#USA #Amtrak Pacific Surfliner #California #Southern California #Summer Events

Amtrak Expands Service for Southern California Summer Events

As summer approaches, Southern California is gearing up for a wave of exciting events, and Amtrak® Pacific Surfliner® has stepped up to provide an efficient and enjoyable transport option for travelers. Recently, the Pacific Surfliner introduced its 12th daily round-trip service between Los Angeles and San Diego, enhancing flexibility and comfort for passengers on their summer journeys.

The Pacific Surfliner operates along a picturesque 351-mile coastal corridor, serving 29 stations across San Diego, Orange, Los Angeles, Ventura, Santa Barbara, and San Luis Obispo counties. This robust service offers an ideal alternative to driving, especially during Southern California's busy summer travel season.

Key Summer Events Accessible by Train

Travelers can avoid traffic hassles and enjoy scenic views while heading to some of the most anticipated summer happenings, including cultural festivals, sports events, and family vacations. Here are a few highlights:

Del Mar Racing Season - July 18 to September 7

The prestigious Del Mar Racetrack will kick off its storied summer racing season on July 18. Featuring weekend races, on-site celebrations, and stunning coastal views, this event is a must-visit for horse racing fans and tourists alike. Getting there: Passengers can take the Pacific Surfliner to Solana Beach Station and enjoy free shuttle service on race days with a valid train ticket.

Santa Barbara California Wine Festival - July 18 to 19

Celebrating its 20th year, the Santa Barbara California Wine Festival draws wine enthusiasts and food lovers to the coast for two days of tastings and culinary experiences beside the beach. Getting there: After arriving at Santa Barbara Station, a short three-minute walk leads to the event at Chase Palm Park.

San Diego Comic-Con - July 24 to 27

This world-renowned event returns to the San Diego Convention Center, presenting exclusive programming, industry panels, premieres, and fan interaction activities. For those wishing to skip parking and traffic woes, the Pacific Surfliner is an excellent choice. Getting there: Travel to Santa Fe Depot in downtown San Diego, just about a mile away from the convention center.

Ventura County Fair - July 30 to August 10

Affectionately known as the “Ocean Breeze Country Fair,” the Ventura County Fair combines classic carnival fun with coastal charm. Visitors can enjoy rides, live music in the open-air theater, and delicious food stalls under the setting sun. Getting there: The Pacific Surfliner to Ventura Station is a perfect way to access the fairgrounds, just steps away!

Disneyland® Resort 70th Anniversary Celebration

Anaheim is celebrating 70 magical years, and the Pacific Surfliner is joining in with specially painted trains and exclusive travel discounts. Getting there: Passengers can enjoy discount tickets to the park when traveling from Anaheim Station, with free shuttles available to the resort area.

Plan Your Summer Train Journey

Travelers are encouraged to book their tickets early to ensure they can select preferred travel dates, especially for popular events like Comic-Con and the opening day of Del Mar Racing. With a general ticket, passengers can enjoy flexibility in riding any scheduled train between their chosen origin and destination station, subject to available seating.

All Pacific Surfliner trains are equipped with reclining seats with charging outlets, free Wi-Fi, bicycle and luggage racks, and food service offering local wines and craft beers. For those seeking even greater comfort and convenience, travelers can upgrade to business class, which includes guaranteed seating, complimentary snacks and beverages, priority boarding in San Diego, and additional Amtrak rewards points. Given the limited seating, booking business class tickets in advance is highly recommended.

To stay updated, passengers can follow @PacSurfliners on Twitter/X for operational news, crowd forecasts, and travel updates. For further information and to plan your next trip, visit PacificSurfliner.com.

About Amtrak® Pacific Surfliner®

The Pacific Surfliner operates along a scenic 351-mile coastal rail line connecting San Diego, Orange, Los Angeles, Ventura, Santa Barbara, and San Luis Obispo counties, serving 29 stations. It is one of the busiest state-supported intercity rail services in the United States. To learn more and plan your journey, visit pacificsurfliner.com.

About LOSSAN Rail Corridor Agency

The Los Angeles – San Diego – San Luis Obispo (LOSSAN) Rail Corridor Agency is a joint powers authority made up of rail owners, operators, and planning agencies along the LOSSAN Rail Corridor. The agency is committed to improving ridership, revenue, on-time performance, operational flexibility, and safety. It has managed the Pacific Surfliner service since signing an inter-agency transfer agreement with the State of California in July 2015. For more information, visit Lossan.org.