All Aboard: Train Getaways
Sit back, watch the country roll by, and let somebody else do the driving.
There's something about a train trip that feels like a vacation from the minute you board. No traffic, no airport security lines, just big windows, comfy seats, and time to talk, nap, or snack your way to somewhere great. These short getaways, 3 to 4 days, pair your hotel with fun things to do once you get there, like a Maid of the Mist boat ride, a hop-on, hop-off city tour, or a jazz brunch in New Orleans. Prices start at just $129 per person.
Good to know: Some of these trips include the train ride and some don't, and each card tells you which. For the ones that don't, I can add an Amtrak ticket from the station nearest you, with your choice of a regular coach seat or a private sleeper room, or book you a flight if that's easier. Either way, getting from your home to the trip and back isn't included in the price shown, and that's where I come in. Tap Plan This Trip and I'll put it all together.
Santa Barbara, California
Starting at $219 per person ·
3 days / 2 nights · round trip by train from Los Angeles
Hop on the train in Los Angeles and ride right along the California coast, with the ocean out your window most of the way. Santa Barbara is Spanish-style buildings, palm trees, sunny beaches, and some of the best food and wine on the coast. A perfect girls' weekend or couple's escape.
Things you could do: Stroll State Street and Stearns Wharf · visit the Old Mission Santa Barbara · wine tasting in the Funk Zone · beach day
Included: 2 nights' hotel · Santa Barbara Trolley Tour · round-trip Amtrak train (Coach seats) between Los Angeles and Santa Barbara on the Pacific Surfliner
Not included: Getting to Los Angeles from home and back (train or flight) · meals unless listed · extra tours · personal extras
New Orleans, Louisiana
Starting at $459 per person ·
4 days / 3 nights · round trip by train from San Antonio
If the Big Easy has been calling your name, this is your sign. Ride the Sunset Limited from San Antonio across Texas and Louisiana, then settle in for three nights of jazz, beignets, and French Quarter charm. You'll get a jazz brunch at the famous Court of Two Sisters, a swamp and bayou tour (hello, cousins!), and a city and cemetery tour, all included. Laissez les bons temps rouler!
Things you could do: Beignets at Café du Monde · treasure hunting in the French Quarter shops · City Park · live jazz on Frenchmen Street · learn about voodoo history
Included: 3 nights' hotel · round-trip Amtrak train between San Antonio and New Orleans on the Sunset Limited · Jazz Brunch at the Court of Two Sisters · Swamp and Bayou Tour · City & Cemetery Tour
Not included: Getting to San Antonio from home and back (train or flight) · meals unless listed · extra tours · personal extras
Glenwood Springs, Colorado
Starting at $589 per person ·
4 days / 3 nights · round trip by train from Denver
This is one of the prettiest train rides in the country. You'll ride the California Zephyr right through the Rocky Mountains, past canyons and the Colorado River, and roll into Glenwood Springs, a charming mountain resort town famous for its mineral hot springs. Your ticket to the tram and cave tour at Glenwood Caverns is included, so you'll ride up the mountain and wander through caves full of stalactites and stalagmites. Soak, hike, raft, repeat.
Things you could do: Soak in the mineral hot springs · bike riding or horseback riding · kayaking, fishing, or rafting on the Colorado River · a round of golf
Included: 3 nights' hotel · admission to the Tram and Cave tour at Glenwood Caverns · round-trip Amtrak train (Coach seats) between Denver and Glenwood Springs on the California Zephyr
Not included: Getting to Denver from home and back (train or flight) · meals unless listed · extra tours · personal extras
Grand Canyon, Arizona
Starting at $709 per person ·
4 days / 3 nights · Williams, AZ to the Grand Canyon South Rim
No picture ever does the Grand Canyon justice. You have to stand at the rim and see it for yourself. Your trip starts in Williams, a cute little Route 66 town, then you'll ride the historic Grand Canyon Railway through ponderosa pine forest right up to the South Rim. A guided tour of the canyon is included, plus a breakfast and a dinner. Keep your camera handy!
Things you could do: Sunrise or sunset at the rim · walk the Rim Trail · stroll historic Route 66 in Williams · stargazing
Included: 3 nights' hotel · round-trip Grand Canyon Railway (Coach seats) between Williams and the Grand Canyon · Grand Canyon Freedom Tour · 2 meals (1 breakfast, 1 dinner)
Not included: Amtrak train to Williams (the price does not include it, but I can add it from your nearest station, or book you a flight) · getting to the starting point from home and back · other meals · extra tours · personal extras
San Diego, California
Starting at $149 per person ·
3 days / 2 nights · San Diego, CA
Sunshine, beaches, and some of the best weather in America. San Diego is known as the "Birthplace of California," and this getaway includes a hop-on, hop-off sightseeing tour so you can see the Gaslamp District, Old Town, and Balboa Park at your own pace. Great for history buffs and beach lovers alike.
Things you could do: The San Diego Zoo in Balboa Park · a harbor cruise · La Jolla Cove and the sea lions · dinner in the Gaslamp Quarter
Included: 2 nights' hotel · hop-on, hop-off sightseeing tour of San Diego
Not included: Amtrak train to San Diego (the price does not include it, but I can add it from your nearest station, or book you a flight) · getting to the starting point from home and back · meals · extra tours · personal extras
San Francisco, California
Starting at $239 per person ·
3 days / 2 nights · San Francisco, CA
Cable cars, the Golden Gate Bridge, and sourdough bread bowls, oh my. This getaway includes a multi-day hop-on, hop-off sightseeing pass, so you can see the big sights at your own pace. Stops include the Golden Gate Bridge, Golden Gate Park, Fisherman's Wharf, Chinatown, North Beach, and Union Square. Hop off wherever looks fun!
Things you could do: Walk or bike across the Golden Gate Bridge · see the sea lions at Pier 39 · ride a cable car · a ferry out to Alcatraz
Included: 2 nights' hotel · multi-day hop-on, hop-off sightseeing tour of San Francisco
Not included: Amtrak train to San Francisco (the price does not include it, but I can add it from your nearest station, or book you a flight) · getting to the starting point from home and back · meals · extra tours · personal extras
Savannah, Georgia
Starting at $199 per person ·
3 days / 2 nights · Savannah, GA
No city has more classic Southern charm than Savannah. Founded in 1733 as Georgia's first city, it's all cobblestone streets, moss-draped oak trees, and pretty parks around every corner. A hop-on, hop-off sightseeing tour and a sightseeing cruise on the Savannah River are both included, so you get the history, the waterfront, and the best photo spots without lifting a finger.
Things you could do: Forsyth Park and its famous fountain · River Street shops and pralines · a ghost tour · Bonaventure Cemetery
Included: 2 nights' hotel · hop-on, hop-off sightseeing tour of Savannah · sightseeing cruise on the Savannah River
Not included: Amtrak train to Savannah (the price does not include it, but I can add it from your nearest station, or book you a flight) · getting to the starting point from home and back · meals · extra tours · personal extras
Charleston, South Carolina
Starting at $169 per person ·
3 days / 2 nights · Charleston, SC
Southern history comes alive in Charleston, nicknamed the "Holy City" for its beautiful architecture and many church steeples. A sightseeing city tour is included, so you'll see the big landmarks: the Battery right on the waterfront, the Citadel (the "Harvard of the South"), and the brightly painted houses of Rainbow Row. Add in some of the best food in the South and you've got a getaway everybody will love.
Things you could do: Stroll the Battery and Rainbow Row · a carriage ride through the historic district · tour a plantation or garden · shrimp and grits (obviously)
Included: 2 nights' hotel · sightseeing city tour of Charleston
Not included: Amtrak train to Charleston (the price does not include it, but I can add it from your nearest station, or book you a flight) · getting to the starting point from home and back · meals · extra tours · personal extras
Niagara Falls, New York
Starting at $129 per person ·
3 days / 2 nights · Niagara Falls, NY
Everybody thinks of the big city when they hear New York, but upstate has its own showstopper. Niagara Falls is loud, powerful, and something you really have to feel in person. Your Maid of the Mist boat ride is included, taking you right up to the roaring falls like visitors have done since 1846. (It runs in the warmer months. From November to April, a Niagara Adventure Theater show or a winter falls tour is swapped in.)
Things you could do: Lookout points in Niagara Falls State Park · Cave of the Winds · the falls lit up at night · Goat Island
Included: 2 nights' hotel · Maid of the Mist boat ride (seasonal; Niagara Adventure Theater or a Winter Niagara Falls tour from November to April)
Not included: Amtrak train to Niagara Falls (the price does not include it, but I can add it from your nearest station, or book you a flight) · getting to the starting point from home and back · meals · extra tours · personal extras