Trains nearby to just ride for dinner and the scenery. Some historic trains take you back in time.
Almost all train rides are shut down completely, or have limited time of use for visitors because of Covid-19. Some are now opening, with recommended Covid-19 restrictions. Visit train ride sites to get details.

Niles Canyon Railway
Dinner Trains
Napa Valley Wine Train
Napa Valley Wine Train journeys are temporarily canceled until September 1, 2020. One of the world’s most magnificent trains. Check out this month’s special events! Official Site.
Sacramento RiverTrain
Open. Visitors must wear masks. A local, family-owned business dedicated to preserving a piece of Northern California history, and providing a wide variety of unique things to do for our community. Our rail line spans 14 miles from West Sacramento to Woodland, and at a leisurely 10 to 15 miles per hour, there’s plenty of time for a cozy dinner, social wine or beer tasting event, or even an entertaining show.
Historic Trains
California Railroad & Trolley Corporation
Trolley rides available at the San Jose Historical Museum.
California State Railroad Museum
Due to the COVID-19 outbreak the Museum and associated facilities in Old Sacramento State Historic Park including the Sacramento Southern Railroad are currently closed. Every weekend April-September, ride behind a steam locomotive on the Museum’s Sacramento Southern Railroad.
Nevada County Narrow Gauge Railroad
We plan to run every Saturday through the end of October with Covid restrictions. Began operations 1876 to link the rich mining districts of western Nevada County, California, with the Central Pacific’s trans-continental railroad in Colfax.
Portola RR Museum
Our Museum is Closed for the remainder of 2020. You get to actually be the engineer and drive a real locomotive (under the close supervision of an instructor).
Railtown 1897 State Historic Park
Here are some guidelines for people visiting Railtown 1897 State Historic Park. Located in Jamestown. Known as The Movie Railroad, Railtown 1897, its historic locomotives and cars have starred in hundreds of film and TV productions, including High Noon, Back to the Future 3, and Petticoat Junction.
Western Railway Museum
Due to the governor’s address, we will be closed until further notice. In the meantime, we are working on making the museum safe for both our volunteers and guests. Ride or view over 100 interurban, streetcar, rapid transit, electric, steam and diesel locomotives, workcars, and classic heavyweight mainline passenger cars. In Suisun, on Hwy 12, east of I-80.
Yosemite Mountain Sugar Pine Railroad
An exciting 4-mile railroad excursion at Yosemite Park’s south gate on highway 41. Ride into history where powerful locomotives once hauled massive log trains through the Sierra mountains. Fish Camp.
Scenic Train Rides
Roaring Camp & Big Trees Narrow Gauge Railroad
Roaring Camp is open and using Covid-19 protocols. Take a open car train ride through giant redwoods, stop for a picnic and catch the next train back. Take a train from Felton to the Santa Cruz Boardwalk. Participate in historical reenactments. Located in Felton.
Niles Canyon Railway
The Niles Canyon Railway is pleased to be able to offer its first planned train rides in September since the COVID-19 pandemic and its shelter-in-place orders went into effect back in March. Pre-sale tickets online only. Limited availability. Read More about “September Special Steam Trains”… Take a scenic ride on the historic steam locomotive trains and route along Niles Canyon, located between Sunol and Fremont.
San Francisco Cable Cars
San Francisco’s beloved cable cars won’t run again until a coronavirus vaccine is ready. Probably the steepest rail rides and in city traffic, too! This site tells you everything from the history to the routes and fares. Try operating the interactive cable car.
Skunk Train
We have resumed operation and are requiring the observation of social distancing of at least 6’, and mandatory facial coverings. The Skunk line runs 40 miles from Fort Bragg on the coast to Willits on US Highway 101. Along the way, the tracks cross some 30 bridges and trestles and pass through two deep mountain tunnels.
See also: