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We won’t echo the usual talking heads, but there’s certainly a lot to be said about California’s promise for high-speed trains.
Commonly the butt of jokes at this point since said trains have yet to come to fruition, where even some towns are fed up being caught in the middle, there are still many exciting train routes to traverse the “Golden State” despite the drama.
Some are already in place, like a classic locomotive weaving through towering Redwoods, and others crossing the sprawling desert, but let’s be honest, most tourists visit California to savor gorgeous West Coast shores.
Putting my residency bias aside, Southern California is undeniably the crown jewel to hop around laid-back beach towns, whether it be iconic cities or up-and-coming resort destinations.
And now, exciting news just dropped for a California train that’s actually happening, with shovels expected to hit the dirt at the turn of 2026, connecting 2 of SoCal’s top coastal cities you can easily pair into one trip.
Downtown Transformation Will Change SoCal Train Travel
Downtown San Diego hosts dozens of popular hotels, the world-renowned Comic Con each summer, and hundreds of bars and restaurants that tourists commonly hit up when visiting one of California’s most vibrant cities.
Sure, some streets may be a sketchy zombie-land, but that’s all the more reason to get out of dodge (or the new wallet-denting parking rules — yikes!).
San Diego’s trolley system connects a few tourist hotspots, such as Old Town and Little Italy, but lacks beach connections, which is hugely disappointing given how nice San Diego beaches are.
Most recently, San Diego extended the Blue Line to La Jolla, one of the most sought-after paradises in the region; even then, you have to grab an Uber from the trolley station to see the famous seals.
To reach the beach, you have to rent a car, overpay for rideshare, or hop aboard the COASTER train already in place from Little Italy’s Santa Fe station, as well as the aforementioned Old Town.
But the always-buzzing Gaslamp Quarter is set to open a new station, making your next beach adventure easier than ever before, minimizing transfers by offering a straight shot up the coast.
The extension will run parallel to the trolley tracks across the popular convention center, mere steps from numerous hotels such as Hard Rock, Hilton Gaslamp Quarter, and San Diego Marriott Gaslamp.
New COASTER Route Connects Every San Diego Beach Town
The COASTER is the way to go if you want to experience San Diego’s best beaches.
San Diego proper is home to Ocean Beach, Mission Beach, and Pacific Beach; the latter 2 are tourist hotspots that lack a local feel as they’re largely overrun with cheesy bars and beachside carnival games.
The further north you go in San Diego County, the fewer crowds there are and the more authentic they feel.
In fairness, the trolley system is most commonly used for commuters and efficient access to cross into Tijuana, and you will undoubtedly run into some questionable characters, given the cheap ticket price.
The COASTER, on the other hand, costs too much for transients, so it’s safer and reaches more enticing locales.
The following is expected to be COASTER‘s full route once the new Gaslamp station is up and running:
- Oceanside Transit Center
- Carlsbad Village Station
- Carlsbad Poinsettia Station
- Encinitas Station
- Solana Beach Station
- Sorrento Valley Station
- Old Town Transit Center
- Santa Fe Depot (Marina District/Little Italy)
- New Downtown Platform (expected in 2027)
Insider tip: You’ll definitely want to grab a window seat after the Sorrento Valley stop for amazing coastal views!
Discover 2 Of California’s Trendiest Beach Towns: Oceanside & Carlsbad
Oceanside (commonly referred to as O’side to save a syllable), has become of one California’s trendiest (and surprisingly affordable) vacation spots.
San Diego County’s northernmost beach city has transformed from a trailer park-laden eyesore to a full-fledged resort town with under-hyped resorts along vivid blue water and a thriving food scene, including quite possibly my favorite tiki bar, The Lobby.
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Now that O’side will soon be connected to downtown San Diego, it’s easier to reach than ever for tourists.
The same can be said for Carlsbad, a neighboring beach town to the south — except it’s become more popular due to McClellan Palomar Airport re-opening for commercial flights, anchored by both American and United (coming soon).
Home to cheap outlets, underrated hotels, kaleidoscopic flower fields, and seaside Carlsbad Village with boutiques, beach bars, and good vibes — not to mention LEGOLAND for the kiddos, North County is becoming San Diego’s next tourism hotspot and will soon be more connected than ever.
Sam Sears
Sam, our Lead Writer & Journalist based in San Diego has visited 36 countries and written over 1000 articles with a focus on sharing his own travel experiences and shining a light on lesser-known gems.
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