10-Day Rail Trip Itinerary from Shenandoah, IA: Discover the Heartland to the West Coast

Day 1: Departure from Shenandoah

Shenandoah, IA

7:30AM

Breakfast at Country Kitchen

Start your day with a hearty breakfast featuring classic American comfort food.
Located just a short walk from your accommodation.
USD12, 1 hour

9:00AM

Train to Omaha, NE

Board an Amtrak train heading to Omaha to kick off your adventure.
Walk to the local train station, which is about 10 minutes away.
USD30, 2 hours

11:00AM

Explore the Old Market District

Stroll through the historic Old Market, filled with shops, galleries, and street performers.
A 10-minute walk from the Omaha train station.
Free, 2 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Omaha's Capital District

Enjoy a meal at one of the trendy new restaurants in the revitalized capital area.
Just a short 10-minute walk from the Old Market.
USD20, 1.5 hours

3:00PM

Visit the Henry Doorly Zoo

Discover one of the world’s best zoos, featuring extensive exhibits and attractions.
A quick rideshare from lunch, about 15 minutes away.
USD20, 3 hours

6:30PM

Dinner at Block 16

Savor inventive dishes made from locally sourced ingredients at this popular eatery.
A 15-minute ride back towards downtown Omaha.
USD35, 1.5 hours
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Day 2: Adventure in Denver

Denver, CO

7:00AM

Breakfast at Snooze an A.M. Eatery

Delight in an eclectic breakfast with creative twists on classics and fresh ingredients.
A short walk from your accommodation.
USD25, 1.5 hours

9:00AM

Train to Denver

Board a train for a scenic ride to the Mile High City.
Walk to the Amtrak station about 10 minutes away.
USD40, 7 hours

4:00PM

Explore the Denver Art Museum

Admire an extensive collection of Native American art and contemporary pieces.
A short 10-minute rideshare from the train station.
USD13, 2 hours

6:30PM

Dinner at The Buckhorn Exchange

Experience a historic steakhouse that has been serving delicious fare since 1893.
A 10-minute rideshare from the museum.
USD45, 1.5 hours
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Day 3: Salt Lake City Excursion

Salt Lake City, UT

8:00AM

Breakfast at Eggs in the City

Enjoy a morning meal featuring farm-fresh eggs and delightful breakfast specialties.
A quick walk from your hotel.
USD20, 1 hour

9:30AM

Travel to Salt Lake City

Take the Amtrak train for a picturesque ride through the scenery of Colorado and Utah.
Head to the train station, about a 10-minute ride.
USD30, 5 hours

3:00PM

Explore Temple Square

Discover the heart of the city, including the iconic Salt Lake Temple.
Walk from the train station, just 10 minutes away.
Free, 2 hours

5:30PM

Dinner at The Copper Onion

Indulge in seasonal dishes crafted from local ingredients in a stylish setting.
A short walk from Temple Square.
USD40, 1.5 hours
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Day 4: Getaway to Reno

Reno, NV

8:00AM

Breakfast at Great Full Gardens Café

Enjoy healthy, locally sourced breakfast options in a relaxed atmosphere.
A brief walk from your hotel.
USD18, 1 hour

9:30AM

Train to Reno

Catch the Amtrak train to Reno, the Biggest Little City in the World.
Walk to the train station around 10 minutes away.
USD30, 6.5 hours

4:00PM

Explore the Reno Arch

Take a photo at the famous arch and enjoy a stroll around downtown.
A short rideshare from the train station, roughly 10 minutes.
Free, 1 hour

5:30PM

Dinner at Louis' Basque Corner

Experience family-style dining featuring traditional Basque cuisine.
Just a 10-minute walk from the arch.
USD25, 1.5 hours
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Day 5: San Francisco Sightseeing

San Francisco, CA

8:00AM

Breakfast at Mama's on Washington Square

Start your day with a delightful breakfast in this cozy café.
A short rideshare from your hotel.
USD25, 1.5 hours

9:30AM

Train to San Francisco

Travel to San Francisco with stunning views as your backdrop.
Head to the train station, about 10 minutes away.
USD30, 3 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Fisherman's Wharf

Try fresh seafood and explore the many food stalls and restaurants along the waterfront.
A 15-minute walk from the train station.
USD30, 1.5 hours

3:00PM

Visit Alcatraz Island

Catch a ferry to Alcatraz and discover the fascinating history of the infamous prison.
Ferry departs from Pier 33, a short walk from Fisherman’s Wharf.
USD45, 3 hours

6:30PM

Dinner at The Cheesecake Factory

Enjoy its famous cheesecake along with a diverse menu atop Macy's.
Take a rideshare or walk, about 10 minutes from the ferry terminal.
USD35, 1.5 hours
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Day 6: Santa Barbara Getaway

Santa Barbara, CA

8:00AM

Breakfast at Jeannine's Restaurant

Savor amazing breakfast options with beautiful decoration and warm ambiance.
Short rideshare from your hotel, approximately 10 minutes.
USD30, 1.5 hours

9:30AM

Train to Santa Barbara

Enjoy a scenic train ride down the coast to the beautiful beach city.
Local transport to the train station, a quick 10 minutes.
USD25, 4 hours

1:30PM

Lunch at Santa Barbara Shellfish Company

Relish the catch of the day while enjoying waterfront views.
Just a short walk from the Santa Barbara train station.
USD35, 1.5 hours

3:00PM

Visit Stearns Wharf

Explore this historic pier and take in views of the ocean and Santa Barbara skyline.
Walking distance from lunch.
Free, 1.5 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at The Boathouse

Enjoy a delicious meal with stunning ocean views, a perfect end to your day.
A 5-minute ride from the wharf.
USD50, 1.5 hours
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Day 7: Los Angeles Adventure

Los Angeles, CA

8:00AM

Breakfast at The Griddle Cafe

Kick off your day with enormous pancakes and delicious breakfast fare.
Nearby hotel, a 5-minute ride.
USD20, 1.5 hours

9:30AM

Train to Los Angeles

Take the train to the bustling city of Los Angeles, an entertainment hub.
Head to the train station, about a 10-minute drive.
USD20, 2 hours

12:00PM

Explore Hollywood Boulevard

Walk along the Walk of Fame, taking in the stars and vibrant atmosphere of Hollywood.
A short ride from the station, around 15 minutes.
Free, 2 hours

2:30PM

Lunch at Musso & Frank Grill

Enjoy classic American cuisine in a historic Hollywood establishment.
Just a 10-minute walk from the boulevard.
USD35, 1.5 hours

4:00PM

Visit Griffith Observatory

Explore the exhibits and stellar views of LA from this famous landmark.
A rideshare trip takes about 20 minutes.
Free, 2 hours

6:30PM

Dinner at In-N-Out Burger

Indulge in California's beloved fast-food option, known for its delicious burgers.
A short ride back towards Hollywood.
USD15, 1.5 hours
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Day 8: San Diego Discovery

San Diego, CA

8:00AM

Breakfast at Great Maple

Enjoy delectable brunch options in this trendy spot known for its maple bacon doughnuts.
Short travels from your hotel, about 15 minutes.
USD30, 1.5 hours

9:30AM

Train to San Diego

Travel to San Diego by train to explore its beautiful beaches and vibrant culture.
Walk to the train station, roughly 10 minutes away.
USD30, 2.5 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at The Fish Market

Savor fresh seafood right on the waterfront, with plenty of choices.
A short walk from the San Diego train station.
USD40, 1.5 hours

2:00PM

Visit Balboa Park

Explore the gardens, museums, and stunning architecture of this sprawling urban park.
A quick rideshare takes about 10 minutes.
Free, 3 hours

5:30PM

Dinner at The Cottage La Jolla

Enjoy delicious coastal cuisine in the charming La Jolla neighborhood.
A 20-minute ride from Balboa Park.
USD50, 1.5 hours
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Day 9: Return to Shenandoah

Shenandoah, IA

8:00AM

Breakfast at The Pannier

Enjoy an assortment of fresh pastries and coffee to start your journey back.
A 10-minute walk from your hotel.
USD15, 1 hour

9:30AM

Train to Omaha, NE

Leave San Diego and head to Omaha for the next leg of your return journey.
Walk to the train station, about 10 minutes away.
USD40, 2.5 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at Omaha's Old Market

Relish the flavors of Omaha with a meal in the lively Old Market District.
Short rideshare from the train station.
USD25, 1.5 hours

2:00PM

Explore the Durham Museum

Discover Omaha's rich history and heritage in this beautiful Art Deco building.
A quick ride from the restaurant, about 10 minutes.
USD12, 2 hours

5:00PM

Dinner at The Boiler Room

Enjoy farm-to-table dining in a trendy and historic setting.
Return to Old Market for dinner, just a short walk.
USD40, 1.5 hours
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Day 10: Back Home to Shenandoah

Shenandoah, IA

8:00AM

Breakfast at The Diner

Start your final day with a classic breakfast at this local favorite.
Located close to your accommodation.
USD12, 1 hour

9:30AM

Train from Omaha to Shenandoah

Conclude your journey as you board the train back to your hometown.
Short stroll back to the train station, about 10 minutes.
USD30, 2 hours

11:30AM

Explore Shenandoah's Local Shops

Spend the early afternoon visiting the charming local shops and cafes in Shenandoah.
A quick walk around town.
Free, 2 hours

1:30PM

Lunch at Plaza Cafe

Enjoy a relaxed lunch featuring homemade meals from local ingredients.
Walk to the café nearby.
USD15, 1.5 hours

3:30PM

Visit Shenandoah History Museum

Learn about the rich local history and culture of Shenandoah and surrounding areas.
A short ride to the museum, just 5 minutes away.
USD5, 1.5 hours

5:30PM

Farewell Dinner at Applebee's

Wrap up your journey with a comforting meal in the casual atmosphere of this favorite chain.
A quick drive or ride from the museum.
USD25, 1.5 hours
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