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.
Metrolink latest update
Suspended Weekday Service on OC & IEOC Line South of Laguna Niguel/Mission Viejo; Suspended Weekend Service south of San Clemente Pier. Learn More →.
Explore SoCal With Metrolink
Take Metrolink to explore new and familiar destinations throughout Southern California.
METROLINK SWEEPSTAKES
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Skip Traffic with Unlimited Train Rides
Leave your car, skip the weekend traffic, and ride Metrolink with the $10 Weekend Day Pass. Valid system-wide on either Saturday or Sunday.
Kids Ride Free!
Free train rides for children 17 years old and younger on Saturdays and Sundays when accompanied by a fare-paying adult.
Metrolinkable Events
Looking for a place to play this Spring?
Here are a selection of fun events that are very reachable on Metrolink.
Santa Ana Station
April 1-16
Discovery Cube
Visit Bubblefest, an immersive science-inspired festival for kids of all ages, featuring the Mega Bubblefest Laser Show, a live bubble art performance synchronized with music, lasers, bubble stunts, and soapy tricks. Runs April 1st through 16th.
From station: Take OC Bus Route 83 North
San Juan Capistrano Station
April 1
Los Rios Park
Celebrate Spring at the Spring Eggstrvaganza at Los Rios Park on Saturday April 1st with bag decorating, face painting, photos with the bunny, an egg hunt, and more.
From station: Within walking distance.
Buena Park Station
April 1-16
Knott's Berry Farm
Enjoy a boysenberry-inspired culinary creation at the Knott’s Boysenberry Festival, an annual food-inspired event celebrating the park’s historical roots, including entertainment, live music and activities for all ages. Runs April 1st through 16th.
From station: Take OC Bus Route 29
Tustin Station
April 3-15
Pretend City Children’s Museum
Get ready to rock, roll, sway, sing, and bop at the Kidstock Music & Arts Festival! Enjoy live musical performances throughout the week and explore different musical stylings, instruments, and sounds. Runs April 3rd – 15th.
From station: Take OC Bus Route 90
Santa Ana Station
April 1-16
Discovery Cube
Watch cartoons and learn how to draw a Looney Tunes character or doodle or draw to express your own creativity. Children must be accompanied by an adult.
From station: Take OC Bus Route 83 North
San Juan Capistrano Station
April 8, 12 – 2pm
Mission San Juan Capistrano
Join Jacque Tahuka Nunez on Saturday April 8th 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.
Santa Ana Station
April 16, 11 am – 3 pm
Bowers Museum
Ring in the spring on Sunday April 16th with Japanese music and dance, Taiko drums by Taiko Center of Los Angeles, Japanese food, candy sculpture, and cherry blossom art projects and face painting.
From station: Take OC Bus Route 83 North
Oceanside Station
May 6, 2:00 – 5:00pm
Downtown Oceanside
Bring the family to downtown Oceanside for the Third Annual Mother’s Day is Sweet on Saturday May 6th. Treat Mom to dessert and craft beverage tastings and enjoy a mobile scavenger hunt.
From station: Within walking distance.
Orange Station
May 6, 10 am
Historic Old Towne Orange
Enjoy the historic Orange May Parade, a hometown procession with a strong, old fashioned sense of community togetherness. The parade begins at 10 AM on Saturday May 6th.
From station: Within walking distance.
San Clemente North Station
May 6
Max Berg Plaza Park
Celebrate Hispanic culture on Saturday May 6th with an afternoon of food, children’s activities, and live entertainment for all ages.
From station: Less than a mile walk from station.
Santa Ana Station
May 7, 11 am – 3 pm
Bowers Museum
Visit the Bowers Museum’s Pacific Islander Fest on Sunday May 7th for a day of fun, including live performances, complimentary face painting, art projects, and more.
From station: Take OC Bus Route 83 North
San Juan Capistrano Station
May 13, 12 – 2pm
Mission San Juan Capistrano
Join Jacque Tahuka Nunez on Saturday May 13th 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
May 20
San Clemente Community Center
Visit the San Clemente’s annual Gardenfest plant sale on Saturday May 20th to learn about sustainable gardening and water use practices. Activities include 'funky container' and 'floral design' contests, butterfly habitat education, and a painting competition.
From station: Within walking distance.
Fullerton Station
May 20-21
Muckenthaler Cultural Center
The 28th annual Muckenthaler Motor Car Festival on May 20th and 21st is a benefit featuring a car rally, Concours d'Elegance, and Horseless Carriage Tour, plus movies and live performances in the outdoor amphitheater.
From station: Within walking distance.
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.
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 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
Explore by Location
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.
How to Get There
Everything you need to know, including train schedules and tips on buying tickets and riding Metrolink trains. Easy!
