7 Florida Day Trips You Can Take With Just One Train Ride

Sometimes the best Florida adventures don’t require a long drive, or a car at all. Thanks to the state’s rail connections, you can hop on a train and be whisked to lively cities, coastal escapes, and cultural hubs in just a few hours. These seven day trips prove that the journey is just as fun as the destination.

1. Orlando to Winter Park

Have you ever wanted a quick change of scenery without any hassle? The Orlando to Winter Park route delivers just that. You step off at a station shaded by oaks, and suddenly, the city’s bustle feels far away. Central Park’s green lawns and vibrant flower beds greet you, drawing both locals and travelers who want a break from routine.

Winter Park’s downtown is full of life. Small art galleries and independent boutiques line the streets, while cozy cafes spill tables onto the sidewalks. I enjoy grabbing a coffee here and watching the world go by. There’s an easy comfort to this town, nobody’s in a rush, and every corner seems to invite you to slow down.

Weekend mornings bring a popular farmers’ market, and the Morse Museum’s art glass is worth a look for anyone curious about local culture. If you time it right, an outdoor concert might be playing in Central Park. Winter Park is a refreshing, walkable escape just a short train ride from Orlando, offering both peace and plenty to do.

2. Orlando to Palatka

Tucked quietly along the St. Johns River, Palatka is not usually the first place travelers mention. That’s exactly why it’s special. Stepping off the train, you’ll find wide, peaceful streets and a view of the river that calms you right away. Locals wave as they pass, and the slower pace feels genuine.

If you walk towards the waterfront, you’ll spot murals that tell stories about Palatka’s past. The riverfront park is a favorite with anglers and birdwatchers, and the city’s historic Main Street has a few friendly lunch spots and antique shops. I’ve found the staff at local diners eager to chat, always ready with a story or a suggestion.

Palatka doesn’t crowd its visitors. Instead, it invites you to linger by the water, enjoy a homemade meal, and explore without a tight schedule. This is the sort of day trip where you leave feeling like you actually rested, and learned something new about Florida’s quieter side.

3. Tampa to Miami (Amtrak Silver Star)

No car? No problem. The Amtrak Silver Star train connects Tampa to Miami in a way that’s efficient and surprisingly scenic. Watching the landscape shift from central Florida’s lakes to the urban buzz of Miami is a highlight for me. The ride itself feels relaxed, with big windows framing palm trees and cityscapes.

Once you arrive, Miami’s energy is unmistakable. The neighborhoods are colorful and full of character. Little Havana tempts with Cuban sandwiches and domino games, while Wynwood’s murals draw art lovers from everywhere. Even if you only have an afternoon, the beaches are an easy rideshare away.

I always recommend checking out a local museum or grabbing a cafecito on Calle Ocho, just to get a taste of the city’s spirit. The Silver Star makes it possible to explore Miami’s famous culture and food scenes all in a single day, no driving required. It’s a must-try for anyone looking to see a different side of Florida with minimal planning.

4. Jacksonville to Palatka (Amtrak Silver Service)

Some of Florida’s best discoveries are closer than you think. Just an hour south of Jacksonville, the Amtrak Silver Service drops you in Palatka, a small riverfront city with a lot of quiet charm.

The station itself feels like a step back in time, and from there it’s a short walk to the St. Johns River, where wide views and a steady breeze set the tone for a slower day. Downtown Palatka rewards explorers with colorful murals that tell the town’s history, antique shops, and friendly diners where the service feels as local as the food.

The riverfront park is ideal for a picnic or a pause to watch boats drift by, and birdwatchers will often spot herons along the shore. Palatka doesn’t try to dazzle, it invites you to relax, wander at your own pace, and appreciate a side of Florida that most travelers miss.

5. West Palm Beach to Miami (Brightline)

Speed matters when you want to pack a lot into one day. With Brightline’s high-speed service linking West Palm Beach and Miami, the journey becomes part of the adventure. Smooth seats, friendly staff, and modern stations set a tone that feels more like a treat than public transport.

Arriving in Miami, I’m always struck by how easy it is to reach beaches, galleries, and shops without needing a car. The trains run often enough that you can plan spontaneous outings, brunch in West Palm Beach, then art walks in Wynwood before sunset.

Brightline’s attention to detail, from onboard snacks to reliable Wi-Fi, means you can relax or catch up on work en route. For travelers who want a day full of options with minimal stress, this route shows how train travel can be both practical and stylish in Florida.

6. Miami to West Palm or Fort Lauderdale (Brightline)

Every city has its own rhythm, and the Brightline trains between Miami, Fort Lauderdale, and West Palm Beach let you sample each one. These sleek rides are quick, comfortable, and ideal for anyone who likes flexibility. Step off in Fort Lauderdale for canalside dining, or venture to West Palm for shopping on Clematis Street.

I’m always surprised by how stress-free these trips are. With departures every hour, you’re never rushed, just choose your stop and explore. The stations are clean and feel inviting, which adds to the ease of making day trips here.

Many locals use Brightline for work and play, which gives the journeys a lively, community vibe. Whether you’re after a new restaurant, a few hours at the beach, or just a change of scenery, these train trips make it all possible within a single afternoon.

7. Tampa to Clearwater or St. Petersburg (via connecting transport)

Looking for Gulf Coast adventure? Tampa’s Union Station makes it simple to reach the nearby gems of Clearwater and St. Petersburg. While the train stops in Tampa, it’s just a short connection by local trolley or bus to the beaches and museums that define this region.

Clearwater’s sugar-white sands and relaxed boardwalk feel like a vacation as soon as you arrive. St. Petersburg, on the other hand, mixes waterfront parks with quirky art galleries and the incredible Dalí Museum. I like to start my day early, so there’s time for both a swim and a stroll through a new exhibit.

These trips require a bit of planning, but they reward you with variety and the freedom to skip driving. For anyone wanting a taste of both city and sea on the same day, this route never disappoints.