Ride the Rails! Explore Orlando and Miami in One Easy Trip, Thanks to the Brightline Train

Do you yearn to visit South Florida for its cultural scene and Central Florida for its world-class theme parks? Now you can do both—in one trip!

Whether you’ve dreamed of squeezing in a visit to Orlando and Miami in one vacation—or you’re a Sunshine State resident planning a long weekend—you can now easily travel between both destinations. In fact, exploring Florida just got a whole lot easier, thanks to the new Brightline train. 

Officially launched in 2018 with service between South Florida cities, Brightline continues to expand across the state. Its Miami-to-Orlando service launched in September 2023, with additional routes (to Cape Canaveral on Florida’s East Coast and Tampa on the West Coast) planned in the next few years.  

Ditch the headache of driving, traffic congestion and parking. Instead, hop on Brightline and enjoy the journey. With speeds up to 125 mph, the train transports you from Central Florida to South Florida in two to three hours, with several stops between West Palm Beach and Miami.

Your Orlando to Palm Beaches itinerary

If you’re wondering what to do and where to stay in both destinations, consider these highlights as your jumping off point. Once you’ve arrived, rent a car or book a ride-share service to fully explore both destinations.

Central Florida

Eat and drink:

Orlando finally got noticed from the folks at Michelin Guide, with dozens of restaurants receiving much-deserved praise for their culinary excellence. Try local standouts like AVA MediterrAegean for outstanding Mediterranean dishes, BACÁN for bold and elevated flavors of the Americas, The Pinery with seasonal American cuisine and The Ravenous Pig for its inventive gastropub dishes.

Craving Asian and Vietnamese flavors? Head to Orlando’s Mills 50 District for an authentic culinary adventure. Here, you’ll find everything from flavor-packed sandwiches at Banh Mi Boy and Bib Gourmand meals at Zaru to spicy beef soup at Pho Huong Lan and fit-for-a-crowd shaved ice bowls at Loko.

Wind down the evening with a glass of bubbly at Flûtes Champagne Bar, a 40-seat French-inspired champagne bar, or HighT Orlando, a whimsical tearoom by day and bar by night. Looking for a nonalcoholic venue? Try some refreshing mocktails at The Bandbox.

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Orlando’s world-class theme parks draw millions of visitors every year, with new rides, shows and attractions to keep the experience fresh. Walt Disney World Resort reigns supreme with the family crowd, boasting four theme parks, two water parks and beloved Disney characters. Universal Orlando Resort lets you unleash your inner thrill-seeker at two theme parks, one water park and a fourth park (Universal Epic Universe) scheduled to open in 2025. SeaWorld gives you both chills and thrills, putting you up close with animals (think stingrays, dolphins and penguins) while still packing in the excitement of rollercoasters and waterslides.

For a unique educational twist to your Orlando stay, dive into an extraordinary adventure at Discovery Cove. This marine-life-focused attraction gives you up-close encounters with wildlife, from swimming with dolphins to feeding tropical birds to snorkeling above sharks. Animal lovers and families will love the interactive experience at this all-inclusive day resort.

In downtown Orlando, the Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts offers an incredible array of entertainment, from stand-up comedy and classic Broadway shows to jazz concerts and ballet productions. For a more intimate venue, check out the new Judson’s Live tucked within the Dr. Phillips Center. This 145-seat lounge with a more intimate, upscale vibe boasts amazing live music with artists covering genres from jazz to blues.

Stay:

If you want to stay close to the area’s theme parks, immerse yourself in luxury at Four Seasons Resort Orlando At Walt Disney World Resort. Just a few miles from the magic of Walt Disney World, this five-star resort offers unparalleled service, exquisite dining and spacious rooms. With both a serene adults-only pool and a family-friendly water park, you can cool off on a hot day away from theme park crowds—then watch fireworks during dinner at Capa—the rooftop steakhouse.

If you seek a more tranquil stay, consider The Alfond Inn, a four-star boutique hotel in the tony Orlando suburb of Winter Park. This charmingly elegant property recently opened a new spa—perfect for a little pampering. And its acclaimed restaurant, Hamilton's Kitchen, dishes up fresh, seasonal cuisine. Plus, the hotel is just two blocks from Park Avenue—the quaint main street dotted with cafes, boutiques, art galleries, museums, wine bars and coffee shops.

South Florida

Eat and drink:

In West Palm Beach, stop to refuel at Harry's Bar & Restaurant. This iconic New York City restaurant now has a South Florida outpost, serving up exquisite in-house dry-aged steaks. For a lighter lunch, try the delectable salmon with citrus glaze.

In Delray, splurge on dinner at the colorful Le Colonial located along Atlantic Ave., the main strip in this lively beach town. This upscale eatery serves up incredible Vietnamese fare in a warm, inviting ambiance. Tip: Order a few main dishes (like grilled branzino and chicken curry) and shareable sides so you can sample the amazing burst of flavors.

For drinks, treat yourself to a fun concept at The Wine Room Kitchen & Bar. In the grand tasting hall, you can enjoy small pours (think 1 ounce, 2.5 ounces and 5 ounces) of nearly 200 wines from around the world.

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In West Palm Beach, stroll along historic Clematis Street dotted with local shops, restaurants, museums and picturesque waterfront views—including ritzy million-dollar yachts!

Visit the must-see Worth Avenue in Palm Beach, lined with high-end designer boutiques (think Gucci and Chanel), art galleries and jewelry stores. Then stop by the Henry Morrison Flagler Museum, a Gilded Age mansion boasting opulent décor, period furnishings and incredible architectural details.

If you love art, culture and retail therapy, head to Mizner Park in Boca Raton. Spend the afternoon touring the exhibits at the Boca Raton Museum of Art, then stroll through the upscale boutiques sprinkled throughout this cultural hub.

Nature lovers should carve out time for the tranquil Morikami Museum and Japanese Gardens. Stroll along winding paths to see the bonsai collection, then pop in the Japanese tea house. And don’t miss this hidden gem: the whimsical Bonnet House Museum & Gardens in Fort Lauderdale. Stretching over 35 acres, this 1920s mansion and gardens showcase tropical gardens and orchid collection.

Stay:

For a luxurious stay with stunning ocean and Intracoastal views, book a suite in The Boca Raton Tower, one of several properties located within the 200-acre resort The Boca Raton. Since 1926, this iconic resort has been wowing guests with its unparalleled service and exclusive amenities, from its famed golf course and massive racquet club to a European-style spa and incredible dining options.

For a more intimate stay, consider the Pelican Grand Beach Resort, an ocean-front property with a relaxed vibe and delicious onsite dining. Grab a rocking chair on the veranda to sip your morning coffee and watch the sunrise. Or, to be in the heart of South Beach’s Art Deco neighborhood, stay at the National Hotel, a historic property with the longest infinity-edge pool in Miami Beach.