According to a new report, Amtrak’s newest train route hit the jackpot.
Traversing some of the Gulf Coast’s most prized cities and lesser-known beach towns, travelers have been embraced by quintessential southern hospitality in some of the most underrated white-sand beach towns and storied capitals.
Many of America’s most popular train lines connect some of the coldest cities, especially those that many would call commuter trains in the Northeast.
However, the South offers one of the best rail adventures America has seen in ages!
Earlier this year, we at Travel Off Path were stoked to be among the first to reveal Amtrak Mardi Gras, an exciting new journey carrying you from some of the States’ most cultural destinations to up-and-coming coastal charmers.
Let’s unpack why Amtrak’s latest venture is perfect for a winter getaway:
Mild Winters & Crowd-Free Shores
If you’ve been paying attention to Travel Off Path at all, it’s not breaking news that one of the most unsuspecting cities has become a tourism powerhouse.
It’s true, Mississippi has been hoisted to stardom, largely due to Amtrak’s Mardi Gras route, making stops at not one, not two, not three, but four stops along its underrated coastline.
The “Magnolia State” has been stealing tourists from Florida for winter sun and coastal charm, boasting splendid daily temperatures averaging 65 degrees until March.
Even with Mississippi’s newfound fame, you won’t find crowded beaches during winter, even in its most famous beach town, Biloxi, brimming with luxe hotels, casinos, and gleaming white sand.
Instead, you can stop in some of the South’s most delightful coastal hideaways such as Jimmy Buffett’s hometown of Pascagoula, or Bay St. Louis, where you’ll find restored storefronts, live music, and a walkable waterfront that still feels local.
In total, Amtrak stops at these 4 Mississippi stations:
- Bay St. Louis
- Gulfport
- Biloxi
- Pascagoula
Since it’s the off-season, you can score great deals too! Biloxi’s famous Golden Nugget hotel is just $63 in January.
Explore A Pair Of America’s Most Cultural Cities
No matter where you start your trip, the endpoint will either be Alabama’s under-hyped capital of Mobile or Louisiana’s most popular city, New Orleans.
That is, if you don’t fall in love with Mississippi and opt for a longer stay…
For kicks and giggles, let’s say you want to run the full trip. You could argue that Mobile and Gulfport are neck and neck for the most underrated cities on this route.
However, if you visit Gulfport long enough, you’re going to find your way to the beach eventually.
In Mobile, though? That’s not much of an option.
Mobile lies along a vast tidal bay, boasting a different kind of waterfront with cargo ships and battleships instead of boardwalks and bikinis.
Not to mention, Mobile can throw Mardi Gras history in New Orleans’ face — it’s actually the birthplace of America’s Mardi Gras tradition.
Who woulda thunk it?
On the flip side of the route, New Orleans can also be your starting point or end-cap.
Of course, NOLA is the most sought-after destination of the bunch, so it’s likely easier to fly into New Orleans if you’re not from ’round these parts.
Famous for its sinfully delicious array of Cajun cuisine, European flair, and world-class 24/7 entertainment (for better or worse), New Orleans is arguably America’s most culturally rich city, as there’s truly never a dull moment in this melting pot of vibrant communities.
Like Mississippi, winter brings mild weather, so you won’t have to bundle up too much on Bourbon Street or Mobile’s lesser-known Dauphin Street.
For what it’s worth, the following dates are Mardi Gras shenanigans beginning in both cities for 2026:
New Orleans: January 6 – February 17
Mobile: January 30 – February 17
And don’t forget to squeeze in time to check out Mobile’s Carnival Museum, showcasing 300 years of Mardi Gras history — it’s fascinating!
The Mardi Gras Route Is Soaring! Can You Even Snag A Seat?
With ridership logging 46,000 passengers, even the best expectations have already been surpassed.
The good news is that Amtrak added more seats during the NFL season. Unfortunately, the Saints are about as fun to watch as paint dry from your front porch swing.
Who Dey?! Dey nobody this year….
But the beaches are still gleaming on Mississippi’s coast and New Orleans, and Mobile are still awaiting to be explored.
Despite the almost-instant surge, Amtrak does have many seats available for a winter adventure.
Say you’ve packed your beads ready for Mardi Gras, you can take the 3-hour, 43-minute journey from Mobile to N’Awlins for just $30 one-way.
In summary, this is the full Amtrak Mardi Gras route:
- New Orleans
- Bay St. Louis
- Gulfport
- Biloxi
- Pascagoula
- Mobile
Here is what to expect on board:
- No middle seats
- Free wifi
- Ample legroom
- Reclining seats
- Cafe service (both Coach and Business class)
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