Sarasota to Daytona Beach train

A culturally-rich alternative to the nearby theme parks of Orlando, Sarasota's Gulf Coast location is hard to resist. It became the winter base for many well-to-do families in the early twentieth century, during which time much of the town developed a subtle Italian feel.

Not only is the climate similar to what you might experience in southern Italy, but many of Sarasota's buildings were constructed to resemble the country's renaissance masterworks too. A good example is the Ringling family's Ca' d'Zan Venetian-style mansion.

The Ringlings made their money from circuses before giving their name to the much-celebrated John and Mable Ringling Museum of Art. It contains 21 galleries of European paintings, archaeological artifacts, and American art totaling 10,000 objects.

With weather so fine, you'll probably be looking with more than half an eye at Sarasota's numerous excellent resorts and beaches, many of which lie on a group of keys within the city limits. Bonus: our research ranked Sarasota as the #3 cheapest Spring Break destination, so you can soak up the sun on the cheap.

Arriving in Sarasota is equally easy thanks to its Cattleman Transfer Centre and Fruitville Road bus stations. Between them, travelers can connect by bus everywhere from Tampa to Tucson. Amtrak also operates a Thruway bus service from the defunct Sarasota rail station to Tampa for onward connections by train on the Silver Service. This service runs between Miami and New York City via Washington, D.C.

An attractive destination for spring-breakers, Daytona Beach offers a wide variety of entertainment activities for the whole family! The most popular attraction in the city is Daytona Beach itself, which boasts a coastline of more than 23 miles. The beach is famous for its large crowds and bustling vibe, making it an excellent destination for extroverts who love to meet new people. For those who prefer a bit of peace and quiet, head instead to the Ponce de Leon Inlet Lighthouse & Museum, the tallest lighthouse in Florida. Climbing up the lighthouse will be a rewarding experience, as the view from the top is absolutely breathtaking. Of course, racing and extreme sports fans will want to spend the entire trip at the Daytona International Speedway.

Thanks to its seaside location, Daytona Beach never lacks fresh seafood! For some of the freshest dishes, head over to Crabby Joe's. Hyde Park Prime Steakhouse has exactly what you need if you wish to try some of the more upscale offerings.

The principal bus station in Daytona Beach is the Bus Terminal on Ridgewood Ave, where Greyhound buses depart heading to destinations like Orlando. You can catch Amtrak trains at Hilton Daytona Beach Ocean Walk. The Daytona Beach International Airport is conveniently located just 3 miles from the city center.