If you’re dreaming of a California vacation, there are multiple Amtrak trains that can take you there. Plus, with over 70 Amtrak stations throughout the state, you can visit beach towns, wine country, bustling cities, theme parks and more. If you need help narrowing down your options, we’ve put together this guide of the most walkable train stations in the state. Simply book your ticket and walk off the train to reach hotels, attractions and restaurants within a few blocks of the station.
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Most Walkable California Stops: Overview
| Stop | Walk Score | Why Visit |
|---|---|---|
| Lodi | 97 | Wine, relaxation, boutique shopping |
| San Diego (Santa Fe Depot) | 96 | Waterfront activities, museums, nightlife |
| Davis | 96 | Parks, art, bike trails, diverse food |
| Oceanside | 94 | Beaches, surf culture, events |
| Emeryville | 94 | Shopping, waterfront parks |
| Santa Barbara | 89 | Beaches, food, wine, shopping |
| Sacramento | 89 | Museums, farm fresh food |
| San Juan Capistrano | 87 | Historic mission and district |
| Carpintera | 86 | Festivals, beaches, charming main street |
| Solana Beach | 85 | Dramatic beaches, live music, local shops |
| Paso Robles | 82 | Wine tasting, upscale dining |
| Ventura | 77 | Beaches, casino, car races |
| Truckee | 64 | Mountain views, historic buildings, river trails |
Lodi
Route: Gold Runner
A laid-back and historic town full of wine, local shops, and great restaurants, Lodi is the most walkable Amtrak stop in California. It’s a great place for a relaxing girls weekend or couples getaway. Plan your visit around the first Sunday in May or first Sunday in October for the large Lodi Street Faire.
Things to Do
You can walk to the following attractions from the Lodi Amtrak Station:
- Jeremy Wine Company (2 minutes)
- World of Wonders Science Museum (3 minutes)
- Lodi Community Art Center (4 minutes)
- Dancing Fox Winery & Brewery (5 minutes)
- Lodi Stadium 12 Movie Theater (5 minutes)
- Estate Crush Winery (7 minutes)
Where to Stay
Choose from many vacation rentals, including beautiful cottages and historic homes in the downtown area. There are also bed and breakfasts within walking distance of the train station:
- Poppy Sister Inn (10 minutes)
- Grape Escape Inn & Suites (12 minutes)
- Bella Vino (13 minutes)
San Diego (Santa Fe Depot)
Route: Pacific Surfliner
Step off the train at the beautiful Santa Fe Depot in San Diego and walk to the waterfront, hotels, restaurants, and day cruises that depart from nearby piers. After dark, head to the historic Gaslamp Quarter for nightlife or go to a show at a downtown theater. Plan your visit in September for great weather, fewer crowds and cheaper hotel stays. Beach lovers should plan trips in July and August.
Things to Do
The following activities and attractions are closest to the Santa Fe Depot:
- Coronado ferry (8 minutes)
- San Diego Harbor Cruise (8 minutes)
- USS Midway Museum: 9 minutes
- Port of San Diego: 9 minutes
- Little Italy: 10 minutes
- Spreckels Theatre: 12 minutes
- Maritime Museum of San Diego: 13 minutes
- Seaport Village: 13 minutes
- San Diego Civic Theatre: 13 minutes
- Balboa Theatre: 15 minutes
- Gaslamp Quarter: 20 minutes
Where to Stay
View the list of hotels closest to the San Diego Amtrak station below. There are also many hotels in the Gaslamp Quarter, but unless you’re traveling light and up for walking 20 minutes, rideshare is a great way to get luggage to your hotel.
- The Guild Hotel San Diego (5 minutes)
- Residence Inn San Diego Bayfront (5 minutes)
- Westin San Diego Bayview (6 minutes)
- Hotel Republic San Diego (6 minutes)
- Wyndham San Diego Bayside (6 minutes)
- Best Western Plus Bayside Inn (8 minutes)
- Hampton Inn San Diego Downtown (8 minutes)
- Kasa San Diego (8 minutes)
Davis
Route: California Zephyr, Coast Starlight
A walkable and bike-friendly college town, Davis is a great getaway if you’re an art, nature, or food lover. The Amtrak station is on the edge of downtown, making it easy to walk to restaurants, galleries, and hotels. There are also 100 miles of bike trails, including a scenic 12-mile loop that surrounds the city. Rent a bike at Green Bicycle Depot or download the Spin app for bikeshare rentals.
Things to Do
- The Artery Gallery (2 minutes)
- Mural Alley (6 minutes)
- Pence Gallery (6 minutes)
- Arboretum GATEway Garden (8 minutes)
- Davis Farmers Market (9 minutes)
- Green Bicycle Depot (9 minutes)
- US Bicycling Hall of Fame (10 minutes)
- Central Park Gardens (11 minutes)
Where to Stay
View the list of hotels closest to the Davis Amtrak Station below. There are also a few nearby vacation rentals if you’re looking for a larger place to stay.
- Hilton Garden Inn Davis Downtown (4 minutes)
- Best Western Plus Palm Court (7 minutes)
- University Park Inn & Suites (8 minutes)
- Aggie Inn (9 minutes)
- Best Western University Lodge (9 minutes)
Oceanside
Route: Pacific Surfliner
For a relaxing and family-friendly getaway, head to Oceanside, known for its surf culture and large beaches. Multiple Pacific Surfliner trains stop here each day near the ocean and the city center. You can surf, relax on the beach, walk down the historic pier, and rent bikes to explore the coast. Don’t miss the Oceanside Sunset Market on Thursday evenings, which spans five blocks and is full of food, retail booths, and activities for kids.
Things to Do
- California Surf Museum (6 minutes)
- Oceanside Sunset Market (6 minutes)
- Tyson Street Park (8 minutes)
- Artist Alley (9 minutes)
- Oceanside Pier (11 minutes)
- Oceanside Pier Amphitheater (11 minutes)
- Learn to Surf (11 minutes)
- Oceanside City Beach (11 minutes)
- Oceanside Museum of Art (11 minutes)
- Mostly E-Bikes (12 minutes)
Where to Stay
View the list of hotels closest to the Oceanside Amtrak Station below. There are also many vacation rentals in walking distance, which are great for families and larger groups.
- The Fin Hotel (3 minutes)
- Springhill Suites Oceanside Beach (6 minutes)
- Seabird Ocean Resort & Spa (6 minutes)
- The Brick Hotel (7 minutes)
- Southern California Beach Club (7 minutes)
- Mission Pacific Beach Resort (7 minutes)
- Club Wyndham Oceanside Pier (9 minutes)
Emeryville
Route: California Zephyr, Capitol Corridor, Coast Starlight, Gold Runner
Once an industrial hub and saloon-filled town, Emeryville is now the home of the iconic Trader Vic’s tiki bar and restaurant, waterfront parks, and tons of shops. It’s also a popular layover/connecting point between multiple Amtrak trains (California Zephyr, Capitol Corridor, Coast Starlight, Gold Runner), so you may spend time here between train rides. Tip: San Francisco is just across the bay, and recommend using rideshare to reach the ferry in Oakland (15-minute car ride).
Things to Do
- Public Market Emeryville (5 minutes)
- Bay Street Shopping (8 minutes)
- Red Door Escape Room (9 minutes)
- Shorebird Park (14 minutes)
- Tokyo Central Market (14 minutes)
- AMC Theater Bay Street (17 minutes)
- Trader Vic’s (24 minutes)
Where to Stay
View the list of hotels closest to the Emeryville Amtrak Station below:
- Hyatt House (6-minute walk)
- Four Points Sheraton (7-minute walk)
- Hyatt Place (10-minute walk)
- Hilton Garden Inn (14-minute walk)
San Juan Capistrano
Route: Pacific Surfliner
For a historic and rustic getaway with giant California pepper trees, consider a trip to San Juan Capistrano. The 1782 Serra Chapel is the oldest standing building in California still in use, and the larger mission is where thousands of cliff swallows migrate each spring. Plan to walk around the Los Rios Street Historic District, which has restaurants, unique shops and original adobe buildings. Kids will love the petting zoo at River Street Ranch.
Things to Do
- Blas Aguilar Adobe Museum (4 minutes)
- Mission San Juan Capistrano (5 minutes)
- Camino Real Playhouse (5 minutes)
- River Street Marketplace (6 minutes)
- Los Rios Street Historic District (7 minutes)
- River Street Ranch (7 minutes)
- Los Rios Park (9 minutes)
- Trabuco Creek Trail (10 minutes)
Where to Stay
The Inn at the Mission San Capistrano (6 minutes) is the only hotel within walking distance of the Amtrak station. You can also walk to several Vrbo vacation rentals.
Santa Barbara
Route: Coast Starlight, Pacific Surfliner
Known for its beaches, beautiful architecture, fresh food and wine, Santa Barbara is a wonderful car-free getaway on Amtrak. Trains arrive in between the ocean and downtown, making it easy to walk to both. Top activities include whale watching, wine tours, day cruises, and shopping on State Street.
Things to Do
- Moreton Bay Fig Tree (2 minutes)
- Reagan Ranch Center (2 minutes)
- MOXI, The Wolf Museum of Exploration and Innovation (2 minutes)
- The Funk Zone (4 minutes)
- Wheel Fun Rentals (5 minutes)
- Santa Barbara Winery (6 minutes)
- West Beach (7 minutes)
- Skater’s Point (9 minutes)
- Stern’s Wharf (11 minutes)
- Santa Barbara Carriage and Western Art Museum (11 minutes)
- Condor Express Whale Watching (12 minutes)
- Santa Barbara Sailing Center (13 minutes)
- Museums of Contemporary Art (15 minutes)
- Casa de la Guerra (16 minutes)
- Santa Barbara Courthouse (25 minutes)
Where to Stay
There are many places to stay within walking distance of the Santa Barbara Amtrak Station, including:
- Riviera Beach House (2 minutes)
- ITH Santa Barbara Surf Hostel (3 minutes)
- Moxy Santa Barbara (3 minutes)
- The Marlowe (3 minutes)
- Hotel Californian (4 minutes)
- Tide Pool Villas (5 minutes)
- Villa Rosa Inn (5 minutes)
- The Eagle Inn (7 minutes)
- The Milo (8 minutes)
- Beach House Inn (8 minutes)
- Franciscan Inn & Suites (8 minutes)
- Harbor House Inn (9 minutes)
- Casa Del Mar Inn (9 minutes)
- Brisas del Mar, Inn at the Beach (9 minutes)
- Hotel Virginia Santa Barbara (9 minutes)
Sacramento
Route: California Zephyr, Capitol Corridor, Coast Starlight, Gold Runner
California’s capital is full of farm-to-fork restaurants, museums, and history. Choose from many sightseeing tours or simply walk to Old Sacramento from the Amtrak station to explore Gold Rush-era buildings, visit the California State Railroad Museum, and stay at paddlewheel riverboat converted into a hotel. Note that Sacramento is also a great alternate end or starting point for the scenic California Zephyr route.
Things to Do
- California State Railroad Museum (5 minutes)
- Pioneer Square (5 minutes)
- Golden 1 Center (5 minutes)
- Sacramento History Museum (7 minutes)
- Old Sacramento Waterfront (7 minutes)
- Sacramento River Bike Trail (7 minutes)
- Central Pacific Railroad Freight Depot (9 minutes)
- Transcontinental Railroad Mile Marker 0 (10 minutes)
- Tower Bridge (15 minutes)
- Crest Theatre (15 minutes)
- Crocker Art Museum (15 minutes)
- California State Capitol Museum (18 minutes)
- California Museum (22 minutes)
Where to Stay
View the list of places to stay closest to the Sacramento Amtrak Station below:
- Kimpton Sawyer Hotel (6 minutes)
- Vegabond Inn (6 minutes)
- The Exchange Sacramento (7 minutes)
- AC Hotel Sacramento (7 minutes)
- Holiday Inn Sacramento Downtown Arena (7 minutes)
- Union Hotel (8 minutes)
- Delta King Hotel (10 minutes)
- Embassy Suites Sacramento Riverfront Promenade (14 minutes)
Carpintera
Route: Pacific Surfliner
Approximately 12 miles southeast of Santa Barbara, Carpintera is a laid-back and walkable beach town. It’s known for having safe beaches with shallow water and lack of rip currents, plus excellent surf spots, including Tar Pits (closest to town). The 1920s main street full of shops and restaurants (don’t miss the Mexican pastries and churros at Reynaldo’s Bakery). For extra fun, plan your visit in October during the California Avocado Festival.
Things to Do
- Carpintera City Beach (9 minutes)
- Carpintera Valley Museum (9 minutes)
- Carpintera State Beach (10 minutes)
- Carpintera Salt Marsh Nature Park (10 minutes)
Where to Stay
Explore places to stay closest to the Carpintera Amtrak station:
- Carpinteria Beach Cottages (4 minutes)
- The Rincon Rooms (10 minutes)
- Carpinteria State Beach Campground (10 minutes)
- Best Western Plus Carpinteria Inn (12 minutes)
- Vrbo vacation rentals (variable walking time)
Solana Beach
Route: Pacific Surfliner
About 22 miles north of San Diego, Solana Beach is a walkable beach town full of art and dramatic ocean cliffs. Amtrak and COASTER trains stop here multiple times per day, and you can walk to many restaurants, local shops, beaches and Belly Up Tavern, a historic live music venue. It’s a great stop if you want relaxed beach time, nightlife, great restaurants, and laid-back bike rides (rent bikes and sign up for surf lessons at Ride Solana Beach).
Things to Do
- Ride Solana Beach (3 minutes)
- Belly Up Tavern (4 minutes)
- Fletcher Cove Beach Park (4 minutes)
- Fletcher Cove Beach (6 minutes)
- Madison Gallery (7 minutes)
- Solana Beach County Park (9 minutes)
- Cedros Collective Mall (9 minutes)
Where to Stay
There are many vacation rentals within a short walk of the Solana Beach Amtrak Station or walk a bit further to reach the following hotels:
- Holiday Inn Express & Suites Solana Beach (15 minutes)
- Courtyard by Marriott Del Mar/Solana Beach (17 minutes)
Paso Robles
Route: Coast Starlight
Paso Robles is a must-visit if you love wine or are looking for a romantic adult getaway. Rolling hills and vineyards surround the small city, and there are numerous wine tours to fill your day. There are also several tasting rooms within walking distance of the Amtrak station along with excellent farm-to-table restaurants, including multiple Michelin-star and Michelin-recommended restaurants.
Things to Do
- Mid-Point Winery (7 minutes)
- Studios on the Park (7 minutes)
- Downtown City Park (8 minutes)
- Paso Robles Children’s Museum (12 minutes)
- Derby Wine Estates Tasting Room (13 minutes)
- Herman Story Wines (14 minutes)
- Salinas River Walk (16 minutes)
- San Juan Bautista Trail (16 minutes)
Where to Stay
Choose from many vacation rentals near the Paso Robles Amtrak Station as well as the following beautiful hotels and inns:
- The Ava Hotel Paso Robles (4 minutes)
- Stables Inn (5 minutes)
- Hotel Cheval (5 minutes)
- Melody Ranch Hotel (7 minutes)
- Oxford Suites (8 minutes)
- Paso Robles Inn (8 minutes)
- Paso Park Suites (8 minutes)
- Farmhouse Raso Robles (10 minutes)
- The Piccolo at Paso Robles Inn (11 minutes)
Ventura
Route: Pacific Surfliner
For an easy beach trip with a variety of things to see and do, head to Ventura. You’ll arrive within a few minutes walk of the ocean, a casino, race track, a historic mission and more. Be sure to walk down California’s oldest wooden pier, watch world-class surfers, and visit the very first Patagonia store (especially if you love outdoor clothing and gear). Consider a trip in late summer to visit the Ventura County Fair.
Things to Do
- Players Casino (3 minutes)
- Promenade Park (4 minutes)
- Surfers Point (5 minutes)
- Ventura Raceway (5 minutes)
- Mission Basilica San Buenaventura (7 minutes)
- Museum of Ventura County (8 minutes)
- Original Patagonia Store (10 minutes)
- Ventura Pier (13 minutes)
- Seaside Wilderness Park (16 minutes)
Where to Stay
- Crowne Plaza Ventura Beach (5 minutes)
- Motel 6 Ventura Downtown (5 minutes)
- Clocktower Inn (5 minutes)
- Amanzi Hotel (13 minutes)
- Vegabond Inn (14 minutes)
- Best Western at Ventura Pier (14 minutes)
Truckee
Route: California Zephyr
Although Truckee’s walk score is the lowest on this list, it’s perfectly walkable for tourists. This historic town in the Sierra Nevada mountains has parks and trails along the Truckee River and buildings dating back to the late 1800s and early 1900s. There are multiple brewpubs for sampling local beer and if you’re feeling adventurous, use the town’s on-demand shuttle to visit Donner Memorial State Park.
Things to Do
- Museum of Truckee History (1 minute)
- Mountain Arts Collective (1 minute)
- Summer Thursdays Street Festival (1 minute)
- Old Truckee Jail Museum (3 minutes)
- Truckee Community Theatre (4 minutes)
- Truckee River Winery (8 minutes)
- Trout Creek Trail (9 minutes)
- Truckee River West Unit Trail (10 minutes)
- Bike Truckee Rentals (15 minutes)
- Truckee River Regional Park (15 minutes)
Where to Stay
View the list below of the places to stay within walking distance of the Truckee train station:
- The Truckee Hotel (3 minutes)
- Tahoe Star Hotel (4 minutes)
- River Street Inn (4 minutes)
- West River House (6 minutes)
- Vrbo vacation rentals (variable walking time)
More California Train Travel
- California Amtrak Stations
- Amtrak in Los Angeles
- San Diego Amtrak Stations Guide
- Amtrak to Disneyland
- Amtrak to San Francisco
- Los Angeles to San Francisco by train
Top photo by Sergei Gussev (CC BY 3.0), Solana Beach
