{"id":652,"date":"2020-06-03T15:25:59","date_gmt":"2020-06-03T15:25:59","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.falconcharterbus.com\/blog\/?p=652"},"modified":"2021-10-06T15:06:57","modified_gmt":"2021-10-06T15:06:57","slug":"the-best-budget-friendly-group-activities-in-atlanta","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.falconcharterbus.com\/blog\/the-best-budget-friendly-group-activities-in-atlanta\/","title":{"rendered":"The Best Budget-Friendly Group Activities in Atlanta"},"content":{"rendered":"\r\n

As the cultural hub of the Southeast and one of the most affordable major U.S. cities, Atlanta<\/a> is a great destination for travelers and sightseers on a budget. Even so, making the most of the ATL without breaking the bank can be a challenge, especially if you\u2019re traveling with a large group of friends, family members, kids, or coworkers.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

That\u2019s why Falcon Charter Bus has put together this list of some of the best places to spend your time in Atlanta on the cheap. And whenever you need to hash out a group transportation plan for your visit, be sure to call 404-400-3545<\/strong>\u2014we\u2019ll make every step of your travels stress-free, and we can even offer a free, no-obligation quote<\/a> for your rental!<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

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Piedmont Park<\/h2>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

Address: <\/strong>400 Park Dr NE, Atlanta, GA 30306<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

One activity that\u2019s almost always free? Enjoying the great outdoors!<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

This public park is sometimes considered the \u201cCentral Park\u201d of Atlanta\u2014it was designed by the same landscape architect, after all. Here, you can scope out local fresh produce and crafts at the Green Market (Saturday mornings between March and November, just inside the 12th Street and Piedmont Avenue Gate), learn more about growing your own food in the community garden, dog-spot in either of the two off-leash areas, or simply stroll along the miles of walking and running trails.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

As for parking, Piedmont Park is in the heart of bustling Midtown, so finding a motorcoach-friendly spot might be tricky. But depending on your itinerary and plans, your group may have some options:<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

If your lodging is nearby<\/strong>\u2014it will probably be easiest if your driver drops you off at the park and returns to the hotel parking lot to wait for your next pick-up time. When you rent a bus for multi-day journeys, you\u2019ll need to reserve lodging for your driver with easy access to bus parking anyway, so if you\u2019re staying in Midtown, you\u2019ll want to take advantage of the hotel\u2019s parking arrangements when you can. Also, many hotels offer special rates for bus drivers and bus parking, so be sure to inquire about a discount when you book your hotel block!<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

If your group wants to grab a quick meal<\/strong>\u2014swing by The Varsity before heading to the park. This fast-food stop not only offers cheap eats (burgers, hot dogs, fries, and shakes), it\u2019s an iconic Atlanta landmark every out-of-towner should experience before you leave. Just be sure you know your order before the person behind the counter asks \u201cWhat\u2019ll you have?\u201d\u2014this place is fast-paced and you won\u2019t want to hold up the line. After you\u2019ve grabbed your chili dogs and Frosted Oranges, your driver can park the bus in the huge parking lot behind the restaurant, and your group can walk the few blocks to the park for a picnic lunch.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

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High Museum of Art<\/h2>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

Address: <\/strong>1280 Peachtree St NE, Atlanta, GA 30309<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

This modern art museum is one of the oldest and most highly acclaimed museums in the city, with roots in the Atlanta art scene tracing back over 100 years and more than 15,000 pieces in its permanent collection. Whether you want to see sketches by renowned African American artists or Southern Gothic photography, the High delivers.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

Normally, group admission to this local-favorite modern art museum runs anywhere from\u00a0 $8 to $15 per patron (not exactly ideal if you\u2019re a large group that\u2019s strapped for cash). But if you visit between 12 and 4 p.m. on the second Sunday of the month, your group can visit free of charge!<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

Besides receiving access to the High\u2019s permanent collection and rotating exhibitions, Second Sunday visitors can make and interpret art hands-on with interactive family workshops, story-times, and even a sensory room with noise-canceling headphones, crash pads, and objects of varying textures.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

The High Museum is an especially group-friendly destination, with free designated bus parking and loading\/unloading zones<\/a> available to motorcoaches.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

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Fernbank Science Center<\/h2>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

Address: <\/strong>156 Heaton Park Dr, Atlanta, GA 30307<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

Science enthusiasts on a budget will not want to pass up this stop. Here, your group can cover a lot of different scientific subjects in one afternoon\u2014from small animals of the slimy and scaly variety to large-scale space capsules like the ones used in the Apollo 6 missions.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

This is also where you\u2019ll find the Dr. Ralph L. Buice, Jr. Observatory. This 30-foot dome houses a 36-inch Cassegrain reflector\u2014the largest telescope in the Southeast and one of the country\u2019s largest instruments dedicated to education and public viewing. Your group can join a free, astronomer-led observation session any Thursday or Friday evening from sundown until 10:30 p.m. (weather permitting). Call 678-874-7102 ahead of time to confirm your preferred session\u2019s hours before you plan your visit.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

Not to be confused with the Fernbank Museum (which does charge admission), the Fernbank Science Center is free to the public and offers free parking. If you want to pop into the planetarium<\/a> for a show, you\u2019ll need to pay $7 per adult and $5 per senior or student. Depending on how busy it is during your visit, your charter bus may park along the pull-through lot out front or on the street near the center entrance.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

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Martin Luther King, Jr. National Historical Park<\/h2>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

Address: <\/strong>450 Auburn Ave NE, Atlanta, GA 30312<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

If you\u2019re in Atlanta to brush up on your Civil Rights history<\/a>, this national park is probably on your itinerary already. But did you know that touring Martin Luther King, Jr. National Historical Park\u2014the site of MLK\u2019s childhood home and final resting place\u2014is free to the public?<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

This site is less of a singular park and more of a collection of smaller sites all in one location. So the best course of action when touring it is to have your charter bus driver drop you off on Irwin Street. Your bus driver can wait for your group in the coach-friendly lot on John Wesley Dobbs Avenue so everyone can take their time exploring these historic sites on foot.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

Here are just a few of the highlights your group can expect to see here:<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n