7 Best Bucket-List Amtrak Journeys To Take After You Retire

Embarking on an Amtrak journey is a wonderful way for retirees to explore North America’s diverse landscapes and charming towns. Each route offers unique attractions and picturesque sights, making them excellent additions to any retiree’s travel bucket list.

Train trips provide an exceptional opportunity to enjoy these sights and locations at a leisurely pace with access to comfortable amenities. Ready for your next adventure? Here are seven bucket-list Amtrak journeys for making unforgettable memories after retirement.

7. Coast Starlight: Seattle to Los Angeles This route starts in vibrant Seattle and offers breathtaking views of the Pacific coastline, the Cascade Range, and Santa Barbara beaches, making it perfect for nature lovers. The journey takes you through the picturesque Pacific Northwest, with stops in Portland, Oregon, and Eugene, nestled in the Willamette Valley. The trip continues through the San Francisco Bay Area and concludes in Los Angeles, where you can explore landmarks like Hollywood and Santa Monica.

6. Empire Builder: Chicago to Seattle The Empire Builder provides a glimpse into America’s diverse attractions, from urban centers to the Rocky Mountains and the Pacific Northwest. The journey begins in Chicago, home to world-class museums and architecture. The train then stops in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, known for its breweries and lakefront, and the Twin Cities of Minneapolis and St. Paul, with their rich cultural scene. The route continues through North Dakota and Montana, passing Glacier National Park before reaching Seattle.

5. California Zephyr: Chicago to San Francisco This route offers dramatic scenery shifts, from vast plains to towering mountains and the stunning California coast. Starting in Chicago, the California Zephyr takes you across the heartland of America, passing through Denver, Colorado, with its nearby Rocky Mountains. The journey continues through the Sierra Nevada mountains, stopping in Reno, Nevada, and Sacramento, California, before reaching Emeryville, with a short bus ride to San Francisco.

4. Amtrak Cascades: Eugene to Vancouver This route offers lush green landscapes, coastal views, and the charm of both American and Canadian cities. The Amtrak Cascades journey begins in Eugene, Oregon, and travels through the picturesque Pacific Northwest, stopping in Portland and Seattle before crossing into Canada and reaching Vancouver, British Columbia.

3. Southwest Chief: Chicago to Los Angeles This route offers a taste of the Southwest’s unique desert landscapes, historic towns, and Native American culture. Starting in Chicago, the Southwest Chief takes you through the American Southwest, stopping in Kansas City, Missouri, Albuquerque, New Mexico, and Flagstaff, Arizona, before reaching Los Angeles.

2. Sunset Limited: New Orleans to Los Angeles This route offers a blend of cultural experiences and stunning desert landscapes, making it a unique and memorable journey. The Sunset Limited begins in vibrant New Orleans and heads west, stopping in San Antonio, Texas, Tucson, Arizona, and Palm Springs, California, before reaching Los Angeles.

1. Maple Leaf: New York City to Toronto This international route combines urban excitement, historic landmarks, and stunning natural beauty. The Maple Leaf starts in New York City and travels north, stopping in Albany, New York, and Niagara Falls before reaching Toronto, Canada’s largest city.