Ride the Train in Kingsland: The Ultimate Family Weekend Adventure
This summer, I decided it was time to hit pause on our usual routine, school runs, work emails, endless laundry, and sneak in a family weekend getaway. We needed something close enough to avoid the “Are we there yet?” meltdown, but exciting enough to feel like a real vacation. Enter Kingsland, Georgia, a charming little town just over the Florida line that promised small-town charm, outdoor adventures, and a real-life train ride that would thrill both kids and adults.
So, we packed the car with snacks, bikes, and way too many stuffed animals, and off we went for a family adventure that ended up being exactly what we needed.
The star of our trip was the Georgia Coastal Railway in downtown Kingsland. My kids were practically bouncing out of their sneakers as we boarded the vintage train. There’s something magical about the low rumble of the engine and the whistle echoing across the trees that makes everyone feel like a kid again—yes, even my husband, who suddenly became a self-appointed “train expert” halfway through the ride.
We chose one of their family-friendly themed rides, which made the experience even more special. The scenery rolled by, pine trees, marshes, and flashes of wildlife, while the kids pressed their faces against the windows, gasping at every bird and boat. It was one of those rare moments where everyone was fully present: no tablets, no rushing, just family time on the rails.
We booked a family-friendly hotel with an indoor-outdoor pool, which quickly became the kids’ second home. After check-in, we wandered into Historic Downtown Kingsland, and I swear I fell in love with the brick sidewalks, antique streetlights, and old-fashioned storefronts on sight. It felt like stepping into a postcard.
Dinner that first night was at Angelo’s, a cozy Italian spot that hits that perfect sweet spot between kid-approved and mom-approved. My daughter twirled spaghetti like a Food Network star, my son demolished his pizza, and my husband and I shared a chicken parmesan so big we had leftovers for the next day. Pro tip: don’t skip the garlic bread.
I had the brilliant (and slightly chaotic) idea to load up all of our bikes for this trip, and it was 100% worth it. Riding together as a family turned out to be one of my favorite parts of the weekend.
Howard Peeples Park was our warm-up spot, plenty of room to ride, a great playground for the kids, and benches for mom breaks.
Gum Branch Nature Preserve was next, with shady trails, butterflies, and that peaceful feeling you only get in the middle of nature. My youngest kept shouting “Race you, Mom!” while I tried to pretend I wasn’t out of breath.
Our last ride was along the Woodbine Riverfront Boardwalk, where the breeze off the water and the river views were the perfect reward for all that pedaling.
By Sunday afternoon, we were sun-kissed, pleasantly tired, and full of that happy-family-trip energy you wish you could bottle up. Between the train ride, the bike trails, and the slow, small-town pace, Kingsland gave us exactly what we were looking for: a chance to reconnect and make memories that will outlast the summer.
If you’re a busy parent craving a weekend that blends adventure, relaxation, and just the right dose of nostalgia, Kingsland, Georgia, is calling your name. Pack the bikes, grab some snacks, and hop on the train, your family adventure awaits.
