Sarasota to Hollywood 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.

Though much less well-known than its counterpart in California, Hollywood, FL, is a city worthy of exploring as well. The city's star attraction is its spectacular beach, which features soft white sand and turquoise water just begging to be photographed. The beach itself features many different shops and cafes, so don't hesitate to take a step back and enjoy some downtime! The best way to do so is by strolling the 2.5-mile-long boardwalk, which offers unobstructed views of the great ocean. If you are not interested in the beach, head to the Anne Kolb Nature Center, a mangrove wetland with unique flora and fauna.

Due to its proximity to the Atlantic, Hollywood is the perfect spot to enjoy the freshest seafood around. For Mediterranean-inspired dishes, check out A La Turca Mediterranean Cuisine. However, if you want classic American eats, you should head toward Hollywood Grill.

Bus and train routes connect Hollywood to Miami, West Palm Beach, Orlando, and destinations beyond Florida via transfers. Air travel is provided by the nearby Fort Lauderdale Hollywood International Airport, but you could also travel from Fort Lauderdale to the larger Miami Airport for more varied flight options.