Saturday, July 19, 2025
As Southern California enters a vibrant season filled with exciting events, the Amtrak® Pacific Surfliner® stands out as the ideal way to travel through the region. With the introduction of a 12th daily round-trip between Los Angeles and San Diego, the Pacific Surfliner offers unparalleled flexibility, comfort, and a relaxing way to navigate the bustling summer travel season. This expansion in service ensures that passengers have a convenient option to avoid the stress of traffic while enjoying the scenic beauty of California’s coastline.
The Pacific Surfliner serves 29 stations along a 351-mile stretch of coastline, linking major cities in San Diego, Orange, Los Angeles, Ventura, Santa Barbara, and San Luis Obispo counties. This expansive route is designed to make travel as easy and stress-free as possible, providing an exceptional alternative to driving, especially during the peak summer months when roads are congested with vacationers and event-goers.

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From major cultural celebrations to thrilling sporting events, the Pacific Surfliner is the perfect way to experience Southern California’s top destinations. Whether you’re headed to a beachside wine festival, a family vacation, or one of the region’s iconic summer events, the train offers a scenic, comfortable journey with plenty of amenities on board.

Key Summer Destinations Accessible by Train

Del Mar Race Season
July 18 – September 7 | Del Mar Racetrack
The Del Mar Racetrack kicks off its iconic summer meet with Opening Day on July 18, marking the start of an exciting season of horse racing. This event is a highlight for both casual fans and seasoned enthusiasts. With weekend races, lively trackside festivities, and breathtaking views of the Pacific Ocean, Del Mar offers a one-of-a-kind experience.
Getting There:
Travelers can take the Pacific Surfliner to Solana Beach Station, where complimentary shuttle service is provided on race days for those with valid train tickets. From there, it’s just a short ride to the racetrack, allowing passengers to enjoy the event without the stress of parking or traffic.

California Wine Festival – Santa Barbara
July 18 – 19 | Chase Palm Park
The California Wine Festival in Santa Barbara is celebrating its 20th year of bringing wine lovers and foodies together for two days of exquisite tastings and culinary delights. Held along the beautiful Central Coast, this festival offers a unique blend of wine and food experiences set against the backdrop of the beach.
Getting There:
Travelers can easily reach the event by taking the Pacific Surfliner to Santa Barbara Station. From there, it’s only a three-minute walk to the festival at Chase Palm Park, making it convenient for attendees to dive into the celebration of fine wines and gourmet food.
San Diego Comic-Con International
July 24 – 27 | San Diego Convention Center
San Diego’s world-renowned Comic-Con is back for another year, offering exclusive programming, industry panels, premieres, and fan activations. As one of the largest and most anticipated pop culture events in the world, Comic-Con draws thousands of fans each year, and the Pacific Surfliner offers an excellent transportation option to avoid the hassle of traffic and parking.
Getting There:
Travelers can take the Pacific Surfliner to the Santa Fe Depot in downtown San Diego. The station is conveniently located just one mile from the San Diego Convention Center, allowing attendees to easily access the event without the stress of navigating congested roads.
Ventura County Fair
July 30 – August 10 | Ventura County Fairgrounds
The Ventura County Fair, affectionately known as “A Country Fair with Ocean Air,” brings together the excitement of classic carnival rides and games with the serene beauty of Ventura’s beachfront setting. The fair includes live music, food stalls, and the iconic Ferris wheel, which offers stunning views of the Pacific.
Getting There:
The Pacific Surfliner takes passengers directly to Ventura Station, which is located just steps away from the fairgrounds. This makes it incredibly easy for visitors to enjoy the fair without having to worry about parking or traffic congestion.
Disneyland® Resort 70th Celebration
Now Underway | Anaheim, CA
In celebration of 70 years of magic, the Pacific Surfliner has teamed up with Disneyland® Resort to offer special travel deals, including a custom train wrap and exclusive travel offers for Disneyland guests. This marks a milestone for one of Southern California’s most iconic attractions.
Getting There:
Travelers can take the Pacific Surfliner to Anaheim Station, where discounted park admission and train fare are available for those heading to Disneyland® Resort. A complimentary bus connection from the station to the resort makes it even easier for passengers to start their magical journey.

Plan Ahead for Summer Rail Travel

With a wide array of events and festivals taking place across Southern California this summer, it is highly recommended that travelers book their Pacific Surfliner tickets in advance, particularly for high-traffic events such as Comic-Con and Del Mar’s Opening Day. Early booking ensures that passengers secure their preferred travel dates and times, particularly as these events draw large crowds.
For passengers holding Unreserved Coach tickets, the Pacific Surfliner offers flexibility by allowing them to board any train between their selected origin and destination. Seating is available on a first-come, first-served basis, making it a convenient option for those with flexible schedules.

Comfort and Amenities on the Pacific Surfliner

The Pacific Surfliner provides a relaxing and comfortable journey for all passengers. Each train is equipped with reclining seats, power outlets, complimentary Wi-Fi, bike and luggage racks, and a Market Café that serves a selection of food and beverages, including California wines and local craft beer. Whether traveling for business or leisure, passengers will find the Pacific Surfliner to be a comfortable and enjoyable experience.
For those seeking even more comfort, Business Class upgrades are available. Business Class tickets guarantee a reserved seat, along with a complimentary snack and beverage, priority boarding in San Diego, and additional Amtrak Guest Rewards points. As Business Class tickets are in high demand and limited in availability, travelers are encouraged to book early to ensure they secure a spot.

Stay Informed and Connected

To stay updated on real-time service alerts, crowding forecasts, and other important travel information, passengers are encouraged to follow @PacSurfliners on Twitter/X. This is an excellent way for travelers to remain informed and ensure that their journey goes smoothly, especially during busy times like the summer months when there may be more crowds or unexpected delays.

The Perfect Way to Travel

The Pacific Surfliner offers a scenic, stress-free alternative to driving, making it the perfect way to travel to Southern California’s top summer events. Whether attending a world-renowned festival like Comic-Con, a beloved local tradition like the Ventura County Fair, or a milestone celebration at Disneyland® Resort, the Pacific Surfliner allows passengers to avoid traffic, reduce stress, and enjoy the beauty of the California coastline.
With increased flexibility and comfort, including the recent introduction of an additional daily round-trip service between Los Angeles and San Diego, the Pacific Surfliner continues to be a top choice for travelers seeking convenience and ease. As the summer season heats up, there has never been a better time to experience all that Southern California has to offer by rail.

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Tags: Amtrak, California coastline, California Wine Festival, Del Mar Races, Disneyland Resort, family vacation, Pacific Surfliner, Pacific Surfliner amenities, Public Transportation, San Diego Comic-Con, scenic train travel, Southern California events, summer festivals, summer travel, train travel in California, Ventura County Fair

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Saturday, July 19, 2025
Saturday, July 19, 2025
Saturday, July 19, 2025
Saturday, July 19, 2025
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Saturday, July 19, 2025
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