Steam Train Through the Redwoods 🚂 | Santa Cruz & California Coast Day 4

Описание: Day four of our California Coast adventure may have been our most unique yet — riding a historic steam train through towering redwood forests, exploring Santa Cruz beach culture, and finishing the trip surrounded by some of the oldest living trees on Earth. 🌲🚂

Our Luggage - Will fit 10 Days of clothes and still considered a carry on
https://amzn.to/4kGy3u2

Neck Pillow
Https://amzn.to/3HeopjS

Compression hose for long flights
Https://amzn.to/4mFx7rB

Compressible Kids Coats
Https://amzn.to/45r9Q6k

Travel pillow mask sling combo
Https://amzn.to/43Cfjow

Kids small carry on or weekender bag
Https://amzn.to/4mzjv0G

Luggage Tags
Https://amzn.to/3SRGSF8

Women’s rain coat
Https://amzn.to/4k7uUDq

Visit Redwoods through GetYourGuide: https://gyg.me/YKVfeRm8

We began the day at Roaring Camp Railroads, a historic mountain railroad nestled in the redwoods near Santa Cruz. Founded in 1958, Roaring Camp recreates an 1880s logging-era settlement and operates authentic narrow-gauge steam locomotives that once hauled lumber through California’s forests.

The highlight was boarding a vintage steam engine for the climb up Bear Mountain. As the train wound through ancient redwood groves, we learned how these massive trees shaped California’s early economy and conservation movement.

At the Bear Mountain stop — often called a natural “cathedral” — the scale of the redwoods becomes almost unbelievable. These coastal redwoods are the tallest trees on Earth, capable of growing over 350 feet tall and living for more than 2,000 years. Walking among them truly puts nature into perspective.

Back at Roaring Camp, we explored the historic buildings, small museum exhibits, shops, and the recreated logging camp that brings California’s railroad history to life. It’s a must-visit for train lovers, nature lovers, and anyone wanting a unique Northern California experience.

Next, we jumped back into the convertible and headed down to Santa Cruz Beach, one of our favorite moments of the entire trip. One of the best parts about traveling the California coast is how quickly landscapes change — from cool forest mountains to sunny ocean beaches in minutes.

We grabbed lunch beachside before walking the famous Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk, home to classic rides, shops, and laid-back California surf energy.

Driving further along the coast, we stopped to watch surfers riding the Pacific waves — a reminder that Santa Cruz is considered one of the birthplaces of mainland U.S. surf culture. Surfing here dates back to the early 1900s and remains a huge part of the city’s identity today.

Later, we returned to the forest to explore Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park, beginning at the visitor center and gift shop before heading into the trails. The park protects old-growth redwoods and offers some of the most accessible walking paths through ancient forests in California. Many trees here are over 1,500 years old, and the ecosystem supports unique wildlife and plant species found nowhere else.

To wrap up the day — and our California adventure — we drove to San Jose and had dinner at San Pedro Square Market, a vibrant downtown gathering place filled with restaurants, food vendors, live music, and historic buildings dating back to the city’s early days as California’s first capital.

This incredible day perfectly captured what makes California special: history, nature, beaches, and city life — all within a single unforgettable drive.

🌊 Watch the full California Coast series to follow the entire journey from San Francisco to wine country, Highway 1, and the redwoods.

⸻

🌲 Travel Tips Featured in This Video
• Roaring Camp tickets sell out during peak seasons — reserve early.
• Bring layers — redwoods can be cool even on warm coastal days.
• Santa Cruz weather changes quickly compared to inland areas.
• Redwoods are best experienced slowly — take time to walk quietly.
• San Pedro Square is ideal for groups with varied food preferences.

#CaliforniaCoast #RoaringCamp #Redwoods
#SantaCruz #CaliforniaRoadTrip
#SteamTrain #RedwoodForest
#HenryCowell #SantaCruzBoardwalk
#VisitCalifornia #TravelVlog
#CaliforniaAdventure #WestCoastTravel