A Group Travel Guide to Raleigh, North Carolina's Best Destinations

North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences

As the largest natural history museum in the Southeast, the North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences is a must-visit for school groups, curious families, and anyone fascinated by the world around them. Located in the heart of downtown Raleigh, this massive facility spans four floors across two wings—the Nature Exploration Center and the Nature Research Center. Your group can marvel at the "Terror of the South" (a genuine Acrocanthosaurus skeleton), explore the Living Conservatory with its free-flying butterflies, or watch scientists at work in real-time labs.

Coordinating a trip here for a large group can be tricky due to downtown traffic, but a charter bus rental makes it seamless. Your driver can drop your group off right at the designated bus loading zone on Jones Street, allowing you to head straight for the exhibits while we handle the parking logistics. With onboard storage for backpacks and lunches, you won't have to carry unnecessary gear through the exhibits. It’s the perfect educational outing made simple.

Address: 11 W Jones St, Raleigh, NC 27601

Pullen Park

Established in 1887, Pullen Park is the first public park in North Carolina and the fifth-oldest operating amusement park in the United States. It sits nestled between North Carolina State University and downtown, offering a nostalgic and fun-filled day for groups of all ages. The main attractions here are the historic Gustave A. Dentzel Carousel, a miniature train that loops through the park, and pedal boats for cruising Lake Howell. Beyond the rides, there are expansive picnic shelters, tennis courts, and an aquatic center.

For family reunions or elementary school field trips, Pullen Park is a top-tier destination. However, the parking lots can fill up rapidly, especially on beautiful spring weekends. By booking a minibus or charter bus with Charter Bus Rental Company Raleigh, you avoid the headache of circling for spots. We can drop your group near the entrance so you can head straight to the ticket booth or picnic shelters. Afterward, everyone can cool off in the air-conditioned cabin of the bus after a long day of play.

Address: 520 Ashe Ave, Raleigh, NC 27606

North Carolina Museum of Art (NCMA)

For groups looking for a blend of culture and outdoor activity, the North Carolina Museum of Art is unmatched. The museum features two buildings housing a world-class collection of art spanning 5,000 years, from antiquity to the present day. But what truly sets NCMA apart is the Ann and Jim Goodnight Museum Park—a 164-acre park featuring large-scale art installations, miles of trails, and a terraced pond. It is an ideal spot for corporate groups looking for a walking meeting or wedding parties looking for a sophisticated backdrop for photos.

When you rent a charter bus for a trip to NCMA, you ensure that your entire group arrives together for guided tours or special exhibitions. The museum has specific procedures for bus parking, and the drivers are well-versed in navigating the Blue Ridge Road entrance. Instead of worrying about meeting points, your group can relax on the ride over, utilizing onboard WiFi to preview current exhibitions or post photos of their day in the park.

Address: 2110 Blue Ridge Rd, Raleigh, NC 27607

PNC Arena

Home to the NHL’s Carolina Hurricanes and the NC State University Men’s Basketball team, PNC Arena is the epicenter of sports entertainment in Raleigh. The energy here is electric, whether you are cheering on the "Canes" during a playoff run or watching a buzzer-beater win for the Wolfpack. The arena also hosts major concerts and touring acts throughout the year. For sports fans, the experience starts in the parking lot with tailgating, but coordinating multiple cars and designated drivers can dampen the spirit.

Upgrade your game day experience with a private charter bus rental from Charter Bus Rental Company Raleigh. A private bus offers ample undercarriage storage for coolers, grills, tents, and folding chairs, keeping the main cabin clutter-free. Plus, with a driver acting as your designated driver for the evening, your group can enjoy the game and the celebrations comfortably. We will drop you off near the gates and be ready to pick you up as soon as the final buzzer sounds, letting you skip the post-game traffic jam stress.

Address: 1400 Edwards Mill Rd, Raleigh, NC 27607

William B. Umstead State Park

Just minutes from the hustle and bustle of the city lies an oasis of tranquility: William B. Umstead State Park. Covering nearly 6,000 acres, this park is a haven for hikers, trail runners, cyclists, and nature lovers. With three man-made lakes and miles of multi-use trails, it is a fantastic destination for scout troops, church youth groups, or corporate team-building retreats focused on wellness and the outdoors.

Accessing the park’s group campsites or picnic areas is much easier when everyone travels in a single vehicle. A charter bus rental ensures that no one takes a wrong turn getting to the Crabtree Creek or Reedy Creek entrances. After a long day of hiking or fishing, your group will appreciate the comfort of plush, reclining seats and climate control on the ride home. There is plenty of room in the overhead bins for hiking gear and day packs, making the journey as comfortable as the destination is beautiful.

Address: 8801 Glenwood Ave, Raleigh, NC 27617

Marbles Kids Museum

If you are planning a trip for younger children, Marbles Kids Museum in downtown Raleigh is the ultimate destination. This interactive museum encourages kids to "use their marbles" through play-based exhibits that cover everything from STEM concepts to banking and physical fitness. It also houses the Wells Fargo IMAX Theatre, which boasts North Carolina's only 3D-capable giant screen. It is a field trip favorite for elementary schools and daycares across the region.

Transporting dozens of energetic children requires safety and organization. Charter Bus Rental Company Raleigh provides modern, reliable buses equipped with seatbelts and entertainment systems (like DVD players and flat-screen TVs) to keep kids occupied during the drive. We can coordinate directly with the museum for drop-off times on East Hargett Street, ensuring a safe unload zone away from the flow of downtown traffic. Let the teachers and chaperones focus on the headcount while we focus on the road.

Address: 201 E Hargett St, Raleigh, NC 27601

North Carolina State Farmers Market

For a taste of local flavor, the North Carolina State Farmers Market is one of the best in the nation. Open year-round, this sprawling market features acres of fresh produce, plants, meats, cheeses, and crafts from local farmers and artisans. It’s also home to the popular State Farmers Market Restaurant, serving up classic Southern breakfasts and lunches. It is a fantastic stop for tour groups, senior communities, or culinary enthusiasts looking to experience North Carolina agriculture firsthand.

Shopping at the market often means coming home with more than you started with! A charter bus rental offers significant undercarriage storage space, perfect for stowing away crates of fresh produce, potted plants, or handcrafted souvenirs. Your driver can drop your group off at the main entrance and park in the designated oversized vehicle area, waiting until you have shopped to your heart's content. Enjoy a stress-free shopping spree knowing you have plenty of room to bring your bounty home.

Address: 1201 Agriculture St, Raleigh, NC 27603

Historic Yates Mill County Park

Step back in time at Historic Yates Mill County Park, home to the last operable water-powered gristmill in Wake County. The park offers guided tours of the mill, where groups can see corn being ground just as it was in the 18th century. Surrounded by a 174-acre wildlife refuge and hiking trails, it is a picturesque spot for history buffs, photography clubs, and educational groups learning about local heritage and ecology.

Located a bit further out from the city center, Yates Mill is a perfect candidate for a charter bus excursion. The ride provides a great opportunity for teachers or tour guides to use the onboard PA system to give a brief history lesson or rundown of the day's activities before arriving. We can accommodate groups of any size, ensuring that your history tour is comfortable, educational, and punctual.

Address: 4620 Lake Wheeler Rd, Raleigh, NC 27603

Ready to Explore the City of Oaks? Book Your Ride Today!

Raleigh is a city brimming with history, nature, and excitement, and Charter Bus Rental Company Raleigh wants to help you see it all. Whether you need a sleek minibus for a corporate dinner or a fleet of charter buses for a statewide convention, we have the experience and the vehicles to make it happen. Our reservation specialists are available 24/7/365 to answer your questions and build a custom itinerary just for you.

Don’t let traffic and parking logistics overshadow your group’s experience. Call us today at 336-732-9000 for a free, no-obligation quote. Let’s get your group on the road to Raleigh!