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.
(231 reviews)
The Grand Canyon is one of the world's top natural attractions. Visit one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World on this exciting rail adventure. Beginning in Chicago, board Amtrak's Southwest Chief bound for Flagstaff, Arizona, the gateway to the Canyon. Upon arriving in Flagstaff, catch the historic Grand Canyon Railway for your journey to...
(132 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...
(260 reviews)
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...
(50 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...
(41 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...
(29 reviews)An experience reserved for Canada's travelers in years past now is available in Colorado: a ride aboard the luxurious Rocky Mountaineer. This quick trip offers a memorable introduction to the high-end amenities of this rail line as you travel between Denver, CO and Moab, UT. Soak in sights of deep canyons and towering mountain peaks, travel past...
(49 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...
(22 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...
(150 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...
(160 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...
(7 reviews)
A spectacular discovery of natural wonders awaits on this exploration by land and sea. From the mountain town of Banff in the Canadian Rockies, we marvel at the spellbinding beauty of Lake Louise before boarding the iconic Rocky Mountaineer. This fantastic rail journey transports us to Vancouver, where we set sail on an unforgettable cruise. ...
(36 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...
Aug 13, 2025 · By Vacations By Rail
If your idea of a memorable trip includes nature’s beauty and majestic wildlife, look no further than Alaska, where wild adventures are easily accessible.
Read more
Jul 24, 2025 · By Vacations By Rail
Whether in America’s national parks, the Canadian Rockies or traveling from coast to coast, discover the top destinations to visit in North America in 2026.
Read more
Jul 10, 2024 · By Vacations By Rail
From Europe's shores to the far reaches of Scandinavia, Japan, New Zealand, and beyond, the best places to visit in 2025 set the tone for incredible adventures.
Read more
Dec 27, 2023 · By Vacations By Rail
Ah, Alaska! A land where summer unfolds like a fairy tale, where the sun stretches across the sky, refusing to set, painting landscapes so diverse they seem otherworldly. Here, history whispers tales of resilient cultures against a backdrop of nature's most dramatic scenes. In Alaska, summer is more than a season; it's a grand adventure under endless daylight.
Read more