Situated in the heart of downtown San Diego, Santa Fe Depot is an absolutely stunning piece of California’s history. Since opening in 1915, the depot has served travelers from near and far, all while dazzling them with its classic Spanish Colonial Revival architecture. If you have the pleasure of visiting the station, don’t forget to check out its twin domes and ornate detailing!
The Santa Fe Depot is one of two stations in San Diego’s downtown served by the Pacific Surfliner— click here to learn more about Old Town Station!
Keep reading for all the information you need to know before your train ride into the depot, including nearby things to do, station information, and more.
Things to Do Near Santa Fe Depot
The Santa Fe Depot in San Diego puts you within walking distance of some of the city’s most beloved activities, attractions, and sights! Whether you’re a foodie, a family looking for some wholesome fun, a history buff, or just here to catch some vitamin sea, you’re in the right place.
Get a Taste of San Diego
Ready to chow down? San Diego is absolutely bursting with fresh, one-of-a-kind flavors that are sure to have you coming back for more! Take a short walk (less than 10 minutes!) to the city’s district, where you’ll find a mouthwatering mix of classic Italian eateries, trendy cafes, cool night spots, and charming gelato shops. Live your own bella vita and grab a cappuccino at one of the countless sidewalk cafes, treat yourself to homemade pasta at a local trattoria, or kick back with a glass of wine on an outdoor patio.
Take the trolley, bus or a short walk to the Gaslamp Quarter if you’re on the hunt for trendy restaurants, bars, galleries, shops, and rooftop hideaways in the heart of downtown San Diego! These historic streets buzz with energy, lined with 19th century architecture that offers a captivating glimpse into San Diego’s past. We highly recommend wandering the sidewalks and popping into anywhere that catches your eye. Don’t forget to stick around after the sun goes down to get a taste of the Gaslamp Quarter’s famous nightlife, filled with cocktail lounges, craft breweries, live music, and more!
Discover Downtown San Diego
The Santa Fe Depot is conveniently located near museums, shops, parks, restaurants and everything in between! Whether you’re traveling with the kiddos or just looking for some fun, downtown San Diego is the place to be.
Just an eight-minute walk away, the USS Midway Museum is a floating monument to the history of naval aircraft carriers. Immerse yourself in exhibits, get up close to restored aircraft, and test your luck in flight simulators! A little further north up the waterfront, you’ll find the Maritime Museum of San Diego, where you can explore one of the world’s most impressive collections of historic ships.
If you’re wanting to soak up the sunshine, we recommend taking the trolley or bus to Balboa Park, a sprawling 1,200-acre collection of gardens, museums, and other outdoor spaces that is sure to knock your flip flops off. Take a stroll along one of the park’s many walking trails, learn something new at a museum, find your favorite animal at the world-famous San Diego Zoo, or enjoy a peaceful afternoon picnic under the shade of an ancient tree.
Explore Along the Shore
A quick walk from the Santa Fe Depot takes you to some of San Diego’s most scenic waterfront spots. Broadway Pier, located on the Embarcadero, is a great place to relax, enjoy panoramic views of the water, and watch ships come and go. If you have kiddos (or you’re an adult and want to play on the playground, we don’t judge!), head over to the community’s beloved Waterfront Park for plenty of sprawling green lawns, play equipment, and picnic-perfect spots.
Looking for a mini adventure? Hop on the Coronado Ferry— less than a 10 minute walk from the Santa Fe Depot— and enjoy a breezy, 15 minute ride to Coronado Island! The ferry ride is filled with scenic views of the harbor and drops you off in a world of sandy beaches, waterfront boutiques, and seafood feasts. With fabulous weather year-round, it’s never a bad idea to take the ferry and spend the day by the shore.
Station Information: Santa Fe Depot
Hours of Operation
The Santa Fe Depot building is open daily between 3:30 am and midnight.
Santa Fe Depot Amenities
San Diego’s Santa Fe Depot has various amenities to make your experience even better, including an indoor waiting area with seating and plenty of natural light, bag storage, ATM, restrooms, ticket sales office, Amtrak ticket machine, vending machines, and a small café/gift shop.
Amtrak Ticket Window
The Amtrak ticket office is open daily between 3:00 am to 1:00 am, with representatives available to help passengers book travel, modify reservations, and more.
Parking at the Santa Fe Depot
Parking is unavailable at San Diego’s Santa Fe Depot. Don’t worry though! There is paid short- and long-term parking available just a few blocks north of the station at ACE Public Parking.
Amtrak Train Connections
The Pacific Surfliner is the only Amtrak train route that serves Santa Fe Depot.
Local Transit Options
The Santa Fe Depot is connected to several major public transit options, making it easy to explore the city even if you don’t have a car handy!
The COASTER commuter train connects the depot to seven other stations along the Southern California coastline, from downtown San Diego to Oceanside.
You can also hop on the Green or Blue Lines of the San Diego Trolley, which offer easy access to some of the city’s top destinations, including Seaport Village, the Gaslamp Quarter, Petco Park, Little Italy, Mission Valley, and more!
In addition to the COASTER and trolley, several bus routes stop at the depot, providing convenient transportation to numerous spots throughout the city.
Fun in the sun, tasty food, and endless things to do? Check, check, and… check! Plan your trip on the Pacific Surfliner to San Diego’s Santa Fe Depot and start seeing everything Southern California has to offer.