While Amtrak’s Pacific Surfliner train route has dozens of scenic stops all the way from San Diego to SLO, the stop at San Clemente’s historic pier may be the most memorable.
The tiny, unstaffed train platform sits right on the sand, so you can literally step off of the train and onto the beach.
Here’s a closer look…
Taking Amtrak to San Clemente
Amtrak’s Pacific Surfliner is as much about the journey as it is about the destination, with long stretches right on the bluffs overlooking the Pacific Ocean. The San Clemente stop sits at 615 Avenida Victoria, which is just steps from the nearly century-old wooden pier and several classic seafood restaurants.
The beautiful coastal town of San Clemente is a favorite weekend getaway in Southern California, known for its pristine beaches, charming boutiques, excellent restaurants, and scenic hiking trails. The pet-friendly Beach Trail offers 2.3 miles of ocean views and easy beach access. You can also easily fill an afternoon in Downtown San Clemente, which houses a lively mix of surf shops, specialty stores, breweries, and dining spots.
A trip aboard the Pacific Surfliner
The Pacific Surfliner is the busiest state-supported intercity rail line in the U.S., running 351 miles along the California coast from San Diego to San Luis Obispo. The route connects 29 stops across six counties, passing through popular destinations like Solana Beach, San Clemente, Anaheim, Los Angeles, Ventura, Santa Barbara, and more. Much of the journey hugs the shoreline, offering sweeping views of beaches, cliffs, and coastal hills.
One-way tickets aboard the Pacific Surfliner can start as low as $19, but vary depending on your destination and peak travel times. You can check the Amtrak website for the latest offerings and discounts.
🌐 Learn more: PacificSurfliner.com