For a full day of thrills, animals, and entertainment, make the trip to Busch Gardens Tampa Bay. Located in Tampa, about a 45-minute drive from Madeira Beach depending on traffic, Busch Gardens combines a major theme park with one of the area’s largest collections of animal habitats, making it a great option for families, couples, and anyone looking for a break from the beach.
If you’re looking for roller coasters, Busch Gardens has plenty to choose from. Thrill seekers can take on Iron Gwazi, one of the park’s signature coasters, or experience the twists and turns of Montu, the launches of Cheetah Hunt, the steep drops of SheiKra, and the spinning ride of Cobra’s Curse. Other attractions include Tigris, Falcon’s Fury, Serengeti Flyer, Congo River Rapids, and the newest coaster, Phoenix Rising. With more than 50 rides, shows, and attractions throughout the park, there is plenty to keep you busy for an entire day.
Busch Gardens is also home to more than 200 animal species, so there is much more to see than just roller coasters. Wander through naturalistic habitats to see animals including giraffes, rhinos, cheetahs, lions, hyenas, elephants, and more. The new Lion & Hyena Ridge gives visitors an expanded look at two of Africa’s most iconic predators, with large viewing areas designed to provide an up-close look at the animals.
One of the most memorable experiences is the Serengeti Safari. This guided tour takes guests across the park’s Serengeti Plain for a closer look at the animals and offers a different way to experience the park beyond the rides. Additional animal encounters and tours are also available for guests who want to spend more time learning about the animals and their care.
Families traveling with younger children will find plenty to do as well. Sesame Street Safari of Fun features kid-friendly rides, water play areas, and opportunities to meet familiar Sesame Street characters. Other family areas throughout the park offer rides, games, animal encounters, and attractions designed for younger visitors.
Throughout the year, Busch Gardens also hosts seasonal events, live entertainment, and special celebrations. Depending on when you visit, you may find events such as Howl-O-Scream around Halloween or Christmas Town during the holiday season. Show schedules and seasonal offerings change throughout the year, so it is worth checking the park calendar before your visit.
Busch Gardens is located at 10165 N McKinley Drive in Tampa. Plan on spending most of the day at the park, especially if you want to experience both the rides and animal exhibits. The free Busch Gardens app is also useful for checking attraction wait times, show schedules, park maps, and current ride availability before and during your visit.
For guests staying in Madeira Beach, Busch Gardens makes for an easy day trip when you want to trade the Gulf for roller coasters, wildlife, and a little more adventure.