There are two types of winter vacations in the U.S.: those that take place in warmer destinations where the woes of winter fade into memory and those that intensify the season's offerings and embrace fluffy snow and chilly temperatures. Whichever front you land on, a winter rail vacation is your ticket to the trip of a lifetime.
Winter vacations with snow are most prevalent, beginning in December through January and February. Wintry itineraries may take you to places like Chicago, where lake-effect snow creates a magical scene amongst the towering buildings. From Chicago, perhaps join Amtrak's Empire Builder for a trek through the white expanses of the northern prairies to Seattle or board the California Zephyr to ride through the snow-capped Colorado Rockies and the Sierra Nevada Mountains in pursuit of milder weather in San Francisco. Alaska also tops the list of the country's most popular places to travel in winter, thanks to its winter wonderland atmosphere. Of course, Alaska is also a prime place to view the northern lights, and there are few better places to see them in America than from the remote comforts of Bettles Lodge or Chena Hot Springs.
Join voyagers that appreciate sunny skies and sandals by traveling to one of the warm places to visit in winter. The bright blue waters of the Pacific welcome winter travelers to California's coast. One of the easiest ways to see the state's great cities is to board Amtrak's Coast Starlight. Tour packages featuring this train venture to San Francisco, Los Angeles, and San Diego, highlighting beautiful views as the vacation unfolds. Warm winter vacations in the USA may also feature the Southwest, where the Grand Canyon reigns supreme, or the deep South, including New Orleans, where the temperature rarely dips below the 60s during the day. Begin your year refreshed and recharged in any one of these wintertime destinations.
(34 reviews)
Seek the magical aurora borealis on a sensational winter journey from Fairbanks to Anchorage, riding the amazing Aurora Winter Train in the shadow of Denali. An evening in the wilderness provides a great chance to catch the Northern Lights, while an exciting dog-sled ride through the snow-covered tundra and a curling lesson help uncover the...
(35 reviews)
Winter is a special time of year in Alaska. The landscape transforms into a wonderland clad in fluffy white snow, and the short days set the perfect stage for the aurora borealis to take over the night sky. Adventures take on a new form and open visitors' eyes to the wonders and traditions of America's Last Frontier. This week-long Alaskan journey...
(17 reviews)Forget everything you have heard about northern lights viewing and come along for this independent adventure into Alaska's backcountry to Borealis Basecamp. Set just 25 miles outside of Fairbanks, this unique hotel offers an aurora borealis experience like no other. Watch hues of red, green and purple undulate across the night sky from your cozy,...
(20 reviews)Alaska is a land filled with wild beauty and interesting destinations; enjoy the best of both worlds on this 6-day expedition. Your time here is marked by adventures through two great Alaskan cities and enjoying the peace and quiet of nature. Your journey begins in Anchorage, where you board the Alaska Railroad bound for Fairbanks. It is in...
(25 reviews)En route daily between Seattle and Los Angeles, the Coast Starlight passes through Portland, Sacramento, the San Francisco Bay Area and Santa Barbara. The scenery along the Coast Starlight route is unsurpassed. The dramatic snow-covered peaks of the Cascade Range and Mount Shasta, lush forests, fertile valleys and long stretches of Pacific Ocean...
(13 reviews)By day and night, immerse yourself in the wonders of an Alaskan winter. With its far-north location, this state is one of the best places in North America to see the aurora borealis, and this journey features plenty of opportunities to do just that. Venture into the state's remote interior aboard the Alaska Railroad's Aurora Winter Train and enjoy...
(12 reviews)
The heritage of Alaska is multi-faceted and deeply rooted; it is something that oozes from cities and bubbles to the surface in the furthest reaches of the state. Find yourself captivated by everything it offers as you explore the state from the interior to the coast on this immersive winter adventure. The excitement begins in Fairbanks, one of...
(8 reviews)Powder-capped mountains and vast, frosty landscapes beckon in America's winter wonderland, Alaska. Here, the days are short, the nights are long, and snow covers the cities to create storybook scenery. See how these elements come together to create the perfect backdrop for wintertime adventures, including northern lights chasing and dog sled...
From man-made attractions to some of nature's most splendid offerings, Alaska is filled with adventure. This journey is your ticket to some of the best things Alaska has to offer. Your tour begins in Anchorage, where you board your Alaska Railroad train bound for Fairbanks. Your seat aboard the Aurora Winter Train offers a glimpse at Alaska's...
(10 reviews)Embrace the Windy City and learn a bit of what makes it unique with an architecture tour on the Chicago River. The following day, travel 1800 miles aboard Amtrak's City of New Orleans to the Big Easy where you can discover the amazing architecture, culture, and cuisine in this vibrant city. Enjoy some folkore and sample the Cajun and Creole...
Prepare for a 10-day cross-country rail vacation that showcases the best of the USA, from natural beauty to big cities. Start your journey by exploring iconic landmarks on a guided tour of New York. Next, relax aboard the Lake Shore Limited as it whisks you through scenic vistas to Chicago, where you'll delve into the Windy City's architectural...
(22 reviews)This winter, escape to the warmth of America's southwest and the beauty of one of the world's top natural attractions, the Grand Canyon. Your 6-day train vacation begins in Chicago, where you'll board Amtrak's Southwest Chief for Flagstaff, Arizona. From there, catch the historic Grand Canyon Railway for your journey to the South Rim of the Grand...
May 15, 2025 · By Vacations By Rail
From the remote expanses of wild Alaska to the stunning islands and fjords of Scandinavia, here are our top destinations for Northern Lights tours 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
Sep 25, 2023 · By Vacations By Rail
Learn how long routes through remote territories and unmatched panoramas over the vast wilderness make the Alaska Railroad the best way to explore Alaska.
Read more