Scheduling tours at each school is the first step in planning your pre-collegiate time in Miami. We recommend scheduling undergraduate information sessions and tours in the morning. This will give you more time during the afternoon to independently explore the campus and the city. However, this suggested itinerary is totally flexible — you can easily move campus tours to the afternoon and see local Miami attractions in the morning instead.
With a private charter bus rental in Miami, you don’t need to worry about getting around the busy city. A professional driver handles all the traffic and navigation, while you and your group of potential students focus on visions of future college life!
Planning a single college tour across Florida with a Tallahassee charter bus rental, charter bus in Orlando, or bus rental in Tampa makes sense if your group is coming from out of state. If your college tour group wants to visit schools throughout the Southeast, the charter buses in our network are available for long-distance travel.
Where to Stay
If your group is visiting from another city or out of state, book accommodations in advance. Hotels close to Miami’s college campuses can fill up quickly during popular times for tours. Here are just a few hotels we recommend that are relatively close to Miami International Airport, Florida International University, and the University of Miami.
Hotel Colonnade Coral Gables, a Tribute Portfolio Hotel
Hotel Colonnade is centrally located in Coral Gables, close to shopping and restaurants on Miracle Mile. A 4-star hotel is a good option for groups who may want a more upscale option.
Address: 180 Aragon Avenue, Coral Gables, FL 33134
Phone: (305) 441-2600
Hilton Garden Inn Miami Dolphin Mall
Hilton Garden Inn’s Dolphin Mall location is close to shopping centers, the airport, and FIU. It’s a good choice for groups looking for a familiar mid-range hotel.
Address: 1695 NW 111th Ave, Sweetwater, FL 33172
Phone: (305) 500-9077
Wingate by Wyndham Miami Airport
Wingate by Wyndham is a budget-friendly option suitable for large groups needing multiple rooms. The location is close to the airport and less than 20 minutes from universities.
Address: 3755 NW 78th Ave, Doral, FL 33166
Phone: (786) 310-2752
Day 1: Florida International University’s Modesto A. Maidique Campus
Address: 11200 SW 8th St, Miami, FL 33199
Phone: (305) 348-2000
With over 55,000 students, FIU is one of the largest public universities in the south. It's also academically strong, consistently ranking among the top public universities in Florida. Schedule a morning tour of the Florida International University’s Modesto A. Maidique Campus. These guided walking tours typically take around 2 hours and showcase classrooms, the library, dining facilities, and more. Groups of seven or fewer visitors can arrange specialized tours of individual programs, such as engineering, business, and nursing.
A few not-to-miss locations on the FIU campus are the Frost Art Museum and the FIU Nature Preserve. The Frost Art Museum, an official Smithsonian Affiliate, is one of the largest academic museums in South Florida. Its rotating exhibits feature world-class art, and entrance is free. The museum sits on Avenue of the Arts, where you can see even more public art, including the Sculpture Park. The FIU Nature Preserve represents South Florida’s unique Everglades habitat. It’s a remarkable place to explore, featuring zones of tropical hardwood hammock, pine rocklands, and freshwater wetlands.
Your Miami charter bus driver can take you to and from the FIU main campus, with pickups available at your hotel, the airport, or another designated meeting spot.
After Your FIU Tour
Once your FIU campus tour is complete, continue your itinerary via charter bus in Miami with lunch, dinner, and an enjoyable afternoon destination in between.
Pinecrest Bakery - Sweetwater
Pinecrest Bakery is a Miami-born eatery specializing in authentic Cuban cuisine and delicious pastries. It’s ideal for lunch and a true taste of Miami.
Address: 10780 W Flagler St, Miami, FL 33174
Phone: (786) 607-2007
Fairchild Tropical Botanic Gardens
Students considering Miami colleges will want to get a feel for the tropical landscape, and the Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden is an excellent place to do so. Your group can take a self-guided tour of the expansive 83-acre gardens. Dating back to 1938, Fairchild has a renowned collection of rare and endangered tropical plants, including hundreds of species of palms, bamboo, tropical fruit trees, and flowering trees. The 2-acre rainforest, filled with Amazonian plant species and a waterfall, is the only tropical rainforest in the continental United States.
After exploring the gardens and campus on foot, you’ll appreciate the comfort and convenience of your own private Miami charter bus.
Address: 10901 Old Cutler Road, Coral Gables, FL 33156
Phone: (305) 667-1651
Whisk Gourmet
For your final stop of the day, dine on Southern-inspired comfort foods at Whisk Gourmet, a locals’ favorite restaurant in South Miami.
Address: 7382 SW 56th Avenue, South Miami, FL 33143
Phone: (786) 268-8350
Day 2: The University of Miami
The University of Miami, one of the most prestigious private universities in the south, is a sought-after school for academics, sports, and collegiate culture. Its Coral Gables campus is open for self-guided tours any time, but it’s better to attend a scheduled information session and take a student-led guided tour. Groups of 15 or more should book group tours in advance. Book your Miami charter bus at the same time to get most of the planning done for your UM college tour.
A tour focuses on academic buildings, but you should also check out campus landmarks like the Lowe Art Museum, Shalala Student Center, and the beautiful Cobb Fountain.
Address: 1320 S Dixie Hwy, Coral Gables, FL 33146
Phone: (305) 284-2211
After Your UM Tour
The UM campus sprawls over much of Coral Gables, but you should definitely plan to explore beyond the campus. Your Miami charter bus driver can take you to these top sights to see in the vicinity of UM.
Venetian Pool
The Venetian Pool is the largest freshwater swimming pool in the United States, and also a notable historic landmark dating to the 1920s. It's the only public pool listed on the National Register of Historic Places, and a stunning gem of Coral Gables with its glamorous architecture. Don’t forget your swimsuit!
Address: 2701 De Soto Blvd, Coral Gables, FL 33134
Phone: (305) 460-5306
Havana Harry’s
Havana Harry’s, a Cuban restaurant in the heart of Coral Gables, is a highly recommended lunch spot. With top-notch cuisine and an inviting atmosphere, the restaurant earned a spot on the 2022 Michelin Guide’s list of the best Cuban restaurants in Miami.
Address: 4612 S. Le Jeune Rd, Coral Gables, Fl 33146
Phone: (305) 661-2622
Wynwood Walls
Wynwood Walls is a unique street art museum credited with bringing new life and cultural recognition to the Wynwood neighborhood. Individual and group tours are available. Groups of 10 or more can also book a street art experience to learn graffiti techniques and create a work of art to take home.
Address: 2516 NW 2nd Avenue, Miami FL 33127
Phone: (305) 576-3334
Book Your Miami College Tour Today
Successful college tours take a lot of planning, with the reward of helping students pick the next big direction in their life! Check off the “transportation” item on your college tour to-do list by arranging a private bus rental in Miami. Our team is available 24/7 to help you choose the perfect Miami charter bus option and plan your full itinerary. Call 305-359-3962 for a free quote.
