Amtrak Vacations
Coast Starlight Experience from Seattle
Coast Starlight train trip from Seattle to Los Angeles
6 daysfrom $1,259
33% rail
Amtrak Vacations · Independent rail vacation
Coast to the Canyon Roundtrip from San Francisco
Amtrak roundtrip from San Francisco to the Grand Canyon via Los Angeles
Amtrak Vacations runs this 6-day, 5-night independent rail vacation as a roundtrip from San Francisco, with a stopover in Los Angeles on the way to the Grand Canyon. The trip begins aboard the Coast Starlight, which reveals the California coast from the train window on the ride south to Los Angeles. After a Hollywood sightseeing tour that takes in the Walk of Fame and Rodeo Drive, travellers board an overnight train toward Williams, Arizona, then continue on the Grand Canyon Railway to a guided tour of the South Rim. Two nights at the Grand Canyon, split between the Grand Canyon Railway Hotel and Yavapai Lodge, leave time to walk the rim or browse Grand Canyon Village before the overnight return through Los Angeles to San Francisco. Because this is sold as an independent vacation rather than an escorted tour, travellers handle their own pace between the included sightseeing stops. It suits San Francisco Bay Area travellers who want a Los Angeles stopover built into their Grand Canyon trip and are comfortable choosing their own hotel from a list of options.
What to know before you look closer
- San Francisco accommodation is chosen from a list of hotel options, including the WOW InterContinental San Francisco, Kimpton Alton Hotel, Fairmont San Francisco, Hilton San Francisco Union Square, Infinity Hotel San Francisco, and InterContinental Mark Hopkins San Francisco, so the actual hotel depends on availability and tier chosen.
- Only 2 meals are included across the 6 days (1 breakfast, 1 dinner); other meals are on your own.
- The overnight train segments are in Coach seating; a private sleeping accommodation is only available as a paid optional upgrade.
Day by day
- Day 1railovernight: Los Angeles
Your Journey Begins in San Francisco
Board Amtrak's Coast Starlight for your journey south to Los Angeles. Enjoy as the beautiful California coast is revealed to you from the window of the train. Upon arriving into the city check-in to your hotel and relax before your day of sightseeing tomorrow.
- Day 2railovernight: Onboard Amtrak
Overnight Onboard Amtrak
Today you will enjoy a sightseeing tour of Hollywood, bringing you to iconic sights such as the Hollywood Walk of Fame and Rodeo Drive. This evening you will travel to the Amtrak station and board the train for your journey to the canyon.
- Day 3railovernight: Grand Canyon National Park
Williams to Grand Canyon
Welcome to Williams Junction! This morning your hearty breakfast at the Fred Harvey Restaurant is included before you board the Grand Canyon Railway to the Grand Canyon. Upon arriving you will enjoy a guided tour of the Canyon's South Rim.
Meals: B
- Day 4overnight: Grand Canyon National Park
Grand Canyon National Park, AZ
Today, spend your free time basking in the great outdoors and breathing in the fresh canyon air. Enjoy a stroll around the rim, or check out the shops and restaurants in the Grand Canyon Village.
- Day 5railovernight: Onboard Amtrak
Overnight Onboard Amtrak
After a good night's sleep, board the Grand Canyon Railway back to Williams. This evening, enjoy your included dinner at the Fred Harvey Restaurant. Then travel to the station and board your train back to Los Angeles and on to San Francisco.
Meals: D
- Day 6
Your Journey Ends in San Francisco
The moments this trip is built around
- Day 1A ride on Amtrak's Coast Starlight from San Francisco to Los Angeles, with the California coast visible from the train window.
- Day 2A Hollywood sightseeing tour to the Walk of Fame and Rodeo Drive, followed by an evening departure aboard the train toward the Grand Canyon.
- Day 3A ride on the Grand Canyon Railway from Williams to the Grand Canyon's South Rim, followed by a guided tour of the rim.
- Day 5Dinner at the Fred Harvey Restaurant in Williams before boarding the overnight train back toward Los Angeles and San Francisco.
Included
- Roundtrip Amtrak® in Coach accommodations from San Francisco to Los Angeles, and Los Angeles to Williams on the Coast Starlight® and Southwest Chief®
- 3 nights' hotel accommodations; 2 nights' onboard Amtrak
- 2 meals (1 breakfast, 1 dinner)
Questions travellers ask
- Is train travel included?
- Yes. It includes roundtrip Amtrak Coach travel from San Francisco to Los Angeles on the Coast Starlight, and from Los Angeles to Williams, Arizona on the Southwest Chief, plus roundtrip travel on the Grand Canyon Railway between Williams and the Grand Canyon.
- Is this trip escorted or independent?
- It's sold as an independent rail vacation with included sightseeing tours in Los Angeles and at the Grand Canyon; there is no tour manager for the whole trip.
- Which trains are used?
- The Coast Starlight, the Southwest Chief, and the Grand Canyon Railway, all in Coach class.
- What hotels are included?
- San Francisco accommodation options include the WOW InterContinental San Francisco, Kimpton Alton Hotel, Fairmont San Francisco, Hilton San Francisco Union Square, Infinity Hotel San Francisco, and InterContinental Mark Hopkins San Francisco. At the Grand Canyon, travellers spend one night each at the Grand Canyon Railway Hotel and Yavapai Lodge.
- What is not included?
- Only 2 meals are included (1 breakfast, 1 dinner); a private sleeping berth on the overnight trains is a paid optional upgrade.
- How much does it cost?
- Prices start from $1,149 per person.
