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Roaring Camp Railway
Roaring Camp Railway
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Santa Cruz, CA 95060
Good-for-Kids Rating
BabiesToddlers & Pre-KSchool-Age KidsPre-Teens & Teens
Roaring Camp Railway Description
If the call of "all aboard!" and a train whistle doesn't get kids excited, nothing will. Roaring Camp railroad has been re-introducing families to train travel with narrow-gauge steam trains through the redwoods for generations. In addition, during the summer they offer a "beach train" ride that's been in operation since 1875, taking pleasure-seekers down from the Santa Cruz Mountains to the Pacific. Not only do you chug through towering redwoods and cross a dramatic trestle bridge, you don't have to deal with parking down at the boardwalk! Be sure to check out our other Santa Cruz vacation ideas.
Train
Kid Tips
Toddlers & Pre-K: The steam trains, which go slowly through the deep woods on winding narrow-gauge track, are perfect for younger kids because they don't go too fast. Older kids may find the "historic" narration by the conductors a tad hokey, but the ride is fun.
Planning Notes
- Steam trains are all year, beach trains summer-only. The train schedules change according to time of year, so check the website carefully beforehand to make sure there's a train at the time you wish to ride.
Just the Facts
Hours: Beach Trains: Spring-early Fall only, Memorial Day weekend through September; in December there is a "Holiday Lights" train ride. Steam Trains: Weekends only through March 31st except school break weeks and school holidays. From April 1st through September there are one to two trains daily on weekdays, between two and four trains daily on weekends.
Fees: $20-$30
Recommended Time: 1 - 2 hours
