The magic of train travel means a single train route can take you through rainforests, metropolitan cities, and small towns.
And while you can do it in one go, Amtrak also allows you to linger in each destination.
Using Amtrak's multi-city booking option, travelers can spend a night, or several, in any of the destinations along the route. You’ll need a reservation for every train leg you want to board, but Amtrak’s multi-city booking option makes planning straightforward.
And while you can do this on all of Amtrak’s routes, there are a few where the prospect is especially appealing.
From the incredible landscapes of the Northwest to some of America’s most historic East Coast cities, the following Amtrak journeys shine for multi-destination vacations.
Plus, there are perks train travelers won’t find on a plane or in a car, such as food and snacks for purchase, free Wi-Fi, and no fees for checked bags or bicycle storage.
In this article
Wander Along California’s Coast on the Pacific Surfliner
Amtrak’s Pacific Surfliner route traverses California’s exceptionally scenic coast, passing through San Diego, Los Angeles, Santa Barbara, and San Luis Obispo.
Along the 9-hour journey, train travelers cover some of the state’s major cities and breathtaking coastal landscapes.
The route begins in San Diego, where travelers can admire rocky beaches, picnic at Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve, surf Mission Beach, and seal watch on La Jolla Cove.
At their end destination in San Luis Obispo, travelers can hit wineries in the Edna Valley, hike Bishop Peak, and grab famous bites like the tri-tip sandwich at Firestone Grill.
For a midway stop on the 351-mile route, travelers can take in the architecture of Old Mission Santa Barbara, sip wines along the Urban Wine Trail, or embark on a whale-watching tour. Or in Los Angeles, a stop might involve strolls along Venice Beach or Beverly Hills, studio tours at Warner Bros. Studios and Universal Studios Hollywood, or mornings spent at the Original Farmers Market.
The route runs daily, and coach tickets start around $61.
Cross into Canada on Amtrak’s Cascades Train
Up in the northwestern corner of the U.S., the Amtrak Cascades route begins in Eugene, Oregon.
From Eugene, the train winds through Oregon, passing through Salem and Portland and then into Washington, where it makes stops in Tacoma and Seattle, before culminating at the final stop, Vancouver, British Columbia.
Vancouver alone is worth visiting for a few days if you have the time. The Canadian city is home to everything from historic neighborhoods like Gastown and Mount Pleasant, large city attractions like the Museum of Anthropology, and shopping. Visitors could even spend an entire day at Stanley Park. The city’s largest urban park has everything from bike trails along the beach, lush rainforests, and mountain views in the 1,001-acre space.
As for the starting point, Eugene is home to plenty of outdoor activities including bike paths along the Willamette River, the Mount Pisgah Arboretum, and the Cascades Raptor Center. The city also has a handful of museums, a public market, and a rich dining scene.
In between, travelers can make stops in bigger cities, like Portland and Seattle, or visit smaller destinations such as Salem and Tacoma. Whether you decide to stop or not, this total ride, which takes a little over 10 hours, promises endless views of the Pacific Northwest’s iconic landscapes. Coach tickets start at $70.
Explore Historic Cities Along the Northeast Regional Route
On the opposite side of the country, train travelers can hop on Amtrak’s Northeast Regional route, which travels between Boston and Virginia Beach, Virginia.
During the 12.5-hour journey, guests capture glimpses of major cities like Hartford, Connecticut; Providence, Rhode Island; New York City; Washington, D.C.; and Richmond, Virginia.
Many travelers take this route for work; it’s Amtrak’s busiest route, with more than 12 million passengers annually.
But it’s also ideal for leisure travel. By starting in Boston, travelers can take a deep dive into America’s history along the Freedom Trail, try local lobster rolls and clam chowder, or embark on a whale-watching tour in Boston Harbor.
Midway stops range from museums in Providence to Broadway musicals in New York City, and tours of Independence Hall and the Liberty Bell in Philadelphia.
With Virginia Beach as the last destination, travelers can grab their swimsuits, towels, and sunscreen and enjoy the area’s miles of beaches, boardwalks, state parks, plus the Back Bay National Wildlife Refuge.
The route runs daily, and coach tickets typically start around $69.
The Shortcut
The Pacific Surfliner alone hits San Diego, Los Angeles, Santa Barbara, and San Luis Obispo, and coach tickets start around $61.
The Cascades route is the only one that crosses a border, ending in Vancouver after starting in Eugene, Oregon.
The Northeast Regional is Amtrak's busiest route for a reason: one ticket covers Boston, New York City, Philadelphia, and D.C. without renting a car.
