Explore the Pacific Coast on Amtrak’s Coast Starlight
On my latest vacation, I had the opportunity to ride the Coast Starlight on Amtrak from Seattle to Los Angeles. I’m a regular rider along the Northeast corridor between Washington DC and New York but, there are vast contrast between the two trains.
The Coast Starlight
The Coast Starlight Train
Beginning in Vancouver Canada, the Coast Starlight is the premier train to explore the West Coast of the US and Canada, stopping in cities such as Seattle, Tacoma, and Portland. Amtrak offers Rail Passes to hop on hop off in multiple cities, of which I did. (read the story here)
Portland Union Station
The Top Five Highlights about the Coast Starlight
- Double Decker Seating
- A much more panoramic view of the canyons and valleys.
- Observation Car
- A three sided glass train car, open to all riders, where you can view the snow-covered peaks of the Cascade Range and MountShasta, lush forests, fertile valleys and long stretches of Pacific Ocean shoreline provide a stunning backdrop for your journey.
- Wi-fi
- This is where I give the Coast Starlight the ultimate FAIL. Unlike the Northeastern, the Coast Starlight does not offer wifi in coach. Not even for purchase. So be careful when planning your trip. I had to work and was at the mercy of my Verizon service and it saved the day. Thanks, Northeastern for your complimentary wifi in coach.
- Dinning Options (see menu here)
-
- The food is surprisingly tasty. The Dining car offers white table cloth reservation seating for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Breakfast includes traditional items such as granola, yogurt, chicken sausage, skillet potatoes, etc… Dinner was a tender rosemary chicken breast and mixed vegetable on a red pepper colis. Of course there is simple cafe fair such as chips, frozen pizza, soda, etc…
Rosemary Chicken with a Red Pepper Sauce
-
- Reclining Seats
- The Coast Starlight is a beautiful double decker with tons of leg room. How, you say? Because the seats fully recline for a comfortable sleep on long distance rides, even in coach.
This train experience won me over in favor of riding the train more throughout the US. Additionally, I consider it family friendly for ages 7 and up. If Amtrak is reading, I would happily ride and blog on all of your trains (just putting it out there).
