Deal: $10 Metrolink pass could be your ticket to weekend beach escapes

Here’s a chance to leave your car — and all the freeway traffic — behind when you escape from L.A. to beach cities San Clemente, San Juan Capistrano and Oceanside. Metrolink will take you there with $10 day passes good for unlimited rides on Saturdays or Sundays.

The deal: Bring Back Summer day passes are easy to purchase online, at a Metrolink station or through a downloadable app on your mobile device.

Here’s how it works: With the $10 pass, you can, say, board in Burbank or downtown L.A. on a Saturday, stop off in San Juan Capistrano for lunch and head down to Oceanside before heading back home.

Or you can stay overnight and buy another $10 pass with unlimited rides Sunday for your return trip — and make as many stops as you like along the way.

When: The offer is good through Sept. 5.

Tested: Metrolink tickets between L.A. and Oceanside usually cost $16.75 each way or $33.50 round-trip. Even if you spend $20 per person for two day passes, it’s a bargain.

Other added benefits:

--Children 5 years old and younger ride free.

--If you need inspiration on what to do at a destination, Metrolink has created some itineraries to consider on its website. Here’s one for San Juan that includes a 2-mile walk.

--You’ll find power outlets and bathrooms on each rail car.

--You can get local discounts (like $1 off the $5 admission to Casa Romantica Cultural Center and Gardens in San Clemente). Check out more weekend deals here.

Info: Metrolink’s Bring Back Summer passes

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