Visit the original San Diego Mission. The mission is within 10 miles of both the San Diego and Old Town - San Diego train stations and can be reached by San Diego trolley service.
See Balboa Park. Balboa Park is home to the world-famous San Diego Zoo, as well as many of San Diego's museums and performing arts venues. Balboa Park is only 2 miles away from San Diego's central Amtrak train station.
Know train station hours of operation. The San Diego station is open daily from 4:30 a.m. to 1:00 a.m.; however ticketing hours are 5:15 a.m. until 10:15 p.m. The Old Town station is open 24 hours a day, but ticketing is not available at this location.
Take advantage of Amtrak's checked baggage service. Amtrak allows up to three pieces of baggage to be checked without charge. The service is offered at the San Diego station between 5:30 a.m. and 7:00 p.m.
Choose a route. The Pacific Surfliner train offers service to Los Angeles more frequently than through service to Santa Barbara. Travel by a direct train to arrive quickly and have time to stop and explore Los Angeles. Or book a seat on the more luxurious Coast Starlight trains that travel from Los Angeles to Santa Barbara once a day.
Know your seating options. Pacific Surfliner trains offer first-come, first-served coach seats. You can also book business-class seats which provide complimentary snacks and more legroom.
Consider completing your 'mission.' The Santa Barbara Mission is only 2 miles away from the train station and can be reached by Santa Barbara trolley tours.
Tour State Street. The Santa Barbara train station is on State Street, where most of Santa Barbara's shopping, dining, and other attractions are located. The heart of the downtown area is less than a mile from the station.
