Amtrak Vacations
Coast to the Canyon Roundtrip from Seattle
Amtrak roundtrip from Seattle to the Grand Canyon via Los Angeles
8 daysfrom $1,419
63% rail
Amtrak Vacations · Rail vacation
Pacific Northwest Southbound
Southbound rail trip from Seattle to San Francisco via Portland
Amtrak Vacations runs this 8-day, 7-night rail vacation south from Seattle to San Francisco, with Portland in between. Two nights in Seattle open the trip with a ride to the top of the Space Needle, the Chihuly Garden and Glass exhibit, and a guided tour of Pioneer Square and Pike Place Market. The Amtrak Cascades then carries travellers to Portland for two nights that include a trolley tour, a scenic river cruise with lunch, and visits to the Portland Japanese Garden and Powell's City of Books. From Portland, an overnight ride on the Coast Starlight leads to two final nights in San Francisco, with a hop-on, hop-off tour past the Golden Gate Bridge and a guided tour of the towering redwoods at Muir Woods National Monument. This suits travellers who want a guided, city-by-city rail trip down the Pacific coast, with an included tour or activity built into nearly every day.
What to know before you look closer
- The evidence does not state a total meal count for this trip; only a lunch on the Portland river cruise is named, so other meals are likely on your own.
- The evidence lists 18 accommodation options across Seattle and Portland, so the exact hotel depends on what is booked.
- Day 5's itinerary entry is titled with the trip's own name, "Pacific Northwest Southbound," rather than a place name, though its description covers Portland's Japanese Garden, the Alberta Arts District, and the overnight departure for San Francisco.
Day by day
- Day 1overnight: Seattle
Your Journey Begins in Seattle
Welcome to Seattle! Begin your Seattle adventure by ascending the iconic Space Needle for sweeping views of the city skyline and Puget Sound, followed by an exploration of the mesmerizing glass artworks at the Chihuly Garden and Glass exhibit.
- Day 2overnight: Seattle
Seattle
Today, enjoy a guided tour to uncover the rich history and diverse culture of Seattle's neighborhoods, from the historic charm of Pioneer Square to the lively energy of Pike Place Market.
- Day 3railovernight: Portland
Portland
Start your day by checking out of your Seattle hotel and making your way to the train station to catch the Amtrak Cascades® to Portland. Once you arrive, check in to your hotel for 2 nights. Begin your Portland exploration with a trolley tour.
- Day 4overnight: Portland
Portland
Today, embark on a scenic river cruise with lunch onboard, admiring the city skyline. Afterward, visit attractions like the Portland Japanese Garden and Powell's City of Books.
- Day 5railovernight: Onboard Amtrak
Pacific Northwest Southbound
Make the most of your last day in Portland before heading to San Francisco. Begin with a peaceful visit to the Portland Japanese Garden followed by a stroll through the vibrant Alberta Arts District, then head to the train station for an overnight on the Coast Starlight® train.
- Day 6overnight: San Francisco
San Francisco
Arrive in San Francisco via the Coast Starlight® and check in for 2 nights. Embark on a Hop-on-Hop-off tour to explore the city's landmarks at your own pace. Visit Fisherman's Wharf, Golden Gate Park, and cross the iconic Golden Gate Bridge.
- Day 7overnight: San Francisco
San Francisco
Today, you will enjoy a guided tour of the Muir Woods National Monument. Wander among the towering redwood trees, marveling at their ancient beauty and serene atmosphere.
- Day 8rail
Your Journey Ends in San Francisco
Check out of your hotel this morning and continue with your travels. If you'd like to extend your journey to another city, just ask your Rail Expert and we can help you make all the arrangements.
The moments this trip is built around
- Day 1The first day in Seattle includes sweeping views from the Space Needle and the Chihuly Garden and Glass exhibit.
- Day 4A scenic river cruise with lunch in Portland admires the city skyline before visits to the Japanese Garden and Powell's City of Books.
- Day 5After a visit to the Portland Japanese Garden and the Alberta Arts District, the overnight ride on the Coast Starlight to San Francisco begins.
- Day 6Arriving in San Francisco via the Coast Starlight, a hop-on, hop-off tour crosses the Golden Gate Bridge.
- Day 7A guided tour of Muir Woods National Monument winds among towering, ancient redwood trees.
Included
- Sightseeing tour of Seattle
- Space Needle and Chihuly Garden and Glass Admission
- River Cruise with Lunch
- Hop-on, Hop-off sightseeing tour of San Francisco
- Day Trip to Muir Woods and Sausalito Tour with Bay Cruise
Questions travellers ask
- Is train travel included?
- Yes, one-way Amtrak Coach travel on the Amtrak Cascades from Seattle to Portland and the Coast Starlight from Portland to San Francisco.
- Which trains are used?
- The Amtrak Cascades for Seattle to Portland, and the Coast Starlight for Portland to San Francisco.
- What hotels are used?
- The package lists 18 accommodation options across Seattle and Portland, including the Kimpton Hotel Vintage in Seattle and the Kimpton RiverPlace Hotel in Portland; the exact hotel depends on what is booked.
- What meals are included?
- A lunch is included on the Portland river cruise; the evidence does not state a total meal count for the trip.
- Can the trip be extended?
- Day 8's description notes that travellers who want to extend their journey to another city can ask their Rail Expert to arrange it.
