Amtrak: California Rail Pass – Take a Traincation

 

Amtrak's Pacific Surfliner travels the California coast

 

Forget the stress of flying or driving on your next vacation. Take a Traincation! Amtrak entices travelers to ride the rails in the Golden State with its California Rail Pass. For $159, travelers have access to unlimited travel within the state on any seven days within a 21-day period. Children (ages 2-15) pay $79.50.

 

The California Rail Pass is good on four different trains: The Pacific Surfliner offers spectacular views of the Pacific Ocean while it travels between San Diego and San Luis Obispo – the perfect choice for visits to Disneyland, Los Angeles or Santa Barbara. The Capitol Corridor runs frequently between the Sacramento region and the expansive San Francisco Bay Area. The San Joaquin moves you through California’s Central Valley, the state’s agricultural region and gateway to the iconic Yosemite National Park. The Coast Starlight, which runs between Los Angeles and Seattle, is also included in the pass, however, you may only travel between points within California, otherwise it will cost you extra. Most connecting Thruway bus services associated with the trains mentioned are also included in the pass. Reservations must be made ahead of time for all travel.

 

Visit Amtrak’s Web Site for more information. To make reservations, call Amtrak at 1-800-USA-RAIL (1-800-872-7245).

San Diego: Savings Alert – Kids Free in October

October brings super savings for families visiting San Diego. More than 100 hotels, restaurants and attractions will participate in “Kids Free San Diego” and extend free offers to children the entire month. It’s a great way for budget-minded visitors to explore this lively Southern California destination.

Deals include free kid’s admission to popular attractions like SeaWorld San Diego, LEGOLAND California, San Diego Zoo, Birch Aquarium at Scripps and the USS Midway Museum. Free meals for kids will be offered at restaurants like Hard Rock Café and at hotels such as Marriott, Sheraton and Hilton. Local tours and cruises will offer free tickets for kids and many hotels have special welcome gifts just for kids upon arrival of your overnight stay.

How to reach San Diego? Amtrak is offering savings on train travel to America’s Finest City on the Pacific Surfliner. During October, one child, ages 2 -15, rides free for each adult rail fare purchased.

Most “Kids Free San Diego” offers are good with paid adult admission and age restrictions vary. The deals are good October 1-31, 2012. For a complete list of offers, visit the San Diego Con/Vis Bureau. 

Los Angeles: Union Station - National Train Day May 12

Replica locomotives at the Golden Spike National Historical Site, Utah

On Saturday, May 12, 2012, Amtrak stations across the country will celebrate National Train Day. The occasion marks the 143rd anniversary of the historic completion of the Transcontinental Railroad. It was on May 10, 1869 in Promontory Summit, Utah that the “Golden Spike” was driven into the last tie, connecting the Central Pacific and Union Pacific railroads, thus linking the eastern and western halves of the United States.

A major celebration of National Train Day will take place at Union Station in downtown Los Angeles with lots of exciting activities. Visitors can learn about the history of train travel, view model train displays and tour a broad selection of train cars – from luxury rail cars to freight and commuter cars. Throughout the day there will be live musical entertainment, demonstrations by the Amtrak Police K-9 Units and cooking demos by the Amtrak culinary team (with lots of free samples). The AmtraKids Depot will entertain children with playtime activities and clowns from Ringling Bros will perform juggling acts and teach basic clowning skills. Nickelodeon star, Dora the Explorer will be around to pose for photos. Of course, there will be lots of train related memorabilia available for purchase at the merchandise store.

More Information: National Train Day - Union Station

800 North Alameda Street, Los Angeles, CA 90012

Date/Time: Saturday, May 12, 2012, 11am to 4pm

General Admission: Free

Jamestown: Sierra No. 3 - Back On Track

Photo: Sierra No. 3 (California State Parks)

A popular star of TV and film makes a comeback this weekend after undergoing a three-year, $1.5 million facelift. The Sierra No. 3 steam engine will debut July 3 and 4 at Railtown 1897 State Historic Park in Jamestown, a small Gold Rush town near the foothills of the Sierra Nevada. The 1891 vintage locomotive has a long list of movie credits including High Noon, Unforgiven, and the Virginian. It’s appeared in TV shows such as Petticoat Junction, Lassie, Gunsmoke and Little House on the Prairie.

Special festivities will mark the return of the Sierra No. 3 including live entertainment, costumed characters, food and movie highlights. Visitors may take 45-minute train rides behind the locomotive, one of the oldest operating steam engines in the USA. Tickets cost $30 for adults and $15 for children ages 2 to 17. Sierra No. 3 train rides will depart at 9:30 a.m., 11:00 a.m., 12:30 p.m., 2:00 p.m., 3:30 p.m. and 5:00 p.m. both days.

More information: Railtown 1897 State Historic Park

5th Avenue and Reservoir Road (3 miles south of Sonora)

PO Box 1250, Jamestown, CA 95327

209 984-3953

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