Taking a train ride across the Southern California coast is an unforgettable experience, but it doesn’t need to start or end when you get on board. The town of Goleta is a train lover’s dream and the perfect place to spend a day before you board the state’s premier scenic railroad experience. Spanning a state park, a museum, and a train ride, it’s the perfect adventure to celebrate the railroad.

Start your adventure in Goleta, California by exploring Lake Los Carneros State Park, a peaceful haven only a walk away from railroad history.
City of Goleta Government/Facebook
This is an easy hike, with trails and boardwalks marking your way. You're less than a mile away from your destination.
Emily House/AllTrails
The view of Lake Los Carneros is stunning from the trail, especially during the spring as the flowers bloom.
City of Goleta Government/Facebook
From there, it's only a short walk to the South Coast Railroad Museum, based at the old Goleta train depot.
Management/TripAdvisor
The museum holds a large selection of exhibits, but the main attraction is definitely the vintage rail cars that dot the tracks.
South Coast Railroad Museum/Facebook

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While the trains only run during special events now, you might be able to get a ride of another kind - on a vintage handcar!
South Coast Railroad Museum
Less than three miles from the museum is your final destination - the Pacific Surfliner, Amtrak's double-decker coastline train.
Buttercup1211/TripAdvisor
There is no better way to see the Pacific coast than from the seat of one of these retro-styled trains.
Management/TripAdvisor
If you go on a longer trip, you'll also get to see the California mountains as the sun sets.
Pglejm/TripAdvisor
Long voyage or short on the Surfliner, you'll be able to recharge and relax while basking in the natural splendor of Goleta and the Southern California coast.
Management/TripAdvisor

Have you visited Goleta and taken a ride aboard its nearby railroad? Let us know all about your trip in the comments section. If you’re thinking about making this the next stop on your adventure railroad, visit the South Coast Railroad Museum’s website to find out about their current exhibits. The Pacific Surfliner can be booked on their Amtrak page.

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Featured Addresses
Lake Los Carneros, Goleta, CA 93117, USA
South Coast Railroad Museum, 300 N Los Carneros Rd, Goleta, CA 93117, USA
Goleta, 25 S La Patera Ln, Goleta, CA 93117, USA