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Despite being able to zoom through the skies at breakneck speed, slow travel is making a comeback.
And by ‘slow travel’, of course I mean trains.
Taking a page out of Europe’s and Asia’s playbook, the U.S. has been teasing more train routes and bullet trains for years, but even the train routes already in place are often overlooked in favor of taking a faster, more convenient flight rather than snagging a ground-level window seat to enjoy the journey.
Obviously, the most notable name in America’s train industry is Amtrak. The most popular carrier for train travel released a list of their ‘most scenic routes’ and this West Coast adventure takes the cake for the most beautiful train ride in the U.S.
The Coast Starlight: An Epic Journey From Seattle To L.A.
If you’re an indecisive traveler like me, Amtrak’s Coast Starlight route is the answer to your made-up travel problems.
This 35-hour journey takes you through just about every major West Coast city, along with stunning natural landscapes in between ranging from cascading mountain ranges to breathtaking blue-water coastlines.
Before diving further, don’t let the 35-hour runtime deter you; you’re welcome to hop off at any point, as there are dozens of stops, or stay for the full trek and attempt what’s sure to be a “raw dogging” record.
With daily departures from Los Angeles to Seattle and vice versa, the Coast Starlight offers a balanced mix of urban delights and natural attractions as you’ll pass by lush forests, snow-capped mountains, and some of the most fun-filled cities this side of the country.
No matter if you begin your journey in L.A. or Seattle, it’s the in-between that will leave a lasting memory.
Whether it’s window seat views of Santa Barbara’s stunning shores or towering pines throughout the Pacific Northwest, the whole trip is an Instagram post waiting to happen.
The Coast Starlight’s Hidden Gems
You’ll certainly recognize all the major cities you’ll traverse, such as L.A., San Francisco, Sacramento, Portland, and Seattle, Amtrak also highlights a pair of hidden gems as notable stopping points.
For outdoor adventurers, Klamath Falls, Oregon should top your list. This beautiful town is full of outdoor thrills from rafting tours, scenic biking trails, and of course, Crater Lake, one of America’s most postcard-worthy lakes.
The other hidden gem Amtrak mentions is California’s Central Coast hideaway, San Luis Obispo. This idyllic town is brimming with historic Missions, sprawling vineyards, and, according to HomeToGo, the top beach in America this spring.
But if you ask me, the real hidden gem is Paso Robles, California’s most underrated wine getaway that gives Napa a run for its money.
You Have To Check Out The Observation Car!
One huge benefit of train travel is avoiding being barked at by TSA. The hassle of airports is here to stay and as nice as the views are at cruising altitude, there’s an argument to be made that the experience of train rides is more fun and memorable.
With amenities like the Coast Starlight’s Observation Car, it’s like nothing you could experience on a plane with panoramic views of the world passing you by.
You’ll glide past rustic towns, iconic skylines, vast vineyards, and so much more that’s surely worth snagging a window seat whether it be in Coach or scoring a seat in the lounge.
Seating, Dining & Fares
Remember, the Coast Starlight route is hop-on hop-off, so you can divvy up the 35-hour journey as you see fit.
That’s an important question to ask yourself when booking your seat/accommodations. Obviously for shorter stints, you may want to go cheap with the lowest class, Lower/Upper Level Coach Class Seat.
Otherwise, more space is likely a priority.
Here is the full list of the Coast Starlight’s seating and accommodation options:
- Lower/Upper Level Coach Class Seat
- Superliner Roomette
- Superliner Bedroom
- Superliner Bedroom Suite
- Superliner Family Bedroom
- Superliner Accessible Bedroom
If you do plan on hitting up the beach, slopes, or mountain trails, Amtrak does allow bicycles, surfboards, and skis on board.
As for dining, breakfast, lunch, and dinner are all served and there is cafe service as well. For a full menu on long-distance trains, click here.
If you’re anything like me, you’re likely wondering what it costs before making the commitment. There are a variety of ways to book the Coast Starlight; one of which is by booking a rail pass, which covers aforementioned hop-on hop-off privileges.
Otherwise, you can simply go to Amtrak’s official website and search your desired destinations. In this case, if you were to fully commit for the full ride, you would enter Seattle to Los Angeles (or vice versa) or shorter routes, such as Portland to San Luis Obispo, for example.
Fares will vary depending on availability, season, and ticket class. Before booking, don’t forget to check out the latest promotions!
Sam Sears
Sam, our Lead Writer & Journalist based in San Diego has visited 30 countries and written over 400 articles with a focus on sharing his own travel experiences and shining a light on lesser-known gems.
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This article originally appeared on TravelOffPath.com
Opinions expressed here are the author’s alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, hotel, airline, or other entity. This content has not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of the entities included within the post.
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