For travelers seeking a scenic, stress-free way to explore the United States, Amtrak offers curated travel packages that combine rail journeys with guided tours, hotel stays, and opportunities to see some of the nation’s most iconic destinations. From dramatic coastlines to sprawling national parks, these packages make it easy to immerse yourself in nature and culture while avoiding the hassle of driving. Here are seven of the best Amtrak travel packages for visiting coastal cities and national parks.
1. Coast Starlight: Seattle to Los Angeles
The Coast Starlight route is one of Amtrak’s crown jewels, tracing the Pacific shoreline with breathtaking views of cliffs, beaches, and forests. Packages often include stops in San Francisco, Portland, and Santa Barbara. You can pair this with hotel stays and city tours, making it an ideal way to experience the West Coast’s coastal charm.
Highlights:
- Panoramic ocean views from the Sightseer Lounge
- Overnight stays in San Francisco and Santa Barbara
- Opportunities to explore Golden Gate Park and Oregon’s wine country
2. California Zephyr with Yosemite National Park
Widely considered the most beautiful train route in America, the California Zephyr travels between Chicago and San Francisco. When paired with a Yosemite tour package, travelers get the best of both worlds: epic mountain and canyon scenery on the train and guided access to one of the most famous national parks.
Highlights:
- Rocky Mountains and Sierra Nevada views
- Guided tours through Yosemite Valley
- Lodging and transfers included
3. Cascades and Olympic National Park
For nature lovers, Amtrak Cascades links cities like Seattle, Portland, and Vancouver, with optional add-ons to Olympic National Park. Packages include ferries, guided tours, and time to explore lush rainforests, rugged coastlines, and glacier-capped peaks.
Highlights:
- Ferry ride across Puget Sound
- Walks through the Hoh Rainforest
- Scenic train travel between Seattle and Portland
4. Pacific Surfliner with San Diego Coastline
Running along Southern California’s coastline, the Pacific Surfliner offers stunning ocean views and easy access to laid-back beach towns. Packages often combine rail travel with hotel stays and admission to attractions like San Diego Zoo, SeaWorld, or coastal bike tours.
Highlights:
- Ocean views from your seat
- Stops in San Diego, Los Angeles, and Santa Barbara
- Flexible add-ons for family attractions
5. Empire Builder with Glacier National Park
The Empire Builder, running between Chicago and the Pacific Northwest, is a gateway to Glacier National Park. Amtrak’s vacation packages bundle lodging at historic park lodges with ranger-led tours and plenty of free time to enjoy the iconic Going-to-the-Sun Road.
Highlights:
- Expansive views of the Northern Plains
- Access to Glacier’s historic lodges
- Scenic tours of alpine lakes and mountain passes
6. Northeast Regional with Acadia National Park
For East Coast travelers, Amtrak’s Northeast Regional connects Boston, New York, and Washington, D.C. Vacation extensions take you to Maine, where Acadia National Park awaits with rugged coastlines, lighthouses, and hiking trails.
Highlights:
- Explore historic cities like Boston before heading north
- Guided tours of Bar Harbor and Acadia
- Optional lobster boat cruises and lighthouse visits
7. Southwest Chief with the Grand Canyon
Amtrak’s Southwest Chief traverses deserts, canyons, and mountains between Chicago and Los Angeles. With the Grand Canyon add-on package, travelers enjoy motorcoach transfers to the South Rim, guided tours, and overnight stays near the park.
Highlights:
- Scenic rail ride through the desert Southwest
- Grand Canyon sunrise and sunset viewing
- Lodging and guided park experiences included
Final Thoughts
Amtrak’s travel packages combine the romance of train travel with the ease of all-in-one planning. Whether you’re drawn to the rugged beauty of national parks or the charm of coastal cities, these journeys let you sit back, relax, and enjoy America’s landscapes in comfort. For eco-friendly, stress-free exploration, Amtrak is one of the best ways to experience both cityscapes and the great outdoors.
