Metrolink offers romantic weekend escapes

Looking for a weekend escape that won’t break the bank? Metrolink and Amtrak are offering Metrolink monthly pass holders free weekend travel on Amtrak’s Pacific Surfliner trains from Feb. 6 through April 30.

The offer promotes the Rail 2 Rail program, allowing certain Metrolink monthly pass holders to ride Pacific Surfliner trains on a daily basis.

All Metrolink monthly passes will be accepted for free travel on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays to scenic destinations north of Los Angeles on the Pacific Surfliner and connecting Amtrak Thruway Busses.

Blackout dates for this promotion are April 9, 10 and 11. On these dates, all Amtrak trains will require advance reservations and ticket purchase.

Pacific Surfliner’s corridor includes Oxnard, Ventura, Santa Barbara, Carpinteria, Goleta, Lompoc, Guadalupe, Grover Beach and San Luis Obispo.

The promotion is not valid for travel south of Los Angeles Union Station on Pacific Surfliner trains except for Rail 2 Rail travel.

In addition, all Metrolink monthly pass holders may travel for free on Metrolink’s San Bernardino Line on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays during the promotion dates.

For a quick getaway, there’s Ventura, gateway to Channel Islands National Park, home to a thriving arts and antiques district and shelter to one of California’s last working harbors. In February, visitors can learn about the architecture of Mission San Buenaventura, take a whale-watching cruise and stroll old Ventura on a walking tour.

For more ideas, please visit www.ventura-usa.com.

Santa Barbara has an extensive network of bus routes and bicycle paths for local exploring. A number of private boat, bus, and tour operators provide excursions to outlying areas, including the remote Channel Islands and romantic wine country.

Check out the website www.santabarbaracarfree.org for maps and car-free offers for both Santa Barbara and Carpinteria.

Further up the coast and ten miles inland lies San Luis Obispo with its quaint downtown, historic mission and stunning scenery. Nearby beaches are home to elephant seals and other marine wildlife.

Area attractions include Hearst Castle, Mission San Luis Obispo de Tolosa, wine tasting, golf, hiking, biking, theater, museums and galleries.

Several hotels offer pickup at the SLO Amtrak station, including Apple Farm, Madonna Inn, Quality Suites and Petit Soleil Bed and Breakfast. For budget travelers, the Hostel Obispo is a five-minute walk from the station.

For information about local transportation, events, Valentine’s and Amtrak/Metrolink packages, go to www.sanluisobispocounty.com.

To learn more, please visit www.metrolinktrains.com. For Pacific Surfliner schedules, visit www.amtrak.com or call (800) USA-RAIL.

—Saria Kraft