, consider walking along the San Clemente State Beach Trail, which takes you up the coast. 

While visiting San Clemente, you can also walk just under a mile inland up Avenida Del Mar and explore the picturesque downtown district. Here, you’ll find plenty of great shops and restaurants. If you need a caffeine boost, stop by Sur Coffee. There are also some excellent lunch eateries, including Seasurf Fish Co. and Active Culture. 

5. San Juan Capistrano (1 Hour and 35 Minute Train)

One of the best day trips near San Diego for history buffs is San Juan Capistrano. The Pacific Surfliner stops at the San Juan Capistrano train station, which is conveniently situated just steps from the town’s most popular attraction: Mission San Juan Capistrano. The historic Spanish mission was founded in 1776, and is open daily (except on Mondays) for tours. 

As you explore San Juan Capistrano, be sure to spend some time walking through Los Rios Street Historic District. It’s the oldest neighborhood in the state! You’ll see three adobes from the late 18th century and early 19th century. 

San Juan Capistrano also has some great restaurants. I especially love El Adobe de Capistrano, which is the place for excellent Mexican food served in a unique historic building. 

6. Laguna Beach (1 Hour and 35 Minute Train + Bus or Rideshare)

This train day trip requires a little extra effort, as you’ll need to call a rideshare or take the bus from the train station to get to your final destination. With that said, it’s well worth it to spend some time in beautiful Laguna Beach!

Of course, a visit to Laguna Beach is all about spending time by the water. There’s a great walking path at Heisler Park, which is situated on top of a coastal cliff. From here, you get incredibly picturesque views of the coast. You can also take the Recreation Point Staircase down to the tide pools, and dip your toes in the water at Main Beach. 

Laguna Beach also has a charming, super walkable town with lots of great restaurants and shops. While you’re there, be sure to grab lunch at Zinc Cafe or Las Brisas. 

For this trip, you’ll take the Pacific Surfliner to the San Juan Capistrano train stop. From there, you can either take a rideshare or the bus. I do recommend sticking with a rideshare, as it will be much quicker and easier (as you need to take two buses). 

If you want to take the bus, from the SJC train stop, take the quick walk over to the Camino Capistrano-Ortega bus stop, and then take the 91 Bus (operated by the Orange County Transportation Authority) to the Del Obispo-Village bus stop (a 15-minute ride). Walk to the Pacific Coast-Del Obispo bus stop, and take the 1 Bus (also operated by OCTA) to the Coast-Laguna bus stop (a 30-minute ride).

7. Newport Beach and Balboa Island (2 Hour and 5 Minute Train + Rideshare)

The picturesque coastal town of Newport Beach is the perfect place for a day trip! To get to Newport Beach from San Diego, you’ll take the Pacific Surfliner to the Santa Ana train station. You’ll then need to call a rideshare to get into Newport Beach. The ride will be about 20 to 35 minutes, depending on traffic. 

There are plenty of different things to do in Newport Beach, depending on your interests. One of the most popular attractions is Balboa Island. Stroll down Marine Avenue to check out the local shops and eateries – be sure to get a frozen banana while you’re there! Around the holidays, you can also walk around the neighborhoods and admire the Christmas decorations. 

Just across the bay from Balboa Island (on the Balboa Peninsula) is the Balboa Fun Zone, a mini amusement park on the water. 

Those looking to get in some retail therapy can stop by Lido Marina Village, an outdoor waterfront shopping district. There is also Fashion Island, a much larger outdoor mall. 

Of course, you can’t go wrong with a beach day at Newport Beach Municipal Beach. You can also walk down Balboa Pier or Newport Beach Pier to take in the view of the area. 

If you’re up for an adventure on the water, consider going on a whale watching cruise for the chance to see blue whales, humpback whales, and more!

Keep in mind that – depending on your itinerary – you may need to call a rideshare a few times throughout the day to get from activity to activity. 

Note: Unfortunately, taking public transportation from the Santa Ana train station to Newport Beach will take at least an hour and a half, which is too much travel time for a day trip. Taking a rideshare from the train station will be necessary. 

8. Disneyland (2 Hour and 15 Minute Train + Bus or Rideshare)

Of course, one of the most popular places to visit outside of San Diego is Disneyland. To get to the happiest place on earth, you’ll take the Pacific Surfliner to the Anaheim Regional Transportation Intermodal Center. From there, take the 50 bus (operated by the Orange County Transportation Authority) to the Katella Ave. WB @ Harbor Blvd. bus stop – this ride is about 15 minutes. You’ll need to walk just over half a mile up S Harbor Boulevard to get to the Disneyland and California Adventure entrance. 

Alternatively, you can take a rideshare from the train station to the Disneyland Drop Off. This ride will take just about 10 minutes. 

9. Downtown Los Angeles (3 Hour Train)

Last but not least is Downtown Los Angeles. The Pacific Surfliner drops off at Union Station, which is close to many attractions in DTLA. That said, you still may need to take a bus or rideshare when exploring the city. 

Right across the street from Union Station is Olvera Street, a historic Mexican marketplace. This colorful pedestrian street dates back to 1930, and is the perfect place to shop, eat, and take in the culture. 

Another one of the most popular attractions in DTLA is Grand Central Market. This food hall – which has been operating since 1917 – is home to tons of great eateries and bars. One of my top recommendations is Ramen Hood, a fully vegan ramen spot! While you’re there, be sure to stop inside the Bradbury Building, which has a unique Victorian architecture-style interior. 

There are also tons of great museums in DTLA, including The Broad and the Museum of Contemporary Art. Both are free to visit – just be sure to make a reservation online in advance.   

Keep in mind that you’ll have a 3 hour journey home on the train from LA to San Diego, so don’t leave too late in the day!

What to Bring On Your Day Trip

Now that you’ve picked out your day trip destination, it’s time to figure out what you need to pack! Of course, the exact items you need will depend on the spot your visiting, but here are a few key items you’ll want to bring along on any day trip:

• Small Backpack: You won’t want to lug around a huge bag, but you will need something to carry the essentials. The backpack that I always use for my day trips is the AOTIAN Mini Nylon Backpack.
• Sunscreen: You’re exploring Southern California, which means you’ll be spending lots of time outdoors (and likely in direct sun!). Be sure to protect your skin with sunscreen. My top recommendations are the Supergoop! Play SPF 50 (for the body) and the EltaMD UV Clear SPF 46 (for the face). 
• Sunglasses: On the same note, you’ll need some good shades to keep your eyes shielded against the sun! My favorite affordable pair are the WearMe Pro Sunglasses.
• Water and Snacks: Be sure you have at least a small water bottle with you, as well as a few snacks. You’ll be happy to have something to enjoy during the train ride!

Have a fun time on your day trip! Here are some additional travel guides to help you plan your next getaway or staycation:

• The Best Outdoor Activities In San Diego
• The Best San Diego Beaches
• The Best San Diego Breweries
• The Best Things To Do In Encinitas, CA: The Complete Guide
• The Best Things To Do In Carlsbad, CA
• Carlsbad Vs. Encinitas: Which Is Best To Visit?
• The Perfect Carlsbad Day Trip: 1-Day Itinerary
• The Ideal Encinitas Day Trip Itinerary: A Local’s Guide
• The Perfect La Jolla Day Trip Itinerary