Travelers Can Now Visit This Charming West Coast Hideaway By Train For The First Time In Decades

As we’re now officially in the fall season, charming small towns become all the more alluring as if we’re immersing ourselves into a Hallmark movie.

One of the most scenic regions on the West Coast is California’s wine country, not only to sip on grown-up grape juice, but to enjoy the outdoors in the crisp NorCal breeze.

Of course, we all know Napa and maybe a handful of others such as Santa Rosa, but there’s another neighboring town ready to be hoisted in the spotlight with a newly opened train station.

Whether you’re seeking to escape San Francisco’s city grind or Napa’s crowds, this hideaway in close reach just became even closer.

Now accessible by train for the first time in decades, it’s time to let the uppity’s have Napa to themselves while you fall in love with the idyllic town of Windsor.

Where In The World Is Windsor?

Windsor, California is one of the Golden State’s top fall hidden gems — and it lives up to the ‘Golden’ part through its glowing trees and vibrant vineyards.

Though, if you’re here more to leaf-peep than visit wineries, Shiloh Ranch Regional Park is just the place in the coming months.

Before the train arrived recently, many wine country tourists likely skip over Windsor as it’s not a household name in the shadow of Napa and isn’t hasn’t been as easy to reach.

But they’ve been missing out!

There are numerous scenic wineries spread across town and cozy bars downtown to savor the flavor of locally-produced wine and maybe a charcuterie board too.

Bricoleur Vineyards is arguably the most well-known, holding a near-perfect Google rating with rave reviews.

One recent visitor stated, “This place is amazing! We did the Rooted pairing which had 5 courses, 6 wines, and a bonus glass of welcome sparkling”.

Adding, “the wine and food pairing was impeccably done”.

Save Gas! Hop Aboard The New SMART Train

It doesn’t take a genius to realize the value in Windsor’s new SMART train (Sonoma-Marin Area Rail Transit).

Have you seen gas prices in California? Try driving my Jeep…

While gas is always a shocker to out-of-state tourists, another cool aspect of Windsor is they actual want visitors, unlike many places scattered across the globe who are protesting tourists.

Locals were particularly excited for a new train station with hopes to become a full-fledged tourist destination for years to come, no matter if you’re seeking a serene hideaway oozing small town charm or want to visit crowd-free vineyards without the know-it-alls of Napa.

With the new train now operating, rides start as early as 4:35 am since ‘quiet zones’ were lifted. Though, you may want to question your life decisions if you’re trying to find a winery open that early…

However, the point being no shortage of rides here — and there are a couple of more stops in the works just beyond Windsor (Healdsburg and Cloverdale).

The full route is listed below:

• Larkspur
• San Rafael
• Marin Civic Center
• Novato Hamilton
• Novato Downtown
• Novato Marin
• Petaluma Downtown
• Petaluma North
• Cotati
• Rohnert Park
• Santa Rosa Downtown
• Santa Rosa North
• Sonoma County Airport
• Windsor
• Healdsburg (coming soon)
• Cloverdale (coming soon)

As you likely noticed, Windsor is only one stop away from Sonoma County Airport’s train station, so you can avoid the hassle of flying into San Francisco altogether.

Fares are charged per zone, starting at $1.50 for single rides and capped at $7.50 if you stick within 5 zones (age 18 and below ride free, as do seniors 65+)

The only other way to get here besides a road trip is to take a ferry from San Fran.

Main Stay Or Day Trip?

According to Visit Windsor, ‘the best day trips start in Windsor’.

There are so many delightful towns to explore north of San Francisco, such as Petaluma and Healdsburg, among others; it’s tough to narrow down since you really can’t go wrong.

What Windsor really has going for it is plenty to do and see despite being in the beginning stages of rail revival — and there are plentiful stays ready to welcome you with open arms.

In fact, the Hampton Inn & Suites in Windsor is running a special promotion in honor of the SMART train, which could save you up to $250, including rideshare certificates (drive safe!).

Katie Phillips, Hampton Inn’s Director of Sales, stated, “With the SMART station opening, our original goal was basically to put Windsor on the map of tourist destinations.”

Continuing, “Windsor has this unique blend of small-town charm and Wine Country sophistication. The train changes the mindset from Windsor being out of the way to Windsor being a great escape.”

Sam Sears

Sam, our Lead Writer & Journalist based in San Diego has visited 36 countries and written over 1000 articles with a focus on sharing his own travel experiences and shining a light on lesser-known gems.