Who doesn't love a train ride? There's something so precious about sitting back and relaxing and watching the landscape roll by from your window seat. If you love the idea of Southern California day trips you can take by train, then you'll want to take a look at these eight rides that will bring out the adventurer in you.

1. The Pacific Surfliner -- San Luis Obispo to San Diego

The first of our day trips in Southern California is the Pacific Surfliner by Amtrak. This train will take you on a journey from San Luis Obispo to San Diego on a scenic ride through the most picturesque towns of SoCal. Just pick your departure town and your destination and you'll be all set. To see a train schedule and plan your trip, visit the Amtrak webpage.

2. Pacific Surfliner -- San Clemente

A popular destination on the Pacific Surfliner is to the splendid beach town of San Clemente. Leave the car at home and just kick back and relax on your beautiful journey. For ticket prices from your specific location take a look at the rates and schedule to and from San Clemente on the Pacific Surfliner.

3. Pacific Surfliner -- San Juan Capistrano

If San Juan Capistrano is your destination on the Pacific Surfliner, you'll be treated to dazzling views on your way to and from San Juan Capistrano. After you depart the train, make sure to linger a while to enjoy some fine dining options at this historic train station. The Amtrak site has schedules and ticket prices to San Juan Capistrano.

4. Pacific Surfliner -- Santa Barbara

Starting from San Luis Obispo, Santa Barbara is the 6th stop on the Pacific Surfliner. Head into Santa Barbara for an afternoon of dining, shopping, biking, and beach walking. Before the sun goes down jump back on the train and head home. Ticket prices and complete schedules can be found at Amtrak.

5. Pacific Surfliner -- San Diego

When you take the Pacific Surfliner to San Diego you will depart the train in the heart of the city at the San Diego Santa Fe Depot. You won't even need a car to explore the bustling downtown area and you can even stroll down to the harbor. This is a great city for some adventures in Southern California. Tickets and times can be found on the Pacific Surfliner website.

6. Pacific Southwest Railway Museum, Campo

If you're not up for an all day journey, the Pacific Southwest Railway Museum offers 12-mile train rides on Saturdays and Sundays that will take you through the San Diego countryside. Head to their website for tickets and train schedules.

7. The Coaster and The Surfliner -- Oceanside to San Diego and scenic stops in between

Although the Coaster is only a commuter train, it's the perfect way to travel between downtown San Diego and Oceanside with stops at key locations in between. Just hop off the coaster and explore a new SoCal town like Carlsbad Village, Encinitas, or Solana Beach. You can find ticket prices and schedules at the official site.

8. Fillmore & Western, Fillmore

Unfortunately, since the time of publication this railway has closed.

Whether you're looking for a scenic weekend train ride, a murder mystery aboard a train that's full of intrigue, or a special occasion dinner train to celebrate holidays with loved ones, Fillmore & Western is a great pick. Check out their Website for more information about train events, schedules, and ticket prices.

Oh, how nice to spend a leisurely day on the train. What do you think of this list of Southern California day trips you can take by train? Have you ever had a chance to take a ride on any of these routes?

For some more towns to visit in SoCal that are not along the train route, take a look at these 12 places that are delightful to visit just as long as you have a car.