Florida 'Whiskey Tasting' Train Rides
Published: June 2, 2026
By: Adam Burns
The romance of rail pairs naturally with a fine pour of whiskey: slow travel, picture windows, convivial conversation, and the ritual of a well-made dram. While some regions of the U.S. have established whiskey- or bourbon-themed rail excursions, Florida’s rail scene is a bit different.
The state’s offerings focus on dinner theater trains, modern intercity service with onboard bars, and seasonal pop-up events rather than dedicated, regularly scheduled whiskey trains. If you’re dreaming of a whiskey-forward journey by rail in the Sunshine State, here’s what’s available now, what to watch for next, and how to craft a memorable experience of your own.
What you can ride today
Seminole Gulf Railway’s Murder Mystery Dinner Train
If you’re looking for atmosphere, this Southwest Florida standby delivers. The Murder Mystery Dinner Train combines a multi-course dinner, live interactive theater, and a leisurely evening ride aboard vintage railcars. It operates year-round, with themed shows that change periodically. There’s a full bar on board, so while it’s not a whiskey-specific excursion, you can certainly order your favorite bourbon or rye to accompany dinner and the show.
Expect a three- to four-hour round trip, assigned seating at shared tables, and a five-course menu that typically includes choices for the main course. The route runs through the Fort Myers area at a relaxed pace that suits dining and conversation.
Advance reservations are essential, weekends sell out, and smart-casual attire fits the vibe. If your goal is a refined, rail-forward evening where whiskey is available and the journey is the experience, this is currently Florida’s closest analog to a classic “whiskey train.” To learn more about the Seminole Gulf Railway please click here to visit their website.
Brightline
Brightline is Florida’s modern higher-speed intercity service linking Miami, Aventura, Fort Lauderdale, Boca Raton, West Palm Beach, and Orlando (at Orlando International Airport’s Terminal C).
It’s not a themed excursion, but it does offer the most seamless way to enjoy rail travel and a proper drink. Premium-class tickets include complimentary beverages, typically covering beer, wine, and spirits. In standard class, you can purchase drinks from onboard service and at station bars before departure.
Practically, that means you can sip a whiskey highball between Miami and West Palm, or unwind with a neat pour on the longer Miami–Orlando leg.
Trains are clean and contemporary, with comfortable seating, Wi‑Fi, and reliable schedules—ideal for building a rail-and-whiskey weekend that hops between South Florida cities without the hassle of driving.
Amtrak’s Silver Service
Amtrak connects Miami, Orlando, Tampa, Jacksonville, and beyond via the Silver Meteor and Silver Star. On most departures you’ll find a café car selling beer and wine; availability of spirits can vary by route and season. In general, Amtrak does not allow consumption of personal alcohol in coach seating; if you’re in a sleeper, you may consume your own in your private accommodation. For a whiskey-forward ride, check current onboard menus before you book, and plan to pair a train trip with tastings or bars near your arrival station rather than relying on the café car for a deep selection.
What Isn’t Here (Yet)
As of this writing, Florida does not have a widely advertised, regularly scheduled whiskey tasting excursion like Kentucky’s bourbon-themed rail experiences found at the My Old Kentucky Dinner Train. Some museums and excursion lines may host occasional adult-oriented events or special tastings, but these are typically one-offs rather than fixed seasonal series. If you’re set on a dedicated whiskey train, you may need to look out of state. If you’re flexible on the “theme,” you can still have an excellent rail-and-whiskey adventure in Florida with a bit of planning.
Distilleries to consider pairing with train travel
While not typically accessible door-to-door by train alone, several Florida distilleries produce whiskey and offer tours and tastings. Two to know:
St. Augustine Distillery (St. Augustine): Known for Florida-made bourbon and rye, plus a polished visitor experience. Pair with an Amtrak trip to Jacksonville, then rideshare to St. Augustine for a day trip or overnight.
Manifest Distilling (Jacksonville): An award-winning craft distiller producing rye whiskey among other spirits. The Jacksonville Amtrak station isn’t downtown, so plan a short rideshare.
Check hours, tour availability, and bottle shop rules before you go. Distillery calendars can change seasonally, and some experiences require reservations.
Final Thoughts
Florida doesn’t yet offer a dedicated “whiskey train” in the classic sense, but you can absolutely craft a memorable, rail-centric whiskey experience. Combine the theater and charm of Fort Myers’ dinner train with Brightline’s sleek city-to-city service, add thoughtful stops at quality bars and a distillery visit or two, and you’ll capture the essence of what makes whiskey-by-rail special: unhurried travel, rich flavors, and the simple pleasure of watching the Sunshine State roll by your window.
Recent Articles
-
Amtrak’s Maple Leaf – Complete Scenic Route Guide 2026
Jul 21, 26 07:29 PM
This 2026 guide covers the route, the strongest scenic stretches, border practicalities, and tips for a smooth New York–Toronto trip. -
Leadville Railroad: Complete 2026 Guide
Jul 21, 26 02:33 PM
This 2026 guide covers the main excursion, what to expect onboard, altitude considerations, and practical tips for a Leadville railroad day. -
Amtrak’s Ethan Allen Express – Complete Scenic Route Guide 2026
Jul 21, 26 01:33 PM
This 2026 guide covers the route, the best scenic stretches, practical travel notes, and tips for foliage and shoulder-season rides. -
East Broad Top Railroad: Complete 2026 Scenic Train Guide
Jul 21, 26 01:05 PM
This guide covers the passenger experience, what makes EBT unique, practical planning notes, and how it fits into a broader Pennsylvania railroad trip. -
Best Steam-Powered Scenic Train Rides in the Eastern U.S. 2026
Jul 21, 26 11:25 AM
Discover the best steam-powered scenic train rides in the Eastern U.S. for 2026. From Cass Scenic Railroad Shays to Strasburg and other heritage steam operations — schedules, highlights, and tips. -
Best Steam Train Rides in America (2026): Top Scenic Steam Experiences
Jul 21, 26 11:23 AM
Looking for the best steam train rides in the United States for 2026? This guide ranks the highest-value scenic steam experiences—railroads where live steam is a core part of the product, not a once-a… -
Western Maryland Scenic Railroad: Complete 2026 Guide
Jul 21, 26 11:08 AM
This 2026 guide covers the main excursion, special trains, what to expect onboard, and practical tips for planning a Cumberland-area railroad day. -
Amtrak’s Sunset Limited – Complete Scenic Route Guide 2026
Jul 21, 26 10:43 AM
This 2026 guide covers the route, the strongest scenic stretches, practical travel notes, and tips for a smooth multi-night trip. -
Amtrak’s Pacific Surfliner – Complete Scenic Route Guide 2026
Jul 21, 26 10:43 AM
This 2026 guide covers the route, the best coastal stretches, practical tips, and how to use the Surfliner as either a day trip or a link in a longer California rail itinerary. -
Ohio’s LM&M Bourbon Train: Whiskey Tasting on the Rails in Lebanon
Jul 20, 26 02:54 PM
Looking for a bourbon tasting that is not another distillery tour queue? The Lebanon Mason & Monroe Railroad (LM&M) in Lebanon, Ohio, runs adult-oriented Food & Drink trains—and its Bourbon Train is o… -
My Old Kentucky Dinner Train: Classic Dining on the Rails in Bardstown
Jul 20, 26 02:44 PM
For travelers who specifically search “dinner train” (not wine tasting, not murder mystery, not Polar Express), Bardstown is still one of the first names that comes up—and for good reason. -
New Hope Railroad: Complete 2026 Scenic Train Guide
Jul 20, 26 02:30 PM
This 2026 guide covers the main scenic product, special trains, what to expect, and how to pair the ride with a day in New Hope. -
Mount Washington Cog Railway: Complete 2026 Guide
Jul 20, 26 02:08 PM
This 2026 guide covers summit and shorter trips, steam vs. biodiesel power, what to expect on the grade, and how to plan around New England’s short, intense peak season. -
Heber Valley Railroad: Complete 2026 Scenic Train Guide
Jul 20, 26 01:41 PM
This 2026 guide covers the main scenic products, special trains, and practical tips for planning a Heber outing. -
Cumbres & Toltec Scenic Railroad: Complete 2026 Guide
Jul 20, 26 01:25 PM
This 2026 guide covers full-line and shorter trip options, what you will see, classes of service, and how to plan a full day on one of America’s great scenic trains. -
Amtrak’s City of New Orleans – Complete Scenic Route Guide 2026
Jul 20, 26 11:25 AM
This 2026 guide covers the route, what to watch for, practical travel information, and tips for a smooth one-night trip. -
Best Dinner Train Rides in America (2026): Top Scenic Experiences
Jul 20, 26 11:13 AM
Looking for the best dinner train rides in the United States for 2026? This guide ranks the highest-value scenic dining experiences—trains where the meal is the main event, not just a snack bar—and po… -
Amtrak’s Auto Train – Complete 2026 Passenger Guide
Jul 20, 26 10:59 AM
This 2026 guide covers how the service works, what the ride is like, practical tips for vehicle loading, and who should choose the Auto Train over flying or driving the whole way. -
Tennessee - Tea Tasting - Train Rides
Jul 20, 26 10:55 AM
If you’re looking for a Chattanooga outing that feels equal parts special occasion and time-travel, the Tennessee Valley Railroad Museum (TVRM) has a surprisingly elegant answer: The Homefront Tea Roo… -
Indiana -Ice Cream- Tasting Train Rides
Jul 20, 26 10:45 AM
The Indiana Rail Experience's "Indiana Ice Cream Train" is designed for everyone—families with young kids, casual visitors in town for the lake, and even adults who just want… -
Colorado *Wine Tasting* Train Rides
Jul 20, 26 10:43 AM
To truly savor these local flavors while soaking in the scenic beauty of Colorado, the concept of wine tasting trains has emerged, offering both locals and tourists a luxurious and immersive indulgenc… -
Georgia *Wine Tasting* Train Rides In Cordele
Jul 20, 26 10:22 AM
While the railroad offers a range of themed trips throughout the year, one of its most crowd-pleasing special events is the Wine & Cheese Train—a short, scenic round trip designed to feel like… -
Kansas * Murder Mystery * Dinner Train Ride
Jul 20, 26 10:14 AM
Kansas, known for its sprawling wheat fields and rich history, hides a unique gem that promises both intrigue and culinary delight—murder mystery dinner trains. -
New Hampshire * Murder Mystery * Dinner Train Rides
Jul 20, 26 09:05 AM
The state's murder mystery trains stand out as a captivating blend of theatrical drama, exquisite dining, and scenic rail travel. -
White Pass & Yukon Route: Complete 2026 Scenic Train Guide
Jul 20, 26 12:29 AM
This 2026 guide covers the main Summit Excursion and longer options, what you will see, and how to book around the short, intense summer season. -
Verde Canyon Railroad: Complete 2026 Scenic Train Guide
Jul 20, 26 12:10 AM
This 2026 guide covers the route, classes of service, the best times to ride, and practical tips for a full half-day outing in the Verde Valley. -
Great Smoky Mountains Railroad: Complete 2026 Scenic Train Guide
Jul 19, 26 11:55 PM
This 2026 guide covers the main Nantahala Gorge and Tuckasegee River style excursions, classes of service, peak seasons, and tips for pairing the train with a Smokies vacation. -
Royal Gorge Route Railroad: Complete 2026 Scenic Train Guide
Jul 19, 26 11:54 PM
This 2026 guide covers the route, classes of service, the best times to ride, and practical tips for a Cañon City / Colorado Springs / Pueblo area day trip. -
Strasburg Rail Road: Complete 2026 Scenic Train Guide
Jul 19, 26 11:52 PM
This 2026 guide covers the main excursion product, what to expect onboard, special trains, and practical tips for a smooth family or railfan day trip. -
Santa Fe Railroad (AT&SF): Diesel Roster (All-Time)
Jul 19, 26 08:12 PM
The Atchison, Topeka & Santa Fe Railway was among the earliest and most influential American railroads to embrace diesel-electric motive power. -
America 250 Locomotive Celebration Set for August 28-30 at NCTM
Jul 19, 26 11:22 AM
The North Carolina Transportation Museum, Trains Magazine, and White River Productions have announced the America 250 Locomotive Celebration. -
West Virginia ~ Wild West ~ Train Rides
Jul 19, 26 11:08 AM
While D&GV is known for several different excursions across the region, one of the most entertaining rides on its calendar is the Greenbrier Express Wild West Special. -
Indiana ~ Whiskey Tasting ~ Train Rides
Jul 19, 26 10:56 AM
Among IRE’s most talked-about offerings is the Wine & Whiskey Train—an adults-only, evening-style trip that leans into the best parts of classic rail travel: atmosphere, comfort, and a… -
Arizona ~ Wine Tasting ~ Train Rides
Jul 19, 26 10:45 AM
For those who want to experience the charm of Arizona's wine scene while embracing the romance of rail travel, wine tasting train rides offer a memorable journey through the state's picturesque landsc… -
Iowa ~ Wine Tasting ~ Train Rides
Jul 19, 26 10:39 AM
The state not only boasts a burgeoning wine industry but also offers unique experiences such as wine by rail aboard the Boone & Scenic Valley Railroad. -
Florida * Murder Mystery * Dinner Train Rides
Jul 19, 26 10:34 AM
Florida, known for its vibrant culture, dazzling beaches, and thrilling theme parks, also offers a unique blend of mystery and fine dining aboard its murder mystery dinner trains. -
New York * Murder Mystery * Dinner Train Rides
Jul 19, 26 10:19 AM
New York State, renowned for its vibrant cities and verdant countryside, offers a plethora of activities for locals and tourists alike, including murder mystery train rides!" -
Georgetown Loop Railroad: Complete 2026 Scenic Train Guide
Jul 18, 26 04:15 PM
This 2026 guide covers the ride experience, mine tour add-ons, best seasons, and how to plan a smooth Denver-area railroad outing. -
Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad: Complete 2026 Scenic Train Guide
Jul 18, 26 02:33 PM
This 2026 guide covers the main National Park Scenic experience, bike-and-rail options, special trains, and practical tips for Northeast Ohio visitors. -
Conway Scenic Railroad: Complete 2026 Scenic Train Guide
Jul 18, 26 01:57 PM
This 2026 guide explains the main trip types, when to book for fall color, and how to plan a North Conway railroad day that fits families and serious scenery hunters alike. -
Cass Scenic Railroad: Complete 2026 Scenic Train Guide
Jul 18, 26 01:30 PM
This 2026 guide covers the main trips, what makes Cass different from ordinary tourist railroads, and how to plan around weather, grades, and peak foliage season. -
Best Scenic Train Rides in America (2026): Top Routes & Day Trips
Jul 18, 26 12:43 PM
There is no single “best” train—only the best match for your region, season, budget, and whether you want multi-day sleepers or a same-day steam excursion. -
Pennsylvania ~ Beer Tasting ~ Train Rides
Jul 18, 26 09:38 AM
Today, EBT’s rebirth has introduced a growing lineup of experiences, and one of the most enticing for adult visitors is the Broad Top Brews Train. -
North Carolina ~ Beer Tasting ~ Train Rides
Jul 18, 26 09:33 AM
If you’re looking for the most “Bryson City” way to combine railroading and local flavor, the Smoky Mountain Beer Run is the one to circle on the calendar. -
California ~ Wine Tasting ~ Train Rides
Jul 18, 26 09:30 AM
This article explores the charm, routes, and offerings of these unique wine tasting trains that traverse California’s picturesque landscapes. -
Arkansas ~ Wine Tasting ~ Train Rides
Jul 18, 26 09:24 AM
This article takes you through the experience of wine tasting train rides in Arkansas, highlighting their offerings, routes, and the delightful blend of history, scenery, and flavor that makes them so… -
Pennsylvania ~ Murder Mystery ~ Dinner Train Rides
Jul 18, 26 09:17 AM
Pennsylvania, steeped in history and industrial heritage, offers a prime setting for a unique blend of dining and drama: the murder mystery dinner train ride. -
New Jersey ~ Murder Mystery ~ Dinner Train Rides
Jul 18, 26 09:15 AM
There are currently no murder mystery dinner trains available in New Jersey although until 2023 the Cape May Seashore Lines offered this event. Perhaps they will again soon! -
USDOT Releases Phase I Penn Station Service Optimization Study
Jul 17, 26 05:56 PM
The U.S. Department of Transportation and Federal Railroad Administration have released the Phase I report of the New York Penn Station Service Optimization Study. -
FRA Expands Automated Track Inspection Tests as CSX Begins Rollout
Jul 17, 26 05:48 PM
The Federal Railroad Administration has green-lighted a broader five-year waiver framework allowing freight railroads to expand Automated Track Inspection (ATI) technology on revenue track.
