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!
More ways to explore the area's outdoor wonders
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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.
Wildlife
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.
Roaring Camp Railroads
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!
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.
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.
Light Jacket
To stay warm during cooler evening temperatures in the redwoods.
fall
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.