In Southern California, the Pacific Surfliner turns a simple commute into a mini-vacation. For less than the price of a movie ticket, Los Angeles residents can hop on a train, settle into the comfortable café car, and arrive at a coastal town where the pace slows to the rhythm of the waves. This guide walks you through a complete day trip to Ventura, covering everything from the moment you board the train to the final slice of pizza before you head back to the city.
Getting there: the Pacific Surfliner experience
The journey begins at the Hollywood Burbank Airport station, where a one-way fare of $22 lands you in Ventura in just ninety minutes. The train’s large windows showcase the Pacific coastline, and the on-board café car offers a quick stop for a coffee and a hearty vegetarian breakfast burrito – eggs, cheese, potatoes, and a splash of hot sauce for those who like a kick. Because the train drops you off a block from the beach, you avoid parking fees and the usual scramble for a prime spot on the sand.
First stop – the sand at Surfers Point
Stepping off the platform, you’re immediately within sight of the iconic Ventura pier. A brief stroll south along the paved promenade leads to Surfers Point, a stretch of beach favored by locals and surfers alike. Whether you decide to lounge with a novel, hunt for seashells, or indulge in a fresh fish taco from Beach House Tacos, the atmosphere is relaxed and uncrowded. A small playground perched directly on the sand even features a swing that lets you fling yourself toward the surf, evoking a child-like sense of freedom.
Shopping the downtown vintage scene
After soaking up the sun, head to downtown Ventura’s Main Street, where an eclectic mix of thrift stores and independent boutiques await. The standout is Coalition Thrift Store, known for its well-curated selection of both modern apparel and retro treasures at wallet-friendly prices – a perfect pit stop for anyone who runs an Etsy vintage shop. Bibliophiles will love The Calico Cat Bookshop, a cozy used-book haven, while romance lovers can peruse the dedicated Smitten store. The entire district is walkable, letting you rack up steps while hunting for unique finds.
Eating local: from tacos to pizza
Ventura’s culinary scene is as colorful as its storefronts. For a quick bite, many locals flock to Spencer Makenzie’s, whose fish tacos were crowned the city’s best in a recent poll. If you’re in the mood for a sit-down experience, Finney’s Crafthouse serves solid gastropub fare, and the tiki-inspired VenTiki Lounge offers refreshing cocktails for a post-lunch chill. A coffee lover can refuel at Palermo Coffee & Gifts before the train departs, but the final culinary checkpoint is Tony’s Pizzeria – a stone-oven slice just a block from the station, ideal for a snack on the way home.
Why a train day trip beats driving
Choosing rail over the highway presents several hidden advantages. First, the entire itinerary is pedestrian-friendly; you walk, bike, or simply stroll from the platform to the pier, shops, and eateries. Second, the train’s after-hours happy hour lets you sip a cocktail while the city lights twinkle, a luxury impossible to enjoy behind the wheel. Finally, the lack of traffic and parking hassles squeezes a full beach-sun-shopping-food experience into a twelve-hour window, allowing you to return to Los Angeles feeling refreshed rather than exhausted.
