There’s only so much time left in summer, and with no shortage of high-profile events taking place across Southern California, Amtrak wants you to spend less time driving and more time relaxing.
Amtrak and the LOSSAN Rail Corridor Agency are urging Californians to utilize the Pacific Surfliner to get to and from summer events throughout the region.
The Surfliner serves 29 stations across a 351-mile scenic corridor, connecting San Diego, Orange, Los Angeles, Ventura, Santa Barbara and San Luis Obispo counties. Each train includes reclining seats, power outlets, complimentary WiFi and an on-board cafe that features food and drinks, including local craft beer and California wines.
Earlier this year, Amtrak re-introduced an 11th and 12th daily trip between Los Angeles and San Diego, giving more options for passengers who want to explore Southern California by train this summer.
Amtrak and LOSSAN say there are several big name events taking place in the coming weeks that are easily accessible along the Surfliner route, including beachside wine festivals, sporting events and theme parks.
“Riders can skip the congestion and enjoy a scenic rail experience while en route to the season’s most memorable moments,” LOSSAN officials wrote in a news release.
Below is a list of events happening in the region in areas serviced by Amtrak:
Del Mar Race Season: July 18 – Sept. 7
Happening at Del Mar Racetrack in San Diego County, race season at the iconic venue includes weekend races and trackside festivities. Opening day takes place on July 18.
To get there, you can take the Surfliner to the Solana Beach Station and hop on a complimentary shuttle on race days.
California Wine Festival: July 18-19
Happening at Chase Palm Park in Santa Barbara, it’s the 20th year of the California Wine Festival, which is a two-day celebration of all things wine in the vineyard capital of Southern California. Adjacent to the beach, the festival includes wine tastings and culinary experiences.
To get there, travel to the Santa Barbara Station and take a short three-minute walk to Chase Palm Park.
San Diego Comic-Con International: July 24-27
The world-famous San Diego Comic-Con is a bucket-list event for comic lovers, superhero aficionados, and film buffs, with exclusive activations, star-studded panels and never-before-seen sneak peeks into the future of the entertainment industry.
To get to Comic-Con, take the Surfliner to the Santa Fe Depot in downtown San Diego, located about a mile from the San Diego Convention Center. From there, you can walk or hop on the San Diego Trolley system to your destination.
Ventura County Fair: July 30-Aug. 10
The Ventura County Fairgrounds will host the annual county fair, offering a full carnival, interactive and educational booths, and big name performers at the Grandstand Arena, as well as all the beloved county fair fried foods a person can eat.
The Pacific Surfliner will drop you off just steps from the fairgrounds at the Ventura Station.
Disneyland Resort 70th Celebration: Through Summer 2026
Many Disney fans might be surprised to know that the “Happiest Place on Earth” is actually quite easy to get to by train.
Riders can travel to the Anaheim Regional Transportation Intermodal Center (ARTIC) station and then transfer to a free bus shuttle to the resort.
Amtrak has partnered with Disneyland on a special 70th Anniversary custom train wrap, as well as exclusive offers like discounted park admission and free train fare.
To learn more, click here.
Amtrak encourages riders to book their trips early to secure their preferred travel dates, particularly when attending busy events like Comic-Con and opening day at Del Mar.
“Passengers with Unreserved Coach tickets have the flexibility to board any train between their selected origin and destination, with seating available on a first-come, first-served basis,” officials said.
Travelers can also upgrade to business class which includes a guaranteed seat, complimentary snack and beverage and priority boarding.
To plan your trip, visit PacificSurfliner.com.