carolj

We're intrigued by train travel and thinking of taking the Coast Starlight late summer. My husband, sister and I will be traveling together, we're in our 60's and 70, and like the idea of some laid-back time to enjoy the coastal scenery and not having to drive ourselves. We've been to Southern CA, but not Northern. Tentative plans are to get reserved coach seats from LA to Oakland, which takes one day. We'll spend at least 3 nights in SanFrancisco, probably taking a day trip to Napa and maybe the ferry to Sausalito. Then back on the train, with a sleeper car for the rest of the trip. We're thinking of going straight thru to Seattle, spending time there and maybe going up to Victoria or Vancouver. We'll probably be gone about 12 days total. We'll fly home from Seattle. What are some places, sights, that are "must-see" on this route? Should we take advantage of some of the other CA or Oregon stops along the way? How about great places to stay? We're checking out Homeaway.com for places in both San Fran and Seattle. I guess I should post this on Oregon and Washington sites, too, but I'll wait to hear from you (CA) first! Thanks,

november_moon

The train only goes along the coast for a short while north of LA - I think it turns inland around Santa Barbara or maybe a little north of there. Then it follows an inland route the rest of the way.

For stops, San Luis Obispo is a nice town - and close to some nice coastal areas and the Santa Ynez valley wine region.

If you stopped in Salinas, you could visit the Monterey peninsula.

Sacramento has some neat places to see and if you rented a car, you could go into the gold country.

Portland would be a good stop.

esorami

We took this Amtrak route a few years ago and it was the roughest head banging (actually) trip ever. I kept saying I don't know how elderly ppl would survive this. Maybe by now the tracks are smoother, and I surely hope so.
The food was excellent.
Victoria and Vancouver would be perfect choices to see.

boom_boom

Done this trip from LA to Seattle 3 times in the past 10 years, always with a sleeper, always late and always enjoyable despite being behind schedule.

You turn inland just north of Vanderburg AFB, but the views from Oxnard to there along the coast are great.

If you want to break up the trip from Oakland north, consider Eugene, OR or Portland. I'm sure there are tours to the Columbia River Gorge, Oregon wine country and maybe even Mt. St. Helens that you could do in a day.

Personal choice is Vancouver over Victoria, but both are worth a visit if you have time. There is a high speed ferry from Seattle to Victoria.

sunbum1944

I think you would enjoy Portland over Eugene
Train is more likely to be on time these days as not as much freight being shipped by rail

carolj

Thanks for your replies. I've heard such mixed reviews about the train, but we'll find out for ourselves! We're leaning towards staying on the train after Oakland to have more time in Seattle and go up to Vancouver. Does anyone know if the gardens in Victoria are still in bloom in September? We may take the high-speed ferry for a day, that boom-boom suggested.