15 places to visit on Amtrak in 2024

Looking for ideas of where to travel in 2024? Consider an Amtrak train trip to see the United States in a new way. There are over 40 routes and stops in big cities, small towns, deserts, mountains and coastal communities. To get inspired, here are 15 great places to visit based on special events and our personal favorite destinations.

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Dallas

Dallas is one of the top places to view the April 8, 2024 total solar eclipse. In addition to being in the path of totality, there is a good chance of sunny weather. You can reach the city via the Texas Eagle, which travels between Chicago and Los Angeles with stops in Illinois, Missouri, Arkansas, Texas, New Mexico, Arizona and California. The eclipse also coincides with the Dallas Blooms festival.

Disneyland

A short Lyft or Uber away from the Anaheim Station on the Pacific Surfliner route, Disneyland has a lot going on in 2024. The new Pixar Place Hotel (formerly Paradise Pier) opens Jan. 30, and in late 2024, you can check out Downtown Disney renovations and a new ride: Tiana’s Bayou Adventure (which replaces Splash Mountain). There are also special celebrations returning for the Lunar New Year, Star Wars, Pride, Halloween and Christmas.

Glacier National Park

Glacier National Park is the easiest national park to reach on Amtrak, so if you’re looking for a national park trip, this is the one to take. You can choose from multiple stops on the Empire Builder route to explore the amazing scenery, with East Glacier Park Station the most convenient (it’s in walking distance of the Glacier Park Lodge).

Glenwood Springs

Riding the California Zephyr through the Colorado Rocky Mountains is a bucket-list experience, and we recommend staying a night or more in Glenwood Springs. There are hot spring pools, a walkable downtown area with restaurants, spas, river rafting and hiking. One option is to fly into Denver and board the train there for the 5.5-hour journey. It’s a great option for viewing the stunning mountain scenery if you don’t have time to ride the entire California Zephyr route.

Greenbriar Resort

The Greenbrier in West Virginia — *Photo by David Wilson*

For a resort escape in the Allegheny Mountains, travel to The Greenbrier on the Cardinal. Built in 1913, the resort is a National Historic Landmark and is next to the White Sulphur Springs Station in West Virginia. You don’t need a car to enjoy over 50 activities, including day trips to the New River Gorge for whitewater rafting, golf, indoor and outdoor swimming, biking, kayaking, bunker tours and winter sleigh rides.

Holland

Settled by the Dutch in 1847, Holland, Michigan is a magical place in the spring with the Tulip Time Festival. The event takes place in early May and features a parade, carnival, entertainment and millions of tulips. While in town, you can also check out the Dutch village, Dutch windmill and nearby Lake Michigan. To get there on Amtrak, book tickets on the Pere Marquette route, which departs daily from Chicago, Grand Rapids, Bangor and St. Joseph.

Kansas City

Kansas City, Missouri is full of barbecue, distilleries, jazz music, museums and more than 200 water fountains. Plus, you’ll arrive in the historic Union Station that is full of things to see and do. There is a science museum, planetarium, movie theater, performance theater, model train gallery and events to check out. New in 2024 is the Disney100 exhibition (opens May 24 at the train station) and a new stadium for women’s soccer on the riverfront.

Miami

On the Silver Meteor and Silver Star routes, Miami is full of sunny weather and fun annual events, including Art Deco Weekend in January, South Beach Food & Wine Festival in February and multiple music festivals throughout the year. In 2024, you can also watch the final 2024 Copa América soccer game at the Hard Rock Stadium (which is a 20-minute drive away from the Hollywood, Florida Amtrak Station).

New Orleans

For food, fun, festivals and fantastic music, travel to New Orleans on one of three Amtrak routes. A train ride can be a great option during major events like Mardi Gras (Feb. 13, 2024) and the New Orleans Jazz Festival when flights are expensive or unavailable. Top attractions include the French Quarter, the Garden District, National World War II Museum and historic cemeteries.

New York City

In 2024, New York City celebrates the 400th anniversary of first settlers in the area (a Dutch colony on Governor’s Island), so it’s a great time to go to a show or event and visit iconic attractions. Plus, the Acela high-speed route is scheduled to get new rail cars, so you check out the new equipment on a trip to the Big Apple. Taking a train to Manhattan also means arriving in the middle of it all without dealing with a taxi or rideshare commute from a nearby airport.

Niagara Falls

Niagara Falls is stunning must-visit natural attraction in the U.S. and Canada. Multiple Amtrak routes travel to Niagara Falls, NY (and nearby Buffalo), which is a great option if you don’t want to fly or drive. In addition to boat tours and other opportunities to view the falls up close, the April 8, 2024 solar eclipse will take place directly over the falls for a once-in-a-lifetime experience.

Portland, Maine

If Maine is on your travel to-do list, Amtrak’s Downeaster stops in six Maine cities multiple times each day. Portland is a top destination full of history, great food (including lobster), craft beer and beautiful coastlines. You can board a train at Boston’s North Station (2.5 hour commute) along with other cities in Massachusetts and New Hampshire. A day trip is an option if you don’t want to stay overnight.

Santa Barbara

For great beaches, restaurants, wine bars and shopping, travel to Santa Barbara on the Coast Starlight or Pacific Surfliner. The charming city also has beautiful architecture (Santa Barbara County Courthouse pictured top of page), whale watching excursions and festivals, including Taste of Santa Barbara in May and Old Spanish Days in August. If you don’t live in California, consider flying into the Hollywood Burbank Airport for easy connection with Pacific Surfliner trains at the Bob Hope Airport Station (view direct flight options).

Vancouver BC

*Photo by daveynin/Flickr.com (Capilano Suspension Bridge Park)*

Vancouver is known for its natural beauty and diverse culture, and taking Amtrak there is often cheaper than a flight. Book tickets on the Cascades route, which departs from cities including Seattle and Portland (you’ll need a passport to cross the border). Consider planning a trip around the Vancouver International Wine Festival in late February, the cherry blossoms that bloom late March through mid-April or the spectacular Canyon Lights on display from mid-November through mid-January.

Westerly

For a quintessential summer beach vacation, ride the Northeast Regional train to Westerly, Rhode Island. There are beautiful beaches and nature parks along with a historic downtown area with restaurants, trendy bars and shops. Be sure to visit the Watch Hill village for a historic carousel, lighthouse, ice cream shops and places to eat. You can also visit in the fall when the Westerly Museum of American Impressionism is expected to open.