Santa Cruz Beach Train - Felton to Santa Cruz There's no greater thrill for adults and kids than riding the Santa Cruz Beach Train departing Felton's Roaring Camp. The beach train goes from the Henry Cowell redwood forests of Felton to the BoardWalk in Santa Cruz. One of two trains operated by Roaring Camp (the other is the Bear Mountain steam train), you will be amazed at how much fun it is to ride in an old-fashioned train that takes you directly to a pleasure pier and theme park at the beach! The round trip excursion takes approximately 3 hours but can be extended for a full day of entertainment as you depart and visit either the beach (if you begin in Felton) or Roaring Camp (if you begin at the beach). The Santa Cruz, Big Trees & Pacific Railroad is one of the oldest and most historic lines in California. When the route opened in 1875 it carried picnickers and tourists to the Big Trees and Santa Cruz. Today's Beach Trains travel through Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park, down the scenic San Lorenzo River Gorge, across a 1909 steel truss bridge, and through an 1875 tunnel before arriving at the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk. For those seeking an historical, old-fashioned family beach fun trip, this excursion is ideal for families, kids, romantic couples, singles, seniors and anyone seeking an easy-going ride through lush forests to the city. When you arrive at Santa Cruz BoardWalk, you can dine, ride on a roller coaster, play arcades, sunbathe, surf, shop or even wash your feet. The BoardWalk features a foot-washing station! While Santa Monica Pier located hundreds of miles south in Los Angeles County features amusements and a Ferris Wheel overlooking the ocean at a vantage point perched above the Pacific Ocean, Santa Cruz BoardWalk and Beach Train rides overlooking that very same ocean in Santa Cruz County rank as one of the most authentic, old-fashioned experiences in the Western United States.