Looking for the perfect romantic getaway that you can reach by train? From historic coastal towns to charming mountain retreats, these romantic and Amtrak-accessible destinations offer everything couples love: cobblestone streets, ocean sunsets, cozy inns, and scenic landscapes.
Whether you’re planning a honeymoon, an anniversary trip, or a spontaneous weekend escape, these destinations combine train travel charm with unforgettable romance, making it easy to explore without the stress of driving.
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Savannah, Georgia
- Overview: Spanish moss-draped squares, historic buildings, river cruises
- Amtrak Routes: Floridian, Palmetto, Silver Meteor
- Top Romantic Activities:
- Carriage rides through the historic district
- River cruises and River Street sunset strolls
- Exploring Forsyth Park and its iconic fountain
- Cozy Places to Stay: The Gastonian, Hamilton-Turner Inn, Perry Lane Hotel
- Best Time to Visit: Spring or fall for mild weather and fewer crowds
Charleston, South Carolina
- Overview: Cobblestone streets, antebellum architecture, waterfront promenades
- Amtrak Routes: Palmetto, Silver Meteor
- Top Romantic Activities:
- Evening walks along The Battery
- Exploring historic plantations
- Horse-carriage rides
- Sunset harbor cruises
- Cozy Places to Stay: Wentworth Mansion, French Quarter Inn, Zero George Street
- Best Time to Visit: Spring or fall to avoid peak humidity
Montreal, Canada
- Overview: European-style architecture, vibrant culture, riverfront walks
- Amtrak Route: Adirondack
- Top Romantic Activities:
- Strolling Old Montreal and the Old Port
- Visiting the Montreal Botanical Garden
- Enjoying fine dining and cafe culture
- Cozy Places to Stay: Hôtel Place d’Armes, Le Petit Hotel Vieux-Montréal, Auberge du Vieux-Port
- Best Time to Visit: Late spring through early fall for mild weather; winter for a cozy snowy charm
New Orleans, Louisiana
- Overview: Historic buildings with wrought-iron balconies, jazz clubs, river charm
- Amtrak Routes: City of New Orleans, Crescent, Mardi Gras, Sunset Limited
- Top Romantic Activities:
- Taking a sunset cruise on the Mississippi River
- Listening to live jazz
- Exploring historic architecture and hidden courtyards
- Cozy Places to Stay: Hotel Monteleone, The Pontchartrain Hotel, French Market Inn
- Best Time to Visit: Spring or fall; Mardi Gras adds energy but crowds
Newport, Rhode Island
- Overview: Historic mansions, ocean views, waterfront restaurants
- Amtrak Routes: Acela, Northeast Regional (travel to Providence, RI for a ferry)
- Top Romantic Activities:
- Cliff Walk
- Gilded-Age mansion tours
- Sailing or sunset harbor cruises
- Cozy Places to Stay: The Vanderbilt, Hotel Viking, Almondy Inn
- Best Time to Visit: Late spring to early fall
Palm Beach
- Overview: Historic estates, palm-lined streets, upscale charm, fine dining
- Amtrak Routes: Floridian, Silver Meteor
- Top Romantic Activities:
- Shopping and dining along Worth Avenue
- Touring the historic Flagler mansion
- Relaxing on the quiet, scenic beaches
- Cozy Places to Stay: The Breakers Palm Beach, The Colony Hotel, White Elephant
- Best Time to Visit: November through April for sunny, comfortable weather
Santa Barbara, California
- Overview: Mediterranean-style architecture, beautiful beaches, boutique wineries
- Amtrak Routes: Coast Starlight, Pacific Surfliner
- Top Romantic Activities:
- Walking along Stearns Wharf at sunset
- Wine tasting in Santa Ynez Valley
- Exploring the Santa Barbara Mission
- Cozy Places to Stay: Canary Hotel, Santa Barbara Inn, The Eagle Inn
- Best Time to Visit: Spring or fall
Paso Robles, California
- Overview: Rolling vineyards, intimate wine tastings, walkable downtown
- Amtrak Routes: Coast Starlight
- Top Romantic Activities:
- Wine tastings at boutique vineyards
- Exploring hot springs and spas
- Dining at amazing restaurants
- Cozy Places to Stay: Allegretto Vineyard Resort, La Bellasera Hotel, Paso Robles Inn
- Best Time to Visit: Late summer/fall during harvest season
Saratoga Springs, New York
- Overview: Gilded-Age architecture, mineral springs, horse races
- Amtrak Routes: Adirondack, Ethan Allen
- Top Romantic Activities:
- Strolling through Congress Park and visiting the historic mineral springs
- Attending the summer racing season at Saratoga Race Course
- Relaxing at Roosevelt Baths & Spa in Saratoga Spa State Park
- Exploring Broadway’s boutiques, galleries, and wine bars
- Cozy Places to Stay: The Adelphi Hotel, Saratoga Arms, Saratoga Homestead B&B
- Best Time to Visit: Summer for racing season and lively atmosphere; fall for foliage and fewer crowds
Portland, Maine
- Overview: Historic streets (Wharf Street top of page), cozy cafes, coastal scenery
- Amtrak Route: Downeaster
- Top Romantic Activities:
- Old Port exploration
- Lighthouse visits
- Harbor cruises at sunset
- Cozy Places to Stay: The Press Hotel, Portland Harbor Hotel, West End Inn
- Best Time to Visit: Late spring through early fall for the combination of comfortable weather, scenic beauty, and vibrant downtown activity
The Greenbrier, West Virginia
- Overview: Historic mountain resort with formal gardens, golf, and full-service spa
- Amtrak Route: Cardinal (White Sulphur Springs Station)
- Top Romantic Activities:
- Relaxing together at the full-service spa and wellness center
- Exploring the historic resort grounds and formal gardens
- Fine dining in one of the resort’s elegant restaurants
- Carriage rides and horseback riding through scenic hills
- Cozy Places to Stay: Main lobby rooms, historic suites, cottages
- Best Time to Visit: Spring through fall for outdoor activities, winter for cozy indoor luxury and festive holiday ambiance
Leavenworth, Washington
- Overview: Bavarian-style alpine village nestled in the Cascade Mountains
- Amtrak Route: Empire Builder
- Top Romantic Activities:
- Strolling through the village
- Wine and beer tastings and tours
- Visiting during Oktoberfest or the Christmas Lighting Festival
- Hiking alpine trails or enjoying a scenic river walk
- Cozy Places to Stay: Bavarian Lodge, Posthotel, Haus Hanika, Blue Elk Inn
- Best Time to Visit: December for magical holiday lights, September–October for fall colors and festivals, or summer for hiking and warm mountain evenings
More Information
- Best Amtrak trips on the East Coast
- Best Amtrak trips on the West Coast
- Best Midwest Amtrak trips
- 10 most scenic Amtrak routes
Top photo by Domenico Convertini, Wharf Street in Portland, Maine (CC BY-SA 2.0)
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