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This iconic Amtrak train ride takes you from the palm-lined streets of Los Angeles to the misty skyline of Seattle, with stunning ocean views, mountain passes, and forested coastlines along the way.

Here's your plan for a scenic train journey from LA to Seattle, enjoying stunning views and onboard meals

LA to Seattle on the Coast Starlight Train 🚞

At Los Angeles Union Station, purchase Amtrak tickets online for coach seats, roomettes, or family rooms. Each offers unique comforts and perks suitable for different needs.

Train Ticket Purchase

Head to Amtrak.com to book your ticket. You’ll choose between a Coach Seat, a Roomette, or a Family Room—each with its own vibe and perks:
💺Coach: This is just a single seat on the train. It’s the most budget-friendly option (but still surprisingly roomy!). I’ve taken Coach from SF to Chicago and slept in the seat like a baby. That said, you know your own sleep needs best. Meals aren't included, so you’ll need to bring your own (I’ve packed backpacking meals—shockingly tasty) or buy snacks from the café car.
💺💺Roomette: A cozy space for two, complete with two beds and all onboard meals—breakfast, lunch, and dinner (snacks from the café car not included). If you’re traveling solo you’ll pay the full fare, but bring a buddy and you can split the cost. I think it’s an incredible deal when you factor in the free meals. 
💺💺💺💺Family Room: Designed for up to four passengers and includes a private bathroom (unlike roomettes, which have shared bathrooms/showers). Ideal if you're traveling with a group or just want more space to stretch out.

Buy Your Ticket to Ride! 🎫 

Explore Los Angeles Union Station's famed architecture and prepare for your Coast Starlight journey with priority boarding for certain ticket holders.

Boarding Train

Welcome to one of the most iconic train stations in the country! Opened in 1939, Los Angeles Union Station is the largest railroad passenger terminal in the Western United States and is often regarded as “the last of the great train stations.” Get there early to take in the beautiful Art Deco / Mission Revival architecture and view some of the exhibitions they have up! 

Before you board:
* Find your track number on the departure board
* Listen for boarding announcements (they’ll call your train name—Coast Starlight)
* If you have a sleeper room (Roomette or Family Room), you’ll get priority boarding
* A staff member will check your ticket and direct you to your car

Once you find your seat or room, settle in and get excited for the upcoming views! 

All Aboard at LA’s Union Station 🚉 

Experience cinematic ocean views from the Coast Starlight's sightseer lounge or a left-side seat as you journey north along California’s stunning coastline.

Coastal Train Views

As the train hugs the California coastline, the scenery goes full cinematic. This is the stretch that makes the Coast Starlight legendary—cliffs, beaches, crashing waves, and the Pacific Ocean glittering just outside your window. 

Where to be:
* Head to the Sightseer Lounge for floor-to-ceiling windows and the best panoramic views
*Grab a window seat in Coach or your Roomette—this is not the time to nap
* Pro tip: Because you’ll be traveling north from LA, you’ll want to be on the left side of the train in the direction of travel for the best views of the coast.

What you’ll see:
* Breathtaking Ocean Views – Enjoy panoramic vistas of the Pacific Ocean as the train hugs the coastline between Los Angeles and San Luis Obispo.
* Towering Mountains & Lush Forests – Travel through the Cascade Mountains and dense evergreen forests of Oregon and Washington.
* * Quaint Coastal Towns & Big Cities – Stop in vibrant cities like Los Angeles, Santa Barbara, San Francisco (Emeryville), Portland, and Seattle while also experiencing the charm of smaller towns.
* * * Miles of wild, untouched coast you can’t see by car

Pro tips:
* Bring your camera or phone—this is prime photo time
* Get a playlist ready and some noise-canceling headphones to tune into the views

The first stretch lasts a few glorious hours before the train turns inland—so settle in, breathe deep, and let the West Coast do its thing.

Enjoy the Coastal Views 🌊

Enjoy meals onboard the Coast Starlight with included sit-down service for Roomette/Family Room passengers or grab snacks in the Café Car if in Coach.

Train Dining Experience

Train food? Surprisingly amazing. If you’re in a Roomette or Family Room, all your meals on board are included in the Dining Car at no extra cost. (You should still tip, however!). The attendants will go around to each room and get you a reservation to the Dining Car, then call out reservation times when it is time to eat. If you’re in Coach, you can purchase snacks, drinks, and light meals from the Café Car.

Dining Car (Roomette/Family Room passengers):
* Sit-down service with white tablecloths and windows galore
* Expect rotating menus with options like herb chicken, pasta, burgers, and desserts
* You will likely seated with other travelers—it’s part of the experience

Café Car (open to all passengers):
* Grab-and-go snacks: sandwiches, pizza, chips, coffee, soda, wine
* Open most of the day—perfect for a midday treat or late-night cravings
* Prices are reasonable, but you can bring your own food too
* If the Dining Car doesn’t get full, they will ask Coach passengers if they’d like to dine in the dining car for an extra charge

Meal tips:
* Dining reservations may be required—your car attendant will help with that
* Want to keep it extra comfy? Have your meal brought to your Roomette!

Mealtime on the Rails 🍽️

Experience the unique charm of sleeping on Amtrak's Coast Starlight, transitioning from adventure to relaxation with luxurious sleeping arrangements and tranquil nighttime scenery.

Overnight Train Sleep

As the sun sets and the train heads north, the vibe shifts from adventure mode to unwind mode. Nighttime on the Coast Starlight is its own kind of magic—soft rocking, distant train whistles, and the low hum of travel through the dark.

If you're in a Roomette or Family Room:
* Your car attendant will transform your seats into beds (yes, real sheets, pillows, and blankets!)
* You’ll have privacy, reading lights, and a big window to watch the stars or the blur of night towns
* Need something? Just tap the call button—attendants are there to help

If you're in Coach:
* The seats recline way more than on a plane, and there’s plenty of legroom
* Bring a travel pillow, eye mask, and a blanket or hoodie for max comfort
* Overnight train sleep is a unique kind of peaceful—don’t be surprised if you knock out early
Tips for a great night onboard:
* Change into comfy clothes and bring some ear plugs (yes there will be train “choo choos”)
* Brush your teeth and do a quick refresh in the bathroom before lights out
* Watch a movie or read a book to wind down

Fall asleep somewhere in Oregon... and wake up to misty forests or maybe even Mount Rainier on the horizon.

Overnight Onboard 😴

“Sometimes it's more about the journey than the destination”?

Nowhere is that more true than when riding Amtrak.

you'll board Amtrak's Coast Starlight in LA.

Enjoy the most relaxing and scenic travel experience of your life.

your personal plan or friend in your pocket,

you'll explore Seattle's most iconic spots.

One of the most scenic train rides in all the United States.

and more leg and walking room than you'll know what to do with.

You'll travel up California's Pacific coastline and from the

floor to ceiling windows in the sightseer lounge,

You can spend the day relaxing in your roomette

or strike up a conversation with a fellow traveler.

You're very likely to make a friend along the way.

all included with the purchase of a roomette.

you'll turn your seat into a comfy bed and wake

up well rested and ready to explore your destination.

and because you downloaded the Nudge app,

you'll be loaded with personal plans of things to do,

both for first timers and those looking for hidden gems.

hop back on an Amtrak train and head home.

You'll be amazed at how unique each train ride experience is.

Both the journey and the destination made this the trip of a lifetime,

If you’re wondering what I’m up to on Sunday mornings…this is an ideal day-in-the-life. Going to the Silverlake Flea and looking at all the cool things to buy is already therapeutic…but then hitting up Stories afterwards? This is such a dynamic duo and the perfect thing for a cute solo date. 

Here's your plan for leisurely browsing the Silverlake Flea, then relaxing with books at Stories bookstore

Chill Morning in Echo Park!

Hunt for unique vintage finds and handcrafted goodies at Silverlake Flea, a bustling open-air market perfect for leisurely browsing on a Sunday morning.

Flea Market Shopping

✅ Before you go
• The market happens on Fridays from 10 am to 3:30 pm  /  Saturdays from 8:30 am to 3:30  pm / Sundays from 9:30 am to 3:30 pm

• Parking is TERRIBLE in this area. As much as I want to give you guidance here it’s definitely a “may the odds be ever in your favor” type of vibe…for this reason I recommend showing up on the earlier side so you have the best shot at getting a spot 

💪 Pro tips
• Bring a tote bag to put your flea market finds in! A lot of the vendors don’t have shopping bags available

Roam Around the Flea

Stories in Echo Park is a charming café-bookstore with a cozy patio, perfect for browsing books or relaxing after a morning out. Ideal for solo or quiet afternoons.

Browse Bookstore

✅ Before you go
• Stories is open 7 days a week, from 9 am to 9 pm.
• Again…parking is super tricky in this area. 

💪 Pro tips
• There is a really cute outdoor patio in the back that is worth checking out! 

Enter Bookworm Territory 

This is my ideal Sunday morning solo date.

which is a super popular flea market in East LA.

I like coming here because I always find really cool,

And then when I'm done prancing around the flea market,

there's a really cute cafe bookstore that's like a 5 minute walk called Stories.

They always have really cool books and cool stuff to just look at.

there's nothing like a good flea market & bookstore combo

which I think is key to a beautiful solo Sunday.

Stop for coffee and lunch in the middle of Los Angeles at the Helms Design District

Here's your plan for enjoying fresh baked goods, coffee, and shopping at Helms Bakery in LA

Fresh 🧁🍩🥖 at a Retro Bakery and Deli 

Enjoy fresh coffee, pastries, and lunch at Helms Bakery in the Culver City Arts District. Don’t miss their famous corn cake and friendly service!

Bakery visit

💪 Pro tips
• the corn cake is their most popular baked good! 
• no res needed 
• there’s tons of furniture shops in the Helms District

Fresh baked goods at Helms Bakery

I thought it was one of the cutest bakery and deli shops I've ever been to.

They had such a large assortment of dessert and the deli items looked really good.

Everything just looks so fresh and delicious,

and they even had tons of home good items,

Everyone there was so helpful and friendly.

I really enjoyed their coffee and the cinnamon roll that I got.

Unofficial dog beach and most serene place in LA

Here's your plan for relaxing at a quiet dog-friendly beach and enjoying peaceful reading time

Little slice of heaven ☀️🌊🏖️

Relax at Marina Del Rey's unofficial dog beach—perfect for peaceful reading and watching pups play. Bring sunscreen and towels, and enjoy the chill vibe with respectful locals.

Beach relaxation

✅ Before you go
• bring sunscreen and towels! 

💪 Pro tips
• there is street parking you just need to be patient! 

Venice / Marina Del Rey Beach 

I'm going to give away a little secret of mine as a native Angelino

and share one of my favorite beaches with you.

It's an unofficial dog beach where local owners bring their pups to play,

and everyone there is very respectful of each other.

I love sitting there and watching all the pups play with each other,

and I hope you can enjoy this little secret of mine too.

Enjoy one of the many events or just quiet outing at DTLA historic park and then head over to the 100 year old San Antonio Winery for tastings, music, and food. 

Here's your plan for a relaxing day at DTLA's historic park and wine tasting at San Antonio Winery

Historical Park and Winery in DTLA

Visit Los Angeles State Historic Park in Dogtown to enjoy events or a peaceful picnic.

Historic Park Walk

✅ Before you go
• here is there event schedule: https://lastatehistoricpark.org/events/
• parking on site and on the surrounding streets 
• pets allowed and clean restrooms on site. 

💪 Pro tips
• bring a blanket and some snacks for a relaxing afternoon 

Walk the DTLA historic park

Visit San Antonio Winery in Lincoln Heights for tastings, tours, and dining amidst century-old tradition.

Wine Tasting & Dinner

✅ Before you go
• check out their menus, reservations, and wine tastings: https://sanantoniowinery.com/locations/los-angeles/?utm_source=googlebusinessprofile&utm_medium=organic&utm_campaign=TK_GBP
• parking on site, but does get crowded! 

💪 Pro tips
• ask about their wine tours, worth hearing about it’s amazing 100 year old history. 

Pop into San Antonio Winery for dinner or a wine tasting 

head to this beautiful historical park or this amazing 100 year old winery.

We started our afternoon in LA's historic Park,

which we had been to for an outdoor movie,

but we got to see it today for a beautiful kite festival that was going on.

It is so clean and a perfect place for a picnic to walk around

or to enjoy one of the many events they have on the weekends.

We then headed over to San Antonio Winery,

which is just a few minutes down the road.

being one of the oldest wineries in Los Angeles.

but it also still to this day hosts many amazing events,

We spent a good hour in here just looking through all the different wines.

they had a full restaurant and a full patio playing music.

tells you the history of downtown and how

So try one of these two places in downtown LA.