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Busch Gardens Tampa Bay

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Busch Gardens Tampa Bay (United States)

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Busch Gardens Tampa Bay opened on March 31, 1959, and is a major African-themed amusement park located in Florida. Covering approximately 335 acres, the facility uniquely combines high-thrill roller coasters with a massive zoological garden housing over 12,000 animals from 200 species. Notable attractions include world-record-breaking rides such as SheiKra, a dive coaster with a 90-degree drop, and Iron Gwazi, recognized as one of the fastest and steepest hybrid coasters globally. The park is structured into thematic sections representing regions like Egypt, Nairobi, and the Serengeti Plain, where visitors can experience safari-like tours. Beyond entertainment, the park is a certified member of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums and leads significant wildlife conservation initiatives. Operated by United Parks & Resorts, it serves as a primary educational and recreational landmark in the Tampa Bay area, attracting millions of visitors annually.

Best time to visit & climate

The most pleasant time to visit is Mar, Apr, Nov.

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Avg °C151719232627282827242017
Rain mm6565736389226240252185694965

📋 Practical info

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Visiting
Busch Gardens Tampa Bay is an African-themed theme park and zoo that is open daily. Entry is via day tickets or annual passes, which can be purchased online in advance.
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Typical hours
The park usually opens at 10:00 and closes between 17:00 and 22:00 depending on the season. Exact times should be checked on the website before the visit.
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Photography
Photography is allowed throughout the park, except on some rides and animal encounters. Flash should be avoided in animal zones and during shows.
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Time needed
Allow at least 6 to 8 hours for a full day at the park. With children, a visit can take a full day.
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Combine with
Combine the visit with nearby Clearwater or St. Pete Beach. The Florida Aquarium in Tampa is also a short drive away.
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Getting there
The park is located in Tampa, Florida, easily reachable by car via I-275. Parking is available for a fee, public transport is limited.
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Insider tip
Purchase your tickets online in advance to avoid box office queues and often get lower prices. Arrive early to enjoy the most popular rides without long waits.

Geography

Coordinates
28.03600, -82.41900

Facts

  • Opened to the public on March 31, 1959, by Anheuser-Busch.
  • Total land area encompasses approximately 335 acres (136 ha).
  • Home to more than 12,000 animals across 200 different species.
  • Iron Gwazi reaches a top speed of 76 miles per hour (122 km/h).
  • The Serengeti Plain section covers 65 acres of free-roaming habitat.
  • Features 10 roller coasters and multiple water-based attractions.

Explore nearby

Notable places around

Port of Tampa BayPort of Tampa Bay3 km · NWExplore →
Apollo BeachApollo Beach4 km · WExplore →
TampaTampa4 km · SExplore →
RuskinRuskin5 km · WExplore →
GibsontonGibsonton5 km · NWExplore →
VeniceVenice14 km · WExplore →
South VeniceSouth Venice14 km · WExplore →
Spring HillSpring Hill14 km · SEExplore →

Route planner — Car & Motorhome

Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.

Vehicle
Only stops with (optional):

© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService

Sights in the town Busch Gardens Tampa Bay (17)

Busch Gardens Tampa🎡 recreation

A major theme park in Tampa featuring roller coasters and animal exhibits.

♿

Museum of Science & Industry🏛 museum

The Museum of Science & Industry (MOSI) in Tampa features interactive science exhibits.

Tampa Covenant Church⛪ religious

Tampa Covenant Church is an evangelical church in Tampa.

Seminole Heights United Methodist Church⛪ religious

Seminole Heights United Methodist Church is a Methodist church in Tampa.

22nd Street Park🌳 park

A small neighborhood park in Gardens Tampa Bay along 22nd Street.

Gwazi Field🌳 park

A sports field in Gardens Tampa Bay named after the Gwazi roller coaster.

Al Lopez Park🌳 park

A park in Gardens Tampa Bay named after baseball player Al Lopez.

🕒 sunrise-sunset

Adventure Island🎡 recreation

A water park in Tampa with wave pools and water slides.

🕒 Mo-Fr 10:00-17:00; Sa-Su 10:00-18:00

Science Discovery Center🏛 museum

An interactive science museum with hands-on exhibits in Gardens Tampa Bay.

USF Student Memorial🏺 historical

A memorial for students at the University of South Florida in Tampa.

Teaching Auditorium and Theatre I🎭 culture

A teaching auditorium and theatre for performances and lectures in Gardens Tampa Bay.

MSC Amphitheatre🎭 culture

An outdoor amphitheater for concerts and events in Gardens Tampa Bay.

Pantopia Theatre🎭 culture

The Pantopia Theatre in Gardens Tampa Bay presents stage productions.

Where he did it to em📍 landmark

A landmark installed in September 2014 at the Gardens Tampa Bay.

Shooters World📍 landmark

Shooters World is a shooting sports facility in Gardens Tampa Bay.

Treehouse trek📍 landmark

Treehouse trek is a ropes course attraction at Busch Gardens Tampa Bay.

Sights nearby

Frequently asked questions

What is Busch Gardens?
A theme park that combines thrilling rollercoasters with animal habitats.
Is it worth it for adults?
Definitely, especially for the world-class rollercoasters.
What is the wildlife like?
There is a large safari-style area with African animals.
When should you visit the park?
Weekdays outside of holidays are best for shorter lines.
Can you ride in the rain?
Attractions close temporarily during severe lightning storms.
Busch Gardens Tampa Bay: where is it located?
Busch Gardens Tampa Bay is located in United States.
Busch Gardens Tampa Bay: what is there to see?
Highlights include Busch Gardens Tampa, Museum of Science & Industry, Tampa Covenant Church.
Busch Gardens Tampa Bay: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Mar, Apr, Nov.
Busch Gardens Tampa Bay: why is it worth visiting?
Busch Gardens Tampa Bay opened on March 31, 1959, and is a major African-themed amusement park located in Florida.
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