9 Things You Can Experience in the Stars & Stripes Collection

View the Stars & Stripes Collection

If you’ve ever dreamed of exploring the United States from coast to coast, now’s the time to do it. In celebration of America’s 250th birthday in 2026, Amtrak Vacations has launched the Stars & Stripes Collection, a lineup of rail journeys that capture the essence of the nation: its freedom, diversity, and breathtaking landscapes.

Each itinerary celebrates what makes America remarkable: iconic cities, natural wonders, and the timeless joy of traveling by train. It’s a tribute to 250 years of discovery, progress, and the people who built the nation, all experienced through the window of a train.

Here are nine unforgettable things you can see and experience on these journeys, and why now is the perfect time to start planning your own American rail adventure.

America’s Great Cities

The Stars & Stripes Collection connects you to the country’s most legendary destinations, New York City, Washington, D.C., Chicago, Los Angeles, and San Francisco among them. Walk through history on the National Mall, catch a Broadway show, or see the skyline light up from the top of the Willis Tower. Every stop pulses with culture, character, and the unmistakable energy of America’s great cities.

Each itinerary includes centrally located hotels and optional city tours, making it easy to experience the highlights, and the hidden gems, at your own pace.

Historic Landmarks

Few journeys take you so close to the places that shaped the nation. Stand before the Liberty Bell in Philadelphia, reflect at the Lincoln Memorial, or stroll the cobblestone streets of Boston’s Freedom Trail. The Stars & Stripes itineraries bring the country’s story to life, one landmark at a time.

When you travel with Amtrak Vacations, every detail, from rail schedules to hotel check-ins, is handled for you so you can focus on what really matters: being in the moment.

Natural Wonders

From the Grand Canyon to Yellowstone, Yosemite, and the Rockies, these trips put nature center stage. You’ll watch the scenery unfold mile by mile, deserts, forests, canyons, and coastlines, with no need to navigate or drive.

For those craving the perfect mix of adventure and relaxation, Amtrak Vacations makes it simple to add guided tours, park lodges, or extra nights in the destinations that inspire you most.

Scenic Rail Routes

Sometimes the best part of travel isn’t the destination, it’s the journey itself. Experience legendary routes like the California Zephyr, Empire Builder, or Coast Starlight, each offering panoramic views of mountains, rivers, and wide-open plains. Settle into your seat, enjoy a freshly prepared meal, and let America’s beauty roll by outside your window.

Upgrading to a private Roomette or Bedroom means enjoying extra comfort, privacy, and priority dining service, the perfect way to turn travel into part of the vacation.

Cultural Contrasts

America’s charm lies in its diversity. One day, you might wander through Charleston’s historic streets. The next, listen to jazz in New Orleans or enjoy fresh seafood in Seattle. Every region brings its own rhythm, accent, and flavor, and traveling by train lets you experience those contrasts seamlessly.

With Amtrak Vacations, you can personalize your journey, adding stops, extending stays, or including local experiences that speak to your passions, whether that’s history, cuisine, or the arts.

Endless Flexibility

With more than 500 departure stations across North America, you can start or end your adventure close to home. Choose a route, pick your dates, and let the experts handle the rest. Each trip is fully customizable, add nights, include sightseeing tours, or combine multiple itineraries into one epic cross-country adventure.

Amtrak Vacations’ team of rail specialists can tailor any itinerary to match your timeline, interests, and budget.

Comfort and Style Onboard

This is train travel the way it was meant to be, spacious, relaxing, and scenic. Forget the airport lines and traffic jams. Instead, stretch out in a private sleeper, sip coffee in the lounge car, and watch the landscape transform as you glide from city to countryside.

Whether you’re traveling solo, as a couple, or with family, the experience is effortless and comfortable. All you have to do is sit back and enjoy the ride.

Story-Driven Itineraries

Every itinerary tells a story, and these are some of the best. Follow the Route 66 by Rail for a nostalgic journey through America’s heartland. Walk in the footsteps of early patriots on the Founding Fathers Trail. Or witness the country’s grandest scenery through two of its iconic national parks on Yellowstone to Yosemite by Rail.

Each trip is thoughtfully crafted by Amtrak Vacations’ experts, blending history, culture, and nature into one unforgettable experience.

The Spirit of Freedom

The Stars & Stripes Collection captures the feeling of freedom, the chance to roam, explore, and rediscover what makes this country so extraordinary. It’s a celebration of 250 years of stories, dreams, and journeys, and there’s no better way to honor that legacy than by seeing it firsthand.

When you book with Amtrak Vacations, everything, trains, hotels, sightseeing, and transfers, is organized by one trusted provider. No complicated logistics. No car rentals. No guesswork. Just smooth, seamless rail travel from start to finish.

Why Travel with Amtrak Vacations

• One simple booking covers everything, trains, hotels, and excursions.
• Customizable itineraries let you create your perfect vacation.
• Experts in rail travel, no one knows America’s routes better.
• Convenient departures from more than 500 stations.
• Trusted service backed by decades of rail vacation experience.

As the nation marks its 250th anniversary, there’s never been a better reason to explore the places that tell its story. The Stars & Stripes Collection isn’t just a series of trips, it’s a celebration of America’s past, present, and future, told through the rhythm of the rails.

So whether you’re dreaming of city lights, mountain peaks, or coast-to-coast horizons, let Amtrak Vacations take you there, comfortably, effortlessly, and in true Stars & Stripes style.