Tallahassee to Jacksonville coach

State capital since 1824, Tallahassee abounds in southern charm despite its northern location within Florida. Much of this sense of open friendliness has been created by careful town planning that sees wide boulevards and public spaces dotted with shade- and color-providing trees.

A student population of more than 70,000 makes Tallahassee one of northern Florida's most inclusive and exciting cities to visit.

A plethora of nationally-important collections includes the Museum of Florida History and the Tallahassee Automobile Museum. At the same time, Railroad Square Art District is an area brimming with small independent stores and working artists' studios.

Head just a short distance south and you're soon in the wilds of the 1,000-square-mile Apalachicola National Forest and the pristine coastline of Apalachee Bay.

As the largest city in the Florida Big Bend and Panhandle regions, Tallahassee boasts many public transportation options. Popular bus routes include from and to Orlando, Fort Lauderdale, and Miami.

Jacksonville, or simply "Jax," is the largest city by area in the continental United States. Located in the northeastern corner of Florida, this sunny city along the St Johns River also boasts 22 miles of beaches along the Atlantic Ocean, coastal cuisine, and many historic neighborhoods to explore.

Natural beauty is king in Jacksonville, and where better to soak in some of the Sunshine State's outdoor wonders than the beach? Try Little Talbot Island for beachcombing or fishing, Big Talbot Island for exploring wetlands and marshes, and Kathryn Abbey Hanna Park for surfing. If you don't have the patience for birdwatching in the wild, the Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens will let you get up-close and personal with over 2,400 animals.

To take a break from the sun's rays, head indoors to one of Jacksonville's many eclectic museums. The Cummer Museum of Art and Gardens combines European-inspired gardens with an impressive collection of fine art, while the Museum of Science and History is worth a stop for its planetarium alone. On Saturdays, you wouldn’t want to miss the Riverside Arts Market where artisans and farmers set up stalls along the river, and you can catch live music, food trucks and even free yoga.

Jacksonville is easily accessed by air, train, or bus, and connects Florida to locations throughout the South. Amtrak's Jacksonville train station is located in the northern outskirts of the city, and most bus service in and out of Jacksonville conveniently departs from the JTA Intercity Bus Terminal in the heart of downtown.