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For Spring Break 2004, whooooo, My family has discussed going out to the Coast, west coast that is, whoooo. Now we are intent on going to San Fran, but we might also think about maybe taking the Starlight down the coast to LA. Is the trip from Oakland to LA a good one in terms of view. I know there is a Parlour Car(Hopefully) so we might get a bedroom even though its not over night, but what the hell how often can you be in the Parlour Car. So is it a good view from LA to San Fran? Also we really dont care about which city we visit first, so would it be better to go from LA to San Fran or San Fran to LA. And if Im good and the folks feel well I hope to tak ethe Train back to CHI from either LA or OAK/SF
Posts: 547 | From: St. Louis, MO, USA | Registered: Nov 2002
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Well kiss my grits, I would actually wanna get on/ off in Emeryville.
Posts: 547 | From: St. Louis, MO, USA | Registered: Nov 2002
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Coast Starlight, San Fransisco to Emeryville is one of the best scenic rides in the Amtrak system, in my opinion. I've taken nearly all the long distance trains, and the Coast Starlight is one of my favorites. LA to Emeryville affords the best daylight sightseeing - this is where you will see the CA coastline the most. Really spectacular. My Pacific Parlour Car experiences have been very enjoyable, and when factoring in that your meals are included with the sleeper price (LA to Emeryville), the First Class price is not that bad (lunch and dinner included travelling northbound). I've done a Standard bedroom a couple of times between LA and Emeryville - mostly to get work done while travelling. Course, only one side of the train gets the Ocean view. I've lucked out, but just spend time in the Pacific Parlour Car or Sightseeing Lounge and you'll be fine.
Posts: 337 | Registered: Jun 2003
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Personally, I would take the Starlight to Salinas and take the little mini-bus over here to Monterey to see the most beautiful spot on the planet. But I'm strongly biased in this matter. Your actual needs may vary.
I've never taken the Starlight south of Salinas, but I hear the vews are great. It parallels 101 through much of the Salinas Valley. Down south it hits the "Coast" part of the Starlight route. I'm not sure if the southbound train hits the coast in daylight at that time of year or not. Given that, it might be better to take it north.
The Parlor car is definitely cool, but be advised that one seems to be out of service, so some trains have substituted a second sightseer lounge. There's a chance you might not get a genuine parlour car.
------------------ Trust God, love your neighbor, and never mistake opinion for truth. -Mr. Toy
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Take it northbound - daylight scenery, and southbound train can be (very) late. Plus the ride home is far superior over Donner and the Rockies from Emeryville vs out of LA.
Posts: 114 | From: pismo beach CA | Registered: Jul 2003
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