Busch Gardens Tampa Bay

Busch Gardens Tampa Bay showing rides
Busch Gardens Tampa Bay showing rides
Busch Gardens Tampa Bay featuring rides
Busch Gardens Tampa Bay which includes rides
Busch Gardens featuring zoo animals, safari adventures and a park

Exotic animals and thrill rides all on the one site at this theme park and zoo designed for the whole family.

Busch Gardens is an African-themed adventure park featuring more than 2,000 exotic animals, roller coasters, thrill rides, shows and exhibits. The 335-acre (135-hectare) site is divided into eight themed areas. Each area has its own attractions, and animals living in natural-style habitats.

The Serengeti Plain is one of the park’s most popular destinations. This 65-acre (26-hectare) replica of the African region is home to hundreds of free-roaming animals, including giraffes, zebras, white rhinos, ostriches and impalas.

Observe animals from aboard the Serengeti Express train, or on the Skyride, a cable-car trip that covers most of the park. Seats on both rides are included in the price of admission. Reserve a place on the Serengeti Safari, a trek across the plain in an open-top vehicle. You’ll stop by some of the animals to feed them by hand. For prices and details, visit the park’s official website.

Head on over to Jungala, a themed village that features rides, live entertainment and close-up viewing areas of Bengal tigers, crocodiles, gibbons and orangutans.

Animals are only part of the appeal of Busch Gardens. Take a deep breath and summon your nerves for Sheikra, a dive coaster that travels straight down a 90-degree drop at 70 miles (113 kilometers) per hour. Cheetah Hunt is a 4,400-foot (1,340-meter) long coaster that travels inside the Serengeti and down into a rocky gorge. It reaches a top speed of 60 miles (97 kilometers) per hour.

Take younger thrill seekers and animal lovers to Sesame Street Safari of Fun. There are child-sized rides, a water play area and lots of Sesame Street characters.

Busch Gardens is situated approximately 8 miles (13 kilometers) northeast of downtown Tampa. The amusement park is open every day of the year. Opening hours are updated each week. Check the website for up-to-date information. There is pay parking available.

Tours & day trips

See all 50 activities
1.5-hour Dolphin Sightseeing Cruise from Tampa

1.5-hour Dolphin Sightseeing Cruise from Tampa

Activity duration is 1 hour and 30 minutes
8.8 out of 10 with 320 reviews
Free cancellation available
Price is HK$240 per adult
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Food, drink & nightlife

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Pirate Adventure Cruise - John's Pass

Pirate Adventure Cruise - John's Pass

Activity duration is 1 hour and 30 minutes
10.0 out of 10 with 11 reviews
Free cancellation available
Price is HK$351 per adult
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Private & custom tours

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Tampa City centre Tour

Tampa City centre Tour

Activity duration is 30 minutes
Free cancellation available
Price is HK$930 per adult*
Tampa City centre TourOpens in new tab

Attractions

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Tampa Bay CityPASS®: Admission to 5 Top Attractions

Tampa Bay CityPASS®: Admission to 5 Top Attractions

Activity duration is 9 days
8.8 out of 10 with 258 reviews
Free cancellation available
Price is HK$1,164 per adult
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Water activities

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2 Person Mini Power Boat Rental at Tampa Riverwalk

2 Person Mini Power Boat Rental at Tampa Riverwalk

Activity duration is 1 hour
9.8 out of 10 with 9 reviews
Free cancellation available
Price is HK$813 per traveller
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Reviews of Busch Gardens Tampa Bay

4.3
Top destination
5 - Excellent
21
5 - Excellent 51%
4 - Good
13
4 - Good 32%
3 - Okay
5
3 - Okay 12%
2 - Disappointing
2
2 - Disappointing 5%
1 - Terrible
0
1 - Terrible 0%

3/5 - Okay

Verified traveller

Be prepared if weather is bad to either wait or cut your time short. All rides are outside. Also maybe think about kids heights. Big rides are 54"

Popular places to visit

Adventure Island which includes a waterpark

Adventure Island

Experience a thrilling combination of gravity, water and state-of-the art rides and slides at this water park for all ages.

Adventure Island
Museum of Science and Industry which includes modern architecture

Museum of Science and Industry

Hands-on, interactive exhibits help you experience the science in everything, from the workings of the human body to natural disasters, space exploration and drones.

Museum of Science and Industry
Tampa_YuenglingCenter_6128534_01

Yuengling Center

Catch an event at Yuengling Center during your trip to Tampa. Attend a sporting event or simply enjoy the top-notch restaurants while you're in the area.

Yuengling Center
Aerial photo University of South Florida Tampa

University of South Florida

Walk around the campus of University of South Florida, a top university in Tampa. Experience the area's acclaimed theatre scene and lively festivals.

University of South Florida

Skyride

You can take time to visit Skyride during your travels to Tampa. Amble around the area's picturesque gardens or attend a sporting event.

Skyride

University Mall

You can search for that perfect souvenir at University Mall during your trip to Tampa. Experience the area's lively festivals or attend a sporting event.

University Mall

Top Busch Gardens Tampa Bay Hotel Deals

OASIS BAY SUITES, Tampa, Busch Gardens, USF

OASIS BAY SUITES, Tampa, Busch Gardens, USF

3 out of 5
3001 University Center Dr Tampa FL
OASIS BAY SUITES, Tampa, Busch Gardens, USF
La Quinta Inn by Wyndham Tampa Near Busch Gardens

La Quinta Inn by Wyndham Tampa Near Busch Gardens

3 out of 5
9202 N 30th St Tampa FL
La Quinta Inn by Wyndham Tampa Near Busch Gardens
Hampton Inn & Suites Tampa Busch Gardens Area

Hampton Inn & Suites Tampa Busch Gardens Area

2.5 out of 5
3333 East Busch Boulevard Tampa FL
Hampton Inn & Suites Tampa Busch Gardens Area
Holiday Inn Express & Suites Tampa USF Busch Gardens by IHG

Holiday Inn Express & Suites Tampa USF Busch Gardens by IHG

2.5 out of 5
2807 E Busch Blvd Tampa FL
Holiday Inn Express & Suites Tampa USF Busch Gardens by IHG
BAY INN

BAY INN

2 out of 5
2307 E BUSCH BLVD Tampa FL
BAY INN
Tampa Inn - Near Busch Gardens

Tampa Inn - Near Busch Gardens

2 out of 5
2901 E Busch Blvd Tampa FL
Tampa Inn - Near Busch Gardens
Hyatt Place Busch Gardens

Hyatt Place Busch Gardens

3 out of 5
11408 N 30th St Tampa FL
Hyatt Place Busch Gardens
Gardenview

Gardenview

2500 E Busch Blvd Tampa FL
Gardenview
Awalk away from Busch Gardens and Adventure Island

Awalk away from Busch Gardens and Adventure Island

Tampa FL
Awalk away from Busch Gardens and Adventure Island
See all 3,781 properties in Busch Gardens Tampa Bay
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Things to do near Busch Gardens Tampa Bay

Shopping

For a delightful shopping experience near Busch Gardens Tampa Bay, visit Westshore Plaza Mall and Westfield Brandon, both located 14.5km away, and Hyde Park Softball Field, just 12.9km away. If you're up for a drive, explore more extensive shopping options in the surrounding areas.

Recreation

At the Tournament Sportsplex of Tampa Bay, enjoy various sports activities and wellness programmes amidst a vibrant atmosphere, located 11.3km from Busch Gardens. The Claw at USF invites you to indulge in outdoor golfing experiences just 4.8km away, while the USF Baseball Stadium, 3.2km away, offers lively sports events.

Adventure

Adventure Island is a thrilling waterpark located 966m from Busch Gardens Tampa Bay, perfect for family fun and excitement. The Skyride, a scenic cable car gondola only 322m away, offers stunning views and a relaxed outdoor adventure. For adrenaline seekers, Grand Prix Tampa, 4.8km away, features exhilarating go-kart racing.

Nightlife

At Busch Gardens Tampa Bay, the nightlife is vibrant and thrilling. Experience live music and entertainment at the park’s various venues, enjoy delicious dining options, and partake in special events. The atmosphere is lively, with an array of colourful lights and exciting performances to keep you entertained.

*Distances are measured in a straight line; actual driving distances may vary depending on the route.

Find the best attractions near Busch Gardens Tampa Bay

During your visit to Busch Gardens Tampa Bay, explore the array of attractions including entertainment facilities, modern universities, and event venues. Ideal for families and culture enthusiasts, you can enjoy outdoor experiences while discovering nearby Tampa attractions. Don't miss out on the exciting offerings at Busch Gardens, as well as other points of interest in the vicinity for a well-rounded holiday experience.

  • Yuengling Center: A hub of entertainment, Yuengling Center offers an array of events from concerts to family shows. Its vibrant atmosphere and family-friendly vibes make it an enjoyable stop, just 3.2km from Busch Gardens.
  • Curtis Hixon Waterfront Park: This urban park provides a stunning waterfront view, perfect for families seeking outdoor fun. With playgrounds, green spaces, and city vibes, it's a lovely retreat just 11.3km away.
  • Glazer Children's Museum: A cultural gem for families, this museum features interactive exhibits designed to inspire creativity and learning in children. Located 9.7km from Busch Gardens, it’s an enriching experience for young minds.

Best time to go to Busch Gardens Tampa Bay

The best time to visit Busch Gardens Tampa Bay can depend on the weather and when visitor numbers rise and fall. The hottest average temperature around Busch Gardens Tampa Bay falls in August, when visitor numbers are average and weather is mostly sunny with moderate rain. The coolest average temperature around Busch Gardens Tampa Bay falls in January, visitor numbers are slightly low and weather is mostly sunny with light rain.

calendarCalendar MonthtemperatureTemperaturerainPrecipitationmostlyCloudinessoccupationOccupancypricePricing
January60.8°F (16.0°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly LowAverage
February64.4°F (18.0°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageSlightly High
March67.6°F (19.8°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly HighSlightly High
April73.4°F (23.0°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageSlightly High
May78.1°F (25.6°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
June82.0°F (27.8°C)Moderate RainMostly SunnySlightly HighAverage
July83.1°F (28.4°C)Moderate RainMostly SunnySlightly HighAverage
August83.5°F (28.6°C)Moderate RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
September81.3°F (27.4°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly LowSlightly Low
October76.1°F (24.5°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageSlightly Low
November68.9°F (20.5°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly LowSlightly Low
December64.9°F (18.3°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage

Tips to save on your trip to Busch Gardens Tampa Bay

  • Take advantage of package deals on Expedia and combine flights, hotels, or car rentals for a convenient and cost-effective trip to Busch Gardens Tampa Bay.
  • Consider traveling during the off-peak season (typically September to November) for more affordable package holidays to Busch Gardens Tampa Bay.
  • Use the Price per traveler filter on Expedia to find a package deal that suits your budget.
  • Check the VIP Access properties filter to discover outstanding hotels with added member perks at select properties.

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