Since I believe that the journey is part of the vacation... a time to transition and look ahead in in anticipation, I looked forward taking the Amtrak Coast Starlight route from Los Angeles to Seattle. This route is considered one of the most beautiful, and rightly so. You leave Los Angles at 10:10 am and arrive in Seattle at 8:37 the following night.
If you've ever debated the value of paying extra for a first class ticket and staying in a roomette or bedroom, this would be the time. If you manage to get a room on the right side of the train (which is the left), the scenery cannot be beat. Don't despair if you are assigned to the 'wrong side', as this route also has the Parlour Car. This car is only offered on the Coast Starlight and is a throwback to the days when train travel was elegant.
The top level has comfortable seating with massive windows, a small dining area and a full bar.
Downstairs you will find a movie theater.
Only first class passengers are allowed to use the Parlour Car, and there is a limited meal menu offered as well.
Don't miss the daily wine tasting! For a cost of $7.50 you have several generous tastings of wines from the area, and for an additional $5.50 you can purchase a cheese and cracker plate.
You will travel along the California Coast for a long while, then head inland as you pass through northern California, all of Oregon and up through Washington until your final stop in Seattle.
I always pack plenty of entertainment on my train trips, but this particular route found most of my entertainment right outside the window or in the Parlour Car.
Only first class passengers are allowed to use the Parlour Car, and there is a limited meal menu offered as well.
