Get started
Why list with usHow it worksEarnings calculatorManagement
Airbnb managementProperty managementVacation rental managementShort-term rental managementServiced apartment managementHoliday home managementAirbnb co-hostingChannels & tools
Revenue managementDynamic pricingChannel managementOTA managementBooking.com managementListing optimizationVacation rental marketingFull-day round trip — vintage steam train through Redwoods, waterfront time at Santa Cruz Harbor, and relaxation at Capitola Beach.
This one-day trip from San Francisco invites you to experience both towering redwoods and the Pacific coastline. You'll begin at Roaring Camp, where you can board a vintage steam train for a 75-minute journey through a breathtaking redwood forest, showcasing one of the few remaining steam-powered routes in the United States.
After the train ride, the tour continues to Santa Cruz Harbor. Here, enjoy leisurely strolls along the waterfront, with opportunities to admire sailboats and grab a snack by the ocean. The trip wraps up at Capitola Beach, known for its colourful village and calm waves, offering a picturesque spot to unwind and take in the scenery. Transport is included, allowing for a stress-free day of forest beauty and coastal charm.
FAQ
Reviews
The tour started with a pickup at Union Square in San Francisco, followed by a drive to San José in a small car. We switched to a bus with only six passengers after meeting the tour guide in a hotel lobby. The guide was wonderful, but the itinerary was lacking. We spent an hour at Capitola Beach, but most places were closed, and then we went to the Santa Cruz boardwalk for another hour. The town was too far to walk to, leaving just tourist shops and cafés on the boardwalk. A major issue arose when there was a four-hour delay at Roaring Camp, which ultimately led to the cancellation of the steam train ride through the redwoods. While this was not the tour guide's fault, he did ensure we received a cash refund for that portion. He attempted to make up for the letdown by taking us to the Mystery Spot, but it was fully booked. Overall, the day was quite disappointing, and I wouldn't recommend this trip or consider taking it again.
This journey was truly amazing. Our guide Ryan from downtown San Francisco was excellent. The train ride to Red Shirt Park took about an hour, during which I was awed by the ancient redwood trees on the mountains. Ryan mentioned that the next two beaches were stunning, and we enjoyed lunch at the first beach, where we encountered an abalone factory that we initially didn’t recognize. He explained it was part of the fishing experience, highlighting its 140-year history. I also saw a colorful hotel with friends — it was fantastic. I highly recommend checking it out. Ryan was attentive and knowledgeable. I inquired about other tours from the company, and I plan to join them. It was an unforgettable experience. Thank you, Ryan.
We were eager for this trip, but the initial experience was quite stressful. Arriving at our pick-up location before 7:15 a.m. for a 7:30 a.m. pick-up, we found the driver was fifteen minutes late. We weren't informed that we would be joining a shuttle for Las Vegas, leading to a nearly three-hour wait in a Santa Cruz parking lot. The journey was uncomfortable, as the driver frequently used his phone and fumbled with paperwork, making me feel unsafe. We stopped twice on a narrow hard shoulder to check Google Maps, further delaying us at a meeting point, while he went door to door to collect passengers. Despite our repeated inquiries about the trip's start time, we received misleading updates. However, our return driver, Fruit, was much more professional and reassuring. The trip could have been far more enjoyable if not for the poor transfer experience prior to boarding the Redwood train and reaching Santa Cruz. I think it's worth Viator's attention to review this aspect of the trip.
This tour was quite engaging, and I would certainly recommend it along with our guide, Charlie. He communicated in Mandarin with other guests but consistently ensured I received the information in English. Charlie demonstrated extensive knowledge about each location and drove safely. Capitola was a charming spot to enjoy a delicious margarita. Although Abalone farm was closed, we were able to appreciate a beautiful scenic beach instead. Santa Clara was fantastic, allowing us nearly two hours to explore the pier and boardwalk, where we caught an impressive VW car show. The steam train ride was also a highlight. The only downside was the mix-up regarding our pick-up point, which led to unnecessary travel from San Jose to Oakland before having to loop back, extending our journey by two hours. Overall, I highly recommend this tour and suggest asking for Charlie.
This tour is perfect for families, especially those with young kids, as it allows for a relaxed pace without extensive hiking. Our guide, Wu, provided interesting historical insights and pointed out the best beach spots. We enjoyed watching the sea lions in Santa Cruz and loved Capitola beach, where we watched surfers and had a nice meal. The highlight was the Redwood Forest, where we rode a steam train, offering unforgettable sights and sounds. We appreciated the scenic journey up the mountains, seeing some of the oldest trees on the planet, and the friendly blacksmith was a nice bonus. We did stop at a strip mall for lunch and visited Abalone Farms, which felt less essential and took time away from the beaches and Redwood Forest. Overall, this tour covered many must-see locations during our San Francisco trip, and the drive between sights was also very picturesque, allowing for a brief rest along the way.
The tour was extremely disappointing. Our guide's poor English made it difficult to understand and his microphone was nonfunctional. Although my daughter and I returned early, he scolded us and insisted we were late. At one point, he drove off without us, claiming we had to leave earlier than planned. The tour details on TripAdvisor were misleading; we didn’t visit the redwood national park since it’s hours away from San Francisco. Lastly, the guide demanded a 12% tip for booking through TripAdvisor, claiming he was owed that amount. I felt frustrated, especially since I had tipped him for training someone else, only to find out he didn’t give it to the trainee. While the train ride was enjoyable, the overall experience was not worth the effort I put into it. I would rate this a zero if possible. Debbe from North Carolina.
It was an enjoyable day trip. I had a great time on the redwood train. The food at the redwoods was tasty, and our van driver was both safe and very friendly.
I am a fan of trains and enormous trees. The train journey through the Redwood Forest was fantastic. Santa Cruz was decent, while Capitola Beach was stunning and sunny. I wish I had more time in Santa Cruz for lunch and shopping.
We thoroughly enjoyed our day trip to the Redwood Forest and Santa Cruz Harbor. The views were stunning, from the serene redwood trees to the calming coastline. Our guide, Jason, was amiable, professional, and extremely knowledgeable, making the experience seamless and enjoyable. He shared fascinating stories without being too much. We also appreciated how well-organized and punctual the entire tour was. In summary, it was a memorable and relaxing experience. I highly recommend this tour, particularly with Jason as your guide.
I had a fantastic and enjoyable day trip! The redwoods were breathtaking, and Santa Cruz provided a wonderful setting to relax and take in the ocean vistas. Jason was a superb guide—calm, patient, and made everyone feel at ease. He managed the itinerary at a great pace, allowing us ample time to explore without any pressure. Everything went seamlessly from beginning to end. I would certainly book this again and highly recommend Jason to anyone coming to San Francisco!
Reviews are paraphrased traveller feedback sourced from Viator. Original ratings and sentiment preserved.
Visiting San Jose?
Hand-picked, verified serviced apartments — concierge always included.