A 136-hectare theme park and zoo located in Tampa, on Florida's west coast, Busch Gardens brings together world-class roller coasters and an impressive animal collection themed around Africa. Managed by SeaWorld Parks & Entertainment, the site features a dozen major coasters, immersive zones recreating African landscapes, and wildlife roaming in semi-freedom.

Why visit Busch Gardens

The park's main appeal lies in its dual identity. On one hand, it's an amusement park boasting roller coasters ranked among the most thrilling in the southeastern États-Unis, including Iron Gwazi, a hybrid steel-wood coaster that opened in 2022 and holds height and speed records for its category. On the other, it's a full-scale zoological park with a Serengeti-inspired plain where herds of African ungulates roam. This combination remains rare in the États-Unis and explains the park's distinctive position in Florida's tourism landscape.

History: from brewery to theme park

The site opened to the public in June 1959 on 65 hectares operated by Anheuser-Busch. Originally, it housed a brewery and botanical garden, complemented by a geodesic dome on the roof where exotic birds were raised. Entry was free, and beer tasting was part of the experience.

The park expanded in 1965 with an additional 12 hectares dedicated to recreating the Serengeti plain. Entry became paid in 1970 to fund further developments. In 1973, Stanley Falls Flume—a log ride with a 13-meter drop—became the site's first thrill attraction. Python followed in 1976, the park's first roller coaster, later replaced by Jungala, then Scorpion in 1980, which remains the oldest coaster still operating at Busch Gardens today.

What to see and do

The Serengeti plain and African zones

The Serengeti plain remains the park's zoological heart. Here you'll find zebras, giraffes, gazelles, addax, and elk roaming in semi-freedom, alongside a diverse bird population including storks, cranes, and ibis. Edge of Africa, styled as a deserted fishing village, showcases lions, hyenas, crocodiles, elephants, and lemurs. A hippo pool with an underwater viewing wall offers immersive observation.

Other zones target specific species: Tiger Lodge for tigers, the Myombe Reserve at Nairobi housing gorillas and chimpanzees, Penguin Point, and an enclosure dedicated to Aldabra giant tortoises. The park hosts nearly 200 species in total. The Animal Care Center, a veterinary clinic open to visitors, allows you to observe care provided to the animals.

Roller coasters and thrill attractions

• Iron Gwazi: hybrid steel-wood coaster that opened in 2022, holding height and speed records within its category.
• Cheetah Hunt: 31 meters tall, 97 km/h, 1,341 meters of track, three loops. Located near Cheetah Run, a dedicated cheetah habitat.
• SheiKra: floorless roller coaster at 61 meters, 110 km/h over 972 meters. Four-second pause at the summit before a vertical 90° descent.
• Kumba: opened in 1993, 43.6 meters tall, 96.56 km/h, over seven inversions.
• Air Grover: family coaster spanning 183 meters with a 7.3-meter climb and 6.9-meter drop, integrated into Sesame Street Safari of Fun. A Komodo dragon exhibit is nearby.
• Congo River Rapids: white-water rafting adventure with waterfalls, water jets, and cave passages.

Practical information

Hours vary by season and special events; it's recommended to check the official website a few days before your visit, as zoo areas and rides may operate on different schedules. Admission prices are not fixed: online ticketing, SeaWorld multi-park passes, and the Tampa Bay Tourism Office's City Pass (covering five regional attractions) typically offer better rates than gate prices. Selfie sticks are prohibited within the park; bring a mounting system for cameras and video equipment. Plan for a full day to experience both the zoo and coasters.

When to visit

The most comfortable period runs from October to May, when humidity and temperatures remain manageable. During the wet season (June to September), afternoon showers are common and may cause temporary coaster closures. Attendance is lighter mid-week, particularly Tuesday through Thursday, outside American school holidays.

How to get there

The park is located in north Tampa, immediately adjacent to the University of South Florida. From Tampa International Airport (formerly Drew Field), expect about 30 minutes by car. A rental car is the most practical option to reach the site and combine it with other regional attractions. Tour shuttles also connect Busch Gardens to several Orlando hotels.

Nearby attractions

The Tampa area offers several complementary experiences: Adventure Island water park, located directly across from Busch Gardens and operated by the same company; the Museum of Science and Industry (MOSI); and, more broadly, the beaches along Florida's west coast. Theme park enthusiasts can venture toward Orlando, approximately 1.5 hours away. To explore other iconic American cities, visit our pages on Broadway in New York or Beverly Hills.

Frequently asked questions

Extend your trip

Busch Gardens naturally fits into an itinerary combining Florida with major American cities. To build a custom vacation blending theme parks, national parks, and metropolitan attractions, consult our États-Unis vacations.