Best Southern California Train Day Trips for Families
Sometimes the best family adventures begin before you even arrive.
One of our favorite ways to explore Southern California is by taking the train to nearby destinations and letting the journey itself become part of the fun. For kids, riding the train adds excitement, freedom, and a sense of adventure that makes even familiar places feel new.
From charming beach towns to city escapes, these train-friendly destinations make some of the easiest and most memorable SoCal day trips.
Favorite Stops
San Juan Capistrano
A perfect blend of history, walkability, food, and shopping.
Best for:
- Mission visits
- Family restaurants
- Seasonal festivals
- Easy strolling with kids
San Clemente
A relaxed beach-town stop with incredible sunset views.
Best for:
- Pier walks
- Dinner by the ocean
- Shopping
- Beach play
Oceanside
Great for families who want a fun beach day without the hassle of parking.
Best for:
- Pier access
- Ice cream stops
- Shopping
- Walkable beach fun
Union Station Los Angeles & Olvera Street with Kids
A visit to Union Station Los Angeles paired with a stroll across the street to Olvera Street makes for a simple yet memorable family day trip. Kids will love watching trains come and go, while adults can admire the station’s beautiful architecture before wandering into the colorful marketplace known as the birthplace of Los Angeles. Together, these two historic landmarks offer a fun mix of sightseeing, culture, shopping, and delicious Mexican food.
👉 Explore our full Union Station Los Angeles adventure.
Family Train Trip Essentials
Taking the train makes getting there part of the adventure, but having a few family-friendly travel essentials can make the day even easier. These are a few things we like to have on hand for train rides and exploring once we arrive.
🎒 Keep the Kids Comfortable & Entertained
- Kids’ Travel Pillow & Blanket Set
Perfect for longer train rides or when little travelers need a cozy spot to relax.
- Travel Games for Kids
A simple way to keep kids entertained during the ride without relying on screens.
- Travel Tray
Helpful for keeping snacks, coloring activities, games, and small toys organized on the train.
- Headphones
Great for kids who want to listen to music, audiobooks, or watch something during the ride.
💧 Don’t Forget the Basics
- Collapsible Water Bottle
Bring water along for the train ride and your day of exploring. A collapsible bottle is especially convenient because it takes up less space when it’s empty.
🔭 Make the Journey Part of the Adventure
- Kids’ Binoculars
For kids who love looking out the train window and spotting things along the way, binoculars can turn the ride into its own little adventure.
🧳 Make Traveling Easier
- Packing Cubes
Even for a day trip, packing cubes can help keep snacks, extra clothes, activities, and other family essentials organized inside your bag. - Kids’ Luggage
If your child likes having their own bag, a small rolling suitcase or kids’ luggage can make them feel like part of the adventure while giving them a place to carry their own essentials.
Planning a train day trip with kids? A few simple travel essentials can make the journey just as enjoyable as the destination.