THE ADVENTURE COLLECTIVE® · Independent discovery and booking for outdoor travel
Take a scenic seven-mile train ride through redwoods to the lively Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk. Enjoy history, stunning nature, and up to five hours of seaside fun on this family-friendly adventure.
Take a scenic seven-mile train ride through redwoods to the lively Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk. Enjoy history, stunning nature, and up to five hours of seaside fun on this family-friendly adventure.
Book with Roaring Camp Railroads
Verified experiences and guided adventures in the surrounding area.
Operated by Roaring Camp Railroads · Felton, California
Uncover the unique charm of Northern California with a memorable seven-mile journey aboard the Beach Train from Roaring Camp to the iconic Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk. This adventure begins in Felton, where the historic Roaring Camp Railroads station invites families and travelers to explore vintage steam engines threading through majestic redwood forests. As the train chugs along, passengers can soak in the lush greenery and towering trees that define this region’s natural beauty. Upon arrival at Santa Cruz, guests have up to five hours to enjoy the vibrant Boardwalk, complete with classic amusement rides, beachfront eateries, and sandy shores perfect for relaxing or playing. Whether you’re a train enthusiast, a nature lover, or a family seeking a fun day outdoors, this experience blends history and recreation effortlessly. The round trip offers stunning views and a peaceful escape, with ample opportunities to make lasting memories among coastal and forest landscapes. This trip is easy to navigate and ideal for travelers of all ages, making it a perfect day trip from nearby cities.
easy.
5–7 hours.
Suitable for all fitness levels; mostly seated during the train ride with optional moderate walking at the boardwalk.
Unfortunately, bikes are not allowed on this particular train ride to ensure passenger safety and comfort.
No food or drinks are sold on the train, but you can bring your own snacks and beverages for the journey.
Yes, the Beach Train is family-friendly and offers a fun and educational adventure for kids of all ages.
The train travels approximately seven miles and the trip to Santa Cruz lasts about 50 minutes one-way.
Trains run rain or shine. Dress appropriately for the weather, but severe storms may cause cancellations.
Yes, there is parking available on-site, but it can fill up quickly on busy days, so plan to arrive early.
Roaring Camp Railroads started as a logging railroad in the 19th century and has preserved historic steam engines for authentic train experiences.
Efforts are in place to protect the surrounding redwood forest ecosystem by minimizing train emissions and supporting local habitat restoration projects.
Roaring Camp Railroads, located in Felton, California, operates scenic train excursions and a year-round calendar of themed events set in the towering Santa Cruz redwood forest. The operation offers a variety of experiences for families, school groups, and adult visitors, combining vintage train travel with live entertainment, food, and hands-on programming. Key offerings include heritage steam train rides, family-focused events like Day Out With Thomas featuring Thomas the Tank Engine™, seasonal festivals such as the Brewgrass Festival, and specialty evenings like the Moonlight Evening Dinner Train that include dinner, live music, and stopovers at Bear Mountain. Roaring Camp also hosts community-oriented events at the historic Bret Harte Opera Hall, including the Spring Barn Line Dance and Winter Warmer Fest. Educational programs are available for school groups aged 7–11 through the Living History experience, designed to bring the mountain man era and westward expansion to life. Seasonal attractions include Drive-In Movie Nights among the redwoods, a Chanukah Train with community menorah lighting and kosher refreshments, and competitive culinary events such as the Cook-Off with tastings and craft beer. Visitors traveling from Santa Cruz can join specialty trains like the Father’s Day Brew Train and VIP tasting trains for Brewgrass. The combination of scenic rail routes, themed programming, and family-friendly activities makes Roaring Camp Railroads a notable destination for both residents and tourists seeking historic rail experiences and community events in Felton, CA.
Book with Roaring Camp Railroads