Take The Journey Of A Lifetime: Across America By Train
The world's third-largest country by land area and builder of the world's first transcontinental railroad, the United States is a wonderful country to experience by rail. If you've been searching for the perfect retirement present, birthday gift, or vacation you'll never forget, consider using Amtrak's transnational rail journey from New York to San Francisco, for a journey across America by train that is out of this world.
Eight Days Across America
The tour from Amtrak covers eight days across America, between New York City and San Francisco, stopping at many gems and staples along the way, including a stop in the Windy City of Chicago before venturing west through the Rockies. You'll take Amtrak's Lake Shore Limited train from NYC to Chicago, before joining the California Zephyr from Chicago to San Francisco. Let's explore America in 10 days by rail on the journey of a lifetime.
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Day One: Arrival In New York
Whether you live in NYC or have flown in to depart from New York's Grand Central Terminal, your first day on this trip will be sightseeing in The Big Apple. What is there to see in The Big Apple, you ask? Let's explore.
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Day Two: Sightseeing In New York City
We'll explore New York City and its iconic landmarks throughout your second day on this trip. Let's start with a few of NYC's icons, including Central Park. Meandering through the many walkways of Central Park, you'll see iconic views of the NYC skyline. Central Park is stunning at any time of year, but particularly in the fall months.
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The Empire State Building
Another fantastic option to admire New York in all its grandeur is the Empire State Building. Built to an astonishing 1,454 feet high, it was the world's tallest building from 1931 to 1970. You can take a trip to the 86th floor observatory to get a birds-eye view of New York.
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The Statue Of Liberty
The Statue of Liberty is one of the world's most iconic landmarks and a symbol of New York City and the United States. Located on Liberty Island, the Statue of Liberty was unveiled to the world on October 28, 1886 in a ceremony organized by the Franco-American Union, celebrating the statue's creators and the union between the United States and France that had been so pivotal during the Revolutionary War.
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Times Square
Of course, no trip to New York City would be complete without visiting Times Square. It was named so in 1904, after The New York Times relocated its headquarters to One Times Square. Times Square is always busy in the "city that never sleeps" and is well worth a visit.
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Food Aboard Lake Shore Limited
If you're wondering what your train ride may look like, you'll get meals onboard for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. There's a mix of traditional breakfast food—crepes, pancakes, bacon and eggs—along with more exciting lunch and dinner dishes like butter chicken or beef paprikash. Glazed salmon or fettuccine alfredo are other options.
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Sleeping Aboard The Lake Shore Limited
Although you'll only spend one overnight trip aboard the Lake Shore Limited Amtrak train from New York to Chicago, Amtrak staff and designers have ensured that your ride will be comfortable. Unless you're sleeping in your seat, you'll get a private sleeping cabin with an en-suite shower for the ultimate relaxing train experience.
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Boarding The Train To Chicago
Your next destination is the Windy City of Chicago, a journey of nearly 800 miles. You'll board the train to Chicago, meandering through this leg of the journey overnight—passing West Point Military Academy and Bannerman's Castle, while journeying alongside the Hudson River.
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West Point Military Academy
Originally established as a fort during the American Revolutionary War, West Point sits high above the Hudson. It's one of five military academies in the United States and is the oldest. If you want to take a tour of West Point, you can only do so through the West Point Museum and Visitor's Center. Book well ahead; the tours are very popular!
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Bannerman's Castle
Built in 1901 by Scottish-born owner of a military supply company, Francis Bannerman VI, Bannerman's Castle sits on Pollepel Island in the middle of the Hudson River. Tours can also be had of Bannerman's Castle and Pollepel Island, organized by the Bannerman Castle Trust, who also oversee structural improvements to the castle.
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Day Three: Awaking In Chicago
The overnight train will take you past all of the above attractions—but you can swap your itinerary around to allow you to explore them. If you choose to skip them, you'll arrive in Chicago in the early evening. No matter what you like, you'll find it in Chicago. Don't forget to check into your hotel first, but while you're here, let's explore some of the city's most popular attractions.
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Day Four & Five: Chicago Sightseeing
As you spend the next full two days in Chicago, you're going to want to check out some of our recommendations below. Whether you like history, art, sport, or simply being a solo tourist in a new city, Chicago has everything you could wish for. Don't worry, you'll be heading west soon.
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The Art Institute Of Chicago
Hosting thousands of artworks from around the world, including Van Gogh, Monet, Picasso, and many more, Chicago's Art Institute is among the most extraordinary collections of art in the midwestern US and is a must for lovers of art of all types.
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Wrigley Field
If art isn't your thing, but sport is, then consider a visit to the iconic Wrigley Field. Particularly if you love baseball, then Wrigley Field is a must. Spend a few dollars and catch a baseball game (if you've come at the right time of year).
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Chicago Riverwalk
If you prefer to be a solo traveler, then take the 1.25-mile trail that runs through downtown Chicago. You can also join up with the Lakefront Trail, for an 18-mile journey that takes you along the shores of Lake Michigan. Just make sure you're back at your hotel for a good night's sleep before the Day Six afternoon transfer to the California Zephyr.
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Day Six: Transfer To California Zephyr, Beginning The Journey West
Located in the West Loop neighborhood of Chicago, the California Zephyr will depart from Chicago's Union Station. It's highly recommended that you find a hotel or other accommodations near the train station. While Chicago does have excellent public transit, you don't want to risk missing the train.
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The Sightseer Lounge
Known as the Sightseer Lounge aboard the Zephyr, this glass-walled lounge will provide you with stunning views of your surroundings as you lurch slowly westward. With large windows on either side and seats that face outward, the Sightseer is the perfect observation car.
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Day Seven: The Journey West
While you're unable to stop at any of the following destinations, they're worth making a note for next time. Or, if you're creating your own itinerary, you can make these stops at your leisure.
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Burlington, Iowa
After you leave Illinois, your first stop will be in Burlington, Iowa. Among some of the fun things to do in Burlington are a stroll down Snake Alley—a street built in 1894 that curls and twists like a snake, hence the name. Ripley's placed it at #1 in their Odd Spots Across America campaign of 2017.
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Fun City Resort In Burlington
If you have young children, then Burlington might be the perfect stop on your journey west—especially to check out the Fun City Resort water park. From water slides to wave pools, Fun City Water Park has it all!
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Omaha, Nebraska
You're firmly into the Midwest during Day 7 of the journey westward. You'll first come upon Omaha, Nebraska. If you love American history, you simply must spend a day or two in Omaha. As a stop on the Lewis & Clark Historical Trail, Omaha is home to museums, cultural centers, and an aquarium and zoo that feature a big cat complex.
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Lincoln, Nebraska
Another possible stop on your journey through Nebraska could be Lincoln. Immediately after Omaha is Lincoln, Nebraska—the state capital. With its massive domed tower building, the capitol can't be missed. For American driving lovers, there's the Museum of American Speed. For those that love nature, a stroll through the Sunken Gardens is highly recommended.
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Through The Moffat Tunnel
The Moffat Tunnel is one of the most famous legs of this journey. The tunnel crosses the Continental Divide, providing Denver, Colorado with a critical link to the North and South. Approximately 15 trains per day trundle through the Moffat Tunnel, which is also a water tunnel, providing a portion of the city of Denver's water supply.
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Denver, Colorado
You'll push through Denver, Colorado on your way west, just on the other side of the historic Moffat Tunnel. Denver is home to the astounding beauty of the Rocky Mountains—it's where the Rockies really begin to come into their own. If you choose to hop off for a day or so and explore, you'll get off at Denver's Union Station.
Science Abound At The Denver Zoo Or Museum Of Nature & Science
If animals and/or science are your thing, then the Denver Zoo or the Denver Museum of Nature & Science are must-see places. With stunning animal exhibits like giraffes at the Denver Zoo, or a look back in time with perfectly reconstructed dinosaur skeletons at the Museum of Nature & Science, Denver's got something for everyone.
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Take A Hike In The Rockies
Whether you're looking for a short hike for a day, or have taken the train to Denver to spend a few days in the wild, it's the perfect opportunity to experience the serene beauty of the Rocky Mountains. Day hikes like the Trading Post Trail are a wonderful introduction to hiking near Denver.
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Salt Lake City, Utah
If you choose to get off again, you must check out the last stop in Utah: Salt Lake City. The capital city of Utah and its most populous city is teeming with things to do.
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Temple Square & Other Attractions
Even if you're not religious, it's hard to ignore Temple Square, a 10-acre complex built and owned by the Church of Latter-Day Saints (Mormons). Whilst religion is important to people in Utah, there's plenty else to see, including the Red Butte Garden and Arboretum, Liberty Park, and the Utah Museum of Fine Art.
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Reno, Nevada
If casinos and the desert are your thing, you simply must check out Reno, Nevada. Home to many casinos and the National Automobile Museum, the town lies on the edge of the Nevada-California border and is highly popular among those looking to gamble at some of America's finest casinos outside of the Las Vegas strip.
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Crossing Into California
Reno, Nevada is the last stop on your journey before you cross into California. While you'll mostly zip through small California towns throughout the overnight journey, you may choose to take a stop in one of California's most populated cities: Sacramento.
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Sightseeing Sacramento
This historic town has the "Sacramento Gunslingers Ghosts & Ghouls Tour", alongside walking tours of the historic district of Sacramento. There's also the California State Railroad Museum and the California State Capitol building. The Sacramento Zoo and Sutter Fort Park are among the other major attractions.
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Day Eight: Arriving In San Francisco
After eight days, you'll have arrived in the beautiful city of San Francisco, on the West Coast. Your cross-country journey will have come to an end. Disembarking the train, you can take a stroll around Fisherman's Wharf, one of the most beautiful neighborhoods in "San Fran", with stunning views of the Golden Gate Bridge.
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Things To Do In San Francisco
San Francisco may be the end of the line for your train trip across America, but it doesn't have to be the end of your Californian adventure. Let's explore more things to do in San Francisco.
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The Golden Gate Bridge
Of course, you could just admire the Golden Gate Bridge in all of its glory. But where's the fun in that? Either walk, ride, or drive across this engineering marvel. One of the modern Wonders Of The World, the Golden Gate Bridge was opened in 1937.
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The Palace Of Fine Arts
Exploring the Palace of Fine Arts in San Francisco is like stepping back in time. Artsy folk will appreciate the Palace of Fine Arts, which houses some of the most beautiful art on the West Coast of the United States.
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Alcatraz Island
Of course, one of the most famous prisons in the world is located on Alcatraz Island, in the San Francisco Bay. Operating as a federal prison until 1963, Alcatraz Island is now a National Historic Landmark and many guided tours can be booked—if you dare step inside one of America's most notorious prisons.
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Booking Your Flights Home
Congratulations on making the journey across America by train over eight days. Hopefully, it was the journey of a lifetime, punctuated by some amazing sights and meeting some incredible people. Whether you created a flexible itinerary based on our recommendations, or simply took the most direct route, you've done a journey that not many have and made memories that will last a lifetime.
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Have You Gone Across By Train? Let Us Know Your Experience In The Comments
If you've made this journey from New York to California by train, please share your passenger experience in the comments below.
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