Busch Gardens Tampa Bay

Busch Gardens Tampa Bay, located in Tampa, Florida, is one of the state’s best-known theme parks, offering a mix of roller coasters, family rides, animal habitats, and seasonal entertainment. Opened in 1959, the property began as a hospitality attraction linked to the Anheuser-Busch brewery before evolving into a major theme park and zoological destination. Today, Busch Gardens Tampa Bay is especially known for pairing high-thrill attractions with expansive animal experiences, making it a popular stop for families, coaster fans, and animal lovers alike.

The park is part of the broader Busch Gardens and SeaWorld collection of parks operated by United Parks & Resorts. Along with its major coaster lineup and themed areas, Busch Gardens Tampa Bay also emphasizes conservation, animal care, and education through exhibits, tours, and other experiences available throughout the park.

Attractions and Experiences

1. Thrill Rides and Roller Coasters: Busch Gardens Tampa Bay is home to some of Florida’s best-known thrill attractions, with rides ranging from towering drops and launches to classic looping coasters.

Iron Gwazi: A landmark hybrid coaster known for its height, speed, and dramatic first drop.
SheiKra: A dive coaster featuring a 200-foot drop, inversions, and a signature splashdown finale.
Cheetah Hunt: A multi-launch coaster inspired by the speed and agility of a cheetah.
Montu: A longtime inverted coaster favorite with multiple inversions and high-speed maneuvers.
Tigris: A launched coaster with forward and backward motion and a compact but intense layout.
Kumba: A classic steel looping coaster known for its forceful ride experience.
Falcon’s Fury: A towering drop ride that pivots riders face-down before release.

2. Family-Friendly Attractions: In addition to its high-thrill rides, Busch Gardens offers attractions and play areas designed for younger visitors and multi-generational groups.

Cobra’s Curse: A family coaster with spinning cars and themed storytelling.
Stanley Falls Flume: A classic water ride with a memorable final splash.
Sesame Street Safari of Fun: A kid-focused area with rides, splash zones, play spaces, and Sesame Street character experiences.

3. Animal Encounters and Zoological Areas: Busch Gardens Tampa Bay is also known for its zoological collection and animal habitats featuring species from around the world.

Serengeti Plain: A large open habitat where guests can view animals such as giraffes, zebras, rhinos, and antelope.
Serengeti Safari: A guided up-close safari-style experience typically available as a separately purchased park upgrade.
Jungala: A themed area that has included animal exhibits and family exploration spaces.
Edge of Africa: A walking trail with views of African animal habitats.
Animal Care Center: A place where guests can learn more about animal care and veterinary work at the park.

4. Live Shows and Entertainment: Busch Gardens Tampa Bay features entertainment that can include ice shows, musical performances, character offerings, and seasonal productions. Show lineups vary by season, so visitors should check the official park schedule or app before visiting.

Seasonal Events

1. Howl-O-Scream: Busch Gardens’ separately ticketed Halloween event transforms the park with haunted houses, scare zones, roaming creatures, and themed entertainment during the fall season.

2. Christmas Town: During the holiday season, Busch Gardens hosts Christmas Town, featuring lights, seasonal entertainment, and holiday-themed experiences throughout the park.

3. Food, Wine & Garden Festival: This seasonal festival brings tasting cabins, beverages, and live concerts to Busch Gardens Tampa Bay on select dates.

Dining and Shopping

Busch Gardens Tampa Bay offers a variety of dining options ranging from barbecue and quick-service meals to snacks, sweets, and drinks throughout the park.

Zambia Smokehouse: A popular barbecue location known for smoked meats and hearty sides.
Dragon Fire Grill: A large casual dining venue with a broad menu and indoor seating.
Serengeti Overlook dining areas: Scenic meal and drink options with views toward the Serengeti habitat.
Snack Carts and Quick Bites: Guests can also find pretzels, sweets, drinks, and other fast options throughout the park.

The park also features gift shops and merchandise locations with Busch Gardens apparel, souvenirs, animal-themed gifts, and seasonal items.

Vicinity of Busch Gardens Tampa Bay

Conservation and Animal Care

Busch Gardens Tampa Bay emphasizes animal care, education, and conservation through its zoological programs, habitats, and guest experiences. The park is part of a broader organization that supports wildlife and habitat efforts, and guests can often learn more through exhibits, keeper talks, and animal-focused presentations during their visit.

Nearby Attractions

Adventure Island
A water park located near Busch Gardens with slides, pools, and other warm-weather attractions.
ZooTampa at Lowry Park
A family-friendly zoo with animal exhibits and educational experiences.
Museum of Science & Industry (MOSI)
A science museum with exhibits related to technology, space, and hands-on learning.
Ybor City Historic District
A historic Tampa neighborhood known for dining, nightlife, and local character.

Visitor Information

Location: Busch Gardens Tampa Bay is located at 10165 N McKinley Drive in Tampa, Florida.
Tickets: The park offers a range of ticket types, annual passes, and bundled products that may vary by season and promotion.
Quick Queue: Quick Queue products may be available for select attractions, allowing guests to use a shorter line at participating rides.
Hours: Park hours vary by date, so visitors should check the official Busch Gardens Tampa Bay calendar before arriving.
Weather and Availability: Outdoor rides, animal presentations, and some shows may close temporarily for weather, maintenance, or operational reasons.
Accessibility: Busch Gardens provides accessibility information and services for guests with disabilities, along with rental options for certain mobility needs.
Planning Tools: The official park app and website are useful for maps, showtimes, dining details, and day-of-visit updates.

For official details, hours, and tickets visit: https://buschgardens.com/tampa/