Sarasota to Atlanta 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.

Atlanta is the capital of Georgia and the largest city in the Peach State. Located in the heart of America’s South, Atlanta is one of the foremost economic and cultural hubs in the region and the United States in general. As such, it's among the best vacation destinations in Georgia.

The city has played a major role in the Civil War and the Civil Rights Movement of the 1960s. As a result, across Atlanta you can find various museums and points of interest dedicated to the lives and works of various key figures in those events, including the Martin Luther King Jr. National Historic Site and the Atlanta History Center. Unsurprisingly, Atlanta is an important stop on our MLK Jr. itinerary.

Atlanta is also a key hub for the U.S. entertainment industry, and it offers some of the best nightlife experiences in the country. Here, you will find some of the finest craft beer in America and enjoy some of the best and most authentic southern food.

Atlanta is easily accessible by both bus and train from various parts of the country, and the Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport’s location on the city’s outskirts makes it easy to travel to Atlanta from all over the world.