Tired of icy sidewalks and gray skies? Imagine this: skipping the airport lines and holiday traffic, relaxing in a comfortable seat with ocean views, and stepping off a train into the warm, winter sun.
Sounds good, right?
Taking an Amtrak train to a beach destination is one of the best-kept secrets of winter travel. You get to reclaim your travel time—read a book, nap, or just watch the scenery roll by. Plus, many of the best beach towns are incredibly walkable right from the station.
Key Takeaways
- Best for the East Coast: Florida is your best bet, served by the Silver Service (Silver Star & Silver Meteor) routes, with stations like West Palm Beach and Delray Beach offering great walkability.
- Best for the West Coast: California’s coastline is perfectly served by the Pacific Surfliner, with stations like San Clemente Pier and Santa Barbara just steps from the beach.
- Why Take the Train? The main perks are avoiding traffic (especially I-95 in Florida or I-5 in California), saving on rental cars, and enjoying a relaxing, scenic journey.
Quick Reference: Destinations & Routes
Here’s a simple table to help you plan which train to catch.
| Destination | Nearest Station | Key Amtrak Routes |
| Miami, FL | MIA | Silver Service |
| West Palm Beach, FL | WPB | Silver Service |
| Delray Beach, FL | DLB | Silver Service |
| Fort Lauderdale, FL | FTL | Silver Service |
| Santa Barbara, CA | SBA | Pacific Surfliner, Coast Starlight |
| San Clemente, CA | SNP | Pacific Surfliner |
| Oceanside, CA | OSD | Pacific Surfliner |
| San Diego, CA | SAN | Pacific Surfliner |
| Solana Beach, CA | SOL | Pacific Surfliner |
| Savannah, GA | SAV | Silver Service, Palmetto |
Here are our top 10 picks for the best Amtrak winter beach destinations to escape the cold.
1. West Palm Beach, Florida
Nearest Station: West Palm Beach Station (WPB)
Amtrak Route: Silver Service (Silver Star / Silver Meteor)
Why it’s a great winter trip: The West Palm Beach station is one of the closest Amtrak stations to the ocean on the entire East Coast. You’re just a short ride (or a pleasant walk) from palm-lined streets, beautiful beaches, and the upscale shops and restaurants of Worth Avenue. Winter temperatures are perfect, typically hovering in the mid-70s.
2. Delray Beach, Florida
Nearest Station: Delray Beach Station (DLB)
Amtrak Route: Silver Service (Silver Star / Silver Meteor)
Why it’s a great winter trip: If you want a “village by the sea” vibe without needing a car, Delray Beach is your spot. The station is an easy walk or quick trolley ride from the vibrant Atlantic Avenue, which runs straight to the beach. It’s packed with art galleries, outdoor cafes, and a laid-back, welcoming atmosphere.
3. Miami, Florida
Nearest Station: Miami Station (MIA)
Amtrak Route: Silver Service (Silver Star / Silver Meteor)
Why it’s a great winter trip: For those who want serious heat and energy, Miami is the answer. While the station itself isn’t on the beach, it’s an easy rideshare away from the white sands and Art Deco style of South Beach. In winter, you get all the vibrant culture, amazing food, and warm weather without the intense summer humidity.
4. Santa Barbara, California
Nearest Station: Santa Barbara Station (SBA)
Amtrak Routes: Pacific Surfliner, Coast Starlight
Why it’s a great winter trip: Often called the “American Riviera,” Santa Barbara is stunning in winter. The station is literally two blocks from Stearns Wharf and the main beach. The weather is mild and sunny, perfect for wine tasting, exploring the Spanish-style architecture, and watching the sunset. The train ride itself, especially on the Pacific Surfliner, offers breathtaking coastal views.
5. San Clemente, California
Nearest Station: San Clemente Pier Station (SNP)
Amtrak Route: Pacific Surfliner
Why it’s a great winter trip: It does not get closer than this. The train stops at the San Clemente Pier, and you step right out onto the sand. This is the classic California surf town experience. You can walk the pier, watch the surfers, or stroll the coastal trail. It’s an ideal, car-free day trip or a relaxing weekend getaway.
6. Oceanside, California
Nearest Station: Oceanside Transit Center (OSD)
Amtrak Route: Pacific Surfliner
Why it’s a great winter trip: Oceanside has transformed into a hip, walkable destination. The station is a short walk from the pier, the beach, and a growing scene of craft breweries and trendy restaurants. The winter weather is mild, and the crowds are much thinner than in summer, making it perfect for a relaxing coastal escape.
7. San Diego, California
Nearest Station: San Diego – Santa Fe Depot (SAN)
Amtrak Route: Pacific Surfliner
Why it’s a great winter trip: “America’s Finest City” lives up to its name in winter. The historic Santa Fe Depot is downtown, putting you close to the harbor, the Gaslamp Quarter, and a short trolley or rideshare from famous beaches like Coronado. With average highs around 65°F (18°C), it’s the perfect weather for exploring the zoo, Balboa Park, or simply enjoying the sun.
8. Fort Lauderdale, Florida
Nearest Station: Fort Lauderdale Station (FTL)
Amtrak Route: Silver Service (Silver Star / Silver Meteor)
Why it’s a great winter trip: Famous for its beaches and boating canals, Fort Lauderdale is an easy-to-reach winter oasis. From the station, it’s a quick hop to Las Olas Boulevard for shopping and dining, or straight to the expansive Fort Lauderdale beach. The Water Taxi is a fun way to explore and get to the shore.
9. Solana Beach, California
Nearest Station: Solana Beach Station (SOL)
Amtrak Route: Pacific Surfliner
Why it’s a great winter trip: This is another fantastic “station-to-sand” option. The train stops right in the heart of this charming town, known for its Cedros Design District and beautiful Fletcher Cove Beach Park, which is just a few blocks away. It’s a quieter alternative to San Diego but with all the sunshine and coastal beauty.
10. Savannah, Georgia
Nearest Station: Savannah Station (SAV)
Amtrak Routes: Palmetto, Silver Service (Silver Star / Silver Meteor)
Why it’s a great winter trip: Okay, so the station isn’t on the beach. But Savannah in winter is a mild, magical coastal escape. The city’s historic charm is on full display with fewer crowds. From the station, you’re a short ride from the historic district, and from there, it’s an easy 30-minute drive to Tybee Island, Savannah’s beach. It’s the perfect “city and sand” combo trip.
See What an Amtrak Trip is Like
Wondering what it’s really like to travel on an Amtrak long-distance train? This video gives a great tour of the different accommodations, from a coach seat to a private roomette.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
For the West Coast, the Pacific Surfliner in Southern California is the best, as it hugs the coast and stops at multiple beach towns. For the East Coast, the Silver Service (Silver Star/Meteor) is your best route to all the warm destinations in Florida.
Almost! The San Clemente Pier station in California is the closest you can get. The train stops, and you step right onto the pier and beach. Other stations, like Santa Barbara and West Palm Beach, are just a few blocks away and very easy to walk.
Absolutely. It’s a fantastic way to avoid the brutal I-95 traffic. You can book a private roomette, sleep through the night, and wake up in sunny Florida. It turns the travel day from a stress-fest into the start of your vacation.
One of the best perks of train travel is the generous luggage policy. You can carry on two personal items and two bags for free. There are also options to check bags on many long-distance routes.
So, what are you waiting for? This winter, skip the traffic and the stress. Pack your bags (and your sunscreen), and let the train whisk you away to a warm, sandy shore.