I was convinced by my cousin that lives in the San Diego area that the only way to easily get from Los Angeles to San Diego was by Amtrak instead of driving. Amtrak: 2.5 hours. Driving: 4.0 hours (due to traffic) Plus, the only time I have ever ridden on a train was when in kindergarten. So this was an adventure and possibly the only time I will ride an Amtrak. So got the details (from both my cousin and the Internet),

I was glad that I "upgraded" my AmTrak fare to "business" class, Lots more leg room. Plug for laptop. Seated higher (upper level), free newspaper (USA Today), free coffee/juice/water/drinks, free Danish and other type snacks (depending on the time of day). Earlier boarding. They run on schedule although not very fast. There were 8 - 9 stops between LA and San Diego but each were 1 - 2 minutes long.

Several points along the route run close enough to the Pacific Ocean that I could see the waves and surfers and beach. The fare was not cheap ($112 round trip for business class). But for a first time experience of a train ride (at least as an adult or even teen), it was worth it. Like the ferry ride I took last year between Washington state and Victoria/Vancouver, it was slower than car but a fun and different way to travel. If one does not need to make "time" on a trip, want to go at a relaxing pace, and, nothing to see/visit between the two main points. then an AmTrak is a good way to go. I was more impressed than I expected to be.

The one good/bad thing about AmTrak is that cell phone coverage is available. That means some people get on their cell phones and yak for most of the ride. Always annoying to hear half a conversation with loud laughing/giggling. Also, wireless Internet was available but some sites are somehow locked out. I could not access my personal website to upload files.