About
Back in 1959, a tropical escape invited visitors to stroll among lush gardens and exotic birds. Created by Anheuser-Busch, Busch Gardens Tampa Bay started as a hospitality house with the promise of ice-cold beer.
As the park grew in popularity, the addition of the Serengeti Plain in 1965 added 65 acres where giraffes, zebras, and antelope could roam. This move anchored Busch Gardens as one of America's first zoos without cages, marking the genesis of its story as a world-class animal park.
The next significant advancement came in 1976 with the debut of its roller coaster, Python. In no time, rides like Kumba, Montu, and SheiKra set new records and raised the adrenaline level with each launch.
Busch Gardens Tampa Bay banked on these rides by creating themed areas like Congo, Stanleyville, and Egypt. Each will make guests feel like they've stepped into a different world.
Today, Busch Gardens Tampa Bay covers more than 335 acres and is home to more than 200 animal species. It's now a blend of a zoo, a theme park, and a conservation center. The focus on animal care remains strong, balanced by the park's knack for jaw-dropping rides and detailed settings.
What was once a brewery garden is now recognized worldwide for combining animal encounters with adrenaline-pumping fun!
Busch Gardens Tampa Bay: Fun Facts & Cool Features
This attraction will appeal to both animal lovers and thrill-seekers alike. Habitats designed to resemble the wild, such as the Serengeti Safari, take guests into the heart of an open plain, where giraffes and rhinos graze. Tour guides point out wildlife as visitors ride in open vehicles, with chances to hand-feed a giraffe and learn about herd dynamics.
The Myombe Reserve offers eye-to-eye encounters with gentle gorillas and playful chimpanzees, while the Edge of Africa features lions, hippos, and meerkats.
Additionally, each themed area brings its own energy and sights. The transition from a marketplace filled with music to a quiet jungle trail is seamless. You'll find aviaries with bright birds, splash zones, theaters with live shows, or craft markets.
The coasters here are legendary! The Iron Gwazi is North America's highest, the world's fastest, and the world's steepest hybrid coaster. This wood meets steel coaster reaches blistering speeds of 76 MPH!
Falcon's Fury sets hearts racing with its face-first, 335-foot drop, while Montu, a pioneer in looping coasters, packs in unique twists. Every ride offers something bold, with thoughtful design to connect with the park's African-inspired themes.
While this theme park will amaze you for hours on end, its proximity to other attractions makes visiting other landmarks doable in a day. For instance, continue your study of the animal kingdom at ZooTampa at Lowry Park. Head south to learn about creatures of the sea at The Florida Aquarium. The Lettuce Lake Park is also close, offering birdwatching, boardwalks, and picnic areas. After working up an appetite from sightseeing, you're never far from a delicious meal and a cold drink. A prime example is Half Moon Seafood Co., where fresh seafood is served from a food-truck-like setting.
Busch Gardens Tampa Bay will be a hit on your Sunshine State vacation, with its up-close animal experiences, non-stop thrills, and vibrant themed lands.
Local Tips
- The Annual Passes are cost-saving plans if you visit Florida often.
- Check the website for events scheduled during your visit.
- Parking isn't free! Book yours in advance to secure your spot!
- Download the Busch Gardens app for ride wait times and show schedules.
