A Group Travel Guide to Lakeland, Florida's Best Destinations

Frank Lloyd Wright Architecture at Florida Southern College

For architecture enthusiasts and educational groups, a visit to Florida Southern College is non-negotiable. The campus is home to the largest single-site collection of Frank Lloyd Wright architecture in the world, designated as a National Historic Landmark. Your group can explore the “Child of the Sun” collection, which includes 13 completed structures designed by the legendary architect, including the stunning Annie Pfeiffer Chapel and the intricate Water Dome. Walking tours are popular here, but getting a large group organized for arrival can be tricky without a plan.

When you rent a charter bus in Lakeland for a tour of the college, you ensure that your entire group arrives together and on time for your scheduled guided tour. Your driver can drop your group off right at the Sharp Family Tourism and Education Center (840 Johnson Ave, Lakeland, FL 33801), eliminating the need for your attendees to hunt for visitor parking spots on a busy college campus. After your walking tour, your group will be grateful to return to the air-conditioned comfort of a private bus, especially during the humid Florida afternoons. Whether you are a university architecture club or a senior tour group, Charter Bus Lakeland provides the seamless transportation you need to appreciate this historic treasure.

Lake Mirror Park and Hollis Garden

If you are looking for the crown jewel of downtown Lakeland, look no further than Lake Mirror Park. This historic promenade, dating back to the 1920s, offers a neo-classical design that makes it a favorite spot for wedding photos, community events, and leisurely group strolls. Right adjacent to the promenade lies Hollis Garden (702 E Orange St, Lakeland, FL 33801), a breathtaking botanical garden set within a neo-classical architectural environment. With over 10,000 flowers, ornamental shrubs, and native trees, it is a serene escape for garden clubs, wedding parties, and photography groups.

Parking in downtown Lakeland can be limited, especially during weekend events or peak wedding season. By booking a minibus rental with Charter Bus Lakeland, you can arrange for a convenient drop-off right near the entrance of Hollis Garden or along the promenade. If you are planning a wedding at the nearby Peggy Brown Building or the Magnolia Building, our wedding shuttle services can transport your guests from their hotels directly to the venue, ensuring no one gets lost or arrives late. Let us handle the driving so you can enjoy the swans, the flora, and the beautiful views of the lake.

Publix Field at Joker Marchant Stadium

For sports fans, Lakeland is synonymous with Spring Training. Publix Field at Joker Marchant Stadium (2301 Lakeland Hills Blvd, Lakeland, FL 33805) has been the spring home of the Detroit Tigers for decades and also hosts the winding season for the Lakeland Flying Tigers. The stadium recently underwent significant renovations, making it one of the premier facilities in the Grapefruit League. Groups flock here in February and March to catch a game, enjoy a hot dog, and soak up the sun.

Coordinating a convoy of cars for a baseball game often leads to separated groups and expensive parking fees. With a sports charter bus rental from Charter Bus Lakeland, your fan club can tailgate together and arrive in high spirits. Our buses come with ample undercarriage storage, perfect for stowing coolers, folding chairs, and banners. Your driver will handle the game-day traffic on Lakeland Hills Boulevard and drop you off near the stadium gates. After the final inning, you won’t have to fight the gridlock leaving the parking lot; your bus will be waiting to whisk you away to a celebratory dinner or back home. It is the ultimate way to experience America's pastime in Lakeland.

Circle B Bar Reserve

For those who want to see the "real" Florida, Circle B Bar Reserve is a must-visit destination. Located on the northwest shore of Lake Hancock, this 1,267-acre preserve is a haven for wildlife photographers, bird watchers, and nature enthusiasts. It is famous for its alligator population—often spotted sunning themselves right next to the trails—as well as bald eagles, ospreys, and bobcats. The reserve features several miles of trails, including the famous Alligator Alley, and the Polk's Nature Discovery Center (4399 Winter Lake Rd, Lakeland, FL 33803), which offers educational exhibits perfect for school field trips.

School buses are the traditional choice for field trips, but they often lack comfort. Upgrade your next educational outing with a modern charter bus rental from Charter Bus Lakeland. Our buses feature plush seating, climate control to beat the heat, and onboard TVs with DVD players to keep students entertained during the ride. We can easily accommodate large grade-level trips with our fleet of 56-passenger motorcoaches. Your driver will ensure comfortable transport to the reserve, and with plenty of storage space, there is room for everyone’s packed lunches, water bottles, and hiking gear.

RP Funding Center

The RP Funding Center (701 W Lime St, Lakeland, FL 33815) is the hub of entertainment and business in Lakeland. Comprising the Youkey Theatre, the Jenkins Arena, and a massive convention center, this venue hosts everything from Broadway shows and concerts to trade shows and high school graduations. If you are a corporate event planner or a group organizer, moving attendees to and from the RP Funding Center is a critical part of your logistics.

Charter Bus Lakeland specializes in corporate event transportation and convention shuttles. We can set up a recurring shuttle service between the RP Funding Center and local hotels like the Hyatt Place or SpringHill Suites, ensuring your conference attendees arrive on time for keynote speeches and breakout sessions. For entertainment groups, a private minibus is the perfect way to enjoy a night out at a concert or comedy show without worrying about designated drivers or parking fees. With amenities like power outlets and WiFi available upon request, your corporate team can even stay productive while on the road.

Polk Museum of Art

Located on the Florida Southern College campus, the Polk Museum of Art (800 E Palmetto St, Lakeland, FL 33801) is a Smithsonian Affiliate and one of the top fine art museums in the state. The museum features a diverse permanent collection ranging from Pre-Columbian art to modern and contemporary works, along with rotating exhibitions that draw visitors from all over Central Florida. It is a fantastic destination for art appreciation groups, senior citizen outings, and educational field trips.

When you rent a charter bus for a trip to the Polk Museum of Art, you take the stress out of the journey. Accessibility is a priority for us; if you are traveling with seniors or individuals with mobility challenges, simply request an ADA-compliant bus when you book. These vehicles come equipped with wheelchair lifts and wider aisles to ensure everyone travels in comfort. Your driver can provide curb-to-curb service, dropping your group off at the main entrance so they can head straight into the galleries. After absorbing the culture, your group can relax in reclining seats and discuss their favorite pieces on the ride to lunch or back home.

Florida Air Museum

Aviation buffs and STEM students will find plenty to explore at the Florida Air Museum (4175 Medulla Rd, Lakeland, FL 33811), located on the SUN 'n FUN Expo Campus. As Florida's "Official Aviation Museum and Education Center," it boasts a fascinating collection of vintage aircraft, engines, and aviation memorabilia. The museum is also the heart of the annual SUN 'n FUN Aerospace Expo, one of the largest aviation conventions in the world.

Whether you are attending the Expo or visiting for a private tour, traffic around the airport can get heavy. Charter Bus Lakeland can streamline your travel plans with a reliable motorcoach rental. For large school groups or scout troops working on aviation badges, a charter bus keeps everyone together and accounted for. There is plenty of room in the overhead bins for day packs, and the onboard PA system allows group leaders to make announcements or conduct roll calls easily. Let us navigate the roads near Lakeland Linder International Airport while you focus on the skies.

Lakeside Village

After a day of touring museums or hiking nature trails, your group might be ready for some retail therapy or a nice meal. Lakeside Village (1479 Town Center Dr, Lakeland, FL 33803) is an open-air lifestyle center featuring a variety of shops, restaurants, and a movie theater. It is a great spot for youth groups to unwind, for corporate teams to grab a dinner, or for wedding parties to do some last-minute shopping.

Navigating a caravan of cars through a busy shopping center parking lot can be a nightmare. With a private bus rental from Charter Bus Lakeland, you can arrange a designated pickup and drop-off point near the central fountain or the cinema. Your group can split up to shop and dine at their leisure, then meet back at the bus at a pre-arranged time. You won’t have to worry about stuffing shopping bags into a cramped trunk—our buses offer plenty of space. Plus, after a big meal at one of the local steakhouses or grills, nothing beats napping in a reclining seat on the ride home.

Book Your Lakeland Charter Bus Rental Today

Ready to explore Lakeland, Florida, without the hassle of driving and parking? Charter Bus Lakeland is here to make your group trip exceptional. We offer 24/7 customer support, transparent pricing, and a commitment to comfort and satisfaction that is second to none. Whether you need a simple transfer or a complex multi-day itinerary, our reservation specialists are ready to help you build the perfect travel plan. Don't leave your transportation to chance. Call us today at 727-621-1920 to receive your free, personalized quote and start planning your Lakeland adventure!