Ideas, Day Trips, and Fun Destinations on Metrolink
It’s Spring! Time for a Daycation on Metrolink. This site is a treasure trove of ideas on places to explore and day-long adventures to enjoy.
BREAKING NEWS: Metrolink service will again serve the Oceanside Station beginning TOMORROW May 27, operating the full weekend schedule. The weekday schedule will resume for the OC & IEOC lines on Tuesday, May 30 following our holiday/Saturday schedule on Memorial Day. Learn More →.
Take Metrolink to explore new and familiar destinations throughout Southern California.
It’s Spring! Time for a Daycation on Metrolink. This site is a treasure trove of ideas on places to explore and day-long adventures to enjoy.
Taking Metrolink is great fun. Riding for free is even better.
Enter today for a chance to win roundtrip Metrolink tickets to any of our fabulous destinations, PLUS a $100 gift card for you to splurge on your journey. Uncover the wonders of SoCal, all on us!
No payment or purchase necessary to enter. See official rules for details.
Looking for a place to play this Spring?
Here are a selection of fun events that are very reachable on Metrolink.
Santa Ana Station
June 4, 11 am – 3 pm
Bowers Museum
Enjoy the Bowers Museum’s Reggae Summerfest on June 4th, sponsored by the Nicholas Endowment. Activities include complimentary face painting, art projects, live performances, and more.
From station: Take OC Bus Route 83 North
San Juan Capistrano Station
June 10, 12 – 2pm
Mission San Juan Capistrano
Join Jacque Tahuka Nunez on Saturday June 10th for storytelling, a take home craft, and to learn about the culture of the Acjachemen Nation, Orange County’s first people.
From station: Within walking distance.
San Clemente Pier Station
June 10, 10 am - 3 pm
Avenida Del Mar
Historic downtown San Clemente
View almost 300 classic cars and vintage trailers at San Clemente’s 27th Annual Car Show on June 10th. Play a slot car racing game and dance to a live band.
From station: Within walking distance.
Irvine Station
June 16-18
Saint Paul's Greek Orthodox Church
Bring the family to St. Paul’s Greek Orthodox Church’s A Taste of Greece festival on June 16th through 18th for Greek food and pastries, folk dancing lessons, shopping, and church tours.
From station: Take OC Bus Route 86
L.A. Union Station
Enjoy everything the City of Angels has to offer from Hollywood to Chinatown without the hassle of driving. The perfect day trip for out-of-town visitors and California natives alike.
Buena Park Station
Come visit the home of some of the coolest rollercoasters in Orange County. The Buena Park Station is the ideal launching point for a family adventure to wild rides at Knott’s Berry Farm, the trendy shops of the Source OC or some theatrical magic at Medieval Times!
Fullerton Station
Treat yourself to this vibrant university town full of one-of-kind shops, eateries, and unusual places to hang solo or with a group while taking in the historic architecture.
Anaheim Station
Home to the Disneyland® Resort and Angel Stadium, this premier destination offers world-famous theme parks and attractions and celebrated restaurants. The Anaheim Packing House is filled with many trendy eateries in one of the last remaining citrus-packing warehouses.
Orange Station
Imagine a quaint college town packed with antique markets, carefully curated and affordable vintage items, and an eclectic foodie scene. The walkable Orange Circle is full of wonderful things to discover.
Santa Ana Station
Yesterday and today blend seamlessly in this vibrant city, the county seat and heart of Orange County. Never-before-seen exhibits, world-acclaimed artists, classic architecture and an ever-changing food scene draw visitors from all over.
Tustin Station
Tustin might seem like a whistle stop between Los Angeles and Oceanside but it is the launching point for many fun weekend adventures for cyclists, explorers and vintage car enthusiasts. We’ve created three unique day trips that will let you connect with your inner explorer.
Irvine Station
Irvine welcomes you and your family with plenty of places to escape, explore and enjoy. Catch a ride on the big orange balloon at Irvine’s Great Park, then visit Irvine Spectrum Center for unique shops and restaurants. Or bring your bike on Metrolink and take a challenging cycling adventure to the coast and back!
Laguna Niguel Station
Come explore the cities of Laguna Niguel and Mission Viejo from the very same stop. The station serves as a great launching point for several weekend day trip adventures. You can bring your bike or use OC Flex for free. We’ve created three unique day trips that include shopping, dining, exploring, plus kid stuff too.
San Juan Capistrano Station
A Metrolink family favorite! Where else can you pet a llama, relax with a drink and great meal and discover California history and one-of-a-kind shops — all just steps from a picturesque train station?
San Clemente Station
Escape to the beach where you can plant your umbrella in the sand, roll out your towel and soak up the sun. It takes minutes to walk from the station to the sand. Other day trips from this station include shopping at the Outlets at San Clemente and a fun beach cruise to the pier and back.
San Clemente Pier Station
Some of California’s best stretches of wide sandy beaches are within minutes of the Metrolink station. Bring your friends, your kids and a willingness to relax and explore. Take a side trip to beautiful Casa Romantica and view the coastline from a different perspective.
Oceanside Station
This authentic beach town includes quiet beaches, a quaint New England-style harbor, historic wooden pier, plenty of craft breweries, and relaxing seaside dining. Take the day to chill-out in this southern-most destination on the Metrolink line.
Riverside Station
From grand hotels to the fascinating art museums, Downtown Riverside is filled with art, food, and historic riches. The strollable neighborhood is home to more than a dozen historic sites, including the famous Mission Inn.