Santa Cruz Starlight Dinner Train: Evening Adventure
Difficulty
easy
Duration
3–4 hours
Fitness Level
Minimal physical activity required; suitable for most fitness levels as you mostly sit and enjoy the ride and dinner.
Overview
Enjoy a scenic train ride through redwoods, a delicious BBQ dinner, and live music under the stars on the Santa Cruz Starlight Dinner Train. Perfect for an evening filled with nature and fun!
Santa Cruz Starlight Evening Dinner Train
Ride, dine and dance! • Booking in Advance Encouraged
Select participants and date
Adventure Photos
About This Adventure
Experience a magical evening on the Santa Cruz Starlight Dinner Train! Departing from the Boardwalk, enjoy a scenic ride through redwoods to Roaring Camp, where a delicious BBQ dinner and live music await. Dance the night away and return under a canopy of stars for an unforgettable adventure.
Santa Cruz Starlight Evening Dinner Train
Ride, dine and dance! Board the train at the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk for the town of Roaring Camp. When you arrive, enjoy dinner and a boot stompin' good time to a live band. Your round-trip ticket takes you back to the Boardwalk with an evening ride beneath the stars.
Beer and wine available to purchase on-site from local winery and cider company, Hallcrest Vineyards & Scrumpy Cider Co.
Rates (before fees)
- Adult (Ages 13 and up) - $69.95
- Child (Ages 2-12) - $52.95
Infants under 2 are welcome to ride for free!
Duration
- 4 hours
Itinerary
- Depart: Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk - 5:30 pm
- Arrive: Town of Roaring Camp in Felton - 6:30 pm
- Two hours for a Chuckwagon BBQ dinner and lively dancing
- Depart: Town of Roaring Camp in Felton - 8:30 pm
- Arrive: Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk - 9:30pm
About
Evening train and dinner excursion departs from the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk and travels along the San Lorenzo River through Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park to Roaring Camp. Upon arrival, a delicious steak dinner awaits you.
After dinner, get up and move to a live band ( 8/10 - Steve Bennett, 8-31 - Rory Lynch). On the return trip to Santa Cruz, the train ride brings the forest to life with dazzling color and light. The evening event is four hours, returning to the Boardwalk when the stars are overhead.
What to Bring
- Light jacket
Adventure Tips
Reserve Early
Tickets often sell out quickly for this popular evening train, so booking in advance is recommended.
Dress for Cool Evenings
Evenings can get chilly in the redwoods, so bring a light jacket or layered clothing.
Arrive Early
Arriving at least 30 minutes before departure allows time for check-in and boarding without rush.
Bring a Camera
The scenic views through the redwoods and the magical evening setting provide great photo opportunities.
Local Insights
Wildlife
- California black-tailed deer
- Varied thrush birds
History
Roaring Camp Railroads traces back to the 1880s logging trains, preserving the rich rail heritage of Santa Cruz.
Conservation
The company and park actively work to maintain the redwood forest’s health by managing visitor impact and supporting local wildlife habitats.
Select participants and date
Adventure Hotspots in San Jose
Frequently Asked Questions
Recommended Gear
Light Jacket
To stay warm during cooler evening temperatures in the redwoods.
fall specific
Camera or Smartphone
For capturing scenic views, train moments, and the starlit ambiance.
Comfortable Footwear
Ideal for walking on platforms and roaming around Roaring Camp.
Reusable Water Bottle
Stay hydrated during the evening ride and dinner.