From man-made marvels to untouched nature preserves, the Southeast is home to many beautiful sights. If you’re planning a hiking excursion, sightseeing outing, or day trip to connect with the region’s beauty, we at Falcon Charter Bus put together this guide to help you narrow down your itinerary. And if you’re considering the benefits of taking a hassle-free bus rental, we can ease your travels to the beautiful gardens, beaches, and architectural wonders the Southeast has to offer.

Driftwood Beach, Jekyll Island, Georgia

Address: N Loop Trail, Jekyll Island, GA 31527

With an hour-long drive in a Jacksonville bus, you can escape the continental U.S.’s largest city and find yourself someplace beautiful—if not a little eerie. Jekyll Island is one of only four Georgia barrier islands that are road-accessible from the mainland. And while beachgoers from throughout the Southeast come here to see old Rockefeller mansions, colonial tabby structures, and sea turtle rescue centers, Driftwood Beach in particular draws beauty-seekers from far and wide.

Here, visitors can walk along a beach strewn with gnarled and weathered oaks and pines—some fully exposed and some emerging from the depths of the sands—all left behind from years of erosion. Especially around sunrise, these ancient dead trees resemble twisting sculptures and make for beautiful photo ops and stunning backdrops for weddings.

Charter bus parking: Most people who visit Driftwood Beach park their cars along Beach View Drive, the paved access road that runs along the island’s east end. If you visit on a busy day and the streetside parking is limited, consider asking your bus driver to wait for you at the nearby Jekyll Island Campground.

Rock City Gardens, Georgia

Address: 1400 Patten Rd, Lookout Mountain, GA 30750

Interested in history as well as beauty? Your group can take in both atop Lookout Mountain, 6 miles from Chattanooga and 2 hours from Atlanta.

While natives and settlers alike have used the rocky outcrop as a scouting point throughout the centuries, Rocky City first became a tourist attraction in the 1920s. Entrepreneur Garnet Carter constructed the country’s first miniature golf course on the site, while his wife Freida curated and maintained a romantic, European-inspired garden around it. During the Depression, the couple commissioned a painter to travel the nation’s highways and offered to paint farmers’ barns in exchange for letting him paint three words on the roof: See Rock City. The letterings appeared as far north as Michigan and as far west as Texas, drawing in travelers from all over the U.S. to the gardens.

Today nearly half a million tourists come every year to see Rock City’s acres of massive sandstone boulders and the meandering Enchanted Trail. Wander through gardens showcasing 400 species of native plants, caverns with interesting rock formations, and a fairytale garden that’s sure to delight your kids and young at heart. The real showstopper, however, is the breathtaking views from Lover’s Leap, an outcropping that overlooks the lush valley 1,700 feet below. The falls and gardens are completely manmade, but the view atop Lookout Mountain is all-natural and unparalleled—you can see 7 states on a clear day.

Charter bus parking: The Rock City Gardens parking lot offers designated, free bus parking north of the ticket desk, making Rock City an easy destination to access with a Chattanooga bus.

Angel Oak, South Carolina

Address: 3688 Angel Oak Rd, Johns Island, SC 29455

If you’re traveling by bus rental in Charleston and need some time away from the city, consider venturing 13 miles out to this ancient tree. At approximately 500 years old, this Southern live oak may not be the oldest tree in the East—North Carolina’s bald cypresses are over 1,600 years old—but its sprawl of heavy limbs and massive, moss-covered trunk make for a beautiful sight.

Visitors can take pictures with the tree, poke around the gift shop, and enjoy the peace and quiet most days from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. (1 to 5 p.m. on Sundays). Signs ask visitors not to climb or sit on the branches or deface the tree—many locals over the years have seen this place as sacred, so approach it respectfully.

Charter bus parking: Oversized vehicles like RVs and charter buses are not allowed in the park where the Angel Oak resides. Instead, bus rentals are asked to park along the dirt road that connects the park to Maybank Highway and Bohicket Road.

Atchafalaya Basin, Louisiana

Welcome Center Address: 1908 Atchafalaya River Hwy, Breaux Bridge, LA 70517

When most folks think of picturesque swampland, the Everglades may come to mind. And while the famous national park may have a broader diversity of animals, when it comes down to beautiful sights, the Atchafalaya Basin takes the cake.

These 140 miles of river delta contain the largest contiguous tract of coastal cypress in the United States. All these acres of protected bottomland forest make the Atchafalaya a haven for rare birds—and a popular spot for bird-watching! Throughout your travels in the basin, you may spot egrets, herons, warblers, and even the largest nesting concentration of bald eagles in the southern United States.

Charter bus parking: Before venturing into the swamp, we recommend first stopping by the Atchafalaya Welcome Center, about 2 hours away from New Orleans. Here, your youth group, class, or friends and family can schedule airboat tours, brush up on the basin’s storied history, and park your charter bus rental in the lot outside.

Blue Ridge Parkway

Main Visitor Center Address: 195 Hemphill Knob Rd, Asheville, NC 28803

Itching for a road trip? Covering nearly 470 miles between Shenandoah National Park and the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, the Blue Ridge Parkway is often considered the country’s most beautiful scenic drive. That means your group can enjoy the foliage, waterfalls, and picturesque valley overlooks without ever leaving your bus rental!

The roadway winds through the heart of the Appalachians, which makes for great leaf-peeping come fall and wildflower-viewing throughout spring and summer. Besides taking in the natural beauty, many visitors enjoy making pit stops in the small towns along the way to buy local-made wares and snacks and to learn more about Appalachian culture.

Charter bus parking: There 15 designated visitor centers along the Blue Ridge Parkway, located 20-50 miles from each other (give or take). Each one is wheelchair accessible and should offer plenty of parking space for your charter bus.

Biltmore Estate, North Carolina

Address: 1 Lodge St, Asheville, NC 28803

Constructed in 1895 as a sprawling mansion for the larger-than-life industrialist George Vanderbilt, this French Renaissance-style chateau is sure to delight your architecture lovers and fans of turn-of-the-century aesthetics. The house itself contains 250 furnished rooms (including 35 bedrooms, 43 bathrooms, and 65 fireplaces), as well as North Carolina’s first passenger elevator and electric refrigerators. Outside, guests are free to roam the 75 acres of park-like gardens and relax on the edge of Bass Pond, just as generations of Vanderbilts have done before.

The Biltmore Estate has been a popular attraction since Vanderbilt’s daughter, Cornelia, opened the home to public tours in 1930. Whether you’re here to tour the estate’s wineries, mansion, and gardens or host an event in the breath-taking garden and balcony venues, the beautiful sights are well worth the two-hour drive from Charlotte.

Charter bus parking: The Biltmore House offers a spacious parking lot with ADA-compliant shuttles running between the lot and the house’s entrance. When you call 866-851-4661 to coordinate your group’s tour or event, a Biltmore representative will be able to tell you where in the lot your bus can park.

Miami Art Deco Historic District

Welcome Center Address: 1001 Ocean Dr, Miami Beach, FL 33139

The Miami Art Deco Historic District is a square-mile section of Miami Beach dedicated to preserving the architecture and aesthetic that helped make the city such a popular resort town. Nowhere else can you see so many pastel-hued hotels, boutiques, and even post offices washed in neon and gilded geometry designs—all without straying from Miami’s city limits.

The beauty of this neighborhood is not found in one building or monument, but rather in the cohesive style and colors of the whole district. The Art Deco Historic District officially spans 5th Street to 23rd Street, but one of the best uninterrupted stretches of vibrant art deco buildings can be found along Ocean Drive. Here, your group can take in the towering neon of the Breakwater Hotel, grab a bite in the Edison Hotel lobby, and pose for selfies on the nearby beach.

Charter bus parking: Unfortunately, parking a Miami bus in busy Miami Beach is easier said than done. Have your driver drop everyone off near the Art Deco District Welcome Center and find parking closer to downtown while you explore the neighborhood.

 

Experience the Southeast’s Most Beautiful Sights

Whether you’re a group of art history buffs or scout troop planning your next excursion, the Southeast has plenty of beautiful places to visit. And if you ever need a ride to your top scenic destinations, Falcon Charter Bus will be happy to take you there. Let us provide a modern motorcoach and an experienced driver to handle the logistics, so your passengers can sit back, recline in a plush seat, soak in the AC, and enjoy the sights.

Call 1-866-217-2168 today for a free, no-obligation quote tailored to your bus rental needs throughout the beautiful Southeast!

Traveling with a group of kids in Tampa can be expensive without proper planning. It doesn’t have to be, though! Group travel in general can come with a hefty price tag, but thankfully Tampa has quite a few kid-friendly locations with free admission. If you’re traveling with a youth group or you have to entertain the kids during a family reunion, Falcon Charter Bus can make sure you travel safely and comfortably. A private charter bus rental can simplify transportation for your Tampa trip and also keep kids entertained on the road with onboard TVs and WiFi. Falcon Charter Bus can work with your budget to find a minibus or charter bus rental to perfectly fit your needs. Just call 813-944-3146 to find a bus rental for your Tampa trip!

Before planning your trip, you’ll want to inquire about any COVID-19 restrictions that may be in place at the moment. Some attractions may be temporarily closed, while others may have group size restrictions for visitor safety. If you have a relatively large group, you may also want to consider postponing your trip until there is a safer time to travel or requesting virtual field trips and online family programs, if available.

Get in touch with nature at the Florida Botanical Gardens.

Address: 12520 Ulmerton Rd, Largo, FL 33774
Phone: (727) 582-2100
Cost: Free

This 90-acre garden is located in Largo, Florida, just across Old Tampa Bay. Some of the exhibits include an herb garden, butterfly garden, tropical fruits garden, and garden dedicated to Florida’s native plants. There’s also a Heritage Village across McKay Creek filled with old buildings that have been converted into a museum to preserve Pinellas County history. The botanical garden emphasizes educating children about native species of plants and animals as well as local history. Kids can enjoy interactive activities like butterfly watching and plant scavenger hunts along the gardens’ designated Children’s Trails.

Charter bus travel tip: Free parking is available across 5 lots at the botanical gardens. Consider calling ahead of time to ask which lot is best suited for your charter bus rental.

 

Spot native wildlife at Tampa Electric’s Manatee Viewing Center.

Address: 6990 Dickman Rd, Apollo Beach, FL 33572
Phone: (813) 228-4289
Cost: Free

The waters near the Big Bend Power Station in Apollo Beach have become one of the most popular wildlife viewing areas in the city. Warm water released from the power plant makes it a seasonal gathering spot for Florida manatees, small sharks, stingrays, and several species of birds and large fish. Spotting animals can be both entertaining and educational for visitors of all ages. The viewing center includes educational exhibits, a touch tank with rays, and a 50-foot observation tower where you may get a peek of Tampa’s diverse wildlife. After exploring the viewing center, you can also check out the nearby butterfly garden and nature trails.

Keep in mind that the center is only open seasonally from November through part of April. Before visiting with a group, it’s highly recommended that you make a group reservation online.

Charter bus travel tip: The main parking lot often gets full on busy days. An overflow lot is available just to the south of the center. Have your charter bus driver drop your group off at the center’s entrance before parking in the overflow lot.

Dip your toes in the sand at Tampa-area beaches.

The Tampa Bay area is home to several of Florida’s most beautiful beaches. Access to most public beaches is completely free (there are some exceptions for beaches inside of state parks), and these beaches are perfect for a fun day in the sun with kids. Pack up your beach gear and check out these free-to-access beaches in the Tampa Bay area:

Ben T. Davis Beach

Address: 7740 W Courtney Campbell Causeway, Tampa, FL 33607
Phone:  (813) 274-8615

Clearwater Beach

Address: 1 Causeway Blvd, Clearwater, FL 33767

Phone: (727) 462-6963

Saint Pete Beach

Address: Gulf Blvd, St. Pete Beach, FL

Phone: (727) 367-2735

 

Take advantage of free admission at local museums.

Locals looking to plan a group trip with kids should consider organizing a day out during Free Days. Many museums in the area offer free or discounted admission during specific days of the week or month. Here are just a few of the museums in the Tampa Bay area where you can take advantage of free admission:

Glazer Children’s Museum

Address: 110 W Gasparilla Plaza, Tampa, FL 33602
Phone: (813) 443-3861

Admission to the Glazer Children’s Museum is free every first Tuesday of the month. Kids can enjoy fun, hands-on exhibits that also promote learning and critical thinking. Discover how food is grown at an indoor farm, get creative at the Art Smart studio, and explore the basics of veterinary medicine at the Vet Clinic.

Charter bus travel tip: Passenger drop off is available in the roundabout on West Gasparilla Plaza. The children’s museum does not have its own private lot, so you’ll have to organize parking at a public lot or along the street for your bus.

John and Mable Ringling Museum of Art

Address: 401 Bay Shore Rd, Sarasota, FL 34243

Phone: (941) 359-5700

The Ringling Museum of Art is about a one-hour drive from Tampa, but it’s well worth the trip! Not only is The Ringling the official state art museum of Florida, but it’s also home to the Bayfront Gardens, Ringling Circus Museum and Ca’ d’Zan Estate. Admission to the Ringling Museum of Art and Bayfront Gardens is free every Monday. Paid entry is still required to access the Circus Museum and estate on free days.

Charter bus travel tip: There is a designated drop off area along Bay Shore Road. Have your bus driver drop off your group before parking at the eastern end of the lot on US 41.

 

Henry B. Plant Museum

Address: 401 W Kennedy Blvd, Tampa, FL 33606

Phone: (813) 254-1891

This University of Tampa museum was once the historic Tampa Bay Hotel but is now dedicated to exhibiting artifacts and teaching about the building’s role in the Spanish-American War. Although learning about the Spanish-American War may be a bit dry for younger kids, the war artifacts and historic furnishings could pique the interests of some older kids’ curious minds. Admission is free on the first Friday of every month.

Charter bus travel tip: Since the museum is located on the University of Tampa campus, parking can be limited. Street parking can be found across UT University Drive for the museum or along other nearby roads.

Explore the Tampa Riverwalk.

Address: Ashley Street, Tampa, FL 33602

There’s always something going on in Downtown Tampa! The Tampa Riverwalk is located in the heart of the city and offers a beautiful walking area with views of the Hillsborough River and Garrison Channel. Along the 2.6-mile stretch, you’ll find playgrounds, outdoor eateries, areas where you can rent bikes and kayaks, and a dock where you can hop on a water taxi to see Tampa from the river. Strolling along the river is completely free, and on most normal days, you’ll even find events like live music, movies in the park, and scavenger hunts for kids.

Charter bus parking tip: Parking can be found throughout the area surrounding the riverwalk. Parking meters lie along Ashley Drive and Water Street.

 

Visit Tampa’s Best Attractions on a Budget

Getting tickets to popular locations like Busch Gardens and ZooTampa can quickly get expensive when you’re traveling with a large group of kids. Tampa has plenty of other attractions that won’t break the bank. Kids can explore the great outdoors, soak up some sun at the beach, and learn about local history—all for free! Build your itinerary and book your transportation with Falcon Charter Bus! A rental rep is available 24/7 at 813-944-3146 to find you a Tampa charter bus rental at the right price point.

Nowadays, I know two things to be true:

1. We all could use a little time outside.
2. Southeastern national parks don’t get the love they deserve.

If you’re in the southeast or heading this way, hitting up your closest national park is a great way to get some fresh air, stretch your legs, and learn about your region’s ecosystems—all while avoiding large crowds and practicing social distancing.

And while the United States has 62 designated national parks—which doesn’t count the hundreds of national monuments, forests, and wildlife areas also within the National Park System—depending on what you define as “The South,” there are only 7 national parks in this neck of the woods.

So to make it easier for your scout troop, virtual schooling pod, or large family to make the most of your park outing, Falcon Charter Bus has put together this comprehensive guide to every national park in the southeastern U.S. and how to best enjoy them with a group. 

Quick Navigation:

1. Great Smoky Mountains National Park
2. Mammoth Cave National Park
3. Congaree National Park
4. Hot Springs National Park
5. Biscayne National Park
6. Everglades National Park
7. Dry Tortugas National Park

P.S.: If your park-hoppers need a lift to any of the national parks on this list, leave it to Falcon Charter Bus. We’re going the extra mile to ensure every bus rental is thoroughly sanitized between trips, and we’ll work with you if you want to implement social distancing precautions on your charter bus or minibus. Call 1-866-217-2168 today to learn more about our services and to receive a free, no-obligation quote for your national park trip!

Great Smoky Mountains National Park

Location:

North Carolina and Tennessee

The Draw:

Even before the pandemic, this national park’s primary draw was its scenic drive potential, especially when the trees turn red and orange in mid-October. While you’re still keeping up with social distancing protocols, now’s the perfect opportunity to enjoy some fall foliage from the relative safety of a well-filtered cabin—without having to leave your plush and comfy seat. As colder weather approaches, though, roadways may ice over or otherwise be closed to motorcoach traffic, so keep an eye out for closures.

Popular Activities and Amenities:

Like I said, one of the main attractions here is the bright autumn colors that sweep the valleys come October. Your group can take in many of the most popular views—the rolling hills of Cades Cove, the heights of Clingman’s Dome, etc.—from the window of a car or motorcoach, meaning this is the perfect place for a scenic drive.

If your group is into hiking or biking, there are plenty of trails of varying lengths for day trips. And if you’re feeling adventurous, try tackling a leg of the Appalachian Trail (about 72 miles of it runs through here).

Group Camping:

Campers be warned: this park is extremely popular in the fall, so if you want to stop by during leaf-viewing season you’ll likely need to reserve your spot at least one year in advance.

Here are all the campgrounds within Great Smoky Mountain National Park that offer group camping (though as of this writing, some may still be closed due to COVID-19, so be sure to call ahead to ensure your site-of-choice is open):

• Big Creek Campground—1 group campsite with a 25-person maximum
• Cades Cove Campground—4 group sites with a 30-person maximum
• Cataloochee Campground—3 group sites with a 25-person maximum
• Cosby Meadows Campground—3 group sites with a 20-person maximum
• Deep Creek Campground—3 group sites with a 20-person maximum
• Elkmont Campground—4 group sites with a 30-person maximum
• Smokemont Campground—3 group sites with a 20-person maximum

Charter Bus Parking:

The winding roads, steep drops, and hairpin turns can make this national park tricky to traverse with a motorcoach. Before you hit the road, be sure to check the park’s guide to bus restrictions to ensure you can get there safely. That being said, all three of the national park’s visitor centers (Sugarlands, Cades Cove, and Oconaluftee) offer plenty of bus-friendly parking spots for tour groups.

Mammoth Cave National Park

Location:

Kentucky

The Draw:

Besides being a great place to stretch your legs if you’re venturing out from Nashville or booking a charter bus rental from Georgetown, this national park is well-known for a lot of reasons. For one thing, it’s the world’s longest cave system—covering 400 miles that we know of. It’s also a UNESCO World Heritage site (a half-dozen pre-Columbian mummies were found here, as well as artifacts like grass-woven moccasins and a few petroglyphs) and an internationally designated Biome Reserve, thanks to the unique sandstone formations and 130 species that call the caves home.

Popular Activities and Amenities:

Mammoth Cave offers a range of cave tours—from accessible, well-lit, ranger-led tours of the more popular rock formations to “wild” tours where spelunkers bring their own light sources into undeveloped muddy tunnels and dusty caverns. That being said, if caves aren’t your group’s thing, topside there are over 80 miles of hiking trails, 80 miles of backcountry horseback trails, and two rivers explorable by kayak or canoe.

Group Camping:

There are three campgrounds in the park, two of which provide group campsite accommodations. The first, Mammoth Cave Campground, is a short walk from the visitor center and offers 4 group sites for up to 16 campers each. Maple Springs Group Campground is a little farther away from the visitor center (a 10-minute drive) but has more group-friendly sites available to larger groups—and their equine companions! Both charge $25 per night per group campsite and have a 14-day limit on how long you can stay.

Charter Bus Parking:

The visitors center at the exact center of the park has a spacious parking lot with plenty of room to keep your charter bus while you venture into the depths.

Congaree National Park

Location:

South Carolina

The Draw:

A more recent addition to the NPS, Congaree National Park was established in 2003 to preserve the country’s largest tract of old-growth bottomland hardwood forest—in other words, 500-year-old cypress trees and very, very old floodplains. While the hardwood forests out West have been relatively untouched for centuries, finding still-intact, pre-colonial forests on the East Coast is very rare (especially this far south). That means Congaree is one of the only places in the Southeast where you can see landscapes as they would have looked before colonists arrived!

Popular Activities and Amenities:

Most first-time visitors start with a self-guided stroll or a ranger-led tour along the Boardwalk Trail: a 2.4-mile loop through the towering cypresses. If your group includes folks with mobility concerns, the boardwalk is a great place for them to birdwatch, catch fireflies in the summer, and enjoy the outdoors on a relatively smooth pathway. (If you need a ride here, Falcon Charter Bus can set your group up with ADA-compliant coaches at no additional cost!)

All the waterways and creeks also make this park a popular launch point for canoers and kayakers. The stretch of Cedar Creek between Bannister’s Bridge and the Cedar Creek Landing is a popular option for beginners, but if you’re looking for a weekend-long excursion, get a free backcountry permit and take the 50-mile Congaree River Blue Trail.

Pro tip: if you’re coming in with a big group and don’t want to bother juggling cars between put-ins and take-outs, reserve a private bus rental for your trip. Your driver can ensure your ride is right where you want it to be when you’re ready to head home.

Group Camping:

Congaree has two designated campgrounds, and only one of them offers places for groups to camp—Longleaf Campground. There are four group campsites here, where you and up to 23 friends can pitch up to 10 tents for $20 per night. Keep in mind that due to invasive bug problems, Congaree is very strict about what firewood is brought into campgrounds. Your group is better off purchasing from the general store or collecting downed wood within the park when it’s time to roast up s’mores.

Charter Bus Parking:

Congaree is considered a hidden gem of the NPS. In other words, there aren’t many visitors passing through on a given day, so if you’re coming in on a Columbia bus, there should be plenty of room for your bus to park at the Henry Hampton Visitor Center lot at the north end of the park.

Hot Springs National Park

Location:

Arkansas

The Draw:

Most people come here to see—well—the hot springs!

Established in 1832 (40 years before the concept of a national park existed), this park was the first in the U.S. to be set aside by the federal government for recreational use. Over the decades, the towns surrounding the springs boomed with bathhouses, salons, and health spas—especially during the turn of the century and throughout the flu epidemic.

Nowadays, you can experience the mineral-rich waters of these non-volcanic thermal springs in a number of ways, from soaking your cares away in a bathhouse to bottling up the spring water pouring from outdoor spigots and taking it home.

Popular Activities and Amenities:

The most popular spots in this national park are the two establishments left on the historic Bathhouse Row:

• The Buckstaff Bathhouse—1912 health spa and the last of the two dozen bathhouses that dotted the park in its heyday. Call (501) 623-2308 for more information about rates, services, and reservations.
• The Quapaw Bathhouse—A more contemporary facility with thermal pools, private baths, and a steam cave. Call (501) 609-9822 to inquire about rates and reservations.

But if your group would rather be outside, there’s always the Hot Water Cascade on the Arlington Lawn (the park’s largest visible spring). You can’t soak there, but you can dip your hands into the warm pools and enjoy the scenery from the water’s edge.

Group Camping:

While this park does offer a campground—Gulpha Gorge—there are no official group campsites offered, and the spots are limited to eight people and two tents per site. So if your group of campers is larger than that, you’ll need to split up across multiple campsites.

Not feeling like roughing it? You’re in luck. Hot Springs is considered an “urban” national park, so there are plenty of hotels and lodges within walking distance of the springs, many of which offer thermal baths in every room. Keep an eye out for hotel block discounts and reduced rates for your bus driver—who you’ll have to provide room and board for if you’re traveling overnight.

Charter Bus Parking:

The downside of visiting a national park within a city, however, is the limited parking for oversized vehicles and bus rentals from Little Rock. We recommend reserving a small motorcoach, such as an 18-passenger minibus, so ensure the best maneuverability in this historic town. Your bus rental can only park in one of two places: along the roads surrounding Whittington Park, or at Hill Wheatley Plaza, one block south of the visitor center.

Biscayne National Park

Location:

Florida

The Draw:

Once a playground of the well-to-do yachters of Miami, Biscayne National Park was set aside for conservation and public use in the 1980s. 95% of the park is water, and all the best sites aside from the mainland visitor center are only accessible by boat. Major attractions include vibrant coral reefs and the Maritime Heritage Trail—six shipwrecks (ranging from an 1870s steamer vessel to a steel-hulled 60s schooner) connected by a system of buoys for easy navigation by boat, scuba diving, or snorkeling.

Popular Activities and Amenities:

Needless to say, this place is heaven for lovers of all things nautical. Kayakers, paddleboarders, and scuba divers are free to bring their own equipment and explore the bay as they please.

The Biscayne Institute offers a variety of nautical excursions and tours—from Sailing 101 classes, to guided scuba sessions through shipwrecks, to tours of the ornamental lighthouse and abandoned fishing village in the middle of the bay, “Stiltsville.” If your group wants to chart your own course, keep in mind that this national park is very particular when it comes to third-party tours, fishing charters, and outdoor recreation with motorized boats. Read up on the NPS’s list of authorized operators before you start planning your itinerary.

Group Camping:

There are also two campgrounds within the park—Elliott Key and Boca Chita Key—but neither of them offer group campsites, and you can only get there by boat, paddleboard, kayak, or canoe. If your boaters don’t mind dividing and conquering, $25 per night will cover any docking fees and allow six people to set up camp on each site.

Charter Bus Parking:

Despite how small and overlooked this park is, the Dante Fascell Visitor Center does have a fair amount of parking—and designated oversized vehicle parking at that (ooh la la). If your group happens to visit on a holiday weekend and all the bus-friendly spots are full of RVs, try the Homestead Bayfront Park lot by the marina.

Everglades National Park

Location:

Florida

The Draw:

The swamp! Well, okay, it’s the country’s largest “subtropical wilderness,” if you want to get technical. These 1.5 million acres encompass coastal mangroves, sawgrass marshes, and lowland pine forests. But most people come here to see the wildlife. The Everglades is one of the only places you can catch a glimpse of several endangered wetland species in their natural habitat, including West Indian manatees, leatherback turtles, and Florida panthers.

Popular Activities and Amenities:

Like I said, a major draw to the Everglades is all the cool animals you can see here. But the swamp is big and hard to traverse on foot. The solution? Airboat tours. The park allows three authorized tour providers to charter airboats here, and all of them can be accessed from U.S. Highway 41 between Miami and Shark Valley.

Of course, there’s plenty else to do and see if your group would rather skip the airboats. Kayakers and canoers of all skill levels can paddle out from Flamingo Marina to explore the mangroves, marshes, and beaches. And bird-watchers will have a field day on any of the designated trails snaking out from the Homestead Entrance—over 300 bird species can be found in that area alone!

Group Camping:

This park may be big, but there are only two places to frontcountry camp: Long Pine Key Campground and Flamingo Campground. Both are accessible from the Homestead entrance of the park, and both offer group campsites (though availability is very limited). These larger sites need to be reserved in advance and go for $35 per night. Call 855-708-2207 to reserve yours.

Charter Bus Parking:

This national park has three entrances in three separate cities—and none of them are connected within the park grounds. That is to say, where you park your charter bus depends on where you enter:

• Homestead Entrance—This is where the park’s two campgrounds are located. Ask your bus driver to park at either the Ernest F. Coe Visitor Center or the Flamingo Visitor Center.
• Miami Entrance—As you could probably guess, this one’s the closest entrance to Miami. There’s designated bus parking available at the Shark Valley Visitor Center, where your group can take in a bird’s-eye view of the wetlands from the iconic Shark Valley Observation Tower.
• Everglades City Entrance—If you’re entering the park from the west (like from Naples), this is your gateway to the Everglades. Your bus driver can park near the Gulf Coast Visitor Center while you take airboat tours through the mangroves at Ten Thousand Islands.

Dry Tortugas National Park

Location:

Florida

The Draw:

If you want to get away from it all, any of these national parks should do the trick. If you really want to get away, this national park is your stop. Dry Tortugas is a collection of seven islands in the middle of the Gulf of Mexico—about 70 miles from Key West—and is only accessible by ferry or seaplane.

Don’t worry though, history buffs and marine-life-lovers will consider this place well worth the trek. It houses one of the U.S.’s largest and most well-preserved 19th-century forts, Fort Jefferson. It’s also one of very few places in the U.S. where you can see the sun rise and set over the water, all from the same spot.

Popular Activities and Amenities:

Most visitors here for a day trip focus on exploring Fort Jefferson. Tours can cover a variety of disciplines—from the general timeline of the fort and its part in the Civil War, to deep-dives into the micro-ecosystems of the moats surrounding the structures.

Snorkeling is also popular here, given the clear blue waters, bright coral reefs, and countless shipwrecks within boating distance of the islands. This park also gives visitors the opportunity to geocache, paddleboard, kayak, canoe, and camp on the beach.

Group Camping:

If you want to camp with a group on Garden Key (the only place you’re allowed to set up a tent), you’ll need to make a reservation. There is only one group site available, and it can accommodate up to 20 people. Keep in mind that there is no fresh water on the key, and all campsites here are primitive—so make sure everyone brings enough water and carries out their garbage when it’s time to head home.

Charter Bus Parking:

It should go without saying that charter bus parking around here is not really a concern—you can’t exactly drive to the islands. Instead, focus on booking a ferry or seaplane from the mainland, and let a professional bus driver ensure your explorers arrive at the dock with plenty of time to load and board.

Explore the Great Outdoors with Falcon Charter Bus

No matter what southeastern national parks fill your itinerary, Falcon Charter Bus is here to take you there. Let our network of experienced drivers and top-of-the-line motorcoaches transport you to your outdoor excursions, and we’ll provide your group with all the small comforts to make the trip more fun.

Charge up your phone before the big hike with individual power outlets, post your favorite landscape photos over the onboard WiFi, settle in with a movie on a flatscreen TV, or simply watch through panoramic windows. Whatever your group wants or needs for your national park trip—from extra storage space for your picnic coolers to ADA-compliant coaches at no additional cost—our 24/7 team can make it happen. Give us a call at 1-866-217-2168 whenever you’re ready to start planning!

The way we travel has completely changed during the COVID-19 pandemic. If you’re planning to travel with a group in the near future, you’ll need to be thorough in planning where you’re going and how you’ll get there. Falcon Charter Bus is dedicated to safe and reliable transportation for passengers throughout the Southeast.

Before you embark on your group trip, review a few of our most asked questions about current bus rentals and group travel:

Is it safe to travel with a group right now?

Traveling comes with varying levels of risk, especially when you’re in a group. As a general rule: any type of travel should be limited where possible. You can travel with proper precautions, but your first step in group trip planning should be to think about your reason for traveling.

If you need a minibus to go on vacation with a big group of friends, maybe reconsider your travel plans. On the other hand, if you need an employee shuttle service for essential workers, a charter bus is a good and safe travel option.

Are charter bus rentals a safe way to travel?

Yes, charter buses are safe ways to hit the road when you take necessary precautions. Depending on your group size, renting a charter bus can be an even safer mode of transportation than organizing a multi-vehicle carpool. Established pods of travelers will stay together in one controlled location rather than splitting up. Every motorcoach rented from Falcon Charter Bus will be thoroughly sanitized according to CDC guidelines, and each driver will have proper PPE throughout each trip. Your driver will also be instructed to have minimal contact with your group wherever possible to keep everyone safe.

Passengers can also suggest additional safety protocols and sanitization schedules to fit their needs. This can include social distancing onboard the bus, checking temperatures before boarding, and creating additional sanitization schedules as you load back on at stops. Just let your reservation expert know of any additional requests when you call 1-866-217-2168 for a quote.

Do we have to wear masks on our charter bus?

At Falcon Charter Bus, we pride ourselves on allowing groups to build customized transportation services for their unique trip. That being said, we’d highly recommend wearing masks onboard your bus. Cloth face coverings are recommended by the CDC to keep you and your fellow passengers safe, as well as to protect the people you come into contact with during day-to-day interactions.

Will our charter bus have hand sanitizer and extra masks?

Each full-sized charter bus will include a bathroom with running water and soap for passengers to wash their hands as frequently as needed. Additional hand sanitizer and cloth face coverings can be requested when you book your bus. To be safe, ensure each passenger has their own face covering and hand sanitizer, if possible. You can also designate someone to bring sanitizer and additional face coverings for anyone that needs one.

Tips for Safely Traveling with A Group

While organizing your travel gameplan, it’s important to consider CDC recommended guidelines. Here are a few travel tips to use when booking your charter bus:

1.   Social distance on your bus.

In the case of employee shuttles where you’re not traveling in an established pod, social distancing on your bus may be a good idea. Renting a bigger bus than you need can allow for staggered seating arrangements. Passengers will have plenty of space between one another to safely travel to and from work or any other destination. If you’re not sure what type of bus would be best to social distance your group, your Falcon Charter Bus reservation expert will be happy to assist you.

2.   Load and unload strategically.

Along with social distancing onboard, you’ll want to think about how passengers will board and leave the bus. The last thing you’d want is for people to crowd the entrance waiting to board or to stand too close in line. If you’ll be traveling with a relatively large group of passengers, placing floor decals or colored tape can keep everyone aware of the distance between one another.

3.   Screen passenger health.

There are several ways to screen everyone’s health before boarding your charter bus. One of the most thorough methods is to have everyone tested for COVID-19 and self-quarantined before the beginning of your trip. This isn’t always possible for short-notice or recurring trips. Alternatively, temperature check each passenger before boarding. Temperature screening doesn’t 100% guarantee good health, but it is a quick and easy precautionary measure. 

4.   Think about additional ventilation options.

Proper ventilation can help limit the possible spread of germs on your bus. Falcon Charter Bus  is actively working with transportation providers and their HVAC companies to follow CDC recommendations to optimize clean air on your bus. Depending on when and where you’re traveling, you may want to opt to open the windows on your bus for even better ventilation. Keep in mind, groups traveling in extremely hot or cold weather may not have this option.

5.   Communicate with your fellow passengers in advance.

Once you establish safety protocols with your charter bus rental rep, let passengers know with plenty of notice. Keeping everyone in the loop on your rules will help your trip go smoothly and safely. Communicating these rules ahead of time will ensure everyone in your group shows up prepared with masks, sanitizer, and social distancing in mind.

Falcon Charter Bus Has Your Back

Traveling can already be stressful for many people, and COVID-19 has made it even more complicated. Falcon Charter Bus can take a little bit of the stress off your shoulders with a sanitized private motorcoach. We’re here to help groups of all sizes traveling for a variety of essential reasons. Whether your team of healthcare professionals needs a ride to off-site treatment facilities or your students need a shuttle to campus for limited in-person learning, we’ve got you covered. Don’t hesitate to call us at 1-866-217-2168 anytime with questions about our group transportation services.

So you’re taking a big family trip to Miami? Awesome! But you’re on a tight budget? No worries! If you need a few ideas on where to take kids when you don’t have much to spend, you’re in the right place.

As someone who grew up in Miami, I know all too well how expensive the city is—especially when you’re traveling with kids. Thankfully, there are still a few cool kid-friendly spots you can check out for a low cost (some are free!) Fill the itinerary of your next family vacation or reunion with beautiful parks, beaches, museums, and other attractions across Miami. Even if you’re traveling with a school group, community organization, or scout troop on a limited budget, there are several affordable, kid-approved Miami attractions to visit.

If you have a big group and need a comfy ride around town, give Falcon Charter Bus a call at 305-359-3962. You can simplify your Miami trip by booking a charter bus or minibus to fit your passenger count and budget. Keep kids entertained with movies on your bus’s TVs and keep them comfortable in Miami’s heat with a climate-controlled motorcoach. Sit back, relax, and leave the horrible U.S. 1 traffic up to a pro driver.

Visit Florida state and national parks.

Take your outdoorsy bunch to one of the area’s many parks to learn about the state’s scaly, feathery, and furry natives.

Oleta River State Park

Address: 3400 NE 163rd St, Golden Beach, FL 33160
Phone: (305) 919-1846

Cost: $6 per vehicle (up to 8 passengers) or $2 per person (in buses)

Kids who love outdoor activities will have more than enough to keep them busy at Oleta. This picturesque park has options for hiking, biking, fishing, paddleboarding, kayaking, and canoeing, and swimming in designated areas. If you’re lucky you may catch a glimpse of dolphins and manatees. Entrance to the park is relatively affordable, just keep in mind that you’ll have to pay additional fees for equipment rentals.

Charter bus travel tip: A charter bus will give your group plenty of space to bring your own outdoor gear. Pack up inflatable water gear, chairs, tents, and coolers in your bus’s luggage bays.

John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park

Address: 102601 Overseas Hwy, Key Largo, FL 33037
Phone: (305) 451-6300

Cost: $8 per vehicle (up to 8 passengers) or $2 per person (in buses)

Even though Key Largo is one of the northernmost islands in the Florida Keys, it’s actually a little bit of a haul from Miami. It’s about a 1.5-hour drive from Downtown Miami, but you can just leave the navigation up to your bus driver. Everyone can enjoy the waterfront views through your bus’s panoramic windows as you hop on over to John Pennekamp. Keep in mind: this mangrove-lined waterfront park is known for snorkeling, not sandcastles. So it may be better suited for travelers with older children. Be sure to pack soled water shoes to get past the rocky shore to the snorkeling area. Glassbottom boat tours, guided scuba diving, and snorkeling equipment rentals are available for an additional fee. 

Everglades National Park

Ernest F. Coe Visitor Center (South Entrance): 40001 State Hwy 9336, Homestead, FL 33034
Phone: 305-242-7700

Shark Valley Visitor Center (North Entrance): 36000 SW 8th St, Miami, FL 33194
Phone: 305-221-8776

Cost: $30 per vehicle or $15 per person (vehicles with 16+ passenger capacity)

Visiting the Everglades is more of a “good value” than a cheap upfront visit. Entrance fees vary depending on your vehicle capacity but it’s money well spent. The Everglades is one of the few attractions in Miami that can take well over a full day to visit, but thankfully, your admission is valid for 7 days. So you can come back if your kids get tired after a couple of hours.

The park has several visitor centers and choosing which one to go to will depend on what you like. Ernest F. Coe and Shark Valley both have interesting exhibits and wildlife viewing areas for visitors of all ages. If you want to walk trails and gator spots through the park, Ernest F. Coe is your go-to. If you want to take a tram tour (additional fees) or check out views from observation decks, hop on over to Shark Valley. Don’t forget to ask for a Junior Ranger Guidebook at your visitor center of choice!

Group travel tip: If you’re traveling with a school group or community organization, ask about ranger-led education programs before your trip. These programs may be discounted or free for certain groups.

Learn about art and culture.

Teach young minds about art from around the world at these popular Miami museums and art spaces:

The Wolfsonian

Address: 1001 Washington Ave, Miami Beach, FL 33139

Phone: 305-531-1001
Cost: Free

Are your kids into Art Deco art? Well, that may be a tough sell for some, but if you have an artsy bunch, they’ll love the bright and busy collection at The Wolfsonian. This museum is located in Miami Beach’s historic Art Deco District and is a great place to visit if you’re hitting SoBe. Although admission is always free for every guest, families with kids should probably visit on a Free Family Day. These days include free hands-on programs like art-making, storytime, kid-centric gallery tours, and games. Check out The Wolfsonian’s online calendar to see what’s in store for Free Family Day!

Pérez Art Museum Miami (PAMM)

Address: 1103 Biscayne Blvd, Miami, FL 33132

Phone: 305-375-3000
Cost: $12-16; Free for children under 6; Free admission every first Thursday of the month

Known for an extensive contemporary collection of Cuban art, the PAMM may not be to the tastes of younger kids, but it does have a wide range of activities that may peak their interests. Pick up an activity booklet at the circulation desk so they can go on a scavenger hunt throughout the museum to bring out their inner artist. Depending on the time of year and day, the museum also offers a variety of workshops and kid-friendly tours. Many of these activities are included in standard admission, you’ll just need to RSVP. Kids can get hands-on and make their own work with guest artists or even join a storytime in the gallery.

Charter bus travel tip: Bus dropoff and pickup is available on Museum Drive but you won’t be able to park there. You’ll have to look into public lots with oversized options and give your driver money to cover parking fees. Several parking lots are located a couple of blocks east of the museum, just beyond NE 2nd Ave.

Wynwood Walls

Address: 2520 NW 2nd Ave, Miami, FL 33127
Phone: 305-531-4411

Cost: Free-Varies

Wynwood is arguably one of Miami’s coolest neighborhoods. The area is filled with street art, shops, galleries, small museums, and local markets that are fun to explore for guests of all ages. Start your visit at the Wynwood Walls, where kids can get up close and personal with massive street art murals and interactive sculptures that double as play areas. Visiting most art spaces in the neighborhood is completely free, but if you’re visiting another private museum or amusement center, you may have to pay admission fees.

Charter bus travel tip: First Friday brings hundreds of people to Wynwood and the roads get ridiculously crowded. This time of the month may bring additional activities for kids to enjoy, but it may be hard to park a charter bus.

Soak up some sun at kid-friendly beaches.

South Beach is Miami’s most popular beach but it isn’t the only option out there. Check out these kid-friendly beaches in the Miami metro area:

Bill Baggs Cape Florida State Park

Address: 1200 Crandon Blvd, Key Biscayne, FL 33149
Phone: 786-582-2673
Cost: $8 per vehicle (up to 8 passengers) or $2 per person (in buses)

Key Biscayne has several quiet and family-friendly beaches away from the hustle and bustle of Miami Beach. Large groups will have miles of beach for children to explore, play, and splash in the calm waters. Bill Baggs Park not only has a beautiful, calm, and relatively empty beach, it also has a historic lighthouse that kids are sure to love. I’m not sure about you, but when I was a kid, I thought lighthouses were pretty cool (and they’re honestly still cool as an adult). The Cape Florida Light is recognized as the oldest standing structure in South Florida. Self-guided tours of the lighthouse are free and open Thursday through Monday.

South Pointe Park Beach

Address: 1 Washington Ave, Miami Beach, FL 33139
Phone: 305-673-7779
Cost: Free

South Pointe Park Beach is just a few blocks away from South Beach. Unlike South Beach though, South Pointe Park Beach has grassy play areas, a pier with an observation deck, and calm shallow water. This makes it a great spot to take the kids! Pack up your bus with all your beach gear and enjoy a day in the South Florida sun. Once you’ve wrapped up your day at the beach, hop back on your bus and cool off on the way to your next destination.

Charter bus travel tip: South Pointe Park Beach doesn’t have its own designated lot, so you’ll have to organize parking at a public lot or along the street on Washington Avenue. Expect to pay hourly for each space your charter bus takes up in your parking area.

Matheson Hammock Park

Address: 9610 Old Cutler Road, Coral Gables, FL 33156
Phone: 305-665-5475

Cost: $5-7 per car, $15 per bus

Are you traveling with toddlers or even younger children? Matheson Hammock is a scenic yet often forgotten beach in suburban Miami. The beach has a shallow and enclosed wading pool for small children to safely play in the water. There are also fishing areas for groups who want to spend a relaxed afternoon by the water and beautiful mangroves. If you have some extra time, consider hopping over next door to Fairchild Tropical Garden. Admission to the garden during normal hours can get pricey but sometimes special events and programs can be accessed at a lower cost.

Travel Around Miami with Falcon Charter Bus

Without some thorough planning, traveling with kids around Miami can easily rack up a big bill. While organizing your trip, let Falcon Charter Bus take the transportation off your plate. Call 305-359-3962 at any time to chat with a rental representative about your trip!

If you’re planning a field trip or school outing, Atlanta is a great place to have one. There are so many family-friendly and educational attractions here, many of which we’ve already covered—like the Fernbank Science Center, the MLK Jr. National Historical Park, and the Georgia State Capitol Building, just to name a few—in our budget-friendly Atlanta guide.

But if you’re still looking for more options for your next outing with the youth group, daycare, summer camp, or after-school club, you’ve come to the right place. Keep reading to see even more destinations your youngsters will enjoy in Atlanta!

Do your little travelers need a ride on your big day out? Let Falcon Charter Bus take the wheel. Our network of buses and experienced drivers means we can provide safe and reliable transportation of nearly any size, scope, and scale—from minibus shuttles for small clubs to a fleet of charter buses for your entire 8th-grade class. Throw in amenities like WiFi so they can stream music or TVs and a DVD player for your Magic School Bus marathons, and you’ve got a comfortable ride that will keep them entertained between destinations on your itinerary. Call 404-400-3545 at any time to reserve your ride, or just to receive a free, personalized quote—there’s no obligation to book if you receive one!

Now let’s get field-tripping:

Center for Puppetry Arts

Address: 1404 Spring St NW, Atlanta, GA 30309

Phone: 404-873-3391

Oft-overlooked by travel guides, this destination is a great way to spend an afternoon with an elementary-aged crowd. As the name suggests, the Center for Puppetry Arts is the U.S.’s largest art center dedicated to, well, puppets. It first opened in 1978 with an opening ceremony hosted by the one and only Kermit the Frog.

Since the 70s, the Center has taken to not only entertaining the public with daily live puppet shows, but also educating the masses on various forms of puppetry arts. When you go to visit, be sure to set aside time to tour the Worlds of Puppetry Museum. There, your class can say hello to a variety of friends, from traditional Japanese Bunraku figures to Crow and Tom Servo from Mystery Science Theater 3000 and costume pieces from Broadway’s The Lion King. The Center’s museum rotates out what’s on display roughly every six months—so even returning educators are bound to see something new every time they come!

Depending on the time of year, your group can also catch any puppet show from the rotation of annual favorites—from “Aesop’s Fantastical Fables” to “Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer” and much more! Field trip groups especially are encouraged to coordinate a create-a-puppet workshop that accompanies the program your kids just watched. That way, they can take home a piece of the show and make it their own.

Bus Parking: There’s free parking behind the center, and while it is limited, the lot can accommodate motorcoaches and buses. When you see the Center (it’s bright green, by the way—you can’t miss it), continue along 18th Street until you see the parking entrance on the left.

Jimmy Carter Presidential Library and Museum

Address: 441 John Lewis Freedom Pkwy NE, Atlanta, GA 30307

Phone: 404-865-7100

Planning an outing with your Georgia History class, local government enthusiasts, or group of aspiring leaders? There’s no better place to learn about the state’s only president than the Jimmy Carter Presidential Library on the northeast side of town.

Brush up on your knowledge of the Carter administration, catch a glimpse of the president’s Nobel Peace Prize, and take a seat in the full-scale replica of the Oval Office (which includes a reproduction of the iconic Resolute Desk).

Field trip programs are offered during the school year—September through May. Tour Reservation Forms are processed on a first-come, first-served basis, so be sure to reserve well in advance if you plan to visit in the spring (reservations tend to fill up quickly then). Groups of 70 or more students are asked to reserve multiple tour times or visit across multiple days.

When you come to visit, your group has two options when it comes to exploring the museum: a docent-guided tour or a self-guided tour with your teachers and chaperones leading the way.

If you opt for a guided tour, be prepared to reserve your tour slot with a $25 deposit, which will be refunded upon your arrival.

Since no place inside allows food or drink, we recommend planning a picnic lunch somewhere in the surrounding Freedom Park.  And don’t worry about running out of space for your coolers and bagged lunches—your charter bus rental will come with plenty of storage space under the cabin, and your driver can help you unload everything when it’s time to eat.

Bus Parking: Free motorcoach-accommodating parking is available adjacent to the library. Enter from East John Lewis Freedom Parkway, and the Library entrance should be on your left.

Atlanta History Center

Address: 130 West Paces Ferry Rd NW, Atlanta, GA 30305

Phone: 404-814-4110

First founded in 1926, this 33-acre history museum, research center, and garden is dedicated to exploring and preserving the history and culture of Atlanta. Explore the city’s near-200-year history through six permanent exhibits and several rotating showcases—from the Trail of Tears to the emancipation of slaves, the rise of Coca Cola to the famous Battle of Atlanta cyclorama mural. Here are some of the highlights:

• Centennial Olympic Games Museum—set to be renovated by the end of Summer 2020. Check out memorabilia and art from the 1996 Summer Olympics, and see how the games’ legacy still influences city planning even 20+ years later.
• Turning Point: The American Civil War—review the broad strokes of the Civil War and Atlanta’s role in it through the Center’s collection of 1,400 Civil War artifacts.
• Gatheround: Stories of Atlanta—explore the past, present, and future of Atlanta culture by hearing from the people who have and still do create it.
• Shaping Traditions: Folk Arts in a Changing South—trace how Southern folk art has developed through the decades through clothing, food, singing, and storytelling.
• Down the Fairway with Bobby Jones—centers on the life of Bobby Jones, Georgia’s most famous golfer, and how the sport has shaped the state.
• Philip Trammell Shutze: Atlanta Classicist, Connoisseur, and Collector—features the life and work of one of Atlanta’s most prolific architects. Afterward, swing by the Swan House (also on the Center’s grounds) to see his handiwork in-person.

Field trip groups are encouraged to reserve a tour slot ahead of time by reaching out to schooltours@atlantahistorycenter.com. You have an option to tour the grounds yourself or enlist the help of a History Center volunteer to help guide your students through the exhibits.

Bus Parking: There’s a dedicated bus parking area within the center’s parking lot. If you’re entering the lot from the Andrews Drive entrance, have your driver take the second left past McElreath Hall and The Kenan Research Center (there’s plenty of signs to direct them to the right place). If your group is getting dropped off at the main Center building beforehand, have your driver enter the lot from West Paces Ferry Road, unload in front of the entrance, and loop back into the parking lot. The bus spaces are to the left of the small parking deck.

The Georgia Aquarium

Address: 225 Baker St NW, Atlanta, GA 30313

Phone: 404-581-4000

Have you ever wanted to meet the largest fish in the world? Now’s your chance!

As one of the most-visited attractions within Atlanta city limits, there’s a chance this field trip destination is already on your itinerary. And for good reason! It’s the largest aquarium in the Western Hemisphere and the third-largest in the world, and it’s home to thousands of aquatic animals from across the globe—from beluga whales to Amazonian piranhas, African penguins to seadragons, and much more. The aquarium’s pride and joy, however, is the 126-foot-tall gallery wall of the Ocean Voyager wing, which houses multiple endangered whale sharks (the biggest living fish) and larger-than-life manta rays.

Depending on how big your group is, you can receive a discounted rate for general admission, meal vouchers, and even complimentary tickets. You’ll have your choice of a self-guided tour of the galleries you can take at your own pace or an instructor-led tour tailored to your age groups’ curriculum standards. Programs can include conservation sciences and the basics of marine biology, as well as the physics of the tides and how water affects light and sound waves—so even if you’re visiting with a crowd that’s not a biology class, you can still incorporate what they’ve learned into your lesson plans!

Bus Parking: The Aquarium is in the heart of downtown, which means parking (let alone bus parking) is very limited. Your driver’s best bet is to reserve a spot at the Georgia World Congress Center Marshalling Yard. It’s only a half-mile from the aquarium and can even offer overnight parking if your group is taking part in a sleepover program.

Children’s Museum of Atlanta

Address: 275 Centennial Olympic Park Dr NW, Atlanta, GA 30313

Phone: 404-659-5437

If you’ve already hit up all the most popular field trip spots and are looking for a change of pace, consider paying a visit to an attraction that often doesn’t get the love it deserves: the Children’s Museum of Atlanta. Here, your little learners can launch rockets, stage their own treehouse puppet shows, and build out a model city’s infrastructure—all in a hands-on playground environment, of course.

Admission for field trip groups is discounted during the school year and over the summer, and the museum offers both guided and self-guided tours of the exhibits and play areas. There are two things you should know before planning your visit.

1. You cannot purchase tickets at the door—all admission must be reserved online.
2. When you buy tickets, you’re signing up for a specific time slot to explore the museum. After your two hours is up, your group will be asked to leave.

With those factors in mind, it would behoove your group to set up a game plan before you embark. Field trip groups are usually scheduled for Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursday mornings, so you’ll need to pack a lunch to eat afterward. Indoor eating space is scarce, so we recommend taking your PB&Js to Centennial Park across the street, where your kids can eat up and even cool off in the splash fountain.

Bus Parking: The museum is located a mere block away from the Georgia Aquarium, so the parking situation is much the same: your driver will need to get a pass at the nearby GWCC Marshalling Yard on Ivan Allen Jr. Boulevard. You can reserve the parking pass through the museum, but you’ll need to call to get the exact pricing information for your visit.

Get Going on Your Atlanta Field Trip

No matter where your travels take you, you can count on Falcon Charter Bus to make your Atlanta field trip a breeze. Our 24-hour reservation team is always here to help you find the perfect ride to suit your group’s size, schedule, and comfort requests. Whether you need an ADA-compliant vehicle at no additional cost or a shuttle service that operates on a route you create—we’ll make it happen for you.

Don’t believe us? Give us a call at 404-400-3545 and see for yourself! We’ll be more than happy to offer you a free, no-obligation quote tailored to your travel plans in the ATL.