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

Situated conveniently between Tampa and Orlando along the I-4 corridor, Lakeland, Florida, is a vibrant destination that offers a unique blend of historic charm, natural beauty, and modern entertainment. Whether you are planning a corporate retreat, a school field trip, a wedding, or a family reunion, navigating this sprawling city with a large group is best done with a private vehicle. At Lakeland Charter Bus, we specialize in providing seamless, comfortable, and reliable charter bus rentals in Lakeland and throughout Central Florida. Skip the stress of coordinating carpools, navigating unfamiliar roads, or searching for parking spots during peak hours. Instead, let a driver handle the logistics while you and your group relax in a climate-controlled cabin featuring plush reclining seats, onboard WiFi, and plenty of storage for all your gear.

From the architectural wonders of Frank Lloyd Wright to the wild beauty of the Circle B Bar Reserve, Lakeland has something for everyone. We have compiled this comprehensive guide to the city's top destinations to help you build the perfect itinerary. When you are ready to book your transportation, our reservation specialists are available 24/7 at 407-593-6615 to provide you with a free, no-obligation quote in under 30 seconds. Let us help you make your next group trip to Lakeland unforgettable!

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Bonnet Springs Park

As one of the newest and most impressive additions to the city, Bonnet Springs Park is an absolute must-visit for groups of all ages and interests. This massive 168-acre urban oasis, located just outside of downtown, was transformed from a former railyard into a stunning ecological jewel. It features a botanical garden, a canopy walk, a nature center, and the Florida Children’s Museum. For large groups, specifically school field trips or family reunions, Bonnet Springs Park offers a full day of activity without ever having to leave the grounds. However, given its popularity, parking can become a hassle on weekends or during special events. By booking a charter bus rental with Lakeland Charter Bus, your group can be dropped off right at the Welcome Center (400 Bonnet Springs Blvd, Lakeland, FL 33815), avoiding the long walk from overflow parking lots. After a day of exploring the Crenshaw Canopy Walk or playing on the massive playgrounds, your group will appreciate climbing back into a cool, air-conditioned bus rather than hot personal vehicles.

Circle B Bar Reserve

For groups looking to experience the "real" Florida, there is no better destination in Polk County than the Circle B Bar Reserve. Located on the northwest shore of Lake Hancock, this reserve is famous for its diverse wildlife, including massive alligators, bald eagles, and wading birds. It is a prime spot for photography clubs, nature enthusiasts, and educational science trips. The reserve features several miles of unpaved trails, such as the famous Alligator Alley, which can get quite busy during the dry season. Transporting a large group here requires coordination, as you will likely have hiking gear, cameras, and plenty of water bottles. A full-size charter bus rental provides ample undercarriage storage for all your equipment, keeping the cabin clutter-free. Your driver can drop you off near the Polk Nature Discovery Center (4399 Winter Lake Rd, Lakeland, FL 33803) so you can begin your hike immediately. After trekking through the marshlands, your group can utilize the bus's onboard WiFi to instantly upload photos of the wildlife you spotted before heading to your next stop.

Florida Southern College

Architecture buffs and history lovers flock to Lakeland to see the world's largest single-site collection of Frank Lloyd Wright architecture at Florida Southern College. Designated as a National Historic Landmark, the campus features 13 completed structures designed by the famous architect, including the stunning Annie Pfeiffer Chapel and the Water Dome. Groups often schedule guided walking tours to learn about the "Child of the Sun" campus concept. If you are organizing a university tour for prospective students or an architectural society outing, a minibus rental is the perfect transportation solution. Navigating a college campus with multiple cars can result in group members getting separated or lost. With a private shuttle, your group arrives together at the Tourism & Education Center (111 Lake Hollingsworth Dr, Lakeland, FL 33801). While you tour the esplanades, your bus will be waiting nearby, ready to whisk you away to a local lunch spot downtown once your tour concludes. Enjoy the comfort of reclining seats as you discuss the incredible designs you just witnessed.

Publix Field at Joker Marchant Stadium

Spring in Lakeland means baseball! For over 80 years, the city has been the spring training home of the Detroit Tigers. Publix Field at Joker Marchant Stadium is a state-of-the-art facility that offers a fantastic game-day experience for sports fans. Whether you are planning a corporate outing, a bachelor party, or a trip for a youth league team, attending a Spring Training game is a highlight of the season. Traffic around the stadium on game days can be intense, and general parking fees can add up quickly for multiple vehicles. When you rent a charter bus in Lakeland, you eliminate these headaches. Your group can tailgate with ease, storing coolers, grills, and chairs in the bus's luggage bays. Your driver acts as your designated driver, ensuring everyone gets back home or to the hotel safely after enjoying a few beverages and a hot dog at the ballpark. The stadium is located at 2301 Lakeland Hills Blvd, Lakeland, FL 33805, and we can arrange the perfect drop-off and pick-up logistics for your squad.

Polk Museum of Art at Florida Southern College

For a dose of culture and creativity, the Polk Museum of Art is a premier destination. As a Smithsonian Affiliate, this museum boasts a diverse permanent collection ranging from Pre-Columbian art to modern contemporary pieces, along with rotating exhibitions that ensure there is always something new to see. It is an ideal destination for school art classes, senior citizen groups, or cultural societies. The museum is located near the Florida Southern College campus at 800 E Palmetto St, Lakeland, FL 33801. When you travel with Lakeland Charter Bus, you can ensure a quiet, comfortable ride for your group. Use the onboard PA system to give a brief introduction to the exhibits you are about to see or to conduct a headcount before departing. Because admission to the museum is free, you can allocate more of your budget toward premium transportation, ensuring your group travels in style with leather seats and ample legroom. We handle the driving so you can focus on the art.

Hollis Garden & Lake Mirror

Hollis Garden is a botanic masterpiece set within a neoclassical architectural environment, located right on the banks of the beautiful Lake Mirror. This 1.2-acre garden features over 10,000 flowers, ornamental shrubs, and native trees, making it a breathtaking backdrop for wedding photos, engagement parties, or a relaxing afternoon stroll. The adjacent Lake Mirror Promenade offers a historic walkway that is perfect for large groups to explore. Parking in downtown Lakeland can be tricky, especially during weekends or events. A minibus rental from Lakeland Charter Bus can drop your party off right at the entrance (702 E Orange St, Lakeland, FL 33801). If you are planning a wedding in the area, our shuttle services are perfect for moving guests between the garden ceremony and a reception venue elsewhere in the city. Your guests will appreciate the air-conditioned ride between venues, keeping them cool and their formal wear crisp in the Florida heat.

RP Funding Center

The RP Funding Center is the hub of entertainment and conventions in Lakeland. Hosting everything from Broadway shows and concerts to large-scale trade shows and basketball tournaments, this venue draws crowds from all over Central Florida. If you are an event planner organizing a convention or a corporate manager taking your team to a conference, reliable transportation is key. Located at 701 W Lime St, Lakeland, FL 33815, the center has ample parking, but coordinating arrival times for dozens of employees driving separately is a recipe for delay. A corporate charter bus rental ensures your entire team arrives simultaneously, ready to network or learn. With onboard power outlets and tray tables, your team can even prep for the event or answer last-minute emails while on the road. For entertainment events, a private bus allows your group to skip the post-show traffic jams in the parking lot, as your driver will be ready and waiting at a designated pickup location.

Florida Air Museum at SUN 'n FUN

Aviation enthusiasts cannot miss the Florida Air Museum, designated as Florida's "Official Aviation Museum and Education Center." Located on the SUN 'n FUN Expo Campus (4175 Medulla Rd, Lakeland, FL 33811), the museum features a dynamic collection of aircraft, engines, and aviation memorabilia. This location is also home to the annual SUN 'n FUN Aerospace Expo, one of the largest aviation conventions in the world. During the expo, traffic and parking are significant challenges. Lakeland Charter Bus is experienced in navigating large event logistics. We can transport your group of pilots, students, or history buffs directly to the action. Whether you are visiting for the museum's year-round exhibits or the massive fly-in event, a charter bus provides a comfortable headquarters for your group. Store souvenir purchases in the overhead bins and relax in reclining seats after a long day of walking the tarmac and looking at the skies.

Rent Your Lakeland Charter Bus Today!

No matter where your itinerary takes you in Lakeland or the surrounding Central Florida area, Lakeland Charter Bus is dedicated to providing superior group transportation services. We understand that every group is unique, which is why we offer personalized quotes and flexible scheduling to meet your specific needs. Our team is available 24/7/365 to answer your questions, assist with route planning, and ensure your trip is a success from start to finish. Don't let transportation logistics overshadow your event. Call us today at 407-593-6615 for a free, instant quote. Let us earn your business and show you why we are the trusted choice for charter bus rentals in Lakeland!

Frequently Asked Questions About Lakeland Group Travel Transportation

Charter bus pricing varies based on several factors, including the size of the bus, the duration of your trip, the distance traveled, and the time of year. For example, trips during peak seasons like spring break or holidays may carry a premium. We offer both hourly and daily rates depending on your itinerary. Local trips are often billed by the hour with a minimum rental time (usually 5 hours), while long-distance trips are billed by the day or mile. The best way to get an accurate price is to call our team at 407-593-6615. We provide free, transparent quotes in under 30 seconds with no extra fees, so you can budget with confidence.

Our fleet offers a wide range of modern amenities designed to maximize your comfort. Standard features on most full-size charter buses include plush reclining seats, air conditioning, and ample luggage storage (both overhead and undercarriage). To keep your group entertained and connected, you can request buses equipped with free WiFi, power outlets at every seat, and flat-screen TVs with DVD players. Onboard restrooms are also available on full-size motorcoaches, which is a lifesaver for longer trips. If you have specific amenity requests, such as ADA accessibility or PA systems for tour guides, simply mention them when booking, and we will find the perfect vehicle for you.

We recommend booking your charter bus as soon as your travel dates are finalized. Ideally, you should reserve your bus 3 to 6 months in advance to ensure the best availability and pricing. This is especially important if you are traveling during busy seasons, such as prom season (April-May) or during major local events like the SUN 'n FUN Aerospace Expo. However, we understand that last-minute trips happen! Our large fleet allows us to often accommodate short-notice requests, sometimes even with just a few hours' notice. Call us 24/7, and we will do our best to get you on the road.

You are not required to pay for the driver's food; they will handle their own meals during the trip. However, if your trip involves an overnight stay, you are responsible for providing a private hotel room for the driver. When booking your group's hotel block, simply ask the hotel to add a room for the driver—many hotels offer discounted or complimentary rooms for bus drivers when you book a large number of rooms for your group.