A Group Travel Guide to Odessa, Texas's Best Destinations

The Odessa Meteor Crater

For a group experience that is truly out of this world, the Odessa Meteor Crater is a must-visit destination. Located just southwest of the city, this National Natural Landmark is one of the few impact craters in the United States that you can actually walk through. Formed approximately 62,000 years ago by thousands of nickel-iron meteorites, the main crater spans 550 feet in diameter. It is a fascinating educational stop for school field trips, scout troops, or science enthusiasts. The site features a museum filled with meteorite fragments and educational exhibits explaining the geology of the Permian Basin. While the hike around the rim and into the crater isn't overly strenuous, the West Texas sun can be unforgiving.

When you book a charter bus to the Meteor Crater, your group has a distinct advantage: a climate-controlled haven waiting for you the moment you finish your tour. Instead of climbing into a car that has been baking in the 100-degree heat, your group can step onto a pre-cooled bus, grab a cold drink from your onboard coolers, and relax in reclining seats while reviewing photos of the impact site. We can drop your group right at the museum entrance (5555 W. Meteor Crater Rd, Odessa, TX 79763) and park in the oversized vehicle lot nearby, ensuring a seamless transition from exploration to relaxation.

The Stonehenge Replica

Did you know you don't have to cross the Atlantic Ocean to see Stonehenge? You just have to cross the University of Texas of the Permian Basin (UTPB) campus! This authentic replica, located right here in Odessa, is slightly shorter than the original in England but is exact in horizontal size and astronomical alignment. It creates a surreal and photogenic backdrop for student organizations, photography clubs, or quirky roadside attraction enthusiasts. The stones were erected in 2004 and have since become one of the most curious and beloved landmarks in the city. It’s a fantastic spot for a quick 45-minute stop to stretch your legs and learn about ancient history right in the middle of Texas.

Navigating a university campus with multiple vehicles can be a nightmare of parking passes and full lots. With a Charter Bus Odessa rental, we handle the logistics for you. Your driver can drop your group off at the nearest access point on the UTPB campus (University of Texas of the Permian Basin, Odessa, TX 79762), allowing you to walk right up to the stones. While you marvel at the ancient architectural replica, your driver will handle the bus parking. This is also a great add-on stop if you are already using a shuttle bus for campus tours or academic events at UTPB.

Ellen Noël Art Museum

For groups looking to soak up some culture, the Ellen Noël Art Museum is the crown jewel of the Permian Basin’s art scene. As a Smithsonian Affiliate, this museum hosts a rotating schedule of world-class traveling exhibitions, as well as a permanent collection that highlights regional art. The museum also features a stunning Sensory Garden, which is perfect for a peaceful group stroll. It is an ideal destination for senior citizen groups, school art classes, or corporate teams looking for a sophisticated afternoon activity. They often host workshops and lectures that can be booked for private groups in advance.

Transportation to the Ellen Noël Art Museum (4909 E University Blvd, Odessa, TX 79762) is effortless with a private charter bus. The museum has designated areas where buses can unload passengers safely away from traffic. If you are planning a longer day of culture, perhaps combining this with a trip to the Presidential Museum, a charter bus allows you to keep the group together and on schedule. You can use the onboard PA system to give your group a primer on the current exhibits before you arrive, or simply let them enjoy the free WiFi to look up the artists featured in the gallery.

The Globe of the Great Southwest

Theater lovers and history buffs will be astounded by the Globe of the Great Southwest. Located on the campus of Odessa College, this 410-seat theater is an authentic replica of William Shakespeare’s original Globe Theatre in London. It hosts a variety of performances throughout the year, including the annual Shakespeare Festival, community plays, and concerts. The architecture alone is worth the visit, featuring an octagonal structure and an open courtyard design that transports you straight to Elizabethan England—right in the middle of oil country. It is a popular destination for English literature classes, drama clubs, and senior tour groups.

Parking at college venues during event nights can be chaotic. By renting a charter bus from Charter Bus Odessa, you eliminate the stress of finding parking spots for twenty different cars. We can drop your group off right at the front steps (2308 Shakespeare Rd, Odessa, TX 79761) so you can find your seats before the curtain rises. After the show, there is no need to wait around in the dark or coordinate rendezvous points; your bus will be waiting curbside to take you to your post-show dinner or back to your hotel.

Chris Kyle Memorial

Odessa is a city that honors its heroes, and there is no better example than the Chris Kyle Memorial. Dedicated to the U.S. Navy SEAL and author of "American Sniper," who was born in Odessa, this plaza features a stunning statue of Kyle, surrounded by granite limestone and plaza trees representing the trees of liberty. It is a somber, patriotic, and deeply moving site that attracts veteran groups, history tours, and anyone wishing to pay respects to a local legend. The memorial is located near the VA clinic, creating a space for reflection and gratitude.

When visiting a memorial site with a large group, maintaining a respectful and organized atmosphere is key. A private bus rental keeps your group contained and allows for a briefing on conduct and the history of the memorial before you step off the bus. The Chris Kyle Memorial (1500 TX-191 Frontage, Odessa, TX 79762) is easily accessible via Highway 191, and a charter bus provides a safe, air-conditioned space for reflection after visiting the plaza in the Texas heat. We can easily incorporate this stop into a broader "History of Odessa" tour for your group.

Ratliff Stadium

You cannot talk about Odessa without talking about high school football. Ratliff Stadium is a hallowed ground in Texas, famously featured in the book and movie "Friday Night Lights." With a seating capacity of nearly 20,000, it is one of the premier high school stadiums in the country. Whether you are a visiting team needing transport for players and gear, a marching band with tubas and drums, or a fan club wanting to experience the electric atmosphere of a Permian High or Odessa High game, Ratliff Stadium is a bucket-list destination for sports fans. The energy here on a Friday night is indescribable and quintessentially Texan.

Sports team travel is one of our specialties at Charter Bus Odessa. Our full-size 56-passenger charter buses come equipped with massive undercarriage luggage bays, perfect for storing football pads, helmets, cheer gear, and coolers. Athletes can stretch out in reclining seats to stay loose before the game, while coaches can review plays on the onboard TV monitors. For fans (1862 E Yukon Rd, Odessa, TX 79765), a bus rental means you can tailgate together without worrying about parking multiple cars in the packed lots. Let us handle the traffic on Yukon Road while you focus on the game.

Presidential Archives and Leadership Library

Located on the UTPB campus, the Presidential Archives and Leadership Library offers a unique glimpse into the lives of the American Presidents, with a special focus on the Bush family's time in the Permian Basin. The museum houses a fascinating collection of campaign memorabilia, original documents, and even the "dish of the day" from the White House. It is an excellent destination for educational groups, civic organizations, and history buffs. The Bush home, where former Presidents George H.W. Bush and George W. Bush lived, and has also been relocated to the site, offering a tangible piece of presidential history.

Coordinate a seamless educational trip by booking a charter bus to the Presidential Archives (4919 E University Blvd, Odessa, TX 79762). Teachers and tour guides love our buses because they keep the group cohesive. Instead of losing time waiting for stragglers who parked in the wrong lot, everyone arrives and departs at the same time. You can use the ride over to discuss the history of the presidency or play a documentary on the bus’s DVD player to prep the group for what they are about to see.

Monahans Sandhills State Park

While technically just down the road from Odessa, Monahans Sandhills State Park is a favorite excursion for groups staying in the city. Just a 30-minute drive west on I-20, this park features massive, shifting sand dunes that are perfect for "sand surfing," hiking, and picnicking. It looks like the Sahara Desert dropped into West Texas. It is a fantastic option for youth groups, family reunions, and corporate team-building days looking for something active and outdoorsy. Renting sand disks at the visitor center is a must!

The drive to Monahans (Park Rd 30, Monahans, TX 79756) is quick, but after a few hours of climbing dunes in the sun, your group will be exhausted. This is where a charter bus rental truly shines. There is nothing better than retreating into a freezing cold, air-conditioned cabin with plush seats after a day in the sand. Your driver stays with the vehicle, ensuring your belongings are safe while you explore. Plus, the undercarriage storage on our buses is perfect for hauling picnic supplies, extra water, and sand sleds.

Rent a Bus in Odessa Today

Odessa, Texas, is a city rich in history, culture, and unique West Texas charm. Don't let the logistics of group travel keep you from experiencing everything the Permian Basin has to offer. Charter Bus Odessa is ready to provide you with the highest quality transportation experience, whether you need a single minibus for a family reunion or a fleet of motorcoaches for a city-wide convention. Our reservation specialists are standing by 24/7/365 to answer your questions and provide a free, no-obligation quote. Call us today at 432-316-2335 and let’s get your group on the road!