Final Run of Coast Daylight

The iconic Coast Daylight made its last scheduled run on June 19, 1978, between Los Angeles and San Francisco. Streamlined GS-4 steam locomotives had powered the train in its early years before dieselization, offering passengers stunning Pacific views through Vandenberg and the Santa Lucia mountains. Amtrak's formation and declining ridership led to discontinuation despite public protests. The train's red-and-orange livery and onboard amenities became symbols of classic American streamliner travel, influencing later heritage operations and railfan culture.