Public Excursions ... and you're invited!
Where else can you ride regularly scheduled vintage rail equipment on a very scenic (and busy) commuter corridor at speeds of up to 90mph? Why &ldots; on the incomparable &ldots; Overland Trail! (This is NOT your 10 mph train museum "choo choo ride", our cars operate behind regularly scheduled Amtrak trains at full track speed ... just as they were designed to do!)
Of course, we also operate special trips and "Pullman style long hauls" all over the Amtrak western region &ldots; where would you like to go?
Los Angeles / San Diego Service
The Overland Trail (and usually a companion car), operates several times a year between Los Angeles and San Diego, thrilling those in her charge with a nostalgic rail trip to "yesteryear". Departing from the recently restored Los Angeles Union Station (built in 1939!), the vintage railway cars are entrained within Amtrak's state of the art, high speed passenger trains, the PACIFIC SURFLINERS as they speed to San Diego (built in 1915!).
A typical "Diego" trip starts out thus: "Upon departure, our passengers enjoy fresh coffee and continental breakfast, while following right-of-way through some wonderfully industrial backsides of LA and Orange County businesses. Our "pocket streamliner" then makes it first stop at Fullerton (our passengers are able to board/detrain at any regular Amtrak station stop). We casually speed through the heart of Orange County, stopping next at Anaheim, then Santa Ana. We encounter our first bit of 90mph track and race into Irvine, followed by San Juan Capistrano. Shortly after departing San Juan Cap, we reach the mighty Pacific Ocean and enjoy miles of seaside vistas with sunbathers and surfers right outside our windows! Soon, we're at Oceanside, then Solana Beach. We climb rugged Marimar Hill and then coast on into San Diego. What adventure!"
For the discriminating adventurer, yesterday's pleasures of railway travel are still at hand. Treat yourself, your significant other, family or friends to California's beauty by rail as we journey along Santa Fe's famed surf line between Los Angeles and San Diego. Our on board service will delight your taste buds -- your fare includes freshly prepared hors d'oeuvres and beverages (if interested, please ask about our wine upgrade). While on Board, traditionally attired porters will serve you at your seat, recorded big band music sets the mood and seaside vistas fill our large picture windows. Fresh flowers and linen complete the experience, everything for a wonderful trip aboard the time machine known as ... the Overland Trail!
There are several southbound options possible (and a delightful San Diego Northbound trip that allows for a quick lunch at Olvera Street for our San Diego customers). For details, view the schedule.
Fare - $98.00 / person, round trip. Children 11 & under are half-fare.
Like to enjoy some nice wine with your outing ... add $15 per person extra to your fare for a wine coupon good for up to three glasses of wine. Have your own favorite vintage in mind ... bring it along, only a $2 corkage fee per person.
We usually schedule a couple day trips or weekend trips north of LA as well ... Los Angeles to Santa Barbara and Los Angeles to San Luis Obispo ... please see the individual "trip pages" for more information.
The 10 and 6 Pullman Sleeper, Pacific Sands and the Diner/lounge, Overland Trail attached to an Amtrak passenger train on their way to Santa Fe, NM.
For those who love rail travel (and who doesn't ... I could LIVE on a moving train for the rest of my life!), we have a few Long Hauls scheduled in cooperation with the Spinn Family and their 1950 built, ex Union Pacific sleeping car, the Pacific Sands. It is a real "Pullman Sleeping car" and provides our overnight accommodations. The rooms are ingeniously designed, compact, but fitted with everything one might need away from home. Depending upon the accommodation, there is one or two beds, sink, toilet, vanity, excellent lighting including reading lights, closet and picture window. The rooms are very comfortable ... but lets face it, we're going to spend most of our time in the diner / lounge enjoying great food with railroad inspired recipes, wonderful conversation with like minded travelling companions and of course, ever changing vistas from our extra large picture windows in the Overland Trail.
We realize there are so many opportunities to spend your vacation dollars ... That's why we truly appreciate every patron and strive to give them value for their dollar. Our railtrips are designed to be fun and educational, but above all, a time of rejuvenation and relaxation. Another aspect we like to brag about ... on our longs hauls (unless otherwise specified), we have rooms for up to 20 passengers aboard the Pacific Sands ... and with a 39 seat dinner/lounge along, you can see that there is room to move around. In other words, one cars worth of folks spread over two cars!
