Best Train Journeys Around the World in Riverside, California, United States
1. San Gorgonio-San Jacinto Train
Experience stunning mountain views as you travel through the San Bernardino National Forest.
- Scenic Beauty: Offers breathtaking landscapes and wildlife sightings.
- Accessibility: A great option for day trips from Riverside.
- Adventure: Includes a historic narrow gauge railroad experience.
2. Coaster Railroad
Take a nostalgic trip on the vintage train that winds through Knott's Berry Farm amusement park.
- Nostalgia: A classic attraction with a rich history dating back to 1920.
- Family Fun: Perfect for a fun-filled family day out in Riverside.
- Convenience: Located within Knott's Berry Farm, easily accessible.
3. Palm Springs Aerial Tramway
Ride the world's largest rotating tramcar up to Mount San Jacinto for breathtaking desert vistas.
- Spectacular Views: Offers panoramic views of Coachella Valley and the Chino Canyon.
- Educational Experience: Features two observation decks, a natural history museum, and a cafe.
- Adventure: A thrilling ride through the rugged Chino Canyon.
4. Pacific Surfliner Train
Travel along the coastline from San Luis Obispo to San Diego, stopping at scenic destinations like Santa Barbara and Los Angeles.
- Scenic Coastal Views: Offers stunning ocean vistas and beach towns.
- Convenience: Stops at major cities along the Southern California coast.
- Efficiency: Saves travel time compared to driving.
5. Riverside Railway Museum
Explore the history of railroads in Riverside and Southern California.
- Historic Attraction: Preserves vintage trains and railway artifacts.
- Educational Experience: Features exhibits, educational programs, and events.
- Community Engagement: Hosts volunteer opportunities and community events.
6. Desert Wind Railroad
Enjoy a scenic train ride through the beautiful Box Canyon in Anza-Borrego Desert State Park.
- Scenic Beauty: Offers stunning desert landscapes and wildlife sightings.
- Adventure: Includes a historic steam train experience.
- Educational Experience: Provides insights into the area's rich history and ecology.
7. Orange Empire Railway Museum
Step back in time as you explore a vast collection of historic trains and railway artifacts.
- Historic Attraction: Features an extensive collection of vintage locomotives.
- Educational Experience: Offers educational programs, events, and guided tours.
- Family Fun: Includes rides on restored vintage trains.
8. Tehachapi Loop Railroad Tour
Experience a unique engineering marvel as you navigate the Tehachapi Mountains.
- Scenic Beauty: Offers stunning mountain views and wildlife sightings.
- Engineering Marvel: Features a gravity-defying rail loop.
- Historic Attraction: Preserves an important piece of railway history.
9. Folsom Railroad Museum
Explore the history of the Transcontinental Railroad in Folsom, just a short trip from Riverside.
- Historic Attraction: Preserves the site where the First Transcontinental Railroad was completed.
- Educational Experience: Features exhibits, educational programs, and events.
- Accessibility: Easily accessible from Riverside via car or train.
10. Sierra Railroad
Travel through the picturesque Sierra Nevada foothills on a historic steam train.
- Scenic Beauty: Offers stunning mountain and wildflower vistas.
- Historic Attraction: Operates vintage steam trains dating back to the 1890s.
- Adventure: Includes a thrilling journey through tunnels and over trestles.
11. Napa Valley Wine Train
Indulge in wine tasting and delicious cuisine while enjoying a scenic journey through California's famous Napa Valley.
- Gourmet Experience: Offers fine dining and gourmet meals on board.
- Scenic Beauty: Features stunning vineyard and valley views.
- Wine Tasting: Includes visits to renowned Napa Valley wineries.
12. Yosemite Mountain Sugar Pine Railroad
Travel through the Sierra National Forest on a vintage steam train and visit Yosemite National Park.
- Scenic Beauty: Offers breathtaking views of the Sierra Nevada mountains.
- Historic Attraction: Operates vintage steam trains dating back to the 1930s.
- Adventure: Includes a journey through historic logging camps and tunnels.
13. Golden Gate Rail Tour
Experience the iconic Golden Gate Bridge and San Francisco Bay on a scenic train journey.
- Iconic Landmarks: Offers breathtaking views of the Golden Gate Bridge and San Francisco.
- Historic Attraction: Features a journey through historic neighborhoods like Chinatown and North Beach.
- Efficiency: Saves travel time compared to driving.
14. Amtrak Coast Starlight
Travel from Seattle to Los Angeles on a scenic train journey with stops along the Pacific Northwest and California coast.
- Scenic Beauty: Offers stunning mountain, ocean, and city views.
- Convenience: Stops at major cities along the Pacific Northwest and California coast.
- Efficiency: Saves travel time compared to driving.
15. Amtrak California Zephyr
Experience the best of the American West on a scenic train journey from Chicago to San Francisco with stops in Denver and Salt Lake City.
- Scenic Beauty: Offers stunning views of the Rockies, the Great Salt Lake, and the Sierra Nevada mountains.
- Historic Attraction: Travels through historic towns like Ogden, Utah and Reno, Nevada.
- Efficiency: Saves travel time compared to driving.