Busch Gardens Tampa Bay
Busch Gardens Tampa Bay, located in Tampa, Florida, is a unique blend of theme park and zoological park. It offers world-class thrill rides, up-close animal encounters, and rich, immersive theming. With over 300 acres to explore, it’s one of the largest and most diverse parks in the U.S. and consistently ranks among the top-attended theme parks outside of Disney and Universal.
History & Background
The park opened in 1959 as a free brewery tour and bird garden operated by Anheuser-Busch. Over time, it expanded into a full-fledged amusement park, known for its exotic theming and animal habitats. Now operated by SeaWorld Parks & Entertainment, Busch Gardens continues to deliver high-thrill experiences while maintaining its deep focus on animal care and conservation.
Ticket Prices & Packages
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1-Day Tickets: ~$99–$125 depending on season
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Multi-Park Passes: Include SeaWorld Orlando, Aquatica, and Adventure Island
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Annual Passes: Several tiers with free parking, guest tickets, and discounts
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Quick Queue: Skip-the-line upgrade for top rides
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All-Day Dining Deal and PhotoKey are also available
Opening Hours & Best Time to Visit
Busch Gardens is open year-round, typically from 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM, with extended hours in summer and for events.
Best times to visit:
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Late January to early March
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Weekdays in April or September
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Early November, before holiday crowds
Avoid major holidays and Saturdays during peak summer for the shortest wait times.
Top Rides & Attractions
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Iron Gwazi – One of the tallest and fastest hybrid coasters in the world
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SheiKra – Dive coaster with a 200-foot vertical drop
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Montu – Inverted coaster with multiple inversions and intense speed
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Cheetah Hunt – Multi-launch coaster through savanna-style terrain
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Kumba – Classic B&M with seven inversions
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Tigris – Compact but intense launch coaster
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Congo River Rapids & Stanley Falls Flume – Water rides for cooling off
Animal Exhibits & Safari Areas
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Serengeti Plain – Free-roaming savanna animals including giraffes and zebras
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Edge of Africa – Lions, hyenas, hippos, and more
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Myombe Reserve – Gorillas and chimpanzees in naturalistic habitats
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Bird Gardens & Lory Landing – Feed and interact with exotic birds
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Jungala – Home to tigers and orangutans
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Animal Care Center – Behind-the-scenes look at animal veterinary care
Family & Kids Rides
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Air Grover – Junior coaster with Sesame Street theming
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Serengeti Express Train – Scenic ride through the savanna
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Skyride Gondolas – Aerial views of the park and animal habitats
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Treetop Trails – Ropes and net climbs for kids
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Sesame Street Safari of Fun – Mini land with gentle rides, water play, and characters
Seasonal Events
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Mardi Gras (Spring)
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Summer Nights (Mid-Year) – Extended hours and fireworks
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Howl-O-Scream (Fall) – Separate-ticket nighttime haunt event
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Christmas Town (Winter) – Holiday lights, shows, and festive food
Dining Options
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Zambia Smokehouse – BBQ ribs, brisket, and chicken near Sheikra
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Dragon Fire Grill – Large food court with Asian, Italian, and American options
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Serengeti Overlook – Table-service with a view of the plains
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Chick-fil-A, Panda Express, and Twisted Tails Pretzels are available around the park
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Craft beer, ice cream, and funnel cakes at seasonal kiosks
All-day dining is available and worth it on long visits.
Hotels & Accommodation
Busch Gardens does not have on-site hotels, but many partner properties are nearby:
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Holiday Inn Express & Suites Tampa – USF Busch Gardens – Closest option
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Hyatt Place Tampa Busch Gardens – Popular with families
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Embassy Suites by Hilton Tampa USF – Suite-style rooms with breakfast
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Tampa downtown hotels and beach resorts are available for combo vacations
Some hotels offer shuttle services and ticket packages.
Getting There & Parking
Address: 10165 McKinley Dr, Tampa, FL 33612
Located just off I-275 and I-75, about 15 minutes from downtown Tampa.
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General parking: $30
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Preferred parking: $35–$45
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Accessible parking available
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Uber/Lyft drop-off near the entrance
Tips for Visiting
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Ride Iron Gwazi and SheiKra first thing in the morning
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Bring binoculars for the Serengeti animals
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Use the Busch Gardens app to check wait times and showtimes
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Quick Queue is worth it on weekends and holidays
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Animal tours and encounters can be booked online in advance