Trains are not used enough in exploring the beauty of California and the West Coast in general. There are train trips to enjoy from San Francisco, so take a chance on these fun routes. Don’t worry, a train trip is more than possible in the San Francisco Bay area. If you’re looking to take a step back in time then take a look at these six wonderful and best day trips from San Francisco. All of these train trips are in the San Francisco Bay area. Now, pack your bags and board the train. Ready to go!

1. Capitol Corridor on Amtrak
Capitol Corridor Train: Fremont, 37260 Fremont Blvd, Fremont, CA 94536, USA
Patrick Dirden/Flickr
The Capitol Corridor is a 168-mile passenger train route by Amtrak. The Capitol Corridor is a popular route on a train that will take you to Auburn in the foothills of the Sierra Mountains, through the Sacramento area, and eventually to Emeryville where one can transfer to a bus to San Francisco. You can also continue onward to Santa Clara and San Jose. This is one of the most scenic day trips near San Francisco. Book your tickets for the Capitol Corridor route on the Capitol Corridor website.
2. Coast Starlight on Amtrak
Emeryville, CA, USA
The West End/Flickr
The Coast Starlight is a passenger train by Amtrak. Board at Emeryville if you're in San Francisco and take a day trip to Davis, Chico, or any number of stops locally. The Coast Starlight is a special route because it features a first-class lounge car called the "Pacific Parlour Car". A train trip aboard the Coast Starlight is one of the most unique things to do around San Francisco. Visit the Amtrak website to book your tickets.
3. Napa Valley Wine Train
1275 McKinstry St, Napa, CA 94559, USA
Napa Valley Wine Train Yelp Business Page
The Napa Valley Wine Train is 18 miles long and runs between Napa and St. Helena. Although a short ride, this train goes through Yountville, Rutherford, and Oakville. The most unique aspect of this train is that the route passes by many of the best vineyards and wineries in Napa. Enjoy wine tastings and a gourmet meal aboard the train. It's one of the best day trips near San Francisco you can take.
4. Altamont Corridor Express
Pleasanton, CA 94566, USA
Altamont Corridor Express Yelp Page
Altamont Corridor Express connects Stockton and San Jose, so you need to get to the Pleasanton Station from San Francisco. The route is 86 miles and includes 10 stops. WiFi is available on board. Visit the ACE Rail website to view routes and book your tickets.
5. San Joaquins by Amtrak
Oakland Jack London, 245 2nd St, Oakland, CA 94607, USA
DB's Travels/Flickr
The San Joaquins Train by Amtrak takes you to Fresno, Stockton, and as far as Bakersfield. Start your journey at the Oakland station and explore the San Joaquin Valley for a fun day trip. This train runs multiple times a day. You can learn more and book your tickets on the Amtrak website. It's one of the best day trips near San Francisco.
6. California Zephyr on Amtrak
Emeryville, CA, USA
Terry K/Yelp
The California Zephyr is operated by Amtrak and runs locally through Martinez, Sacramento, and Truckee. You can continue to Reno, NV for a more scenic route if you would like. This will be one of the most beautiful day trips near San Francisco you could possibly take.

Have you taken any of these trains? What other best day trips from San Francisco would you suggest? Let us know your opinions. Also, if you’re curious check out this lighthouse road trip near San Francisco that’s dreamily beautiful!

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More to Explore

Day Trips From San Francisco

Melissa M. | July 07, 2022

Are there any train museums in and around San Francisco?

We have so many amazing places to explore in San Francisco, including the San Francisco Railway Museum. While there are no trains here, there is a wonderful collection of vintage street cars and cable cars. There are plenty of displays around the museum that teach visitors all about the history of rail travel in the city. When you visit, don’t forget to stop by the gift shop!

Can I take a themed train excursion near San Francisco?

While you can always take the Napa Valley Wine Train as mentioned above, there are a few other themed train rides from the San Francisco area you may want to try. Located over 170 miles away up north, you can book tickets for the Skunk Train, an 1885 train that takes passengers through the redwoods. Furthermore, there are special events held throughout the year. Themed train excursions include Cinema in the Woods, Music in the Redwoods, the Pumpkin Express, and the Magical Christmas Train.

Where can I find the best scenery near San Francisco?

Some of the most spectacular scenery can be found by the Golden Gate Bridge along the Batteries to Bluffs Trail. The loop is just over two miles long and one you cannot miss! Of course, there are additional scenic hikes in San Francisco, but this one is a local favorite.

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