Cheap train tickets from Florence to Tampa

Florence is a hidden gem in the northeast of South Carolina. Though best known for its history as a significant railway hub, Florence is a modern city with activities and sights to fill a weekend getaway or a longer holiday.

Every November, Florence goes nuts during the SC Pecan Music and Food Festival, an event hosted downtown to celebrate the beloved pecan. If you're in town during the festival, check out the car show, live music, half marathon, and other associated events to get to know Florence locals and culture.

Florence is a year-round destination for outdoor recreation. Golf is a favourite among Florence residents, so upgrade from mini-golf and try the real thing. Traces Golf Club welcomes golfers of all skill levels, don't worry. Don't leave Florence without spending a day at Lynches River County Park, the starting point of the 66-mile South Carolina Revolutionary Rivers Trail. You can kayak or canoe throughout the county, following the swampy path that allowed American patriots to evade British troops in the American Revolution.

Florence Regional Airport operates limited flights to connect to Charlotte, but most paths to Florence involve some kind of ground travel. Amtrak's Palmetto and Silver Service trains stop in Florence, with connections to New York and Washington to the north and Orlando and Miami to the south. Greyhound and Southeastern Stages offer intercity coach service to Florence that connects the city to other destinations throughout the South.

Sitting at the heart of the Gulf Coast, Tampa offers a perfect blend of cultural attractions and relaxing indulgences. Infused with a colourful mix of Cuban and Spanish cultural elements, the city of Tampa houses some of the most impressive historic buildings in the state, including the Henry B. Plant Museum, which boasts a permanent exhibition of Victorian-era artefacts. Animal lovers can also rejoice, as the city’s many aquariums and zoos will certainly melt your heart. Head down to the Tampa Electric’s Manatee Viewing Center for some heart-melting cuteness. And for animal lovers with a penchant for streaming docu-series, the Big Cat Rescue (yes, THAT one!) will be a great choice.

Most of the finest restaurants in town are concentrated around the Riverwalk area, which offers unrivaled views of the waterfront. Oystercatchers is reputed as one of the best establishments in town, so you should not miss out on it. Tampa’s cuisine features a very clear Cuban influence, and the best spot to try out these unique fusion dishes is at Ybor City.

The principal train station in the city is the Tampa Union Station, which is also a historic building. It is currently served by Amtrak. At the station, travellers can also take an Amtrak Thruway motorcoach to get to Orlando, Lakeland, Bradenton, etc. The main airport is Tampa International Airport, which is located just six miles west of downtown Tampa.