Jacksonville to Portland train

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.

Portland is Maine's largest city and, because of that, the main transportation hub in the state. From Portland, travelers can easily reach destinations such as Boston, Albany, and even Gainesville, Texas, by a combination of buses, trains, and ferries. And there’s plenty to do in the city, even if you’re traveling solo.

Since its foundation in 1786, Portland has recovered from no less than four major fires, creating a fascinating blend of old and new. The dedicated Arts District around upper Congress Street has a smattering of important museum collections, including the Portland Museum of Art, the state's oldest public art institution.

The West End hosts the majority of Portland's historic buildings, creating an olde worlde feel. However, the presence of several well-regarded schools and colleges ensures Portland remains one of the most vibrant small cities in the U.S.

After several years of hardship, the Old Port district has once again become the center of the action. Its attractive cobblestone streets and 19th-century red-brick warehouses now contain a selection of on-trend cafes, bars, and boutique stores. At the same time, it's still possible to watch the time-honored tradition of fishermen unloading their lobster pots onto the foreshore.

East of the downtown area, you'll find Munjoy Hill. It's a district with strong Irish and Italian roots, making it one of the best places in Portland to enjoy the authentic cuisine of Italy. It’s no wonder we named Portland one of our top vacation destinations in Maine.