Amtrak’s Coast Starlight Offers Stellar Views of the West Coast

Considered one of the most scenic train rides in North America, the Coast Starlight invites you to break free of congested airports and freeways to get up-close-and-personal views of America’s spectacular West Coast. Hug rocky coastlines, glide beside the majestic Cascade Mountains and immerse yourself in the creativity and energy of the great cities of Seattle, Portland and Los Angeles.

Inspiration can be found at every sight and stop on the Coast Starlight’s path through history, nature and adventure — creating memories that will linger long after your journey ends. Adventure seekers can pack their surfboards, skis or bikes, while nature lovers will find themselves transported to the backyard of some of America’s iconic national parks, including Crater Lake and Mt. Rainier.

Coach seats on the Coast Starlight are wide and comfortable, perfect for enjoying the amazing views — made even more enjoyable with a meal on the Dining Car, included in the price of private room reservations. You can also enjoy the perks of room service and daytime window seats that convert to nighttime sleeping berths, enabling private sightseeing from sunrise to sunset.

Want to hop on and off the Coast Starlight to enjoy the many stops along the way? Consider one of our three Rail Pass options which offer flexible travel at a single, discounted fare. Otherwise, check out the latest deals and promotions for travel on the Coast Starlight.

Popular Coast Starlight Destinations

Los Angeles

What trip to California would be complete without a stop in Tinseltown? Shop with the stars along Rodeo Drive or head to the beaches of Malibu for some serious people-watching. For family fun, head out to the historic Santa Monica Pier or the mecca of amusement, Disneyland. If culture is what you’re after, don’t miss the world-renowned collections of the J. Paul Getty Museum.

 

Oakland

Explore the world-class bonsai garden in the urban oasis of Lake Merritt, where you can also run, bike, stroll or rent a boat. Indulge in more waterfront fun at Jack London Square, a hub for shopping, dining and recreation along the city’s Embarcadero. Tour the USS Potomac, FDR’s presidential yacht that was known as the “Floating White House,” or catch a ferry to that other city by the bay, San Francisco.

 

Portland

Pedal your way through parks and public gardens, to organic markets and across the Willamette River in America’s #1 biking town. Explore the Columbia River Gorge’s majestic waterfalls or ski Mt. Hood’s 3,690 vertical foot terrain. Prefer more “chill” thrills? Check out Powell’s, the world’s largest bookstore, sample Portland’s multitude of microbrews or catch the aerial tram for a quick climb to great views atop Marquam Hill.

San Luis Obispo

Beaches, vineyards, castles and churches beckon in San Luis Obispo. Taste the region’s bounty at one of America’s largest farmers’ markets or enjoy the surf at Pismo and Avila beaches. Travel straight to the heart of Paso Robles and San Luis Obispo wine country, where 250 wineries spread among two major wine grape-growing regions blend right in with cowboy culture and gourmet fare.

 

Klamath Falls

Bring your bike, your board and your rod and reel to explore some of the best outdoor adventures in the entire U.S. Experience world-class rafting, birding, golfing and hiking in the area between Klamath Falls, Oregon and Dunsmuir, California. Gaze at the sapphire waters of Crater Lake, and catch the thrill of traveling through the Cascades at 5,000 feet above sea level.

 

Seattle

Discover how the Alaskan gold rush helped shape the city’s early history at the Klondike Gold Rush Museum in Pioneer Square. Hop a ferry and glide silently across Elliott Bay for striking views of the Olympic and Cascade ranges. Grab a latte, and perhaps a fish, at Pike Place Public Market. Soar above the clouds in the Space Needle or dig deep into pop culture at the Experience Music Project Museum.

Still unconvinced? Take our advice:

 

  1. Make sure to spend some time in the digital tour of Coast Starlight’s observation car, where near-360°-views allow you to truly absorb the beauty that surrounds you.
  2. Watch this video of a traveler’s journey from Seattle’s King Street Station to Portland’s Union Station and picture yourself taking these very same, relaxing steps.