Florida has a lot to offer, whether you live here or you’re just visiting. One of the most common ways for large groups to see the sights is to take a charter bus tour. This avoids members of the group getting stuck in traffic separately and assures that transportation is as convenient as possible. The beauty of taking a charter bus is that your group is in charge of where it goes, when it goes, and how long it stays in each location you want to visit.
Taking a charter bus tour is also the best way to make sure no one in your group gets left behind. It also prevents strangers from sneaking into your group. It is one of the safest ways for large groups to travel and sight see together.
That being said, many of Florida’s largest cities are best explored by embarking on a charter bus tour. Here are some of the most popular destinations to take a charter bus tour to.
Miami
Let's start with Florida’s most popular travel destination, Miami. The sun is warm, and the beaches are always crowded in the south Florida city. Once you get to Miami, you will find one of America’s most vibrant cities. South Beach is one of the top destinations for visitors. You can enjoy a day at the beach in the sun or spend a wild night out. The nightlife in Miami is unbeatable, with a diverse collection of people getting together with a common goal: to have a great night out.
After a night out, be sure to visit Little Havana and indulge in incredibly delicious Cuban food. You will find the best Cuban food outside the Caribbean nation and, some claim, the food on offer is better. On your second day in the city, be sure to visit Miami Beach. Once you have worked on your tan, stroll down Ocean Drive and take in the amazing art deco architecture.
Fort Lauderdale
For college students, Fort Lauderdale equals spring break. But the city has a lot to offer visitors of all ages. Several of the activities offered in Fort Lauderdale have earned it the nickname ‘Venice of America.’ These activities include gondola rides and Las Olas Boulevard shopping, which also houses many of the city’s historic districts. To get a glimpse of how the rich live, visitors can take a water taxi ride. You’ll pass the famous Millionaires Row along the way.
Fort Lauderdale is famous for its beaches, arts, culture, and events. From shopping on Las Olas Boulevard to gondola rides on the canals to a historic riverfront. The Broward Center for the Performing Arts brings Broadway shows and Las Vegas acts to Fort Lauderdale. For the kids and adults alike, the Museum of Discovery and Science is the place to go. They also have a massive 5-story 3D screen at their IMAX theater! Or get magically transported to the beginning of the 20th Century, and the days of gracious living, charm, and whimsy at the Bonnet House, built when Florida was one of the nation’s last frontier outposts.
Since 1935, the Jungle Queen riverboat tour has been delighting locals and visitors alike. In 3 hours, you cruise up the New River and get a gander at Millionaire’s Row. It meanders through downtown Fort Lauderdale and then stops at a tropical island, the grand finale, where you get a spectacular meal and watch alligator wrestling while surrounded by rare birds and plants. One important note: you MUST make reservations!
While the city life is abuzz, the Anne Kolb Nature Center has a buzz all its own with a calm and quiet environment that’s ideal for getting in touch with nature. There’s a hands-on eco-room, massive aquarium, and plenty of chances to bike or walk along the mangrove trails (stroller and wheelchair accessible too). It goes from urban to secluded nature in just steps, making it all the more enchanting.
Rather have a little more action? You can spend a day or night at beautiful Gulfstream Park Racetrack and Casino, The Guitar Hotel at the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel and Casino Hollywood, head over to DRV PNK Stadium and watch Major League Soccer, or grab a warm jacket, head over to the FLA Live Arena, and watch the National Hockey League's Florida Panthers in action.
Palm Beach
As the northernmost portion of the tri-county South Florida area, Palm Beach is home to a number of billionaires. Swanky, upscale, and hoity-toity all come to mind when visiting the quintessential Rolls-Royce of South Florida.
But you don’t have to be a billionaire, millionaire, or even have gobs of money in your bank account to enjoy the good life here. Come explore and gaze out at the impeccable yachts, window-shop and splurge at some of the finest stores, feast in immaculate restaurants, rub elbows with important types at the bars, and refresh your spirit at the spas or outdoors. It’s all waiting for you in Palm Beach, the perfect place to stay in South Florida when you could use a tamer-than-Miami vacation!
Cape Canaveral
It’s common knowledge that Cape Canaveral is best known for being the home of the Kennedy Space Center. But it has a lot more attractions to offer visitors. For beach bums, a highlight of a visit to Cape Canaveral would likely be its national seashore. Here you’ll find beaches that stretch 24 miles (ca. 39 kilometers) and contain 310 different species of birds and 1,045 species of plants. Its many habitats include lagoons, dunes, and even hammocks.
Orlando
Families should start their tour of Florida in Orlando and take in the amazing fun the city has to offer. You will need a few days to take in all the great fun parks and tourist sites in Orlando before moving on. The size of the theme parks in Orlando means you may need to spend one full day in each – may be more.
The Magic Kingdom, Universal Studios, and Legoland are just three of the incredible places to experience. There are also some other great sites to explore, such as the Orlando Museum of Art and Kelly Rock Springs. Orlando is home to soccer teams, the Orlando Price (women) and Orlando City SC (men). You will find so many family activities to see and do, it will be difficult to know which order to do them in.
Daytona Beach
There are many reasons why large groups, especially families, may want to visit Daytona Beach. Aside from being the site of the famous International Speedway, Daytona is also home to attractions such as Motorsports Hall of Fame America, and the NASCAR Racing Experience.
For some outdoor fun, Daytona Beach Pier is always a big hit. In addition to a water park, the pier also boasts a family-friendly boardwalk everyone can enjoy. To get some shopping done, groups also often visit the Daytona Flea and Farmer’s Market, which features locally grown produce for sale, as well as unique antiques.
To learn about the city’s culture, recommended attractions include Cici and Hyatt Brown Museum of Art, as well as The Museum of Arts and Sciences. When it comes to the Cici and Hyatt Brown, most people visit for the collection of private paintings culled from numerous countries.
Saint Augustine
St. Augustine’s rich heritage makes the city and its surroundings a unique getaway for visitors.
Founded in September 1565 by Don Pedro Menendez de Aviles of Spain, St. Augustine is the longest continually inhabited European-founded city in the United States – more commonly called the "Nation’s Oldest City." Visit Saint Augustine and dive into more than four centuries of history that owes much to the Spanish, English, Greeks, Native Americans, and African Americans.
Stroll the narrow lanes, enter the many museums, visit landmarks such as Castillo de San Marcos, Ponce de Leon's "Fountain of Youth," and the Oldest Wooden Schoolhouse. St. Augustine is a place for history buffs and everyone else.
Jacksonville
Jacksonville, located in Northeast Florida along the Atlantic Ocean, is a natural paradise for visitors looking for an affordable yet luxurious destination.
Anything is possible in Jacksonville, whether you want to discover the unknown, ignite romance, reconnect with family, or be inspired by the city's cultural offerings or vivid sunrises. The "River City by the Sea" has more than 20 miles (ca. 32 kilometers) of wide, uncrowded beaches, nearly 40 miles (64.37 kilometers) of the tranquil Intracoastal Waterway canal, and the longest stretch of the lovely St. John's River. Jacksonville has the nation's largest urban park system, with ten state and national parks.
Jacksonville is a one-of-a-kind destination thanks to its authentic cuisine, thriving craft-beer scene, and fun and cosmopolitan nightlife.
Florida Panhandle
Pensacola is the largest city in the Florida panhandle and it gives visitors a trip back in time. Once known as the “Harlem of the South”, Pensacola is a vibrant town with lush beaches to explore. Near Pensacola, you will find other great beach towns such as Destin and Crystal River.
Tampa Bay
The Tampa Bay area lies on the Gulf of Mexico side of the state. The drive takes you across the state giving you the chance to stop off in Kissimmee and Lakeland along the way. The Tampa Bay area is a beautiful region of Florida and home to the Tampa Bay Downs racetrack, it's an ideal place to go to relax, especially after spending a few days at the fun parks in Orlando.
The area has beautiful natural scenery that is perfect for outdoor lovers throughout the year. A visit to Egmont Key State Park offers you the chance to explore the local landscapes and wildlife. The park is accessible from St. Pete Beach. The beach is perfect for swimming, snorkeling, and experiencing a relaxing day under the sun.
St.Pete and Clearwater
Warm sun, cool breezes, and soft sands. You're sure to find the right beach for you among the 35 miles (ca. 56 kilometers) of sugar-sand bliss. And, with three of TripAdvisor's top beaches in the United States located right here in St. Pete and Clearwater, planning the ideal beach vacation is simple!
Fort Myers
The first stop for most visitors is the three-mile-long Causeway Beaches. Two of the most popular activities here are windsurfing and fishing.
Visitors to Fort Myers can view the Gulf of Mexico from the city’s main beach. The beach’s north end is where you’ll find a quiet walkway that leads to numerous restaurants and shops. The rest of the beach is where visitors can enjoy activities such as sailing, water, and jet skiing, sailing, and parasailing.
For a quieter beach experience, a destination visited often by tourists is the Lovers Key State Park. Surrounded by Fort Myers Beach on one side and Bonita Beach on the other, it boasts two miles of beaches and three miles of clear water. The beaches are excellent places to go bird watching, swimming, and bay back fishing, among other activities. The three miles of waterways are where you can go kayaking and canoeing. You may even get a glimpse of some bottlenose dolphins and manatees.
Don’t miss the incredible Edison and Ford Winter Estates’ museum and botanical gardens. If you love a day out at the beach, then Fort Myers offers plenty of fun in the sun. The city also boasts excellent shopping.
Cape Coral
A Florida charter bus trip isn’t complete without a visit to Cape Coral. Visitors can glimpse the Gulf of Mexico from this popular destination. It gets its name due to the fact that it boasts over 400 miles of canals. These canals are often the perfect place to engage in water sports, including fishing.
Its many beaches, parks, golf courses, nature preserves, and tennis courts provide plenty of ways to enjoy the great outdoors in a beautiful city. Cape Coral is also the home of the Sun Splash Family Waterpark.
Key West
Key West is a three-hour-plus bus drive from Miami. It is a quaint town that looks much like it did decades ago. The pace of life is slower in Key West than in other parts of Florida. Stroll along the streets slowly to take in the atmosphere and the natural environment. Key West hosts a number of festivals and events throughout the year.
If you’re looking for an extended getaway, look no further than Fantasy Fest Key West. The 10-day fantasy street party is one of the most anticipated events of the year. For anyone who is looking for an exciting, adventurous, and liberating way to spend time, going to Fantasy Fest 2022 in Key West is a must
There are also a number of historic buildings to explore. Soak up the tropical vibe throughout the year as the weather in Key West is comfortable year-round – although the heat and humidity can be unbearable at the height of summer. Bahia Honda State Park is another great destination on Key West. It offers oceanfront views and beautiful spots to swim.
The Florida Everglades
Want to have an adventure only offered in Florida? Head to Everglades National Park to explore the swamps aboard an airboat. Daily tours take visitors out into the river of grass to see local animals such as alligators, crocodiles, otters, snakes, turtles, and other indigenous creatures.
The Florida Everglades is a perfect day trip location and is just 20 minutes from Miami. An adventure tour around Everglades National Park is great for groups seeking something different. An airboat tour allows you to explore the park as you whiz over the surface of the water. There are multiple tour groups that give you the chance to see one of Florida’s most unique natural landscapes.
Florida is one of the USA’s most popular states to tour in thanks to a diverse range of great destinations. Those destinations make it a great road trip state as it has everything you could want and more.
If you're taking a large group on a Florida tour, a chartered vehicle is the best way to travel. East Coast Limousine can provide you with a van, minibus, mini coach, or a full-size motor coach. Get in touch with us for more information and a free quote.
