Have you ever heard the words “all aboard!” and not felt a surge of excitement pouring through your veins?
Fat chance.
With airfare reportedly going through the roof, there’s no better summer in recent years to ditch the runway and travel the old-fashioned way, chugging along gorgeous seaside tracks toward a destination that makes the scenic journey feel like half the trip.
The difference here is that you won’t just be glued to the window seat for the ride. This isn’t a sightseeing loop — you’re actually going somewhere worth vacationing.
Amtrak, the most notable name for U.S. trains since we’re slacking behind Asia and Europe, just revealed some true bangers.
These 4 postcard beach destinations are a mix of hidden gems and renowned icons, but all guarantee a fun-filled summer getaway full of sun and sand.
Unfortunately, that means sandy crevices for the ride back…
4) Portland, Maine 🦞
There are tons of reasons to visit Maine, which seems like the East’s last frontier for tourism, until you realize how many locals from neighboring states flock here.
In fact, many Canadians have sworn off crossing into Maine, largely driven by political divide, leaving much of Maine craving a tourism boom, including Orchard Beach, one of the state’s most gorgeous beach towns.
Amtrak touts the Downeaster from Boston as one of America’s top coastal adventures, swapping clam chowdah for lobstah rolls.
I’m just going to keep typing through the sound of crickets…
The notoriously walkable city of Portland will be your base to explore maritime history, devour various seafood concoctions, and enjoy ample beach days on cozy coves and even famed Acadia National Park a short drive away.
Better yet, Portland is largely considered a safe destination. It currently holds an impressive 85/100 score on our Safety Index:
3) Charleston, South Carolina 🦪
Charleston is undoubtedly more popular for its steep history and southern roots than its scenic coastline; however, a trip here without savoring a day full of sun and sand, at the very least, admiring one of the city’s renowned restaurant menus and skipping the main course.
No, we’re not talking about Waffle House, but also don’t tempt me with a good time…
Amtrak is hyping up its ‘Palmetto‘ route as a grand journey to reach one of the South’s coolest cities that just so happens to have really pretty beaches, such as nearby Sullivan’s Island, Isle of Palms and Folly Beach.
When you envision the South, Charleston is it — front porch sweet tea sippin’, fried everything, and horse-drawn carriages clip-clopping past centuries-old homes.
It’s safe too. Its current Safety Index score is even higher than Portland at 89/100:
2) Miami, Florida 🪩
It’s hard to go to Miami and not have a good time. While South Beach isn’t my flavor, many other pockets of the city are.
When I visited Miami, I hopped aboard the Brightline train, but with weekly rumors of bankruptcy concerns, you may want to familiarize yourself with Amtrak anyway, a mainstay in rail travel.
In this case, Amtrak holds some strong bragging rights for its East Coast-wide Silver Service route, making for one of the best options to reach the “Magic City”.
Whether you plan to culture-hop across neighborhoods like Little Havana, find a sleepy beach in Key Biscayne, or live up in a city arguably more known for nightlife than its sprawling shoreline, Amtrak believes they’re the most memorable option for an epic vacation.
The one downside is safety, currently turning back the clock to its Miami Vice era with a current low Safety Index score of just 63/100:
1) San Clemente, California 🌊
Did you know there’s a little town sandwiched between San Diego and LA that’s dressed to the nines like a quintessential Spanish village?
It’s true — welcome to San Clemente.
This Orange County paradise is equal parts surfer haven, foodie heaven, and beach lover’s picture-perfect beach getaway with boutique hotels lining the gleaming Pacific coast.
Personally, it’s one of my favorite day trips from San Diego, which is why Amtrak is lauding its Pacific Surfliner line, carrying passengers from one quaint coastal town to another.
Whether you shred some waves, devour some fish tacos, or want to blend in like a local where there’s never a dress code, San Clemente is one of the most laid-back vacations you’ll ever have, and you can arrive in style aboard Amtrak’s top summer ride.
