7 Best Amtrak Travel Packages for Visiting Coastal Cities and National Parks

Here are 7 fantastic Amtrak-based travel packages and itineraries combining stunning coastal cities and iconic national parks, leveraging Amtrak’s scenic routes and partnerships with tour operators:

1. California Dreamin’: Pacific Surfliner + Yosemite National Park
   • Route: Los Angeles/San Diego -> Santa Barbara -> San Luis Obispo (via Pacific Surfliner). Then, connection via bus/tour to Yosemite National Park (often involving San Joaquin train + YARTS bus).
   • Highlights: SoCal beaches, coastal cliffs, Santa Barbara’s charm, Hearst Castle (optional stop), transition to the majestic Sierra Nevada mountains, Yosemite Valley, El Capitan, Half Dome, waterfalls.
   • Ideal For: Combining classic beach vibes with world-famous mountain scenery.
2. Pacific Northwest Explorer: Coast Starlight + Olympic National Park
   • Route: Seattle -> Portland -> (Coast Starlight scenic coastline viewing) -> Connect via ferry/bus to Olympic National Park (Port Angeles).
   • Highlights: Puget Sound views, Cascade mountains, Oregon forests, dramatic Pacific Ocean coastline vistas from the train, then explore Olympic’s rainforests (Hoh), rugged coast (Ruby Beach), and alpine areas (Hurricane Ridge).
   • Ideal For: Rainforests, diverse coastal ecosystems, and breathtaking train scenery.
3. Glacier & The Pacific: Empire Builder + Seattle/Portland
   • Route: Chicago -> Glacier National Park (East Glacier/West Glacier) -> Seattle or Portland (via Empire Builder). Add time in Seattle (Puget Sound) or Portland (Columbia River Gorge, Oregon Coast accessible).
   • Highlights: Crossing the Great Plains, stunning Glacier NP (Going-to-the-Sun Road – requires separate tour/bus), Cascade Mountains, arrival in vibrant Pacific Northwest coastal cities.
   • Ideal For: Epic cross-country journey, iconic mountain park, and ending with Pacific coastal urban life.
4. New England Coast & Acadia Adventure: Northeast Regional + Downeaster + Acadia
   • Route: Boston -> Portland, ME (via Downeaster) -> Connect via bus to Acadia National Park (Bar Harbor). Can start in NYC/DC via Northeast Regional to Boston.
   • Highlights: Historic Boston, charming coastal towns of Maine (Portland’s Old Port), rocky Atlantic coastline, Acadia’s Cadillac Mountain, Thunder Hole, carriage roads, lobster rolls!
   • Ideal For: Quintessential New England charm, rocky Atlantic shores, and a beautiful, accessible national park.
5. Sunset Limited Coastal & Desert: Los Angeles -> New Orleans + Big Bend (Extension)
   • Route: Los Angeles -> Palm Springs -> Tucson -> San Antonio -> Houston -> New Orleans (via Sunset Limited). Package Extension: From San Antonio, connect via bus/tour to Big Bend National Park (remote, requires planning).
   • Highlights: Southern desert landscapes, Gulf Coast views near New Orleans, vibrant cultural cities. Big Bend offers dramatic Chihuahuan Desert scenery and the Rio Grande.
   • Ideal For: A unique Southern US journey, combining desert, Gulf Coast, and optional remote park adventure. Best for those seeking less conventional routes.
6. California Zephyr & Coastal Add-On: Rocky Mountains to San Francisco
   • Route: Chicago -> Denver -> Rocky Mountains -> Salt Lake City -> Sierra Nevada -> Emeryville (SF) (via California Zephyr). Coastal Add-On: Use the Capitol Corridor to Oakland Jack London Sq. or connect to the Pacific Surfliner south for coastal cities like Santa Barbara/San Diego.
   • Highlights: Considered Amtrak’s most scenic route (Rockies, Sierras), arrival in San Francisco Bay Area. Easily extend to Pacific coastline beaches and cities.
   • Ideal For: The ultimate mountain scenery combined with the flexibility to add iconic California coast experiences.
7. Southeastern Beaches & History: Carolinian / Silver Service + Congaree NP
   • Route: NYC/DC -> Raleigh -> Charleston -> Savannah -> (Optional: Miami) (via Carolinian/Palmetto/Silver Star/Meteor). Detour from Raleigh or Columbia, SC to Congaree National Park (via bus/rental car).
   • Highlights: Historic Southern cities (Raleigh, Charleston, Savannah), Atlantic beaches near Charleston/Savannah, and Congaree’s ancient floodplain forest (boardwalk hikes, kayaking).
   • Ideal For: History buffs, charming coastal cities with beaches, and experiencing a unique, biodiverse floodplain forest national park.

Key Considerations for Booking:

1. “Packages” Often Mean DIY or Third-Party: Amtrak primarily sells tickets. True “packages” (train + hotels + tours) are usually offered by specialized tour operators (e.g., Vacations By Rail, Amtrak Vacations) or require piecing together yourself.
2. Connections are Crucial: Reaching national parks often requires connecting buses (like YARTS for Yosemite, NPS shuttles, or tour operator buses) or rental cars from the train station. Research these connections meticulously.
3. Book Early: Especially for:
   • Sleeper accommodations on long-distance trains (sell out fast).
   • National park lodges (book up a year+ in advance).
   • Peak season travel (summer, fall foliage).
4. USA Rail Pass: If planning multiple segments over time, investigate if the USA Rail Pass (10 segments over 30 days) offers savings for your specific itinerary.
5. Flexibility: Train travel can involve delays. Build buffer time, especially before critical connections or tours.
6. Check Tour Operators: Companies like Vacations By Rail specialize in crafting these multi-day train-based itineraries, handling logistics, hotels, and some tours.

These itineraries showcase the incredible diversity of landscapes accessible by Amtrak, combining the romance of the rails with the beauty of America’s coasts and national treasures. Enjoy the journey!