A Group Travel Guide to Columbia, South Carolina's Best Destinations

Riverbanks Zoo & Garden

Consistently ranked as one of the top zoos in the nation, Riverbanks Zoo & Garden is a must-visit destination for groups of all ages. Located along the Saluda River, this massive 170-acre attraction features over 2,000 animals and one of the most beautiful botanical gardens in the South. For school field trips, church youth groups, or family reunions, the zoo offers an immersive experience ranging from the African Savanna exhibits to the interactive Waterfall Junction. However, parking can be a significant challenge, especially on weekends and during the spring season when crowds are at their peak. By renting a charter bus from Charter Bus Rental Company Columbia, you can bypass the long lines for general parking. Your driver can drop your group off right near the main entrance at 500 Wildlife Pkwy, Columbia, SC 29210, ensuring you maximize your time seeing the gorillas and koalas rather than walking from the overflow lots. After a long day of walking in the sun, there is nothing better than stepping onto a climate-controlled bus with plush reclining seats to rest your feet on the ride home.

South Carolina State House

Steeped in history and architectural grandeur, the South Carolina State House is the seat of state government and a fascinating stop for history buffs, student groups, and architectural enthusiasts. Located right in the heart of downtown, visitors can tour the grounds to see the six bronze stars marking where Sherman's cannons struck the building during the Civil War, or explore the African American History Monument. While the State House is a centerpiece of Columbia, navigating a large group through the busy downtown intersections of Gervais and Assembly Streets can be stressful. With a private bus rental, you don't have to worry about finding metered parking or navigating one-way streets. We can arrange for your driver to drop you off at a designated loading zone near 1100 Gervais St, Columbia, SC 29201. While your group enjoys a guided tour of the legislative chambers, your bus will be parked nearby, ready to pick you up and whisk you away to lunch in the Congaree Vista district without missing a beat.

Williams-Brice Stadium

In Columbia, college football is a way of life. There is no experience quite like game day at Williams-Brice Stadium when the South Carolina Gamecocks are playing. The energy of 80,000 fans waving towels to "Sandstorm" is electric, but the traffic on George Rogers Boulevard and Shop Road can be gridlocked for hours. Don't let traffic ruin your tailgate! Charter Bus Rental Company Columbia offers the ultimate game day transportation solution. Rent a full-size charter bus for your alumni group or fan club, and you’ll have ample undercarriage storage for coolers, tents, grills, and chairs. Your bus serves as the perfect central hub for your tailgate party. Plus, with a driver at the wheel, everyone in your group can enjoy a few drinks safely without worrying about a DUI or navigating post-game traffic. Whether you are heading to the "Cockyboose" or the stadium gates at 1125 George Rogers Blvd, Columbia, SC 29201, we ensure your squad gets there together, pumped up, and ready to cheer.

Congaree National Park

Just a short drive southeast of the city lies the largest intact expanse of old-growth bottomland hardwood forest remaining in the southeastern United States: Congaree National Park. This UNESCO Biosphere Reserve is famous for its towering champion trees and, for a few weeks in late spring, its synchronized fireflies. It is a fantastic destination for scout troops, nature clubs, and active corporate retreats. Because the park is located about 30 minutes from downtown Columbia, coordinating a convoy of personal vehicles can result in stragglers getting lost on the rural roads leading to the entrance. A charter bus rental keeps your entire group united. After a day of hiking the boardwalks or canoeing through Cedar Creek, your group will appreciate the comfort of a modern bus. You can store muddy hiking boots in the luggage bays and relax in the air conditioning for the return trip. We can drop you right at the Harry Hampton Visitor Center located at 100 National Park Rd, Hopkins, SC 29061, making your outdoor adventure seamless and stress-free.

EdVenture Children's Museum

If you are planning a field trip for elementary students or a massive birthday party for your little one, EdVenture Children's Museum is the premier destination in Columbia. Home to EDDIE, the world's largest child (a 40-foot tall structure that kids can climb inside!), this museum offers hands-on learning that is both educational and exhausting in the best way possible. Transporting dozens of excited children requires safety, organization, and patience. Our charter buses are equipped with modern safety features and entertainment systems, including TVs and DVD players, to keep the kids occupied during the drive. Instead of managing a fleet of parents in minivans, keep all the students, teachers, and chaperones together in one vehicle. We can coordinate a drop-off right at the front steps at 211 Gervais St, Columbia, SC 29201, so you don’t have to worry about counting heads across a busy parking lot. With Charter Bus Rental Company Columbia, the field trip starts the moment you board the bus.

Columbia Museum of Art

For a touch of culture and sophistication, the Columbia Museum of Art (CMA) on Main Street offers an impressive collection spanning thousands of years of history. The museum is a fantastic venue for private events, weddings, and educational tours. However, its prime location on Main Street means that parking is often limited to garages that may not accommodate height-restricted vehicles or large groups easily. When you book a minibus or charter bus with us, you eliminate the parking headache entirely. Your driver can drop your group off curbside at 1515 Main St, Columbia, SC 29201, allowing you to walk straight into the galleries. Whether you are attending a special exhibition or the "Arts & Draughts" block party, having a dedicated shuttle means you can enjoy the revitalized Main Street district—including the Soda City Market on Saturdays—without worrying about feeding a parking meter or walking blocks in inclement weather.

Lake Murray

Known as the "Jewel of South Carolina," Lake Murray provides a massive playground for water sports, fishing, and relaxation just outside the city limits. Groups often head to Dreher Island State Park for picnics, swimming, and team-building exercises. If you are planning a large company picnic or a family reunion by the water, a charter bus is the most efficient way to get everyone and their gear to the lake. The undercarriage storage on our 56-passenger coaches offers plenty of room for picnic baskets, sports gear, and swimming supplies. Instead of navigating the winding back roads around the dam individually, enjoy the scenic drive together with panoramic windows offering great views of the water. We can transport your group directly to the park entrance at 3677 State Park Rd, Prosperity, SC 29127, or to any of the marinas for a rented pontoon boat excursion. Let us handle the driving while you handle the fun in the sun.

Colonial Life Arena

As the largest arena in the state of South Carolina, Colonial Life Arena hosts the biggest concerts, family shows, and University of South Carolina basketball games. Whether you are seeing a chart-topping artist or watching the Gamecocks hit the hardwood, the area surrounding the arena on Lincoln Street gets incredibly congested during events. Parking decks fill up fast and can be expensive. A private charter bus rental is the VIP way to attend an event at "The CLA." Gather your group of friends, church members, or employees and ride together. We can arrange for a drop-off and pick-up strategy that keeps you out of the worst of the post-event gridlock. Your driver handles the traffic while you discuss the concert setlist or the game’s highlights. The arena is located at 801 Lincoln St, Columbia, SC 29201, and with Charter Bus Rental Company Columbia, you’ll arrive right on time for tip-off or the opening act.

Book Your Columbia Charter Bus Today

Columbia, South Carolina is a city brimming with history, nature, and Southern charm, and it is best experienced with a group. Charter Bus Rental Company Columbia is dedicated to providing you with the highest quality transportation services in the Midlands. We offer transparent pricing, 24/7 customer support, and a modern fleet designed to meet your specific needs—whether that’s a compact minibus for a wedding party or a fleet of motorcoaches for a statewide convention. Don’t let transportation logistics overshadow your trip. Call our team today at 803-853-1360 to receive a free, no-obligation quote. Let us show you why we are the trusted choice for group travel in Columbia!