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.
Busch Gardens Tampa Bay
Visit Busch Gardens Tampa Bay
Reviews of Busch Gardens Tampa Bay
3/5 - Okay
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
Experience a thrilling combination of gravity, water and state-of-the art rides and slides at this water park for all ages.
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.
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.
ZooTampa at Lowry Park
Hands-on animal activities, a manatee hospital and children’s rides are among the top attractions at this popular animal park.
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.
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.
Top Hotel Deals
Check availability on hotels close to Busch Gardens Tampa Bay
Thrilling wildlife encounters at Busch Gardens Tampa Bay
Busch Gardens Tampa Bay is a sprawling park located in Tampa, Florida, and is the largest park in South Florida. This Florida holiday travel guide offers a unique blend of attractions, including beautiful gardens, thrilling theme park rides, a variety of dining and shopping options, live music performances, a captivating zoo, and family-friendly festivals. One of the highlights is the unforgettable Serengeti Safari, where visitors can get up close to exotic wildlife. With its diverse range of offerings, Busch Gardens Tampa Bay is a must-visit destination among Florida theme parks.
Explore the best places to visit and stay in Busch Gardens Tampa Bay
Busch Gardens Tampa Bay is a thrilling destination that offers a variety of exciting areas and neighborhoods for tourists to explore.
- Terrace Park: This area is known for its beautiful gardens, thrilling theme park rides, and a wide range of dining and shopping options. Visitors can also enjoy live music, visit the zoo, and attend festivals and theater performances. It is located 1.05 km away from Busch Gardens Tampa Bay.
- Temple Crest: Another great destination near Busch Gardens Tampa Bay, Temple Crest offers gardens, a theme park, dining, shopping, live music, a zoo, and family-friendly activities. It is located 1.39 km away from Busch Gardens Tampa Bay.
- Tampa Overlook: With its gardens, theme park, dining, shopping, live music, zoo, family-friendly activities, festivals, and theater, Tampa Overlook is a must-visit area for tourists. It is located 1.44 km away from Busch Gardens Tampa Bay.
Each of these areas provides a unique experience, allowing visitors to immerse themselves in the vibrant atmosphere and enjoy the unforgettable serengeti safari, making their holiday in Busch Gardens Tampa Bay truly memorable.
Experience the top activities and must-see sights in Busch Gardens Tampa Bay
Busch Gardens Tampa Bay is a thrilling adventure holiday destination featuring gardens, a theme park, dining, shopping, live music, a zoo, family-friendly activities, festivals, theater, and sports.
These are some of the unique experiences and attractions at the points of interest in Busch Gardens Tampa Bay:
- Adventure Island: Dive into a world of water fun at this exciting waterpark, where you can enjoy thrilling water slides, relaxing lazy rivers, and tropical landscapes.
- Museum of Science and Industry: Explore the wonders of science through interactive exhibits, hands-on activities, and fascinating demonstrations, making it a perfect destination for both kids and adults.
- Skyride: Soar above the park in a cable car gondola and take in breathtaking views of the gardens, theme park, and surrounding area, providing a unique perspective of Busch Gardens Tampa Bay.
Best time to go to Busch Gardens Tampa Bay, Terrace Park
Terrace Park boasts a year-around average temperature of 23.0°C, peaking at 28.4°C in August, its warmest month, and dipping to an average low of 16.0°C in January, the coolest. Rainfall averages at 98.0mm annually, with August seeing the heaviest showers and November being the driest month.
Month | Temperature (Celcius) | Rainfall (mm) |
| January | 16.0 | 56.6 |
| February | 17.5 | 71.4 |
| March | 19.6 | 77.0 |
| April | 22.2 | 51.6 |
| May | 25.8 | 53.3 |
| June | 27.9 | 169.7 |
| July | 28.3 | 179.6 |
| August | 28.4 | 197.4 |
| September | 27.6 | 160.0 |
| October | 24.5 | 57.4 |
| November | 20.6 | 39.4 |
| December | 17.3 | 62.7 |
Top reasons to visit Busch Gardens Tampa Bay
- Beautiful Gardens: Busch Gardens Tampa Bay is renowned for its stunning gardens, providing a serene and picturesque atmosphere for visitors to explore.
- Thrilling Theme Park Rides: The park offers a wide range of exhilarating rides, from roller coasters to water slides, ensuring an adrenaline-filled experience for adventure enthusiasts.
- Diverse Dining and Shopping Options: With numerous restaurants and shops, visitors can indulge in a variety of cuisines and find unique souvenirs to commemorate their trip.
- Live Music Performances: Busch Gardens Tampa Bay hosts captivating live music performances, adding a vibrant and entertaining element to the park's atmosphere.
- Captivating Zoo: The park is home to a fascinating zoo, where visitors can get up close and personal with exotic wildlife, creating unforgettable encounters.
The Busch Gardens Tampa Bay info point: What you need to know
Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Location | Tampa, Florida, United States of America |
| Attractions | Amusement park, zoo, roller coasters, animal shows |
| Most popular month? | March, April, May |
| Length of Stay | 1-2 days |
| Weather | Hot and humid year-round |
| Don't miss | SheiKra, Cheetah Hunt, Montu, Serengeti Safari |
| Cuisine | American, international, theme park food |
| Where to go | Busch Gardens Tampa Bay, Adventure Island, The Florida Aquarium |
💰 How to find great deals on package in Busch Gardens Tampa Bay
- Combine your flights, hotels, and car rentals on Expedia to get the best package deals for your trip to Busch Gardens Tampa Bay.
- Take advantage of Expedia's Rewards program to collect points and save money on future bookings.
- Use the search filters on Expedia to find accommodation within your budget and preferences.
- Consider traveling during the low season, typically from May to July, for more affordable options.
- Check for price limits on Expedia to find a holiday package that suits your budget.
- Use the travel experience filter on Expedia to find the perfect package for your family, romantic, or adventurous getaway to Busch Gardens Tampa Bay.
- Holidays and getaways similar to Busch Gardens Tampa Bay
- Hotels Near Busch Gardens Tampa Bay, Terrace Park
- Hotels near popular Tampa Attractions
- Expedia's Latest Trends
- Rodeway Inn Tampa near Busch Gardens - USF
- Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Tampa
- Ramada by Wyndham Temple Terrace/Tampa North
- Hotel Haya
- Quality Inn & Suites Near Fairgrounds Ybor City
- Holiday Inn Express Tampa N I-75 - University Area, an IHG Hotel
- TownePlace Suites by Marriott Tampa North/I-75 Fletcher
- Extended Stay America Premier Suites Tampa Fairgrounds Casin
- Hotels near Port of Tampa
- Hotels near Raymond James Stadium
- Hotels near Seminole Hard Rock Casino Tampa
- Hotels near Tampa Riverwalk
- Hotels near University of South Florida
- Hotels near Tampa Convention Center
- Hotels near Florida Aquarium
- Hotels near Amalie Arena
- Hotels near MidFlorida Credit Union Amphitheatre
- Hotels near Tampa General Hospital
- Hotels near Westshore Plaza Mall
- Hotels near Channelside Bay Plaza
- Hotels near Tampa Premium Outlets