6 of the Best Fall Foliage Train Vacations to Book Now

During the beautiful, crisp autumn months, rail travel offers the perfect opportunity to witness the spectacle of the dazzling fall foliage all over North America, from the rugged U.S. coastlines to the Colorado Rockies and up into the vast expanses of our country's beautiful National Parks. If you haven't experienced the colorful show, you'll soon come to learn what 'leaf peepers' across the country know to be true - there's nothing quite like witnessing this unforgettable, albeit temporary, display of brilliant color every year. The following six Amtrak Vacations rail journeys bring you the best fall foliage experiences, including incredible views of fall scenery while on board the train, as well as all hotels, city tours and activities, and fall foliage sights galore. And the best part - you can get to any of these stunning locales roundtrip from the train station nearest your hometown. So leaf all the planning to us and hop on board!  

1. New England Fall Foliage

Calling all leaf peepers! You won’t want to miss this fall journey through two of New England’s most beloved cities: Boston and Portland. Explore Boston on a hop-on/hop-off sightseeing tour. Relive history as you follow the Battle Train through Historic Lexington, Concord, and Cambridge. See New England’s magnificent fall colors on a Gray Line Fall Foliage Tour. Discover Portland, “New England’s Best Kept Secret,” on a Land and Sea Discovery expedition. This fall foliage excursion through New England’s Boston and Portland is the perfect way to spend six days during this incredibly colorful season. Learn more about our New England Fall Foliage vacation.  

2. Boston Fall Foliage

Explore the rich history of Boston and enjoy the wonderful fall foliage just outside the city on this perfect fall getaway. While in Boston you will get to travel around the city to visit such iconic city attractions as the Old North Church, Fenway Park, and the Freedom Trail. Take time to enjoy the city's rich history, do some shopping on Newbury Street, and enjoy an authentic New England seafood meal. Then travel out of the city to view the vibrant hues of the changing leaves that cover the trees west of the city. This is a wonderful way to experience the best of the East Coast's fall foliage! Learn more about our Boston Fall Foliage Getaway.  

3. Pacific Northwest

While most people think of the Eastern Seaboard when it comes to seeing classic fall foliage, many parts of the West Coast put on quite a show, made even more dramatic with soaring coastline views, mountainous backdrops, and iconic cityscapes. Get ready for the trip of a lifetime through three gorgeous cities - San Francisco, Portland, and Seattle - on this scenic rail experience. First, get to know San Francisco in the fall on board a hop-on, hop-off sightseeing tour that takes you to the city’s most popular attractions, including the Golden Gate Bridge. Check out the towering redwoods in Muir Woods and enjoy a leisurely afternoon in the quaint Sausalito. Discover Portland and enjoy a scenic dinner cruise along the Willamette River. Leaf peepers will revel in the best of fall in the city, with the best spots to experience the splendor include downtown’s South Park, rural Sauvie Island, the historic Pittock Mansion, and the exotic Japanese Gardens. The last stop on your journey is in Seattle, where you’ll explore the “Emerald City” on a guided sightseeing city tour that will take you to all the hot spots including the Space Needle and the world-famous Pike's Place Market, alight with fall colors. Learn more about our Pacific Northwest vacation.  

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4. Portland & Acadia National Park Getaway

Discover the best of Maine on your Portland and Acadia National Park Getaway! Portland, Maine, the state's largest city, is a bustling seaport town filled with art galleries, boutiques, historic sites, and museums. Known for its many lighthouses, your all-encompassing harbor cruise tour will take you to see some of the most picturesque ones. Then hop in your included rental car and continue up the coast of Maine to Mount Desert Island, home to Bar Harbor and Acadia National Park. Explore Acadia National Park and its rocky beaches, granite peaks, and Cadillac Mountain, the highest point in the East Coast, before returning to Portland. Learn more about our Portland & Acadia National Park Getaway.  

5. New York City and Washington, D.C.

Spend some quality time in two of America’s most beloved cities - New York City and Washington, D.C. - both equally splendid in the fall. Your journey kicks off in the “Big Apple,” where you will see all NYC has to offer on your multi-day hop-on, hop-off sightseeing tour. Visit Central Park, Times Square, and Rockefeller Plaza and marvel at the leaves changing color. Then, you’re off to the nation’s capital for more even sightseeing! Uncover the fascinating history of our nation as you visit places like the Smithsonian, the Jefferson Memorial, and the National Cathedral. These two amazing cities are full of sights just waiting for you to explore! Learn more about our New York City and Washington, D.C. rail vacation.  

6. Denver Rocky Mountain Getaway

Few places capture the beauty and majesty of the Rocky Mountains like Rocky Mountain National Park! During the glorious autumn months, you can enjoy experience the Aspen trees in all of their golden glory from the famous Trail Ridge Road - the highest continuous paved road in North America and an amazing vantage point for leaf peepers and a favored spot for photographers. On this getaway, enjoy all the beauty of the park on an immersive sightseeing tour, and spend two nights in adjacent Denver, experiencing the best of the alpine city in this most beautiful time of year! Learn more about our Denver Rocky Mountain Getaway.