Sure, you can use trains to travel between several major U.S. cities, but these small towns are equally worth a visit.

The United States isn’t exactly known for having the most robust train system in the world, but real train fanatics know that you can easily ride the rails between major cities like New York, Chicago, Atlanta, Los Angeles, and more. Moreover, for those particularly fond of slow travel, there are plenty of charming small towns worth hopping off the train to explore. These are some of the best small towns throughout the U.S. that you can visit by train from sea to shining sea.

Hudson, New York

Running multiple times a day between New York City and Niagara Falls, Amtrak’s Empire Service gives passengers the chance to hop off in Hudson, a small town oozing with charm.

Warren Street is at the heart of all the action, featuring a quirky array of shopping and dining opportunities. Book and beer lovers shouldn’t miss The Spotty Dog, a bookstore with a bar that serves up craft beer. Furthermore, coffee and motorcycle enthusiasts will appreciate Moto Coffee Machine, a cafe that doubles as a bike shop. Plant shops, record stores, and vintage clothing boutiques enhance the vibrant atmosphere.

Straying away from Warren Street, a cruise on the town’s namesake river is a must. There are several companies to choose from, offering sightseeing tours, lighthouse tours, and even themed experiences like a murder mystery dinner cruise. If you prefer to explore on foot, Henry Hudson Riverfront Park runs alongside the river, making it a perfect place to admire the waterway, enjoy a breezy walk, or have a picnic.

Greenville, South Carolina

With a downtown area that’s consistently rated as one of the best in the U.S., Greenville is where Southern charm meets the amenities of a big city. Additionally, it’s only hours away from Atlanta on Amtrak’s Crescent Route, which runs between New York and New Orleans.

Take a leisurely stroll down the tree-lined Main Street to discover why Greenville is so pedestrian-friendly. The town also lives up to its name with relaxing green spaces like Falls Park on the Reedy, home to Greenville’s most postcard-ready view over the stunning Reedy River Falls.

Furthermore, art and culture enthusiasts can stay engaged at the Greenville County Museum of Art or the Peace Center performing arts theater. Science aficionados can also indulge at the Roper Mountain Science Center, which features an arboretum, planetarium, and more. When you’ve worked up an appetite, Greenville’s growing culinary scene—boasting 110 restaurants in downtown alone—will not disappoint.

Paso Robles, California

Amtrak’s Coast Starlight offers passengers the chance to embark on a grand West Coast adventure with daily departures traveling from Los Angeles to Seattle and vice versa. Running through mountains, forests, and along the Pacific Coast for over 300 miles, the train stops in Paso Robles, where travelers can hop off for a taste of California wine country.

Follow the Downtown Paso Winery Trail with potential stops at more than 20 tasting rooms. This walkable experience is a great way to sample vintages from several local wineries, and once you’ve chosen your favorite, you can visit the vineyards themselves—most are only minutes away from downtown.

However, there’s more to Paso Robles than just wine. Explore the rolling hills on horseback, take flight in a hot air balloon for stunning aerial views, wander through the local zoo, or spend the afternoon soaking in a natural hot spring. If the timing is right (especially in the summer), you can also catch a concert at the Vina Robles Amphitheater.

Whitefish, Montana

Traveling daily between Chicago and the Pacific Northwest, Amtrak’s Empire Builder route follows along much of the Lewis and Clark Trail. For an experience as adventurous as the pioneering explorers that came before them, passengers should stop in Whitefish, Montana.

Located less than 30 miles outside of Glacier National Park, Whitefish is the perfect spot for hiking, biking, and exploring the park’s alpine meadows, idyllic lakes, and glacier-carved valleys. With a name like Whitefish, it should come as no surprise that this small town offers prime fishing spots for novice and expert anglers alike. However, there are even more ways to enjoy the outdoors during winter, with fat tire biking tours, snowshoeing, nordic skiing, and other activities. For family-friendly fun, head to Whitefish Mountain Resort for the Alpine Slide and Aerial Adventure Park.

While the great outdoors is a significant allure for visitors, the town’s quaint Central Avenue and historic Railway District also deserve attention. Whether you’re window shopping or indulging in some retail therapy, take a scenic stroll through these areas and explore the locally owned shops and art galleries.

Moab, Utah

Though Amtrak is the biggest player in the American rail scene, a newcomer stepped onto the stage in November 2021. Already well known for its Canadian routes, the Rocky Mountaineer made its U.S. debut with its Rockies to the Red Rocks itinerary traveling between Denver, Colorado, and Moab, Utah—a small town that boasts incredible adventure.

Moab may have a population only slightly above 5,000, yet it welcomes over one million visitors annually. Many of these visitors utilize this town as a base for exploring two of Utah’s Mighty Five National Parks: Arches and Canyonland. Both parks, with their impressive rock formations, arches, and views, are located just minutes away from Moab.

Moreover, beyond those natural icons, visitors can enjoy the breathtaking Southwestern landscapes in state parks like Dead Horse Point or partake in adrenaline-inducing experiences like the off-road jeep tour with Outlaw Jeep Adventures. The low light pollution of Moab makes it an ideal destination for stargazing, with experts at Moab Astronomy Tours offering comprehensive stargazing experiences.

Bonus: The Rockies to the Red Rocks itinerary includes an overnight stop in Glenwood Springs, Colorado, another noteworthy small town that’s home to the world’s largest mineral hot springs pool. Amtrak’s California Zephyr also stops in Glenwood Springs.