As a Los Angeles local, I love taking a $22 train to this spot with low-key beaches, great shopping, and delicious food

Ventura's beaches are calm and low-key. Liana Minassian

Given the opportunity, I'd happily travel everywhere by train. Luckily, I live in Southern California , where I can easily explore neighborhoods up and down the coast via the Amtrak Pacific Surfliner.

This beautiful coastal train runs all the way from San Diego to San Luis Obispo, and I've discovered tons of cool towns and cities simply by exploring the stops along the route. One of my favorites is the city of Ventura: It's an easy, $22 day trip from my nearest train station in Los Angeles.

Ventura is a historic beach town north of LA with a wealth of attractions, from relaxing, surfer-laden beaches to eclectic shopping and delicious food.

The train ride to Ventura is short and affordable

I'll often eat a quick breakfast on the Amtrak.…