It’s pretty common knowledge that traffic here in Southern California can have its moments. In an effort to bypass some of the stress, and to help reduce our carbon footprint, we’ve started using public transit to help us reach various nature destinations.
(Note: For those not familiar with public transportation in Southern California, let’s just say it has its limitations. Given a choice, most people opt to drive whenever possible.)
Our biggest adventure so far was a day-long outing to San Juan Capistrano and back via Metrolink. Not to be confused with Metro Rail (which is a light rail system), Metrolink is Southern California’s regional passenger rail system. Real live trains that kids can ride on!
Metrolink’s Weekend Day Pass offers unlimited rides for $10. The pass works on either Saturday or Sunday on any line. Combine it with the nature destination of your choice and you’ve got the makings of an eco-friendly weekend family adventure.
Using Metrolink to connect with nature
Metrolink consists of seven lines providing service to a wide range of locations in Southern California. Families looking to use Metrolink to connect with nature might want to consider the following destinations:
- Huntington Library and Gardens (in Pasadena)
- Los Angeles Zoo & Botanical Gardens (in Downtown Burbank)
- Discovery Science Center (in Santa Ana)
- Santa Ana Zoo
- Orange County Great Park
- Mission San Juan Capistrano & Zoomars Petting Zoo (in San Juan Capistrano)
- San Clemente pier, beach & beach trail
- Oceanside beach
In choosing our itinerary, we started by looking for a destination within walking distance from a Metrolink station. We also wanted a nice, long ride since both of The Explorers are huge train lovers. The choice? A route from downtown Los Angeles to San Juan Capistrano, where we explored Zoomars Petting Zoo, had lunch, then headed home.
Tips for traveling on Metrolink with kids
Ready to give Metrolink a try on your next family nature adventure? Here are a few tips:
- Know your timetables. We chose a destination with only four departure and return times on the weekend (and only one set of times that really worked with our schedule). Keep in mind that weekend schedules are more limited than weekday. Pay attention not just to departure times, but return times as well.
- Consider your transportation needs once you reach your destination. Metrolink trains won’t always get you right to your ultimate destination. Will someone be available to pick you up and take you where you want to go or can you use local public transport? Or are you looking for a destination within walking distance of the train station?
- Bring snacks (and more). Our train ride was a little more than an hour each way, so having food on hand helped keep hungry boys happy. If you think your child might get restless on the train ride, consider bringing along some books, puzzles or other on board entertainment.
- Choose a fun destination. Pick a place you think would be a hit with your family. It’ll come in handy should your little passengers get antsy on the ride there.
In our case, riding the Metrolink turned out to be an adventure in and of itself. And now that we’ve tried it once (and worked out the kinks), we’ll be more likely to do so in the future.
Note: We received four complimentary Metrolink tickets to help us reach a nature destination of our choosing, in exchange for an honest review of our experience with you. Read my disclosure policy for more information.
