The Amtrak route from Miami to NYC is designed to allow nightly stopovers in major cities along the way, making booking sleeper cars optional. The Amtrak Silver Meteor train, with comfortable dining and lounge cars, runs between Miami and NYC once daily. The trip takes about 28 hours – worth it for the scenic views and stopover opportunities.
The train passes through Florida, Georgia, South Carolina, North Carolina, Virginia, Maryland, Delaware, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and New York across swamps, forests, mountains, rivers, and cities. Highlights included the Savannah Historic District in Georgia, the Blue Ridge Mountains in Virginia, and the Philadelphia skyline in Pennsylvania.
We highly recommend the experience to anyone who loves train travel.
Miami
There are several great hotels located in various Miami neighborhoods close to must-see attractions. The new luxury Elser Hotel, located just off Biscayne Boulevard, offers stunning views of Bayfront Park and balcony rooms provide panoramic views of the Miami skyline and the cruise ships in port.
Upon check-in, guests are welcomed with a craft cocktail followed by complimentary happy hour bubbly on the huge rooftop pool deck area amidst four-sided city views. Sports fans can watch the Miami Heat across the street at the Kaseya Center.
The Adrienne Arsht Center for the Performing Arts, the Frost Science Center including a planetarium and an aquarium, and the Perez Art Museum are a short walk away. Verde at the Perez has an excellent seasonal lunch menu.
The Novotel Hotel Brickell Miami is located in an area that spans one square mile and offers excellent options for shopping, dining, and evening entertainment. The hotel’s rooftop pool deck is a popular gathering spot for guests, who can enjoy happy hours, weekly movie nights, Saturday morning yoga, and 180-degree views of the Miami skyline.
If you’re looking for a beach stay with a touch of Jimmy Buffet style, you might want to check out the Margaritaville Beach Resort Hollywood, located just north of Miami Beach. The resort offers spacious rooms filled with natural light, providing a great view of the Atlantic Ocean, the Intracoastal, or both. You can enjoy a drink at the on-site Five O’Clock Somewhere bar, which is located next door to the resort. Additionally, you can take a guided kayak tour of the secluded mangroves with Waterway Adventures, also located on the Intracoastal.
First stop: Savannah, Georgia (Miami, Florida to Savannah (8:10 am – 7:37 pm)
Savannah’s Plant Riverside District is a popular destination for a stroll, but it’s important to note that Savannah has a troubling history as the main hub for slave trading in Georgia. Visitors can pay their respects to this dark past by visiting the African-American Monument on River Street or exploring the Historic District.
If you take a stroll for a few minutes from the Historical District, you will find a stylish and quirky motel called the Thunderbird Inn. It is said to be haunted, and the rates offered include moon pies and RC Cola, lemonade in the lobby, and fresh donuts with morning coffee.
Second stop: Washington DC (Savannah to Washington 7:35 am – 7:10 pm )
When sightseeing in Washington, D.C., make sure to visit Union Station. This stunning neo-classical building was the cornerstone of the city’s City Beautiful Plan and was completely restored to its 1908 splendor in 2016. Union Station is not only Amtrak’s headquarters but also one of the busiest rail hubs in the country. You’ll find a great selection of dining and shopping options here too.
Top DC picks include a visit to the National Arboretum – the living tree and plant museum where autumn leaves pop against the sandstone Corinthian Columns that once held up the U.S. Capitol.
Don’t miss the growing collection of modern and contemporary art including the rooftop sculpture terrace at The National Gallery East Building.
The Madison Hotel, named after America’s fourth president and opened by JFK in 1963, was fully restored in 2012. It is known for its exceptional service and the privacy and security it offers its high-profile guests.
Third stop: Philadelphia (Washington to Philadelphia – two hours, multiple departures)
Walking distance from the Art Deco 30th Street Station sits the towering AKA University City hotel with its long, blue-black metal lap pool and top-level fitness equipment on the 28th floor next to an intimate bar overlooking the Schuylkill River and downtown Philly.
AKA has another location in the historic Rittenhouse Square. Additionally, the Philadelphia Museum of Art boasts its signature restaurant, Stir, constructed by architect Frank Gehry with frosted glass, Douglas fir, and red oak. Visiting the historic Eastern State Penitentiary is also a must-see experience.
Fourth Stop: New York City (Philadelphia to NYC 1.5-2 hours, multiple departures)
For a good introduction to NYC, take a food tour with a focus on historical Manhattan. The Ahoy New York Food Tour through Chinatown and Little Italy includes seated meals and quick tastings through two interesting culinary neighborhoods.
Self-guided walks include the expanding Highline Park starting near The Whitney Museum of American Art, The Shed Arts Complex at Hudson Yards, and the updated Penn Station. Nearby check out the Chelsea contemporary art galleries and the Chelsea markets – perfect for a grab-and-go picnic lunch on the Highline park.
When it comes to hotel choices, The Best Western Premier Herald Square hotel offers an ideal prime midtown location for exploring all of New York City.
