Amtrak Vacations
America Coast to Coast - LA to Boston
Independent coast-to-coast US rail trip on four Amtrak trains, LA to Boston
10 daysfrom $1,809
100% rail
Amtrak Vacations · Independent rail vacation
West Coast Spectacular
Coast Starlight rail journey from Seattle to Los Angeles via San Francisco
Amtrak Vacations operates this ten-day, nine-night independent rail vacation down the Pacific coast, starting in Seattle and ending in Los Angeles by way of San Francisco, aboard the Coast Starlight in Coach class. Two days in Seattle include admission to the Space Needle and the Chihuly Garden and Glass exhibit before day 3's overnight train ride south through the snow-capped Cascade Mountain range. Three nights in San Francisco follow, using a Pier 39 pass for hop-on, hop-off touring and a bay cruise. On day 7, the Coast Starlight continues down the California coastline into Los Angeles for a three-night stay that includes a guided tour of the Hollywood Sign, the Chinese Theatre, the Walk of Fame, and Santa Monica beach. Hotels are selected from eighteen options spread across the three cities and several comfort tiers. The trip suits travelers who want an extended, multi-stop rail journey with real time to settle into each city rather than a quick pass-through.
What to know before you look closer
- Hotels are chosen from 18 options across the three cities and a range of tiers, from the Hampton Inn & Suites Seattle-Downtown to the InterContinental San Francisco, so comfort depends on which hotel you pick.
- Only one meal, a dinner, is included across the 10-day trip; other meals are on your own.
Day by day
- Day 1overnight: Seattle
Your Journey Begins in Seattle
Welcome to Seattle! Today is free for you to explore the city on your own. Take a stroll down to the waterfront or go shopping in the famous Pike Place Market! Enjoy the best of what Seattle has to offer!
- Day 2overnight: Seattle
Seattle, WA
Today you will experience Seattle's top attraction, the iconic Space Needle! Standing at over 600 feet tall, the famous structure will present you with picturesque views of the surrounding areas. After basking in the scenery, travel to the foot of the building and enjoy the amazing blown-glass artwork at the Chihuly Garden and Glass Exhibit. Your admission is included!
- Day 3overnight: Onboard Amtrak (Coast Starlight)
Overnight Onboard Amtrak
This morning board Amtrak's Coast Starlight for your journey south to San Francisco. Keep your cameras at the ready as you will be traveling through the serene, snow-capped Cascade Mountain range through Seattle and Oregon.
- Day 4overnight: San Francisco
San Francisco, CA
This morning you will arrive in the "Bay City", San Francisco! Today you can begin to explore the beautiful seaside city by way of the Pier 39 Pass. Your multi-admission pass allows you access to a multi-day hop-on, hop-off sightseeing tour of the city and a cruise out on to San Francisco bay.
- Day 5overnight: San Francisco
San Francisco, CA
Today, continue to use your sightseeing pass to tour all around the city. Your hop-on, hop-off tour will guide you to such exciting San Francisco sights as the San Francisco Pier, Union Square, and the iconic Golden Gate Bridge. Also included in the pass is an admission to the Aquarium of the Bay out on Pier 39. After exploring the aquarium, stroll along the pier and take advantage of its extra attraction passes as well as shopping and dining discounts.
- Day 6overnight: Onboard Amtrak
San Francisco, CA
This morning head over to the California Academy of Sciences, an amazing San Francisco attraction. With a real-life rainforest, interactive exhibitions on human biology and the California's geology, as well as educational exhibits about the California Coast as well as other nearby ecosystems, the Academy is a fascinating place to explore. After your day of sightseeing, enjoy a delicious meal out on Pier 39!
- Day 7railovernight: Los Angeles
Los Angeles, CA
This morning you will travel to the Amtrak Station and board Coast Starlight to continue on to Los Angeles. Sit back and relax as the train winds its way south along the gorgeous California coastline. You will get to enjoy landscapes you could never view if you were traveling on the highway. Upon arrival into Los Angeles, check-in to your hotel and prepare for two full days of sightseeing.
- Day 8overnight: Los Angeles
Los Angeles, CA
Today you will get an exciting in depth journey through Hollywood. Your fully guided tour will bring you to such iconic spots as the Hollywood Sign, the Chinese Theatre, and the Hollywood Walk of Fame. You will also stop by the sunny Santa Monica beach and then head up to the Hollywood Hills where you will enjoy a tour of the stars' homes.
- Day 9overnight: Los Angeles
Los Angeles, CA
Today is yours to explore at your own pace. Do some shopping, dine a trendy restaurant, or head over to the beach to enjoy the sunshine. Los Angeles has something for everyone!
- Day 10
Your Journey Ends in Los Angeles
The moments this trip is built around
- Day 2Included admission covers the Space Needle and the Chihuly Garden and Glass exhibit.
- Day 3The Coast Starlight climbs through the snow-capped Cascade Mountain range en route to San Francisco, with an overnight onboard.
- Day 7The Coast Starlight follows the California coastline south to Los Angeles.
- Day 8A guided tour visits the Hollywood Sign, the Chinese Theatre, the Walk of Fame, Santa Monica beach, and the stars' homes in the Hollywood Hills.
Included
- One-way Amtrak in Coach accommodations from Seattle to San Francisco; San Francisco to Los Angeles on the Coast Starlight
- 8 nights' hotel accommodations, 1 night onboard Amtrak
- 1 meal included (1 dinner)
Questions travellers ask
- Is train travel included?
- Yes, Coach travel on the Coast Starlight from Seattle to San Francisco and on to Los Angeles, with one overnight onboard.
- Do I sleep on the train?
- Yes, the night of day 3, traveling from Seattle to San Francisco.
- Is it escorted or independent?
- It is an independent rail vacation, with a guided Hollywood and Stars' Homes tour and self-guided sightseeing passes elsewhere.
- What hotels are used?
- 18 accommodation options across the three cities and a range of tiers, including the Hampton Inn & Suites Seattle-Downtown, the Kimpton Hotel Vintage Seattle, and the InterContinental San Francisco.
- How much walking is involved?
- Hop-on, hop-off touring in San Francisco, a guided Hollywood tour in Los Angeles, Space Needle admission in Seattle, and free days to explore each city at your own pace.
