Busch Gardens Tampa Bay

Busch Gardens Tampa Bay
Busch Gardens Tampa Bay
Busch Gardens Tampa Bay
Busch Gardens which includes safari adventures, zoo animals and a garden
Busch Gardens Tampa Bay


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 kilometres) per hour. Cheetah Hunt is a 4,400-foot (1,340-metre) long coaster that travels inside the Serengeti and down into a rocky gorge. It reaches a top speed of 60 miles (97 kilometres) 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 kilometres) 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 36 activities

Food, drink & nightlife

See all 7 activities

Private & custom tours

See all 6 activities

Adventure & outdoor

See all 4 activities

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


Top Busch Gardens Tampa Bay Hotel Deals

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, (718), Tampa, FL
La Quinta Inn by Wyndham Tampa Near Busch Gardens
OASIS BAY SUITES, Tampa, Busch Gardens, USF

OASIS BAY SUITES, Tampa, Busch Gardens, USF

2 out of 5
3001 University Center Dr, Tampa, FL
OASIS BAY SUITES, Tampa, Busch Gardens, USF
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
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
BAY INN

BAY INN

2 out of 5
2307 E BUSCH BLVD, Tampa, FL
BAY INN
ZenHomes in Tampa near Busch Gardens

ZenHomes in Tampa near Busch Gardens

3 out of 5
10620 Altman St, Tampa, FL
ZenHomes in Tampa near Busch Gardens
Embassy Suites by Hilton Tampa USF Near Busch Gardens

Embassy Suites by Hilton Tampa USF Near Busch Gardens

3.5 out of 5
3705 Spectrum Blvd, Tampa, FL
Embassy Suites by Hilton Tampa USF Near Busch Gardens
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

Busch Gardens Tampa Bay offers a plethora of activities and attractions, including thrilling water rides, serene nature trails, and captivating art galleries. Visitors can also enjoy various festivals and live music events in the surrounding area, making it a vibrant destination for entertainment. Whether exploring the park's diverse wildlife or indulging in shopping, there's something for everyone to enjoy in this exciting locale.

Shopping

The nearest shopping experience is at International Plaza and Bay Street, located 12.9km from Busch Gardens Tampa Bay, offering a vibrant atmosphere with various shops. Similarly, Hyde Park Village, also 12.9km away, provides delightful shopping and dining options. If you're up for a drive, Westfield Citrus Park is 16.1km away, featuring a lively mix of stores.

Recreation

The MidFlorida Credit Union Amphitheatre offers vibrant music concerts, perfect for immersing yourself in entertainment, just 8.0km away. For a thrilling ice skating experience, visit Advent Health Center Ice, located 17.7km away, where sports and adventure await amidst an exciting atmosphere.

Orpheum Theater, also 8.0km away, presents captivating music concerts, enhancing your visit with an engaging entertainment vibe that complements the excitement of Busch Gardens Tampa Bay.

Adventure

Adventure Island, 966m from Busch Gardens Tampa Bay, is a thrilling waterpark brimming with excitement for families. Enjoy stunning views while gliding on the Skyride, located 322m away, or unleash your competitive spirit at Grand Prix Tampa, 4.8km away, for an exhilarating karting experience.

Nightlife

Experience the vibrant nightlife at Celebration Station, a thrilling arcadeAdventureZone with adventure vibes, only 30.6km from Busch Gardens. For a cultural night out, visit Tampa Theatre, just 9.7km away, offering romance and family entertainment. Don't miss Orbital Paintball for more adventure, located 14.5km from the park.

*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

Busch Gardens Tampa Bay offers a delightful mix of attractions, including entertainment facilities and modern universities, perfect for families and culture enthusiasts alike. Nearby, visitors can explore various points of interest that enhance the outdoor experience, such as local events and conferences. For a well-rounded vacation, be sure to check out nearby attractions that complement your visit to Busch Gardens, ensuring an unforgettable adventure in Tampa, Florida.

  • University of South Florida: A vibrant hub of education and culture, the University of South Florida offers a modern campus atmosphere. Visitors can enjoy its impressive architecture and lush green spaces, creating a lively city vibe just 3.2km away from Busch Gardens.
  • Raymond James Stadium: Home to thrilling sports events and concerts, Raymond James Stadium is a premier entertainment venue. With a family-friendly atmosphere, it provides an exciting experience for visitors, located 9.7km from Busch Gardens.
  • Tampa Convention Center: This bustling event venue hosts a variety of conferences and exhibitions, catering to business needs. Its modern facilities and waterfront views make it an appealing destination, situated 11.3km from Busch Gardens.

Best time to go to Busch Gardens Tampa Bay

The best time to visit Busch Gardens Tampa Bay is dependent on what kind of holiday you are seeking. August is its hottest month on average. At this time, visitor numbers are average and weather is mostly sunny with moderate rain. January is its coolest month on average. At this time, visitor numbers are average and weather is mostly sunny with light rain.

calendarCalendar MonthtemperatureTemperaturerainPrecipitationmostlyCloudinessoccupationOccupancypricePricing
January60.8°F (16.0°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
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 SunnySlightly LowSlightly Low
November68.9°F (20.5°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly LowSlightly Low
December64.9°F (18.3°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage

Booking tips and Expedia advantages for Busch Gardens Tampa Bay

For a budget-friendly visit to Busch Gardens Tampa Bay, plan your trip between September and November when prices are lower, particularly on Tuesdays, while Saturdays are the priciest. Use Expedia to refine your hotel search by budget and location, and look for eco-certified options. Consider bundling your hotel, flights, and activities for better savings. Additionally, utilise public transport options to keep travel costs down, and explore free local activities to make the most of your visit without breaking the bank.

  • The most and least expensive months on average to stay in a hotel: The cheapest months to stay around Busch Gardens Tampa Bay are September to November, where the prices are slightly lower. This is in comparison to February to April, where prices are slightly higher.
  • The most and least expensive days on average to stay in a hotel: The least expensive day to stay around Busch Gardens Tampa Bay is Tuesday. The most expensive day to stay around Busch Gardens Tampa Bay is Saturday.
  • Find cheap hotels on Expedia: Utilise Expedia’s search tool to refine your preferences, such as your budget, preferred location, and the type of hotel you desire. For instance, selecting the Eco-certified filter will showcase sustainable and environmentally-friendly hotels currently available. To find the best prices and offers, sort the price filter from lowest to highest.
  • Consider bundling your trip: You can enjoy significant savings by combining your hotel reservation at Busch Gardens Tampa Bay with your flights and activities through an Expedia package.

* Savings based on package bookings compared to the price of the same components booked separately. Savings not available on all packages. Book Flight + Lodging, save up to 100% of flight price - Savings based on flight + lodging package prices as compared to the price of the same components available for booking separately before all discounts and rewards applied. Your bundled savings cover up to 100% of your flight. Savings vary based on origin/destination, length of trip, stay dates and travel suppliers. Savings not available on all flight + lodging package bookings.