India, Jan. 20 -- California's coast-hugging Pacific Surfliner gets plenty of attention for its ocean views, but the Golden State has plenty of charm inland, too.

The Gold Runner, formerly known as the Amtrak San Joaquins, crosses 365 miles of track to connect the San Francisco Bay Area to Sacramento and Bakersfield. The route travels through the heartland, with lovely, idyllic vistas of almond orchards, vineyards, and on clear days, the snowcapped Sierra Nevada mountains.

"The valley floor is populated with row upon row of agricultural staples such as almonds, pistachios, corn, tomatoes, and grapes," an Amtrak Gold Runner representative said in a statement to Travel + Leisure. "As trains make their way into the Bay Area, there will be...