Phoenix to Sarasota train

Phoenix, in the heart of the American Southwest, is the capital of Arizona and one of the best destinations for escaping the cold winter months. But we won't lie, it can get HOT.

Sure, you can sip a margarita by the pool at any one of the city's many resorts, or you can get outside and experience some of the Sonoran Desert's unique landscapes. For impressive views of the city and the desert beyond, hike up Camelback Mountain, a 2,700-foot humped mountain which resembles a kneeling camel. If you're more a fan of Tiger Woods than camel mountains, see why Phoenix is a top destination for golf at one of the city's 200+ golf courses.

Like a phoenix rising from the ashes, you too can overcome your sore muscles after a long day of hiking or golfing and get ready to hit the town. After all, Phoenix is one of the biggest party hubs in the U.S. Roosevelt Row, a creative arts district known for its galleries and mural-covered walls, is one of many spots where Phoenix comes to life after dark. Recommended haunts on Roosevelt Row include the Churchill and Arizona Wilderness Brewing Co, as well as The Duce which offers themed nights ranging from Cowboy Night to Burlesque.

Getting to Phoenix is surely easier than getting over your hangover. Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport is a large and busy airport just outside of downtown, and bus service is operated from stations throughout the city connecting Phoenix to destinations in Arizona and beyond. Unfortunately, there is no train service to Phoenix.

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.