California’s Best Train Ride! 2 Stunning Beach Cities For Under $40

Say what you want about California, but there’s no denying how beautiful the Golden State is from top to bottom.

While Northern California is teeming with hidden gems off the radar for most mainstream vacationers, Southern California is a whole different story.

Home to iconic beach cities, staggering mountain ranges, sensational cuisine, and real estate prices that can make a grown man weep (been there!), traveling here is well worth the splurge since you don’t have to fork over life’s savings just to pay property taxes.

Amtrak just revealed it’s easier than ever to explore 2 of SoCal’s most renowned cities with the addition of its 12th daily round-trip adventure.

Best of all, it’s super affordable (even for California standards). With one-way fares under $40, there’s no better time to make summer plans.

You can easily double-dip 2 major cities in one vacation. Whether you can’t wait to hit the bright lights of Hollywood or hobnob with celebs in Beverly Hills or finally cross off the San Diego Zoo from your travel bucket list, the Amtrak Pacific Surfliner is calling this summer!

Has Los Angeles Lost Its Luster?

There’s no beating around the bush. LA’s tourism numbers have dropped significantly.

But the same iconic attractions still exist — Hollywood Boulevard, the Santa Monica Pier, Rodeo Drive, every world-class restaurant imaginable, and so much more.

Some would chalk up LA’s drop to the COVID aftermath, and there’s probably some truth in that.

My argument would be that there’s no better time to visit the City of Angels since it’s known globally as being jam-packed.

While there’s no avoiding LA traffic, scoring restaurant reservations, more space on beaches, and fewer lines at renowned museums are reason enough to scope out Los Angeles this summer.

Let’s Address The Elephant In The Room

Here’s a serious question — when was the last time you heard something positive about LA in the news?

Whether it be peaceful protests turned rageful riots, natural disasters tearing swaths of the city to shreds, the mayor running off to Africa in times of peril, or endless tent cities that never seem to stop growing, there’s certainly something to be said for those avoiding LA.

Sure, the spirit of Angelenos was nothing short of inspiring, seeing communities come together when fires ravaged buildings all the way to the Pacific.

For example, the fact that the Pacific Palisades’ annual tradition of holding a fun July 4th parade won’t skip a beat this summer shows how resilient this city is.

But it’s reasonable to question if the city has become less enticing to travelers. 

Obviously, Amtrak doesn’t think so, or they wouldn’t be increasing daily service. The bottom line is that the same attractions remain and even have fewer crowds right now, but a change of perception may be the reason why.

Los Angeles still has some awesome beaches to visit, each with its own unique flair, ranging from “Muscle Beach” to family fun at the Santa Monica Pier.

Though due to hazardous run-off, it’s best to check beach conditions before making plans this summer.

San Diego Is SoCal’s Mainstay

In fairness, when was the last time you heard something negative about San Diego in the news?

*crickets*

I think that’s your answer. LA is a blast to visit. I would personally hop aboard for the Pacific Surfliner for the current listed fare $36 just to eat dinner in LA’s Koreatown.

But, San Diego is a fantastic place too, and it’s likely more travelers will opt for the Los Angeles-San Diego route than vice versa, unless it’s business-related.

San Diego is opening exciting new resorts, new rooftop tiki bars, new ferries, and new this, that, and the other, all while LA is recovering from unprecedented disaster and a PR agent’s nightmare case of improving their image.

With stunning historic parks reminiscent of Spain, the world-famous San Diego Zoo, trendy beach towns lining the coast, real Mexican food, and underrated cultural neighborhoods to explore, who wouldn’t want to visit San Diego?

Tourism is no issue in San Diego, and you’ll see it right away with a sea of Nevada and Arizona plates. In fact, this sunny city broke tourism records in 2024.

$36 Fares & Comfy Amenities: The Pacific Surfliner Experience

With gas prices pushing $5 per gallon, one could argue that hopping on the Pacific Surfliner is cheaper than driving 2 hours between these cities, especially during peak traffic hours.

One-way fares are currently as low as $36. Amtrak’s new schedule began mid-June:

• Southbound Train 582: Departs LA Union Station at 4:10 p.m., arriving at San Diego Santa Fe Depot at 7:04 p.m.
• Northbound Train 593: Departs San Diego Santa Fe Depot at 8:10 p.m., arriving at LA Union Station at 10:57 p.m.

You can expect modern amenities on board. You can relax in comfortable, reclining seats with power outlets, enjoy free Wi-Fi, store your bike and luggage, and sip refreshments from the Market Café, including California wines and local craft beer.

You’ll definitely want to snag a window seat as the views are stunning for a large portion of the route, as you pass through paradisal coastal towns, such as Del Mar.

Just like LA, it’s best to check San Diego’s beach conditions as well.

LA Or San Diego? Let Us Know!

We at Travel Off Path encourage travelers to form their own opinions on any given destination, but we’re curious — let us know in the comments which one you prefer this summer: Los Angeles or San Diego.

You know my vote. Go Padres!