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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!
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!
Book with Roaring Camp Railroads
Verified experiences and guided adventures in the surrounding area.
Operated by Roaring Camp Railroads · Santa Cruz, California
The Santa Cruz Starlight Evening Dinner Train offers a unique blend of scenic exploration and unforgettable entertainment. Departing from the vibrant Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk, guests board a classic train that winds through towering coastal redwoods en route to Roaring Camp. This relaxing ride sets the tone for a magical evening surrounded by nature’s beauty. Upon arrival, enjoy a mouthwatering BBQ dinner featuring local flavors, complemented by live music that invites you to dance and unwind. The ambiance is enhanced by the gentle glow of string lights and the starry sky overhead, creating a truly special experience. Whether you’re a local or visiting the area, this event is perfect for couples, families, or groups seeking a memorable night out in Northern California. The ease of the journey and the charm of the redwood forest make the Starlight Dinner Train a must-do for anyone wanting to merge adventure with comfort and good company.
easy.
3–4 hours.
Minimal physical activity required; suitable for most fitness levels as you mostly sit and enjoy the ride and dinner.
Yes, Roaring Camp Railroads offers vegetarian options and can accommodate common dietary restrictions with prior notice during booking.
The experience is family-friendly, and children are welcome, but all passengers must have a ticket.
The full evening experience, including the ride, dinner, and live music, lasts about 3 to 4 hours.
Pets are not permitted on the Starlight Dinner Train for passenger safety and comfort.
Yes, ample parking is available near the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk, but arriving early is advised during busy weekends.
Absolutely, tickets can be purchased online through the Roaring Camp Railroads website or authorized partners.
Roaring Camp Railroads traces back to the 1880s logging trains, preserving the rich rail heritage of Santa Cruz.
The company and park actively work to maintain the redwood forest’s health by managing visitor impact and supporting local wildlife habitats.
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