Sometimes the best travel keepsakes don’t live in novelty shirt stores or on spinning postcard racks, but within your camera roll. And sometimes, those keepsakes are taken from a comfy window seat with snacks! The Pacific Surfliner is your ticket to scenic views that will take your breath away, with plenty of photo ops along the way to prove it.
Before you head out, here are a few tips and tricks to help you snap photos like a pro.
6 Must-Know Photography Tips
Whether you're looking to snap a pic of the golden coastline zipping past the train window or blooms of wildflowers that frame the rolling California hills, here are a few photography tips for on and off the train:
For Photos Taken Inside the Train:
- Stabilize Your Shot - Trains are in movement a lot of the time— shocking, we know! To minimize blur, rest your phone or camera on a solid surface like a window ledge, or use a small tripod. Burst photo mode can also come in handy if you're paranoid about missing the perfect shot.
- Don't Use Flash - We all love that cool digital camera flash look, but sadly in this case, it will only bounce off the window glass and ruin your photo. Use natural light instead!
- Try to Dodge the Glare - Try shooting at an angle to avoid reflections in the window. You can also use your body or hand to block direct light when needed.
For Photos Taken Off the Train:
- Work with the Light - When you're outdoors, shoot with the sun positioned behind you! This will help you avoid blown-out highlights or washed-out backgrounds.
- Aim for Golden Hour - Try to take photos at sunrise or sunset for the most flattering light and the dreamiest of colors.
- Be Thoughtful about Composition - Leading lines (like train tracks, fences, pathways, or any other straight line) can be helpful in guiding the eye into your photo, or directly toward the subject. Don't be afraid to vary your angles and get creative with perspectives!
On the Pacific Surfliner: Scenic Views from Your Seat
Did someone order front-row seats to some of the very best coastal California scenery, with a side of coastal views you could never get from a freeway? One of the best parts of a train ride is that you can totally sit back and take in the view. Here are a few Q&As that will help you make the most of your window seat on the Pacific Surfliner:
Where Does the Pacific Surfliner Run Alongside the Coast?
- Ventura to Grover Beach - This stretch trades surf-town energy for a more rugged, natural beauty. Between Ventura and Grover Beach, the train passes scenic bluffs, windswept hills, and long stretches of coastline with little to no development. It’s quieter, more dramatic, and absolutely golden during sunset.
- Oceanside to San Clemente - Some of the most iconic coastal views on the route begin just past Del Mar and continue on and off through Oceanside. The longest uninterrupted oceanfront segment happens between Oceanside and San Clemente, with open views of the Pacific that feel wide, wild, and so wonderfully SoCal.
Which Side of the Train Do I Sit On?
The side of the Pacific Surfliner you should sit on depends on which direction you're traveling. If you're going…
- Northbound (San Diego > San Luis Obispo) Choose a seat on the left side of the train.
- Southbound (San Luis Obispo > San Diego: Sit on the right side of the train.
These seats will give you the best views of the Pacific Ocean, especially along stretches where the tracks closely hug the coastline. Take the scenery up a level (literally) by heading upstairs to the second level of your Pacific Surfliner train, where you'll have a wider view of all the good stuff!
Off the Train: Scenic, Picture-Perfect Stops
The views on the Pacific Surfliner are fantastic, but so are the ones you can catch at every stop along the route! From quiet, beachy enclaves to lively waterfront cities, here are a few stops where you'll definitely want to stop, take out your camera, and remember the moment forever.
Santa Barbara
Palm-lined beaches, Spanish-style buildings, and mountain backdrops are just the beginning when it comes to scenic stops in Santa Barbara. There's beauty in everything throughout this charming coastal town, from twinkling lights strung across breezy patios to walks on the beach at sunset.
Ventura
A little artsy, a little nostalgic, and full of coastal character, Ventura feels like a snapshot of classic California. Soft, golden sand and a laid-back pace makes it perfect for slow mornings by the ocean or catching that last bit of treasured daylight.
San Clemente
San Clemente delivers an effortless, toes-in-the-sand kind of magic. The train rolls in just steps from the water, giving you instant access to the kind of beachside fun you've been dreaming about.
Oceanside
Whether you're listening to the sound of waves splash against the pier or the lively murmur of bikes, boards, and beachgoers moving along sunlit paths, there's a raw, unfiltered beauty to Oceanside that feels naturally cinematic.
San Diego
A classic blend of bluebird skies, sparkling city skyline, and breezy coastal vibes make San Diego feel like the perfect backdrop for every beachy adventure you could dream of. With sailboats in the harbor, palm trees lining the walkways, and sunshine nearly year-round, it’s a place where even the in-between moments look good.
Next Step: Book Your Ride
We hope these tips and tricks will be useful next time you’re riding the rails and chasing those sweet SoCal views. We can’t wait to see all your photos— don’t forget to tag us @pacificsurfliner!