WEST COAST CALIFORNIA BY TRAIN LOS ANGELES

[adamadamadamadam]

hey there, does anyone know if the pacific surfliner train track stops near anysurf spots, And does anyone had any experience using it? Im visiting in November and dont have vehicle, and like the idea of public transport, train sounds nice. Does anyone know if you can hop on and off this train as you please with a long distance ticket, or if you need a seperate ticket for each segment? Also their surf board policy is 6 foot max, mine is 6,7". Any ideas how strict they are?
Failing that does anyone want to do a ride share to get out of Santa monica for a day or 2 sometime in November? I'm visiting from UK I'll pay you to be my friend and for petrol!!

Cheers, Adam
(34)

[billie_morini]

I like the station list on Wikipedia better than the amtrak website. There are 2 problems with this train.
1) it is VERY SLOW (consumes more than 2x automobile drive time)
2) does not stop immediately close to many beaches, let alone surf breaks (however, within short drive)

The one stop that is a surf break is the San Clemente pier. This is a nice place to surf.

You can take a board, but they won't make it easy. You need to reserve space for board ahead of time and pay fee. Bicycles are trwater this way and the fee is $5. If you do not make bicycle reservation, they will not let you take it. This is bad because there are beaches within 3 miles of the some train stops.

Unfortunately for you, the surfliner is only a nice concept. It's not that useful and it is not that cheap.

Now, if you are simply within Los Angeles, you might use public transportation. It does go to some useful locations, but it takes ridiculous amounts of time.

Hopefully, someone will respond to your request for a ride.

[billie_morini]

Oh, forgot to answer some of your questions.
1. Yes, have experience. So does wife and close friends
2. There is a rail pass ticket, so you can get on and off

Getting on and off to explore would be most useful in Santa Barbara, Carpenteria, and San Clemente Pier. These are nice areas with cute towns. But, only 1 has a surf break close to the station.

[billie_morini]

Well, let's add one more surfable train station. This info is the valuable information compared to sleeping cars and legroom. Amtrak would do themselves a favor by identifying which stations are near beaches and surf.

The Grover Beach station in the town of Pismo Beach is close to a long stretch of surf. Best break is probably Pismo Beach pier.

[Devon]

Hi! I'm also curious about traveling on the Pacific Surfliner. I will be visiting a brother in law in San Clemente and a brother in LA, with 2 longboards (9ft) and 3 kids. I'm not as concerned about travel time, just think it will be a less stressful option for kids, etc…..IF they will accommodate longboards. Has anyone been able to travel with boards longer than 6ft? Any tips would be much appreciated.