The fall season is here. It is the perfect time to think about your next family getaway. And among the most family-friendly trip ideas is to enjoy a comfortable train trip on the East Coast.
Whether you are looking for short train trips, ideal for your little ones, or wish to go big and catch a roomette deal, where you can share a sleeping cabin while keeping your distance, there is something to suit everyone’s needs.
This post is part of our Discover the USA Series
Blueridge Scenic Railway
The Blue Ridge Scenic Railway is among the most comfortable and relaxing train rides in the state. It passes through the Chattahoochee National Forest in the spectacular village of Blue Ridge.
The train ride is kid-friendly, making it a perfect choice for families. It is a four-hour round trip along the Toccoa River.
You will love the open-air rail cars that allow you to view the fantastic scenes of the antique capital of Georgia. You will also enjoy enough layover time to eat lunch and explore the surroundings.
Washington, Delaware, and Beyond
If you are looking for long train trips, you can take the Acela splurge train and enjoy the spectacular views of Chesapeake Bay.
It is a 75-minute train ride to Wilmington, Delaware. But you may also book a direct Washington, DC to New York train for a stress-free journey where you do not have to alight along the way. It is a three-and-a-half-hour ride but worth every second because of the fantastic features and views.
The Maine Narrow Gauge Railroad Company and Museum
The Maine Narrow Gauge Railroad Co. and Museum are located in Portland, United States. Dedicated to the preservation of Maine’s two – feet gauge railway, the Railroad Company and Museum offers a wonderful and leisurely ride along the Eastern Promenade of Casco Bay.
The train journey on this route takes 35 minutes and is 3 miles long round trip. Experiencing this journey, visitors can take part in exploring the museum, which holds exhibits related to trains and their history. Tourists and visitors can also take in the sights of several historic railcars, do some gift shopping at souvenir shops.
A-Train Trip through Williamsburg, Virginia
Also worth visiting is Williamsburg, Virginia’s amazingly modern and historic city. Make a point of spending at least one night in the town and enjoy the one-hour train ride beyond Richmond.
This is an opportunity for history lovers to feel life as it was in the 1700s. Head to Colonial Williamsburg. It is a history museum that provides all sorts of entertainment, lodgings, history, and period dining in one place. This makes it a perfect place if you are holidaying on a budget.
It makes an excellent vacation when you combine the tour with food, a craft brewery, and contemporary art in the city. Do not forget to head to Yorktown, Jamestown, and Busch Gardens Williamsburg theme park.
Train rides are comfortable and allow you to explore the best outdoors while remaining indoors! If you love the idea of experiencing the fall colors on the East Coast but don’t want the hassle of driving in slippery conditions and the cold, a train ride experience can be the perfect option to consider.
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More US Travel Inspiration
Looking for ideas on where to travel with the kids on the East Coast USA? You may also be interested in:
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- Where to Go Beach Camping on the East Coast
- The Best National Parks on the East Coast
- Easy Day Trips from Boston
- Unique Things to See and Do in Washington D.C. with Kids
- Exploring Manhattan: Top 10 with Kids
- The Best Places to Visit in New York (that aren’t NYC or Niagara Falls!)
- Where to Find the Closest Beaches to Disney World, Florida