Travelling through the West Coast of the USA can be a wonderful experience, allowing you to see some of America’s most stunning and memorable landscapes as well as glamorous fast-paced cities. And by choosing rail tours, you can really make the most of your trip.
Unlike flying from place to place or driving, travelling by rail gives you an excellent opportunity to soak up as much of the fascinating terrain as possible. Indeed, you can simply sit back, relax and watch the world go by as you journey between your destinations.
And there is certainly plenty to see when you decide to take West Coast USA tours. As well as seeing California’s exciting, glamorous cities, you’ll also be able to explore some of the most remarkable terrain in the USA.
Additionally, because your itinerary will be mapped out for you, you can travel without the worry of arranging complex connections for yourself.
So, where will your West Coast adventure start? Your first destination will be Seattle, a city packed full of marvellous sights. Taking a tour of the metropolis, you will be able to visit Pike Place Market and the waterfront, as well as the Museum of Flight.
This fascinating museum runs you through the history of air and space travel, while also giving you the chance to see some famous craft up close, including Concorde and Air Force One, the first US presidential jet.
You may also be able to see the famous Space Needle during your time in Seattle, a striking landmark built for the World Fair in 1962.
Continuing your journey, you’ll board the Coast Starlight to travel past the Willamette Pass of the Cascades, the Klamath Falls and many other sights. Disembarking in Sacramento, you’ll reach your next destination – Yosemite National Park – by coach.
Spending the night in this incredible natural environment, you’ll be able to explore the striking cliffs, stunning mountains and thunderous waterfalls in all their glory. Indeed, you can enjoy a tour through the Valley during which some of the park’s most famous sights will be pointed out to you. These include Bridal Veil Falls and El Capitan – a colossal granite monolith rising some 3,000 ft high.
Leaving the beautiful terrain of the park the following day, you can continue your journey onboard the Mountain Sugar Pine Railroad. This will whisk you through Sierra National Forest on the way to your next destination, San Francisco – a trip that will be completed by road.
San Francisco is a city famed for its diverse, fascinating attractions and intriguing past, which you can explore during a tour of its streets. The Golden Gate Bridge and Fisherman’s Wharf are two must-sees, while you can also take a short cruise to Alcatraz Island.
The isle is home to the notorious prison of the same name that once housed infamous criminals including Al Capone, which you can learn more about with an audio tour of the facility.
Once you’ve finished discovering the city’s notable landmarks and history, you can head out for a day trip to the most successful wine region in California, the Napa Valley. Beginning at Napa station, you’ll enjoy a tasting session before setting off on the Napa Valley Wine Train for a gourmet lunch while travelling through the region’s wonderful vineyards.
The following day can be free for you to enjoy as you please in San Francisco, so why not spend your time unearthing any sights you’ve always wanted to see, or perhaps revisiting your favourites from the tour? Among the places to go to are the Museum of Modern Art and the zoo.
Frequently referred to as the American Riviera, Santa Barbara is the next destination on your adventure. Its nickname comes from its beautiful Mediterranean climate and while you’re out exploring in the sunshine, you can spot countless buildings constructed in the Spanish Colonial style. Keep an eye out for the red roofs and white walls that are characteristic of these structures.
Before your rail travel in the USA draws to a close, you’ll journey on the Pacific Surfliner to San Diego. This fantastic route will whisk you past the coastline and Los Angeles, among other sights.
During your stay here, you can explore the delights of Balboa Park and the Old Town, in addition to the city’s numerous other attractions.
