Cardiff’s Coastal Rail Trail with a Toddler

If your toddler’s in a train phase, this one hits. A stroller-friendly walk, painted rocks, a giant climbing tree, and a front-row seat to the tracks. No planning needed. No entry fee. Just fresh air, tiny thrills, and the kind of joy only toddlers can feel over trains.

The Story

A WALK. A WAIT. A WIN.

I used to live in Cardiff, so this wasn’t new. But now I have a two-year-old who’s deeply invested in trains, and that changes things.

We parked near Glen Park, walked to Seaside Market, and split a tri-tip sandwich on the patio. Still one of my favorite places.

After lunch, we crossed to the Coastal Rail Trail. It runs right alongside the tracks. We didn’t walk far, just to the big tree for some climbing, then back.

All the way, Luca kept his eyes peeled for trains. When there was a lull, he got genuinely concerned the train had “gone sleeping.”

Closer to the Chesterfield crossing, there’s a little painted rock garden.
Adult joy: minimal.
Toddler joy: off the charts.

Then we veered onto the not-so-hidden path. A short loop, but Luca was convinced he’d hiked a tropical jungle. Big win.

Eventually, we stood at the crossing and waited.
Twenty-one minutes to be exact. No snacks. No complaints.
That alone deserves a write-up.

He just wanted the bells. The lights. The moment.

And when the train finally came, lights flashing, horn blaring — he exploded.
Hands in the air. Full-body joy. Christmas couldn’t compete.

Immediately after, more trains, mama?

I told him the train went night-night, and we headed back to the car.

That was the whole outing.
And days later, he’s still talking about it like it was a major life event.

The Quick Guide

CARDIFF COASTAL RAIL TRAIL

Location
Cardiff-by-the-Sea. We parked near Glen Park Playground and walked to the trail from there. You can also access it easily from across the street at Seaside Market or near the Chesterfield crossing.

Hours
Open daily, dawn to dusk. Free and public.

Cost
Free — unless you grab lunch (which we highly recommend).

The Walk
A paved, stroller-friendly path that runs right alongside the train tracks. Great for walking short distances with toddlers or extending into a longer stroll if moods allow.

Food & Drink
Seaside Market is steps away. Easy, quick, and outdoor-friendly for kids who don’t sit still. There are plenty of other options nearby too: pizza, burritos, acai. You can find something for everyone, whether you're grabbing lunch or just fueling a longer walk.

Parking
Street parking is available throughout Cardiff. There's a small lot near Best Pizza & Brew across from the trail and easy parking at Glen Park Playground. It’s relaxed on weekdays, busier on weekends.

Restrooms
Available at Seaside Market, Glen Park, and Starbucks nearby.

Total Time
Anywhere from 30 minutes to 2 hours, depending on how long you wait for a train — or how committed your toddler is to watching them all.

More Info
For the most accurate and up-to-date information, please refer to the official website using the link below.

CARDIFF RAIL TRAIL →

A Final Note

LITTLE WEEKENDS RATING

★★★★★

It's literally just watching trains go by. And somehow it's better than 90% of the activities we've paid actual money for. The perfect adventure for when you're out of ideas but not out of coffee. Sometimes the most boring adult activities are toddler nirvana. 5/5