Each year as the world awakens from its winter slumber and the chill begins to fade, intrepid travelers embark on their first escapes of the year, bound for warmer locales where sunny skies reign supreme and sweater weather is a thing of the past. In the United States, the nation's railways offer the perfect way to kick off the travel season.
There are beautiful places to visit in spring from coast to coast. Join a rail vacation aboard Amtrak's storied routes from New York City to San Francisco via Chicago. These cross-country trips take place aboard iconic overnight trains, such as the Lakeshore Limited and the California Zephyr, and give travelers a chance to see the subtle changes in the springtime landscape with each progressing mile.
Alternatively, spending your family spring break exploring the great American West opens the door to warm places to visit in April. Explore the colorful deserts of California and Nevada, or set your sights on Arizona and one of the country's most glorious landmarks, the Grand Canyon. There are train journeys along the stunning California coastline on the Coast Starlight and incredible vacations on the United States' first luxury train, Rocky Mountaineer, between Colorado and Utah.
The best springtime destinations are not limited to the West. Rather, vacationers can bask in warmer weather and immense history in the South. Aboard Amtrak's City of New Orleans, visit Memphis, then continue deep into the bayou to New Orleans. No matter where your spring rail vacation takes you, enjoy smaller crowds and the chance to greet the coming season in a new locale.
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The classic ambiance of an overnight rail journey meets the splendors of one of America's top natural attractions on this rail vacation to Arizona. Join Amtrak's Southwest Chief on its cross-country route from Chicago to Flagstaff, and then board the 120-year-old Grand Canyon Railway on its route to the Grand Canyon. Uncover iconic views and top...
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Nine unforgettable days take you deep into Alaska's wild beauty on this expertly guided adventure. Your journey begins in Fairbanks, where a riverboat cruise introduces you to the region's scenic waterways, and a visit to Trail Breaker Kennel lets you experience the thrill of dog sledding. From Fairbanks, board the legendary Alaska Railroad's...
(159 reviews)The Old West's rugged frontier towns and renowned national historic sites are hallmarks of this 11-day escorted tour. We begin our journey across America's Western frontier by joining modern technology with nostalgic travel methods, riding Amtrak's California Zephyr from Chicago to Provo, Utah. The route takes us across the Rocky Mountains and...
(183 reviews)Discover the natural wonders and rugged wilderness of the Southwest on this scenic rail tour through Canyon Country. This tour has it all: amazing national parks, classic train journeys, and spectacular sightseeing and excursions. Your adventure begins in Chicago with a classic rail journey aboard the legendary California Zephyr to Grand Junction...
(137 reviews)Venture into the heart of Alaska on this seven-day independent rail journey. Uncover scenic landscapes as the Denali Star rolls past a showcase of quintessential Alaskan sights, starting in vibrant Anchorage. Enjoy time in historic Talkeetna, enjoying a jetboat ride along the Talkeetna and Susitna rivers. Embark on a tundra wilderness tour of the...
(46 reviews)Before embarking on your 2,300 mile journey to San Francisco, take advantage of your time in Chicago by visiting the city's famed attractions such as the John Hancock Observation Deck, ride the Ferris wheel at Navy Pier or window shop down The Magnificent Mile. The city also offers a rich cultural experience with its several museums and the...
(52 reviews)Discover the wonders of Niagara Falls on this 4-day rail adventure. Beginning and ending in New York City, travel aboard Amtrak's Maple Leaf for a full-day journey through upstate New York and into Ontario. Make the most of your two full days in Niagara Falls, enjoying the sights and sounds of the thundering falls and exploring the area's local...
(53 reviews)Embark on an 11-day tour featuring some of Alaska's most revered railroads. Discover the natural beauty of Prince William Sound during a cruise and travel aboard the Glacier Discovery train from Whittier to Anchorage, before marveling at scenic Turnagain Arm as the Coastal Classic takes you to Kenai Fjords National Park and Seward. Ride the...
(25 reviews)By land and by sea, discover a land of untamed wilderness and awe-inspiring scenery. Begin by boarding the elegant Holland America Ship in Vancouver, and sail north, past forests and glaciers. Cruise through Alaska's Inside Passage, and make stops in Alaskan towns like Ketchikan, Juneau, and Skagway. Take a thrilling trip along the scenic...
(55 reviews)California is a land of possibilities, and this unforgettable tour displays some of its greatest offerings. Over eight days, soak up the modern and historic sides of San Francisco and travel into nature, where towering redwood trees surround us on the Redwood Forest Steam Train. We also admire the mountain and waterfall panoramas of Yosemite...
(12 reviews)An epic route of towering mountains, glistening glaciers and remote terrain beckons on this remarkable rail and cruise vacation. Start your journey in the Canadian Rockies, venturing west on the renowned Rocky Mountaineer. This train follows a daylight-only route that fully captures the magical landscapes of Western Canada. Arriving in the...
(33 reviews)If it is the experience of a lifetime you seek, look no further than a scenic tour through the country aboard the legendary tracks of the Empire Builder. Totaling over 2,200 miles in length, this journey shows us glimpses of seven of the northern-most states and the beautiful Pacific Coast. The expedition begins in the heart of the Midwest -...
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