Jacksonville to Flagstaff 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.

Blessed with plenty of pine forests and amazing sceneries, Flagstaff is more than just a pit stop for travelers who need respite from the scorching desert. We even named it one of the best places to visit in Arizona! The first place every traveler should visit is the Historic Downtown and Railroad District, which was built along the historic Route 66. As you stroll around the quarter, you will catch glimpses of quaint buildings constructed during the early 20th century, giving the area an authentically vintage vibe.

Stargazers should hightail it to the Lowell Observatory, whose telescope provides a breathtaking view of vast and unending space. If you are ready for some hiking, consider spending a day at the Wupatki National Monument. In this natural reserve, tourists can find ruins of indigenous villages and learn about the history of indigenous people in the area.

Budget pizzerias abound in Flagstaff to cater to a student crowd, and one of the best spots around is Oregano's Pizza Bistro. Cottage Place has some of the best offerings in town for a fancier meal and some delicious fillet mignon!

Amtrak's Southwest Chief stops at Flagstaff's train station at 1 East Rte 66. If you're traveling by bus, companies like Greyhound and Jefferson Lines operate out of the station on Butler Ave. Local air service goes through the Flagstaff Pulliam Airport, located just 4.3 miles from the city center.