Adventure Brief
Discover a refreshing way to enjoy the outdoors with Picnic Baskets by Roaring Camp Railroads in Felton, California. Enjoy a delicious meal surrounded by nature’s beauty.
1–3 hours
easy
Family Friendly
No Experience Required
Discover a refreshing way to enjoy the outdoors with Picnic Baskets by Roaring Camp Railroads in Felton, California. Enjoy a delicious meal surrounded by nature’s beauty.
More ways to explore the area's outdoor wonders
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Difficulty
easy
Duration
1–3 hours
Fitness Level
Suitable for all fitness levels, requiring only the ability to walk short distances on gentle terrain.
Wildlife
History
Felton was originally a logging town and played a significant role in the development of railroads in Northern California.
Conservation
Roaring Camp Railroads practices sustainable tourism by promoting leave-no-trace principles and partnering with local conservation groups.
Roaring Camp Railroads
Discover a refreshing way to enjoy the outdoors with Picnic Baskets by Roaring Camp Railroads in Felton, California. Enjoy a delicious meal surrounded by nature’s beauty.
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.
Bring a Comfortable Blanket
A cozy blanket or ground cover enhances your picnic comfort on varied terrain.
Pack Insect Repellent
Felton’s forested areas can have mosquitoes and other bugs especially near dusk.
Check Weather Before You Go
Weather can shift quickly in this region, so plan accordingly to stay dry and comfortable.
Bring Reusable Containers
Help reduce waste by bringing reusable utensils and containers to complement your picnic basket.
Picnic Blanket
Provides a comfortable and clean spot to sit and enjoy your meal outdoors.
Insect Repellent
Protects against bugs commonly found in forested and grassy areas.
spring
Sun Hat
Shields your face from prolonged sun exposure during midday picnics.
summer
Reusable Utensils and Containers
Helps reduce waste and keeps your picnic eco-friendly.