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

The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill & The Old Well

For many groups visiting the area, the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill (UNC) is the main attraction. As the nation's first public university, the campus is steeped in history and stunning architecture. A must-visit landmark is The Old Well (East Cameron Avenue, Chapel Hill, NC 27599), a neoclassical rotunda that serves as the visual symbol of the university. Legend has it that students who drink from the fountain on the first day of classes will achieve a 4.0 GPA. Even if you aren't a student, it is a beautiful photo opportunity for tour groups and families.

Navigating the campus with a large vehicle can be tricky due to restricted access roads and pedestrian-heavy zones. When you book with Charter Bus Rental Company Chapel Hill, your driver can drop your group off at designated zones near the Planetarium or along Stadium Drive, allowing you to explore the McCorkle Place quad and the historic Davie Poplar tree on foot. Whether you are coordinating a massive alumni reunion or a high school college tour, we ensure you avoid the headache of visitor parking decks.

Morehead Planetarium and Science Center

Located right on the edge of the UNC campus, the Morehead Planetarium and Science Center (250 E Franklin St, Chapel Hill, NC 2751) is a fantastic destination for school field trips , scout troops, and science enthusiasts. As one of the oldest and largest planetariums in the United States, it famously served as a training center for Gemini and Apollo program astronauts in celestial navigation. Today, it offers stunning fulldome theater shows, interactive science exhibits, and educational programs that captivate audiences of all ages.

Parking a school bus or charter bus on Franklin Street is nearly impossible during peak hours. By renting a bus with Charter Bus Rental Company Chapel Hill, you can utilize the bus loading zone directly in front of the planetarium for safe, curbside drop-off. While your group explores the cosmos, your driver will handle the logistics of parking the vehicle off-site and returning exactly when your program concludes. This ensures students spend more time learning and less time walking from distant parking lots.

North Carolina Botanical Garden

For nature lovers, garden clubs, and wedding parties, the North Carolina Botanical Garden (100 Old Mason Farm Rd, Chapel Hill, NC 27517) is a serene escape spanning over 1,000 acres. It is a conservation garden dedicated to the native plant species of the Southeastern United States. Groups can wander through display gardens, explore nature trails, or attend educational workshops. It is also a very popular venue for weddings and private events, offering a lush, natural backdrop for ceremonies.

If you are planning a wedding here, transportation is key to keeping your timeline on track. Charter Bus Rental Company Chapel Hill can provide elegant wedding shuttle services to transport guests from hotels in downtown Chapel Hill or Durham directly to the garden. Our buses come equipped with ample storage for decorations or picnic supplies, and the climate-controlled cabins ensure your guests arrive cool and refreshed, even during the warm North Carolina summers. We can coordinate multiple shuttle loops to ensure every guest arrives before the ceremony begins.

Dean E. Smith Center

In Chapel Hill, basketball isn't just a sport; it's a way of life. The Dean E. Smith Center (300 Skipper Bowles Dr, Chapel Hill, NC 27514), affectionately known as the "Dean Dome," is the home of the UNC Tar Heels men's basketball team. With a seating capacity of over 21,000, it is one of the most electric atmospheres in college sports. Whether you are a dedicated alumni group with season tickets or a youth basketball team coming to watch the pros in training, attending a game here is an unforgettable experience.

Game day traffic on Manning Drive and Skipper Bowles Drive can be gridlocked for hours. Don't get stuck searching for parking while tip-off approaches. Renting a charter bus allows your group to tailgate together and get dropped off within walking distance of the entrance. Your driver handles the post-game traffic while you celebrate the victory (or analyze the stats) on the ride home. With onboard PA systems, you can even lead cheers or play hype music to get everyone in the spirit before you arrive.

Ackland Art Museum

For a dose of culture and sophistication, bring your group to the Ackland Art Museum (101 S Columbia St, Chapel Hill, NC 27514). This academic museum holds a diverse collection of over 19,000 works of art, ranging from Asian art and European masterworks to contemporary American pieces. Admission is free, making it an excellent stop for budget-conscious educational tours or senior citizen outings. The museum frequently hosts guided tours for groups, offering deep dives into specific artistic movements.

The museum is located near the busy intersection of Franklin and Columbia Streets, where parking is scarce. A minibus rental from Charter Bus Rental Company Chapel Hill is the perfect solution. We can drop your group off right near the entrance, allowing easy access for members with mobility concerns. After your tour, your bus can be ready to whisk you away to a group lunch at a nearby restaurant like Top of the Hill without the need to feed parking meters or navigate one-way streets.

Franklin Street

No visit to Chapel Hill is complete without spending time on Franklin Street. This vibrant thoroughfare serves as the dividing line between the UNC campus and the town of Chapel Hill. It is the social hub of the city, lined with coffee shops, bookstores, boutiques, bars, and restaurants like the iconic Top of the Hill Restaurant & Brewery (100 E Franklin St #300, Chapel Hill, NC 27514). It is also the site of major community celebrations, including rushing the street after big victories over Duke.

For bachelor and bachelorette parties, corporate happy hours, or birthday celebrations, Franklin Street is the place to be. However, coordinating a group night out can be difficult when relying on rideshares. A party bus rental from Charter Bus Rental Company Chapel Hill serves as your private designated driver. We can pick your group up from your hotel, drop you off for dinner and drinks, and ensure everyone gets home safely at the end of the night. Enjoy the nightlife without the worry of logistics.

Kidzu Children's Museum

If you are traveling with younger children, the Kidzu Children's Museum (201 S Estes Dr, Chapel Hill, NC 27514) is a must-stop destination. Located inside University Place, this interactive museum offers hands-on exhibits focused on STEM, arts, and child development. It features a "Makery," a climbing wall, and various sensory play areas designed to spark creativity in children. It is an ideal destination for elementary school field trips, daycare outings, or large family reunions looking to entertain the little ones.

Traveling with a large group of energetic children requires safe and reliable transportation. Our charter buses are equipped with seatbelts and entertainment systems, including DVD players and flat-screen TVs, to keep kids occupied during the drive. We can easily accommodate the storage of strollers, diaper bags, and packed lunches in the undercarriage luggage bays, keeping the seating area clear and comfortable for chaperones and children alike.

Carolina Basketball Museum

For the ultimate sports history buff, the Carolina Basketball Museum (450 Skipper Bowles Dr, Chapel Hill, NC 27514) is a pilgrimage site. Located next to the Dean E. Smith Center, this museum chronicles the history of UNC basketball, featuring artifacts, trophies, and interactive exhibits. You can see Michael Jordan's jersey, the numerous NCAA championship trophies, and letters from legendary coach Dean Smith. It is an inspiring stop for sports teams and prospective athletes.

Combine a visit here with a campus tour or a game for a full day of Tar Heel pride. Charter Bus Rental Company Chapel Hill can create a custom itinerary that moves your group efficiently from the museum to lunch on Franklin Street and back to the arena. With a private bus, you operate on your own schedule, ensuring you have enough time to read every plaque and watch every highlight reel without feeling rushed to catch public transit.

Rent a Charter Bus in Chapel Hill Today

Ready to explore Chapel Hill without the hassle of driving? Charter Bus Rental Company Chapel Hill is your trusted partner for group transportation in the Research Triangle. Whether you need a 56-passenger motorcoach for a university event or a sleek minibus for a corporate dinner, we have the fleet and the expertise to make it happen. Our reservation agents are available 24/7/365 to answer your questions and build a custom quote tailored to your itinerary.

We pride ourselves on transparency, reliability, and safety. Don't leave your group's travel logistics to chance. Call us today at 984-228-2044 to secure your bus rental and experience the best of Chapel Hill in comfort and style. We look forward to earning your business!