The sun is shining, summer is in full force, and the world is our oyster! Just in case you too are plotting your next summer adventure, we took some time to put together a list of train-themed vacation ideas that would be the perfect capstone on this second half of summertime!
The Pacific Coast Highway Without the 1
Truly, does it get much sunnier than Southern California? Just imagine the palm trees, the Pacific Coast Highway, the avocado toast waiting for you after a jog on the beach. It’s no wonder then why the Pacific Surfliner is at the top of our list for train trips! This 350 mile train services towns and cities along the coast from San Diego up to San Luis Obispo. This is Amtrak’s third busiest line, and the single busiest outside of the Northeast Corridor! While there is some interior travel to the rich California farmlands and some of the bustling areas of the Valley, much of the eight and a half hour journey is along the beautiful Pacific coast. So grab those sunnies and your favorite train book and enjoy this trip through the southern part of the Golden State.
The (Not Too) Wild, Wild West
Western musicians and cowboys, need we even say more? This is some of what awaits you on board the Grand Canyon Railway Train. Departing from Williams, AZ on vintage railcars, The GCR takes passengers into the heart of the Grand Canyon, where the views are astounding. Beginning operations in 1901, Grand Canyon Railway was originally shut down in 1968, due to the increasing popularity of automobiles. Fortunately, a couple of entrepreneurially-minded individuals saw the benefit in its continued operation, and it was reopened in 1989. It now serves to keep over 50,000 cars annually out of the Grand Canyon, helping to preserve the canyon’s pristine beauty for generations to come.
Why, Yes, I’ll Have Some Wine on the Train
Wine? Check. Gourmet food? Check? More wine? Check check! Oh, Napa Valley, with your lush vineyards, old world feel, and, of course, your world renowned wine, we think you are pretty nifty! The Napa Valley Wine Train is a must for the dual train + wine enthusiast in your life. What could possibly be better than a 36-mile round trip journey via historically accurate restored train cars complete with gourmet food and wine? And did we mention the vineyard tours? Sounds like the right kind of summer vacation to us!
A Regular Brew-haha
If wine isn’t your cup of tea, then perhaps the Sky Rail Ale Trail is more of what you are looking for! Round trip from Santa Fe, the Ale Trail is a brew + rail lover’s dream! By supporting local breweries and local musicians, it provides a one of a kind experience in the high desert of New Mexico. Each train trip features a different brewery, and with passengers encouraged to partake of various brew samples during the journey. In between tastings, musicians perform in each car of the train, and an open air flatbed car is also available to soak up the sun and desert air while enjoying your brew!
Opportunities abound for memorable train journeys across the US. If you can’t make one of these trips work for you this year, we highly recommend taking a look at what Amtrak has on offer in your area. Something as simple as a few hours train trip to a city not too far from home can be transformative in its own right!