Coast Starlightin': From La La Land to Emerald City by Train - Is it doable, Dude?
Ever looked at a map of the glorious USA and thought, "Man, that Pacific Coast Highway looks epic, but wouldn't it be cooler in a train?" Well, my friend, for that itch in your wanderlust soul, there's actually an answer: you absolutely can chug your way from Los Angeles to Seattle by train!
That's right, ditch the fight for legroom on a plane (because, let's face it, coach class is a contortionist's dream) and climb aboard the legendary Amtrak Coast Starlight.
But wait! Is it all sunshine and scenic views?
Hold on there, buckaroo. This train journey ain't exactly a bullet ride. We're talking a good 34-hour adventure. So, if your attention span is shorter than a TikTok video, this might not be the trip for you. But for those who like to relax, sip on a beverage (or two), and watch the world roll by, the Coast Starlight is a dream.
Trading the Freeway for Epic Scenery
Imagine this: you're comfortably settled in your train seat, a good book in hand (or your favorite podcast blasting away), and instead of staring at the back of someone's minivan, you're gazing out the window at California's dramatic coastline, the rolling hills of Oregon, and the majestic Cascade Mountains. Not a bad way to spend a day, right?
Is it all roses (or should that be roses and rain)?
Now, let's be honest, a 34-hour train ride isn't going to be all smooth sailing (pun intended). There will be times you might wish you had a teleportation device to skip straight to Seattle. Legroom can get interesting, especially if you're a lanky lighthouse of a human. And those dining car meals, while decent, might leave you craving something a little more... gourmet.
But hey, that's part of the adventure!
Think of it as a chance to reconnect with your inner nomad. Brush up on your people-watching skills (because let's face it, train rides are full of characters), or use the time to finally tackle that novel you've been meaning to read.
Plus, there's the undeniable romance of train travel. That rhythmic clickety-clack of the wheels on the tracks, the feeling of going somewhere new without having to white-knuckle your way through traffic - it's pretty darn magical.
So, the next time you're planning a West Coast adventure, ditch the usual and consider the Coast Starlight. It might just surprise you with how fun (and relaxing) a train trip can be.
