5 Incredible Florida Day Trips You Can Take By Train
Florida has plenty of incredible day trip destinations all over the state. Whether you want to visit the ocean, explore charming small cities, or get out into the lovely rural areas, there’s something for everyone. Don’t get us wrong, we love road trips, but there’s just something special about taking a train. It feels adventurous, and dare we say, a little glamorous. It’s pretty nice not to worry about sitting in traffic or braving Florida’s highways, too. For all you train enthusiasts out there, we put together a list of a few train rides in Florida that you can take and a couple of train rides that are just for fun:
1. Seminole Gulf Railway Murder Mystery Dinner Train, Fort Myers
This three-and-a-half-hour round trip takes visitors over the Caloosahatchee River and back to Fort Myers, while travelers enjoy a five-course meal and an interactive mystery show. This is a fantastic day trip that’s both fun and delicious. Put this on your list for your next date night! This is one of the most scenic train rides in Florida, so remember to bring your camera. Visit semgulf.com to make reservations.
Tampa Union Station is only a short cab or bus ride from Tampa's historic Ybor City neighborhood. Here you'll find all kinds of restaurants, shops, and landmarks. You can explore the area with walking tours or the TECO streetcar system. Plan on making a day of it and grab lunch and dinner in one of the fabulous restaurants nearby. There are so many things to see and do in this area, that it makes this one of the best Florida train rides to take a day trip. Visit amtrak.com to purchase tickets.
Tampa Union Station, 601 N Nebraska Ave, Tampa, FL 33602, USA
Depending on where you live in Florida, Savannah is only a short ride away. This historic city is the epitome of Southern charm with beautiful parks and cobblestone streets. (We know it's not in Florida, but we can pay a compliment to our neighbors once in a while.) It’s always fun to hop on over and visit nearby states and see what they have to offer. And with the quick trip, it’s easy to make a fun day of it! Visit amtrak.com to purchase tickets.
At this museum in Parrish, you ride the exhibits. There's an ever-changing list of events, including everything from a murder mystery dinner train to holiday celebrations. This is a great place to bring the whole family. Whether your children want to get up close and personal with Thomas the Train or you’re looking for more information about the history of the railroad in America, there’s so much to learn! You'll love taking some Florida train rides here. Visit Florida Railroad Museum website to check out upcoming events and purchase tickets.
Florida Railroad Museum, 12210 83rd St E, Parrish, FL 34219, USA
The Winter Park station is in a great location for exploring the city's charming downtown historic district. You can easily walk to the shops, cafes, art galleries, and museums right after stepping off the train. One of the best train trips in Florida, you’ll love the convenience of visiting this wonderful downtown district. Skip the drive and hop on the train next time you’re in the mood to visit Winter Park. Visit amtrak.com to purchase tickets.
Winter Park, FL, USA
Here's a map of Amtrak's Silver Service, so you can plan the perfect trip near you (or even all the way up to New York).
You can check out the whole Silver Service route and purchase tickets on Amtrak's website. There are a ton of great places to go on the Amtrak line, so when you’re planning your next trip away, consider hopping on a train instead of flying on a plane. Train travel in Florida provides a unique experience that you’ll never forget.
Do you enjoy train travel? This is one great way to enjoy a day in Florida. With so many different options for train enthusiasts, it will be hard to just choose one! We recommend spacing them out throughout the year so you can continue your exploration of these fun train adventures.
Have you taken any of these train rides in Florida? Do you have a favorite Florida train trip that we might have missed? Let us know in the comments below!
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The OIYS Visitor Center
Florida Train Day Trips
March 11, 2021
Megan McDonald
How many trains are there in Florida?
There are three train routes in Florida and 18 stations, so there are quite a few trains around the state. That means plenty of places to explore via the classic railroad. Traveling by train is such a fun and unique experience, and there are plenty of wonderful ways to enjoy it in Florida. With 14 different passenger railroad carriers, there’s something for everyone to enjoy!
When did the railroad come to Florida?
Florida has had a railroad for 160 years. The railroads were built in Florida in the 1860s, with the very first line running from Fernandina Beach to Cedar Key. After the Civil War, the railroad lines expanded. They expanded into Henry Flagler's Florida East Coast Railroad and grew from there. There is a long and rich history of railroads in this amazing southern state.
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