If you live in a big city, you might find yourself craving the slower pace of small-town life from time to time. But if you don’t have access to a car or don’t want to deal with the hassle of driving and traffic, the journey almost doesn’t seem worth it. Luckily, we’ve found seven charming destinations that are merely a quick train ride away from major U.S. cities such as Chicago, Los Angeles, and New York. Whether you book your seat in advance or simply feel spontaneous at the station, these excursions are ideal for getting out of dodge for the day — without even having to make a hotel reservation.
New Buffalo, Michigan
Distance: 1 hour from Chicago, Illinois
New Buffalo is a hidden gem just 70 miles from downtown Chicago via Amtrak’s Wolverine and Blue Water trains along the south shore of Lake Michigan. While it might be across state lines, this charming Midwestern town takes just about an hour to reach from the Windy City.
Once there, visitors can take advantage of a dune-backed beach perfect for watersports; a healthy offering of boutiques, mom-and-pop candy shops, and art galleries; a massive casino with 130,000 square feet of slot machines; numerous award-winning breweries; and an official wine-tasting trail. (In fact, the lakefront region surrounding New Buffalo is home to 40% of Michigan’s wine grape production.) Whether you decide to shop, sample reds and whites, or relax on the beach, your day spent in New Buffalo promises to be a memorable retreat.
San Juan Capistrano, California
Distance: 1 hour, 15 minutes from Los Angeles, California
San Juan Capistrano is an easy day trip via Amtrak’s Pacific Surfliner or Metrolink trains from L.A.’s Union Station. The picturesque city is named for the Mission San Juan Capistrano. One of the most stunning Spanish missions in the state, it was built in 1776 and still celebrates traditions like St. Joseph’s Day (March 19) to mark the annual return of the mission’s famous resident swallows.
Along the train tracks, you’ll find colorful neighborhood streets within Los Rios Historic District, Mexican pottery shops, whimsical antique stores for all kinds of lawn ornaments, a petting zoo, coffee shops and tea houses, the mouthwatering Heritage Barbecue, and El Adobe de Capistrano — a reportedly haunted Mexican restaurant that has been standing since the city was founded.
Lancaster, Pennsylvania
Distance: 1 hour, 15 minutes from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
The oldest Amish communities in the United States are in Pennsylvania Dutch Country. Learn all about the region’s history and culture by taking the hour-long train ride aboard Amtrak’s Keystone Service Train from Philadelphia to Lancaster.
For a memorable way to spend the afternoon, head to the famous Lancaster Central Market — the oldest farmers market in America, established in 1730 — to sample Amish-made jams, pretzels (with hand-churned butter), pickles, pastries, and other traditional foods. Be sure to also visit a historic Amish homestead, catch a show at the historic Fulton Theatre, or learn about the history of medicine and early American hospitals at the Lancaster Medical Heritage Museum.
Red Wing, Minnesota
Distance: 1 hour from Minneapolis/St. Paul, Minnesota
Red Wing, Minnesota, is best known for its iconic pottery and the boot brand that bears the same name. The town is only a short train ride from the Twin Cities aboard Amtrak’s Empire Builder or Borealis trains. Nestled along the Mississippi River, Red Wing is a great place to unwind in nature with many bike paths, nature trails, and public parks with water access and picnic pavilions.
The world’s largest boot is located at the Red Wing Shoe Company Museum, and the Pottery Museum of Red Wing features thousands of the town’s most famous pots. Red Wing also has a wide offering of festivals and events in summer, such as the Plein Air Art Festival in June, the Prairie Island Traditional Powwow in July, and River City Days in August.
Fredericksburg, Virginia
Distance: 1 hour, 10 minutes from Washington, D.C.
Hop aboard Amtrak’s Northeast Regional or Carolinian train for a 70-minute journey from the nation’s capital to historic Fredericksburg, Virginia — one of the most pivotal battleground sites of the American Civil War.
History buffs can visit the National Military Park for a deeper dive into the events of the Civil War and head to the Washington Heritage Museums to see landmarks that held significance to the nation’s first president. The site includes George Washington’s mother’s home, a tavern built by his brother, and a replica of his childhood home. After you’re done taking in all the history, end the day sampling bourbon at the A. Smith Bowman Distillery and enjoying a hearty meal before you head back to D.C.
Gloucester, Massachusetts
Distance: 1 hour, 10 minutes from Boston, Massachusetts
The Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority’s Newburyport/Rockport line provides easy access to many of the state’s appealing coastal communities. If you’re looking to escape Boston and get a fresh breath of salty Atlantic air, Gloucester is a cozy hamlet to let worries wander away.
The town is home to America’s oldest seaport and oldest working art colony, maritime and history museums, seafood shacks by the dozens, lighthouses, and art galleries. Have a picnic on the beach before walking to Eastern Point Lighthouse, take a whale-watching tour before warming up with a hot bowl of clam chowder, attend an exhibition at the North Shore Arts Association, or wander the grounds of a real-life castle.
Cold Spring, New York
Distance: 1 hour, 30 minutes from New York, New York
The Hudson River Valley is a popular retreat for New Yorkers, and just a 90-minute train ride aboard Metropolitan Transportation Authority’s Harlem or Hudson line is the ticket to unwinding from the hustle and bustle of the Big Apple.
The bucolic town of Cold Spring, New York, is home to a slew of antique shops, al fresco restaurants serving farm-to-table fare, cozy coffeehouses, and nature trails along babbling brooks and streams. In fall, the foliage is a fiery mix of red, orange, and yellow — making it a popular destination for leaf peepers — but the beauty of the Hudson Valley is magical no matter what season.
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