New Orleans by Train
There’s something refreshing about travel that begins when you step aboard a train. No cramped car rides, no endless “Are we there yet?” from the back seat, no traffic jams. Riding the Amtrak Crescent from Atlanta to New Orleans made the journey just as fun as the destination.
We began our trip at Atlanta’s Peachtree Station. Unlike the hustle of the airport, boarding was simple: we arrived, checked in and stepped right onto the train. We settled into a Viewliner roomette—our cozy home for the next 12 hours. Though compact, the space was surprisingly functional. Two seats faced each other during the day and converted into bunk beds at night. A fold-out sink, clever storage compartments and even a small in-room toilet made the space feel self-contained and convenient.
Our favorite views from the rails were Tuscaloosa and Laurel, Mississippi, where the HGTV show “Home Town” is set, as well as riding through the Talladega National Forest. We enjoyed the 30-minute break in Birmingham to stretch our legs and get a good look at the F40PH locomotives hauling our train.
One of the joys of the roomette was that it encouraged connection. Without the usual distractions, we talked, read and laughed more. There was enough room to pull out an acoustic guitar and enjoy jam sessions as the scenery passed (check out our reading and listening suggestions in the sidebar).
Meals onboard added vacation vibes to the experience. The food was simple but satisfying: a continental breakfast to start, a hearty sandwich midday, and a warm entrée for dinner. We enjoyed our choice of dessert for lunch and dinner.
Approaching New Orleans at sunset brought one more memorable moment: crossing Lake Pontchartrain on the longest railroad bridge over water in North America. We arrived at New Orleans Union Passenger Terminal feeling refreshed and relaxed— a rare thing after a full day of travel.
Day One: Food, Music and Streetcars
New Orleans is surprisingly kid-friendly if you know where to look. We started our first morning at Mother’s, a local institution serving classic breakfast and more since 1937. The atmosphere was casual and welcoming. The “Mother’s Breakfast,” which included slightly spicy smoked sausage, biscuit, scrambled eggs, and grits, was a menu standout.
From there, we walked through Lafayette Square before hopping on the Riverfront streetcar. The streetcars themselves were an attraction—historic and a better alternative to rideshares. We were able to get around everywhere in New Orleans by foot or by streetcar. We visited the New Orleans Jazz Museum and enjoyed the Louis Armstrong exhibit and the hands-on exhibits about rhythm and drums. Exploring the nearby Marigny neighborhood added a layer of charm, with its colorful homes, local shops, and relaxed atmosphere.
We decided on lunch at Parkway Bakery and Tavern in Mid-City, where we ordered po-boy sandwiches. Yes, the line was long—but it moved quickly, and the reward was worth it. Crispy fried shrimp piled high on fresh bread can’t be beat.
We spent the afternoon in City Park, a huge green space packed with family-friendly attractions. From playgrounds and open fields to Storyland—a storybook-themed play area and small theme park—there’s something for everyone. We browsed the New Orleans Museum of Art and enjoyed beignets at the less-busy City Park location of Café du Monde.
Day Two: History, Treats and a Change of Pace
Our second day began with a visit to The Historic New Orleans Collection, a free history museum in the French Quarter. There is so much for older kids and teenagers to learn at this museum. We enjoyed the deeper look at the city’s history, from civil rights to daily life and artistic expression.
Next came a must-try New Orleans specialty: the muffuletta sandwich from Central Grocery. Large enough to share, it’s a practical and delicious option, especially with an ice-cold bottle of Barq’s Root Beer. We then caught the nearby St. Charles streetcar line—the oldest continuously operating streetcar line in the world. Riding with the windows open, feeling the breeze as oak trees passed overhead, was a simple but memorable experience.
In the Uptown district, we cooled off with shaved ice at Hansen’s Sno-Bliz. We loved the fancy flavors like hibiscus and mint, as well as the usual favorites like strawberry and banana. We ended the day with a short ferry ride across the Mississippi River from downtown New Orleans to Algiers Point. The contrast was immediate. Gone was the bustle of downtown New Orleans; we quickly noticed the quiet streets lined with historic homes and a slower pace. It was the perfect spot for us to unwind for dinner. We ate at Barracuda, a historic filling station turned local taco shop and followed our meal with a peaceful walk with views of the Crescent City Connection bridge. It was a calm, reflective end to a fun trip.
The Amtrak Crescent may not be the fastest way to travel between Atlanta and New Orleans—but it might just be the most enjoyable. For those of us who often prioritize speed over experience, taking the train is a reminder that sometimes, the best moments happen along the way.
Passing the Time
Suggested Louisiana reading and listening for the train ride:
Books for Kids:
- “Trombone Shorty” by Troy Andrews
- “The Runaway Beignet” by Connie Collins Morgan
- “Epossumondas” by Coleen Salley
Books for Adults:
- “Letters from New Orleans” by Rob Walker
- “The Moviegoer” by Walker Percy
- “Pinchback” by Nicholas Patler
Give a Listen:
- WWOZ 90.7 New Orleans
- “Jelly: Dirty Dozen Brass Band Plays Jelly Roll Morton” and Dr. John’s “In the Right Place”
Check out our ideas for visiting New Orleans with young kids.
-Elliot and Kevin Powell
