The Complete Guide to Planning a Florida College Tour | Busrental.net Travel Guide
It’s an exciting time for high school students as they start evaluating their options for higher education. With so many amazing colleges and universities across the Sunshine State, planning a Florida college tour can help students experience the vibe of different campuses firsthand. Visiting multiple college campuses in a short timespan while trying to navigate an unfamiliar city and keep track of paperwork for each school can get complicated quickly. That’s where a Florida charter bus rental can simplify your college visits. Busrental.net specializes in group transportation services for campus tours, allowing you to focus on getting the most out of each visit instead of worrying over logistics. At Busrental.net, we provide college tour groups with their own private, comfortable charter bus or minibus rental for traveling to multiple Florida universities and colleges. You can even customize onboard amenities like WiFi and power outlets to maximize productivity during travel time between campuses. While you’re touring a prospective school and asking admissions questions, you can trust that your professional bus driver will be ready to shuttle your group right on time.
Whether you’re checking out campuses in Tallahassee, touring Orlando’s many excellent colleges, or scoping out schools in Miami, we handle transportation to top academic institutions across Florida. Read on for our recommendations of must-see colleges and universities for your Florida campus tour. And when you’re ready to simplify travel plans, give our team a call anytime at 866-200-4461!
Choose the Right Charter Bus Rental
The first step in planning your Florida college tour is booking the right transportation. Renting a charter bus through Busrental.net is the perfect group travel solution for campus visits. Everyone can ride together in comfort without worrying about directions or parking on unfamiliar campuses. Our Florida network includes both full-size charter buses and smaller minibuses. Groups of 40 or more should consider a spacious 56-passenger motorcoach. These buses have plush reclining seats, overhead storage, restrooms, and even undercarriage luggage bays for overnight bags. Smaller groups of around 20 can reserve one of our 28-passenger minibuses that still include amenities like WiFi, power outlets, and personal climate controls.
Map Your College Tour Route
With over 100 colleges and universities, mapping an efficient driving route is key. Florida's major public universities span the state in Gainesville, Tallahassee, Orlando, Tampa, and Miami. Now, let's dive into some of the best ones in the state!
University of Florida - Gainesville, FL
As Florida’s oldest public university and the flagship of the State University System of Florida, the University of Florida in Gainesville should be at the top of your college tour list. Prospective students can explore the campus’s historic buildings and museums before touring excellent academic facilities supporting UF’s 16 different colleges. Areas like the Health Science Center and Engineering School of Sustainable Infrastructure & Environment showcase the university’s strengths.
After visiting some of Gainesville’s major attractions like Lake Wauburg, Devil’s Millhopper Geological State Park, and Paynes Prairie Preserve State Park, head to the lively Midtown area near campus. Students can grab a bite to eat at a Gainesville favorite like Satchel’s Pizza, Loosey’s, or Downtown Gelato & Coffee. At the end of the day, check out craft beer at First Magnitude Brewing Company or catch some live music at High Dive Gainesville or The Wooly event space.
The comfortable charter bus from Busrental.net will make transportation to campus visits, tours, info sessions, and restaurants easy during your Gainesville college tour. We can even recommend great lodging options for any overnight stays on your UF tour.
University of Florida Gainesville, FL 32611 (352) 392-3261
Florida State University - Tallahassee, FL
Florida State University is a top public research university located in the state’s capital city of Tallahassee. Prospective students touring FSU can explore innovative academic facilities like the National High Magnetic Field Laboratory, home to the most powerful magnets on Earth. Areas like the College of Motion Picture Arts provide hands-on learning in state-of-the-art studios modeled after those in Hollywood.
While in Tallahassee, groups can visit the Mission San Luis, Florida’s only reconstructed Spanish mission, or explore wildlife at Alfred B. Maclay Gardens State Park. End your days on the ride back to lodging by relaxing in the plush seats of your private charter bus rental.
Some top recommendations for student groups to grab a bite in Tallahassee include Madison Social gastropub, Backwoods Bistro, or RedEye Coffee. Mr. Roboto’s comics and games shop is a fun spot for students to browse and hang out near Florida State University as well.
Florida State University 600 W College Ave Tallahassee, FL 32306 (850) 644-2525
University of Central Florida - Orlando, FL
As one of the largest universities in the country by enrollment, the University of Central Florida offers students a vibrant campus experience near downtown Orlando. Prospective Knights can tour excellent facilities at the Burnett Honors College and carry out hands-on learning at the Maker Space prototyping studio or Archaeology Lab.
While visiting Orlando, groups can explore the campus area’s unique restaurants, check out a comedy show at Sak Comedy Lab downtown, or visit area theme parks like Universal Studios Florida, Islands of Adventure, or Walt Disney World. Traveling between Orlando campuses and attractions is easy with the charter bus rental you book through Busrental.net. Let our team handle the driving and logistics while your group focuses on building college memories.
Some top food and coffee recommendations near UCF include Domu Ramen Bar, The Lost Cajun, and Lineage Coffee Roasting. Students will also enjoy browsing the graphic novels and games at Gods & Monsters comics shop.
University of Central Florida 4000 Central Florida Blvd. Orlando, FL 32816 (407) 823-2000
University of South Florida - Tampa, FL
The University of South Florida is a large public research university with a beautiful campus located near the water in sunny Tampa. While touring USF, students thinking of attending can check out major facilities like the Morsani College of Medicine and Heart Institute or tour galleries at the Contemporary Art Museum on campus.
Tampa offers visiting student groups plenty of attractions to enjoy outside of college tours, like strolling Bayshore Boulevard along the water, exploring the Florida Aquarium, or catching a Tampa Bay Lightning hockey game. Consider visiting popular eateries like Wright’s Gourmet House, the Columbia Restaurant in Ybor City, or King Corona Cigars in Ybor City as well. After a long day, students can relax and socialize on the quick ride back to your hotel aboard your private charter bus rental.
Some top coffee shop and dessert recommendations near USF Tampa include the Baked Bear, Café Hey, and Buddy Brew Coffee. Old favorites like Dunkin’ Donuts are plentiful in the area for a quick breakfast or coffee stop as well.
University of South Florida 4202 E. Fowler Ave Tampa, FL 33620 (813) 974-2011
University of Miami - Coral Gables, FL
The University of Miami is a prestigious private research university located in vibrant, coastal Coral Gables just outside Miami. Prospective Hurricanes touring the 239-acre campus can explore UM’s on-campus art gallery, world-class concert halls, and innovative facilities at the Phillip and Patricia Frost School of Music.
Outside of campus tours, student groups visiting Coral Gables and greater Miami can spend time soaking up sunshine at beaches like South Beach, admiring street art in the Wynwood district, or exploring the Everglades National Park. Look forward to relaxing in your private charter bus as a professional driver navigates between the UM campus and attractions around Miami.
We recommend grabbing a bite at Miami favorites like Misha’s Cupcakes, Blue Collar Cuban Cuisine, or Oleta Dog Park Grill during your college visit. Coffee lovers touring UM will enjoy sipping lattes at The Salty Donut, Panther Coffee, or Vice City Bean.
University of Miami Coral Gables, FL 33124 (305) 284-2211
Florida Atlantic University - Boca Raton, FL
Florida Atlantic University is a space-grant university with an innovative campus located in sunny Boca Raton halfway between Miami and West Palm Beach. Prospective Owls exploring FAU’s campus can tour excellent facilities including a graphic design lab with 3D printers and the only anechoic chamber in Florida.
While visiting Boca Raton, your student group could spend some time shopping at luxury mall Town Center at Boca Raton or admiring the coastal views from South Inlet Park Beach. Top recommendations for meals include Jars & Bottles everything bagel eatery, Farmer’s Table restaurant, and the Munchies food hall. After a long day, you can relax on the quick ride back to your hotel or lodging in your private charter bus rental.
Some great coffee shops near campus for fueling up before or after campus tours include Oceans 234, Subculture Coffee, and Café Del Mar. The FAU Bookstore Tower is also a popular spot for grabbing coffee and pastries on the go.
Florida Atlantic University 777 Glades Rd Boca Raton, FL 33431 (561) 297-3000
Florida International University - Miami, FL
Florida International University has a beautiful, tropical campus located in western Miami that is perfect for a group college tour. While visiting FIU, prospective Panthers could tour facilities at the Chaplin School of Hospitality & Tourism Management, School of Environment, Arts, and Society, or the STEM Transformation Institute.
The FIU campus is near excellent destinations like the Deering Estate, Coral Castle, Zoo Miami, and the Everglades that student groups could visit when they need a break from college tours. Recommendations for meals include Los Verdes restaurant, Ms. Cheezious grilled cheese eatery, and Tacos & Tattoos Mexican restaurant.
After a day of tours, head back to your hotel and relax in your private charter bus rental from Busrental.net. Our professional driver will handle transportation so you can focus on making college memories.
Some great coffee shops near FIU to fuel your campus tours include Morning Buzz Coffee Roasters, The Salty Donut, and Panther Coffee. Students will also enjoy browsing comics and games at Tate's Comics near campus.
Florida International University 11200 SW 8th St Miami, FL 33199 (305) 348-2000
University of North Florida - Jacksonville, FL
The University of North Florida is a fantastic public university with a beautiful campus located near downtown Jacksonville. Prospective Ospreys visiting UNF can tour excellent facilities including the School of Computing and School of Engineering, as well as the on-campus art gallery.
While in Jacksonville, student groups could visit attractions like the Cummer Museum of Art & Gardens, Friendship Fountain, or Daily's Place Amphitheatre. Top picks for meals include Hawkers Asian Street Food, Black Sheep Restaurant, and River and Post modern American eatery.
After a long day, everyone can relax on the ride back to your hotel in your comfortable charter bus rental from Busrental.net. Let our experienced team handle driving and logistics for your Jacksonville college tour.
Some great coffee shops near the UNF campus include Bold Bean Coffee Roasters, Brew Five Points, and Vagabond Coffee. Students will also enjoy shopping at the nearby Jacksonville Landing marketplace.
University of North Florida 1 UNF Dr Jacksonville, FL 32224 (904) 620-1000
Florida Gulf Coast University - Fort Myers, FL
Florida Gulf Coast University has a beautifully landscaped campus east of Fort Myers that is perfect for a college tour. Prospective Eagles exploring FGCU could tour excellent facilities like the Lucas Center for Faculty Development, the Kleist Health Education Center, or Innovation Hub.
While visiting the Fort Myers area, student groups could spend time walking through the Edison & Ford Winter Estates, shopping in downtown Fort Myers’ River District, or exploring Manatee Park. Recommendations for meals include Gather, The Mad Fresh Bistro, and Angelina’s Ristorante.
After your group has toured the scenic campus and explored Fort Myers attractions, everyone can settle in for the ride back to lodging in the comfy charter bus from Busrental.net. Let our professional driver handle navigation so you can focus on campus tours.
Some favorite coffee shops near FGCU to refuel before or after tours include MidPoint Cafe, Bennett's Fresh Roast, and Peace Love and Coffee. Students will also enjoy shopping at the nearby Edison Mall during downtime.
Florida Gulf Coast University 10501 FGCU Blvd S Fort Myers, FL 33965 (239) 590-1000
Nova Southeastern University - Fort Lauderdale, FL
Nova Southeastern University is a private research university with a beautiful 300-acre campus located in suburban Fort Lauderdale. Prospective Sharks touring NSU could visit innovative facilities like the Center for Collaborative Research, which includes one of Florida’s largest wet labs.
While in the Fort Lauderdale area, student groups could spend some time relaxing on Fort Lauderdale Beach, exploring Museum of Discovery & Science, or shopping at the Las Olas Riverfront. Popular food recommendations near NSU include Coconuts Fort Lauderdale, Shuck N Dive, and Pig Beach BBQ.
Once your Nova Southeastern tours are done for the day, everyone can kick back and relax on the ride back to your hotel in the comfortable, private charter bus rental provided by Busrental.net. Our professional driver service lets you focus on college visits instead of driving.
Top coffee shops near NSU for fueling your campus tours include Brew Urban Cafe, Lucky's Market, and Juice Babe Juice Bar. Students will also enjoy browsing games and collectibles at Tate's Comics near the university.
Nova Southeastern University 3301 College Ave Fort Lauderdale, FL 33314 (954) 262-7300
Florida Polytechnic University - Lakeland, FL
Florida Polytechnic is an innovative STEM-focused public university located east of Lakeland. Prospective Panthers exploring the campus could tour standout facilities like the Advanced Mobility Institute, Data Science & Analytics Center, and 3D printing lab.
Fun attractions to visit in Lakeland during downtime from tours include exploring vintage planes at the Fantasy of Flight aviation attraction and enjoying the butterfly garden at Hollis Garden. Must-try local eateries include Dixieland Eats, Red Door Lakeland, and Black & Brew Coffee House & Bistro.
Once your campus tours are done for the day, settle in for a comfortable ride back to your hotel in the charter bus rental from Busrental.net. Make transportation easy during your Lakeland college visit and let our professional drivers handle navigation in Florida.
Some favorite coffee shops near campus for fueling up before Florida Poly tours include Cafe D’Antonio, Lakeland Loft, and Live Love Coffee. 8-Bit Arcade Bar is also a fun hangout spot for gaming students visiting campus.
Florida Polytechnic University 4700 Research Way Lakeland, FL 33805 (863) 874-8600
Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University - Daytona Beach, FL
Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University is a specialized private school with a beautiful campus right on the Atlantic coast in Daytona Beach. Prospective students exploring Embry-Riddle’s campus can tour excellent aviation and aerospace facilities, as well as the student-run Eagle Flight Research Center.
While visiting Daytona Beach, student groups could spend time walking the scenic boardwalk, hitting the beach, exploring Daytona Lagoon water park, or checking out the Daytona International Speedway. Top picks for meals near campus include Dancing Avocado Kitchen, Rose Villa Southern Table & Bar, and Red Gravy.
After your campus tours, everyone can settle in for the quick ride along the coast back to lodging in your comfortable charter bus rental from Busrental.net. Let us handle driving and transportation for your Daytona Beach college tour.
Fuel up before touring Embry-Riddle’s amazing aviation facilities at nearby coffee shops like Daytona Coffee Roasters, Pacelittle, Brew Hub, and Sweet Marlays'. The Daytona Beach area offers student groups plenty of excellent dining, shopping, and recreation options for a well-rounded campus visit.
Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University 600 S Clyde Morris Blvd Daytona Beach, FL 32114 (386) 226-6000
Plan the Perfect Florida College Tour with Busrental.net
Touring colleges is an exciting time for prospective students, but planning group travel can be daunting. Let Busrental.net make your Florida college tours easy by providing the most comfortable, reliable transportation. Our charter bus rentals provide the freedom to build an itinerary that works for your student group and visit any campus or city across Florida with ease. Contact Busrental.net anytime at 877-200-4461 to get started planning the perfect transportation for your Florida college tour. Our team is available 24/7 to answer your questions and provide a free quote on a charter bus or minibus rental for your student group.