Amtrak Vacations
Jazz Blues and Rock 'n' Roll Roundtrip from Boston
Eleven-day roundtrip Amtrak journey from Boston through Chicago, Memphis, and New Orleans
11 daysfrom $1,349
36% rail
Amtrak Vacations · Independent rail vacation
Coast to Coast - Southern Rails
12-day Southern rail crossing from Washington, D.C. to Los Angeles
Amtrak Vacations runs this 12-day, 11-night independent rail vacation from Washington, DC to Los Angeles by way of New Orleans and San Antonio. Two nights in Washington, DC open the trip with a trolley tour past the Jefferson Memorial and the Smithsonian, before the Crescent runs overnight to New Orleans for three nights that include a swamp and bayou boat tour among alligators and egrets, and a jazz brunch at the Court of Two Sisters in the French Quarter. The Sunset Limited then continues to San Antonio for three nights, with a guided tour of the Alamo and admission to the Buckhorn Saloon and Texas Ranger Museum, before a second overnight ride on the Sunset Limited crosses the deserts of New Mexico and Arizona to Los Angeles. This trip suits travellers drawn to the history and food culture of the Deep South and Texas as much as to the rail journey connecting them.
What to know before you look closer
- Hotels are offered as 24 accommodation options across tiers and cities rather than one fixed hotel per stop.
- The overnight Amtrak legs are in Coach seating; a sleeping accommodation onboard the train is only available as an optional upgrade.
- Only 1 meal, a jazz brunch in New Orleans, is included across the 12-day trip; other meals are not listed.
- The evidence lists no current departure dates for this package, though it is shown under a 'Flash Sale' category.
Day by day
- Day 1railovernight: Washington, D.C.
Your Journey Begins in Washington, D.C.
Arrive in Washington, DC today to kick off your cross-country rail journey.
- Day 2overnight: Washington, D.C.
Washington, DC
Today, discover the fascinating history of our nation on a hop-on, hop-off trolley tour though the city, stopping at the Jefferson Memorial, the National Cathedral, the Smithsonian, and the National Zoo.
- Day 3overnight: Onboard Amtrak
Overnight Onboard Amtrak
The day is yours to continue your exploration of Washington, D.C. before boarding Amtrak this evening for the trip to New Orleans.
- Day 4railovernight: New Orleans
New Orleans
Relax onboard the train today as you make your way to New Orleans. Arrive in the evening, drop off your bags and head out to experience New Orleans' vibrant nightlife.
- Day 5overnight: New Orleans
New Orleans
Have your camera ready today as you discover the mysteries and beauty of the Louisiana swamps and bayous on a boat trip, observing alligators, egrets, nutria and snakes from a safe distance.
- Day 6overnight: New Orleans
New Orleans
Start your day in New Orleans with a jazz brunch at the famous Court of Two Sisters restaurant. Enjoy the rest of the day touring the French Quarter and historic Jackson Square.
Meals: BR
- Day 7railovernight: San Antonio
San Antonio
Travel on your own to the train station this morning and board Amtrak's Sunset Limited line bound for San Antonio, passing through bayous and deserts.
- Day 8overnight: San Antonio
San Antonio
Welcome to the melting pot of cultural influences that is San Antonio! Use your admission to visit the Buckhorn Saloon and Texas Ranger Museum, where Teddy Roosevelt recruited the Rough Riders.
- Day 9overnight: San Antonio
San Antonio
Get ready for an exciting day of San Antonio sightseeing on a guided tour, including a visit to the Alamo.
- Day 10railovernight: Onboard Amtrak
Overnight Onboard Amtrak
Depart San Antonio for Los Angeles. Spend the day relaxing and enjoying the sprawling desert vistas as you glide through New Mexico and Arizona on the train.
- Day 11overnight: Los Angeles
Los Angeles
Welcome to Los Angeles! Discover the best of the 'City of Angels' on your sightseeing tour, visiting iconic landmarks such as the Hollywood Walk of Fame, Rodeo Drive, and the Hollywood Sign.
- Day 12
Your Journey Ends in Los Angeles
The moments this trip is built around
- Day 5A boat trip through the Louisiana swamps and bayous outside New Orleans passes alligators, egrets, nutria, and snakes.
- Day 6A jazz brunch at the Court of Two Sisters restaurant precedes a day touring the French Quarter and historic Jackson Square.
- Day 9A guided sightseeing tour of San Antonio includes a visit to the Alamo.
- Day 10The Sunset Limited crosses the deserts of New Mexico and Arizona on the overnight ride from San Antonio to Los Angeles.
Included
- One-way Amtrak® in Coach accommodations from Washington, DC to New Orleans; New Orleans to San Antonio; San Antonio to Los Angeles on the Crescent® and Sunset Limited®
- 9 nights' hotel accommodations; 2 nights onboard Amtrak
- 1 meal included (1 brunch)
Questions travellers ask
- Is train travel included?
- Yes, one-way Amtrak travel in Coach accommodations on the Crescent (Washington, DC to New Orleans) and the Sunset Limited (New Orleans to San Antonio to Los Angeles).
- Is it escorted or independent?
- It is an independent rail vacation with guided tours included in Washington, DC, New Orleans, San Antonio, and Los Angeles.
- Which trains are used?
- The Crescent and the Sunset Limited.
- What hotels are used?
- The package offers 24 accommodation options across tiers and cities; examples include the Waldorf Astoria Washington DC and the Hotel Monteleone in New Orleans.
- What is not included?
- Only 1 meal, a jazz brunch in New Orleans, is included; other meals are not listed.
