10 fun Labor Day weekend getaways on Amtrak

If you’re looking for a Labor Day weekend getaway, you can avoid busy airports and highways with a train trip. Amtrak can take you to beach towns, lake towns and cities full of events and activities. Here are 10 fun Labor Day weekend getaways to consider that can help you make the most of the end of summer.

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Virginia Beach

Board the Northeast Regional in cities from Massachusetts to Virginia for a Labor Day weekend trip to Virginia Beach (via Norfolk Station). You can rent a car or get a Lyft or Uber ride to the coast after you arrive for a fun weekend of beach time, parasailing, biking on the boardwalk and the checking out the Oceanfront Concert Series.

San Diego

Make summer last longer with a trip to sunny San Diego on the Pacific Surfliner. Mission Bay is a water sports paradise and there are many beaches, waterfront restaurants and attractions to visit, including the San Diego Zoo and La Jolla Cove. There are also plenty of parties and nightlife to check out in the Gaslamp Quarter.

Chicago

View from Navy Pier Ferris Wheel — *Photo by Adam Arroyo/Flickr.com*

With beaches, boat tours, a lakefront trail, two baseball stadiums and multiple festivals, Chicago is a fun place to be over Labor Day weekend. Top events include the Chicago Jazz Festival and North Coast Music Festival, plus you can see Navy Pier’s fireworks on Saturday evening and enjoy live music, world-class museums and great food all over the city.

San Luis Obispo

For a Labor Day getaway in California’s Central Coast, ride the Coast Starlight or Pacific Surfliner to San Luis Obispo. The charming downtown has great restaurants, museums and a historic mission. You can also go on a hop on/hop off wine tasting tour and visit Morro Bay State Park, Dinosaur Caves Park, and hike at Valencia Peak and Bishop Peak (both have amazing views). Rentals cars and rideshare are available.

Portland

*Photo by Dana Hutchinson (Multnomah Falls in the Columbia River Gorge)*

Portland, Oregon is a great place to eat, drink and explore the beauty of the Pacific Northwest. In the city you can explore the many parks, gardens, food carts and top-rated restaurants. Just outside the city, there are many waterfalls to visit or book a day tour to Cannon Beach, Columbia River Gorge, Mt. Hood and Williamette Valley (for wine tasting).

Los Angeles

*Photo by Steven Bevacqua (Santa Monica pier)*

Full of events, activities and beaches, Los Angeles and nearby Santa Monica are fun to visit on a long weekend. Multiple long-distance trains travel to the L.A. Union Station, or ride the Pacific Surfliner to Burbank (BBK) for easy access to Griffith Observatory and Universal Studios Hollywood. Rideshare is an easy way to get around or check out a sightseeing tour to explore the city without a car.

Wisconsin Dells

Dells of the Wisconsin River — *Photo by Pentachlorphenol/Wikimedia Commons*

With a river, lakes and rock formations carved by glaciers, the Wisconsin Dells is a family-friendly destination with lots of outdoor activities, amusement parks, water parks and boat tours. The Empire Builder stops next to a charming village that has a riverwalk, restaurants and a few places to stay. Or book a room at a hotel with a shuttle (verify pickup service from Amtrak before booking).

Old Orchard Beach

Travel to Old Orchard Beach in Maine on the Downeaster for a late summer beach getaway. It’s an easy train trip from Boston, and the Amtrak station is only one block away from the ocean and in a walkable area near lodging and restaurants. In addition to beaches, there is the Palace Playground amusement park, mini golf, water sport rentals and ice cream shops.

The Greenbrier Resort

With endless activities and a convenient location next to the White Sulphur Springs Amtrak Station, The Greenbrier in West Virginia is a fun Labor Day weekend getaway on the Cardinal route that connects Chicago with New York City. Kayaking, mountain biking, horseback riding, golf, tennis and whitewater rafting trips on the New River are just some of things to do when you aren’t relaxing by the pool.

St. Paul/Minneapolis

Minnesota State Fair at night — *Photo by m01229/Flickr.com*

Ride the Empire Builder to St. Paul to check out the Minnesota State Fair over Labor Day weekend. There’s live music, rides and all kinds of food. There are also many ways to enjoy the outdoors, including a scenic bike trail along the Mississippi River, Chain of Lakes recreation and a beautiful urban park with a waterfall. After dark, check out nightlife in Minneapolis.