The best California train ride! 2 beautiful beach cities for less than $ 40

Say what you want about California, but it is impossible to deny how beautiful the Golden State is from top to bottom.

While North California is full of hidden gems of the radar for most regular holidaymakers, South California is a completely different story.

The home base of iconic beach cities, stunning mountain ranges, sensational dishes and real estate prices that an adult man can let (been there!), Is traveling here worthwhile, because you don’t have to save about the savings of life to pay real estate tax.

Amtrak has just revealed that it is easier than ever to explore 2 of the most renowned cities in Socal with the addition of his 12th daily retour font.

The best of all is that it is super affordable (even for Californian standards). With one -way rights below $ 40 there is no better time to make summer plans.

You can easily double 2 large cities in one holiday double cities. Whether you can’t wait to touch the bright lights of Hollywood or Hobnob with celebrities in Beverly Hills or ultimately the San Diego die of your travel bucket list, the Amtrak Pacific Surfliner Call this summer!

Has Los Angeles lost his shine?

There is no beating around the bush. La’s tourist songs have fallen considerably.

But the same iconic attractions still exist Hollywood Boulevard, the Santa Monica Pier, Rodeo Drive, every conceivable world-class restaurant and much more.

Some would get a drop on the aftermath of Covid, and there is probably some truth in it.

My argument would be that there is no better time to visit the City of Angels, because it is known worldwide as full of full.

Although La -Traffic is not avoided, the scoring of restaurant reservations, more space on beaches and fewer lines in reputable museums are enough to perform Los Angeles this summer.

Let’s address the elephant in the room

Here is a serious question – when did you last heard something positive about LA in the news?

Whether they are peaceful protests, furious riots, natural disasters that tear parts of the city to fragments, the mayor who walks to Africa in times of danger, or endless tent cities that never seem to stop, there is certainly something to say for those who avoid La.

Of course, the spirit of Angelenos was nothing less than inspiring, seeing communities coming together when burning buildings destroyed to the Pacific.

For example, the fact that the annual tradition of the Pacific Palisades of holding a pleasure of July 4 will not skip a beat shows this summer how resilient this city is.

But it is reasonable to wonder whether the city has become less tempting for travelers.

It is clear that Amtrak does not think so, otherwise they would not increase daily service. The bottom line is that the same attractions remain and currently even have less crowds, but a change in perception can be the reason why.

Los Angeles still has a number of great beaches to visit, each with its own unique flair, ranging from “Muscle Beach” to family pleasure at the Santa Monica Pier.

Although due to a dangerous reduction, it is best to check the beach conditions before you make plans this summer.

San Diego is the mainstay of Socal

In honesty, when was the last time you heard something negative about San Diego in the news?

*crickets*

I think that’s your answer. LA is an explosion to visit. I would personally jump on board for the Pacific Surlliner For the current listed rate $ 36 to eat in La Koreatown.

But San Diego is also a fantastic place, and it is likely that more travelers choose the Los Angeles-San Diego route than vice versa, unless it is businesslike.

San Diego opens exciting new resorts, New tiki bars on the roofNew ferries, and new this, that, and the other, while La recovers from an unprecedented disaster and the nightmare of a PR agent to improve their image.

With beautiful historic parks reminiscent of Spain, the world -famous San Diego Zoo, trendy beach cities along the coast, Real Mexican food and underestimated cultural neighborhoods to explore, who would not want to visit San Diego?

Tourism is not a problem in San Diego, and you will immediately see it with a sea of ​​Nevada and Arizona plates. In fact, this sunny city broke tourist records in 2024.

$ 36 rates and comfortable facilities: the Pacific Surfliner experience

With gas prices that push $ 5 per gallon, you could say that jump on the Pacific Surlliner Is cheaper than a 2 -hour drive between these cities, especially during peak traffic hours.

One -way rates Are currently as low as $ 36. Amtrak’s new schedule started mid -June:

• Southbound Train 582: La Union Station starts 4.10 pmarrive in San Diego Santa Fe Depot at 7:04 pm
• Northern train 593: San Diego Santa Fe Depot departs 8:10 pmarrive at La Union Station on 22:57 hours

You can expect modern facilities on board. You can relax in comfortable, lying chairs with powerful points of sale, enjoy Market caféIncluding wines in California and local artisan beer.

You want it for sure Hop a chair by the window Because the view is beautiful for a large part of the route, while you go through Paradisal coastal cities, such as Del Mar.

Just like LA it is best to Check the beach conditions of San Diego also.

La or San Diego? Let us know!

We at Travel Off Path encourage travelers to form their own opinions about a certain destination, but we are curious – let us know in the comments you prefer this summer: Los Angeles or San Diego.

You know my voice. Go Padres!

Sam Sears

SAM, our main writer and journalist based in San Diego has visited 36 countries and wrote more than 1000 articles with a focus on sharing his own travel experiences and throwing a light on lesser -known gems.