The nostalgia that good old-fashioned train rides in Northern California can bring is truly special. Locomotive travel can bring us back to a time when we took the time to watch what was outside our window and simply enjoy the journey. If you’re looking to remember what it’s like to enjoy the journey and tour Northern California in a unique way—or you just want to give the family a special experience they’ll never forget—then traveling Northern California’s scenic railways are the perfect way to do just that. The following are eleven train rides in Northern California that will give you an unforgettable experience.

1. Redwood Valley Railway
Yelp/ John M.
Tilden Park Steam Train at the Redwood Valley Railway, 2481 Grizzly Peak Blvd, Orinda, CA 94563, USA
Yelp/ Jeff M.
Train enthusiasts and newbies alike will fall in love with this darling miniature train ride. The best part is that tickets for this scenic train ride in Northern California are very affordable--less than $5 per person.
2. Yosemite Mountain Sugar Pine Railroad
Yosemite Mountain Sugar Pine Railroad, 56001 CA-41, Fish Camp, CA 93623, USA
Yelp/ Yosemite Mountain Sugar Pine Railroad
This scenic train ride in Northern California is definitely a little farther south, but it's such a cool experience that it snuck onto this list. The gentle 4-mile ride is the route used by logging companies hauling massive logs out of the forests. It's a fun journey that is sure to make you feel like a kid again.
3. Western Pacific Railroad Museum
Western Pacific Railroad Museum, 700 Western Pacific Way, Portola, CA 96122, USA
Yelp/ David K.
The Western Pacific Railroad Museum in Portola houses a large collection of locomotives, rolling stock, and a collection of items from the historic rail line. Among the collection is the UP 6946, the largest diesel locomotive ever built, and historic equipment from the famous California Zephyr. Train rides are behind diesel locomotives (a steam engine is being restored and will be put into service when completed).
4. Napa Valley Wine Train
Napa Valley Wine Train, 1275 McKinstry St, Napa, CA 94559, USA
Yelp/ Chris H.
Sit back and enjoy this scenic train ride through Napa Valley as you sip a glass of local wine. This luxurious train ride is definitely one of the fancier ones on this list! It's an amazing way to experience wine country, and easily one of the most scenic trains in the state.

5. Skunk Train
The Skunk Train, 299 E Commercial St, Willits, CA 95490, USA
Yelp/ Cailyn Yulee C.
Possibly one of the most iconic Northern California experiences, everyone should add an experience on Mendocino County's Skunk Train to their bucket list. It's a one-of-a-kind experience through the beautiful redwoods.

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6. Niles Canyon Railway
Niles Canyon Railway Boarding Platform, 37105 Vallejo Way, Fremont, CA 94536, USA
Yelp/ Allen C.
This is a railroad museum where the exhibits come to life, and you can ride historic trains and learn all about the interesting history here. You can also charter train rides for groups if you want exclusive access for you and your party.
7. Sacramento River Train
Yelp/ Sacramento River Train
Sacramento River Train old town, 131 J St, Sacramento, CA 95814, USA
Yelp/ Sacramento River Train
The Sacramento River Train offers a number of options for 28-mile, 3-hour trips along the beautiful Sacramento River. Trains board in Woodland, just north of Sacramento. Depending on the trip you choose, this excursion train offers brunch, lunch, and dinner in two dining cars.
8. Railtown 1897 State Historic Park
Railtown 1897 State Historic Park, 10501 Reservoir Rd, Jamestown, CA 95327, USA
Yelp/ Sabrina M.
Railtown 1897 State Historic Park is located in Jackson, in the heart of California's Gold Country. The park features a preserved roundhouse and locomotive repair shop, both of which are still functional, and guided tours are available. Steam-powered excursion trains run every weekend during certain times of the year, so be sure to check the website to find out when the next train departs.
9. Amtrak California Zephyr
Amtrak, Martinez, CA 94553, USA
Yelp/ Kristian D.
The California Zephyr is a true icon in transportation. You can ride the train from San Francisco to Donner summit and beyond, making this a wonderful trip for as long or as short as you would like it. This Northern California train ride is a wonderful way to see how many of our ancestors made it out west in the heyday of railroad travel.

10. Roaring Camp Railroads
Roaring Camp, 5401 Graham Hill Rd, Felton, CA 95018, USA
Yelp/ Andrew G.
This is another train ride that is just south of Northern California. It's located in the Santa Cruz mountains and offers a rip-roaring good time! It offers rides on authentic 1880s steam locomotives operating on the Redwood Forest Steam Train excursion and 1920s-era Beach Trains to Santa Cruz.
11. Sierra Railroad Dinner Train
Sierra Railroad DinnerTrain, 330 S Sierra Ave, Oakdale, CA 95361, USA
Yelp/ Chris H.
Editor's Note: As of September 2022, Sierra Railroad Dinner Train is temporarily closed.

Themed dinners, beer train rides featuring local breweries, live music, and an all-around great time are a few of the fun things to expect on the Sierra Railroad Dinner Train. The fun ride takes you through scenic orchards and farmland.

Have you ever traveled along any of these train rides in California? Share your thoughts, train photos, and railway experiences with us in the comments below. For more scenic adventures, hop in the car and take this beautiful road trip in Northern California. And don’t forget to check out our Ultimate Road Trip Packing List!

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train rides in Northern California

Jackie Ann | September 09, 2022

Can I go for a train ride in Northern California?

Other train rides in Northern California include:

  • Niles Canyon Railway
  • Pumpkin Patch Express

 

In addition to the train rides mentioned above, there are even more scenic train rides in Northern California that are ideal for a day trip. The Niles Canyon Railway operates several different train rides, ranging from team locomotives to self-propelled railcars, and even special holiday train rides which are a must during Christmas. If you just can’t wait for the holidays, the Pumpkin Patch Express is a great fall-weather train ride where you’ll get to travel by train through the Yolo County farmland and even pick yourself a pumpkin before heading home. 

What are the best day trips in Northern California?

Some day trips in Northern California include:

  • Yosemite National Park
  • Big Sur
  • Half Moon Bay

 

The Golden State is ripe with incredible adventures to occupy your day, you just need to pick the sights! A tour of the gold country is always a good idea, where you can learn more about the history of the gold rush and see what the towns look like today. Of course, seeing the majestic redwoods should be on everyone’s bucket list, and Redwood National Park is a great place to start. Nature lovers will have a blast taking a paddle around one of the many gorgeous lakes in Northern California, and there are always Northern California’s beautiful beaches that make for a memorable day trip. 

What are the best road trips through Northern California?

Besides train rides, road trips are a great way to see the sights of Northern California. One of the most underrated road trips through Northern California will take you to this side of the state’s most majestic lighthouses. So not only will you still get to see the beautiful beaches of Northern California, you’ll get to experience these historic lighthouses, too! If you’re traveling with kids who aren’t thrilled at the idea of seeing lighthouses, we’ve mapped out a family-friendly road trip in Northern California that’ll take you to more whimsical attractions, like the Walt Disney Family Museum, the Jelly Belly factory, and more. 

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