Hop aboard the Father's Day Brew Train for a festive ride from Santa Cruz to Felton featuring local craft beers, live music, and fun activities. Discover a unique way to celebrate dad surrounded by stunning redwoods and great company.
More ways to explore the area's outdoor wonders
Hang tight — photos are loading
This usually takes just a second.
Difficulty
easy
Duration
3–4 hours
Fitness Level
Suitable for all fitness levels as most activities involve sitting on the train and gentle walking around arrival site.
Wildlife
History
Roaring Camp Railroads served the redwood logging industry in the late 19th century and now preserves historic steam trains for public enjoyment.
Conservation
Roaring Camp Railroads partners with local conservation groups to maintain the surrounding forest ecosystem and promote sustainable tourism.
Roaring Camp Railroads
Hop aboard the Father's Day Brew Train for a festive ride from Santa Cruz to Felton featuring local craft beers, live music, and fun activities. Discover a unique way to celebrate dad surrounded by stunning redwoods and great company.
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.
Location
Felton, CA
Situated in the Santa Cruz redwood forest
Tours Offered
10 Experiences
Heritage rides and themed events
Family Events
Multiple
Includes Day Out With Thomas
Signature Rides
Vintage Steam
Moonlight Dinner Train to Bear Mountain
Reserve tickets for scenic steam train rides, family festivals, or themed dinner trains and secure a memorable day in Felton’s redwood forest.
Arrive Early for Boarding
Ensure timely arrival at Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk station to secure your preferred seating and enjoy pre-boarding festivities.
Bring ID for Beer Tasting
Guests sampling Humble Sea brews must have valid ID to comply with age restrictions.
Wear Comfortable Footwear
Sturdy, comfortable shoes will help you enjoy activities like gold panning and walking around Roaring Camp grounds easily.
Plan for Weather Variability
Felton’s forested microclimate can be cooler than the coast; layers are recommended.
Layered Clothing
Allows you to adjust to coastal and forest temperatures throughout the journey.
all
Reusable Water Bottle
Stay hydrated while enjoying beer tastings and activities without waste.
all
Comfortable Walking Shoes
Ideal for light walking and standing during onboard festivities and upon arrival.
all
Sun Protection
Sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat help protect during sunny stretches on the train and outdoors.
summer