Sarasota to DeLand 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.

DeLand is a city in central Florida, between Orlando and Daytona Beach.

Deland is home to Stetson University, the oldest Florida college. On the streets of DeLand, you will notice the red-brick buildings, magnificent oaks, and Greco-Roman columns that make it a quaint town. Outdoor enthusiasts will enjoy this city, from the Blue Spring State Park for water activities to the Hontoon Island Adventures for boating, outdoor, and camping activities. There are multiple places to visit for camping, nature trails, and even angling. DeLand offers a good experience for history buffs with the African-American Museum of the Arts, Stetson Mansion, and Museum of Art-DeLand.

DeLand has exciting locations for beer and wine, including breweries, pubs, taprooms, and taverns. You can also check out their cafes, restaurants, and lounges. Downtown DeLand is the best part for entertainment, with many restaurants, bars, boutiques, and shops- many of which are locally owned and stuffed with antiques and clothes.

You can access DeLand by train, especially from Amtrak Silver Service, which connects all the way from Tampa to New York. There are also trains from Amtrak, which connect across the country.