Anna Maria Island is a popular destination for family vacations, and there’s no question why. This little slice of paradise has maintained that relaxing and welcoming “Old Florida” feeling that so many other destinations have abandoned. It’s comfortable and laid-back here, but you’re still within just a short drive of some exciting cities and attractions on the mainland.
If you want to take a bit of a day trip, the city of Tampa isn’t too far away. Of course, one of the most popular things to do in Tampa, FL, is taking a trip to the Busch Gardens theme park.
If you’re staying in one of our Anna Maria Island vacation rentals, pick a day to get up early and enjoy everything that Busch Gardens has to offer!
Busch Gardens Rides
No matter whether you’re an adrenaline junkie or need slower rides for the whole family to enjoy, Busch Gardens rides offer a little something fun for everyone. First, let’s talk about roller coasters. Thrill-seekers will love a ride on the triple-launch Cheetah Hunt coaster, or for tons of breathtaking drops and looping twists, the Tigris is unlike anything you’ve experienced before. Be sure to ride the Cobra’s Curse, too, Florida’s first family spin roller coaster ride!
For something a bit more laid-back, the Stanley Falls Flume is a great way to cool off on a hot day. Experience a whitewater rafting expedition on the Congo River Rapids or get panoramic views of the park from the Skyride. If you want a little thrill that won’t scare the kids, Wild Surge is also a great option. Finally, make your way to the Sesame Street Safari of Fun section to experience the Air Grover ride and plenty of other kid-friendly attractions.
Safaris and Animal Tours
Busch Gardens in Tampa Bay features an incredible African-inspired theme, so it’s no surprise that there are all kinds of amazing safaris and animal tours to embark on. In fact, Busch Gardens has more than 200 animal species for you to discover during your visit!
First, be sure to plan a trip on the Serengeti Express Train. This relaxing train ride will take you near some of the most gorgeous animals on the Serengeti Plains, such as ostriches, zebras, giraffes, antelopes, and others. If you want a bit more of a personalized experience, book one of the Keeper for a Day tours, where your family will get to work with an Animal Care Specialist and see how the creatures in the zoo are taken care of.
If you’re interested in meeting a particular animal, there’s likely to be an animal encounter that meets your needs. For instance, the Sloth Encounter will let you pet a sloth and learn all about these magnificent creatures. You may also enjoy options like the Private VIP Rhino Safari, Hippo Insider Tour, Elephant Insider Tour, Aldabra Insider Tour, or Penguin Insider Tour. Busch Gardens has also recently introduced an Australia Insider Tour, featuring all kinds of iconic animals from Down Under like kangaroos, wallabies, and more!
All Day Dining
When you’re making your way through all the attractions on the Busch Gardens map, you’re bound to get hungry! Luckily, there are all kinds of delicious dining options that you can explore within the park. If you want to save money while you dine, be sure to consider an All Day Dining package.
All Day Dining allows you to simply pay once and enjoy all kinds of delicious meals throughout the day. Within this package, you are allowed up to one entrée, a side item or dessert, and a beverage each time you pass through the line, once per hour. Luckily, this incredible deal is valid at some of the best restaurants in the park!
Everyone loves pizza, and Oasis Pizza at Serengeti Overlook offers some of the best in all of Tampa. If you’re looking for something quick, the Zagora Café is a great option. Dragon Fire Grill is a market-style eatery offering exciting live entertainment as you dine, and Zambia Smokehouse provides all kinds of mouthwatering barbecue options like ribs, brisket, pulled pork, and more.
Plan Your Stay
Enjoy luxurious amenities inside your Anna Maria Island rental, including a fully equipped kitchen, multiple flat-screen TVs, and more after a long day of Tampa sun at Busch Gardens. Contact us today to learn more about planning your ultimate trip to the Anna Maria Island area!
Tickets and Hours
If you’re thinking about planning a trip to Busch Gardens, you’re probably wondering about the admission cost and park hours. The operating hours of Busch Gardens can vary depending on the season. Additionally, you might find that the park has different operating hours if there’s a special event going on that lasts later into the evening. Busch Gardens recommends checking their website around 1-2 weeks before the date of your visit to make sure you get the most accurate hours before buying your tickets.
You can purchase your tickets to Busch Gardens online to save time before you pay a visit. For a single-day ticket, you can expect to pay around $89.99 per person if you’re purchasing online. If you want to add all-day dining to your access, your price will go up to about $119.99 per person. If you plan on visiting another theme park-like Aquatica Orlando, SeaWorld Orlando, or Adventure Island, you can purchase a “two park ticket” for some significant savings! These tickets cost $119.99 per person, or if you want to add dining, you’ll be $169.99 per person.
Directions to Tampa, Florida
Now that you’ve got all the information you need to plan a trip to Busch Gardens in Tampa, FL, there’s one more question that still needs answering: how do you get there? If you’re planning to visit Busch Gardens from one of our Anna Maria Island vacation rentals, the drive will take you just over an hour. Luckily, the directions to Tampa, Florida, are relatively simple.
You’ll start by making your way onto Gulf Drive and turning left onto FL-64 E/Manatee Ave. After 8.4 miles, turn left onto 6th Ave W, then turn left again onto 9th St W. Continue onto US-41 BUS N/8th Ave W and follow for 3.5 miles. You’ll then take a slight right onto S Tamiami Trail, then take a slight right onto US-41 N/S Tamiami Trail. Using the right lane, merge onto I-275 S via the ramp to I-75.
Once you’re on I-275 S, you’ll take the exit onto I-75 N toward Tampa. Stay on the interstate for 36.8 miles before taking exit 265 to merge onto FL-582 W/E Fowler Ave toward Temple Terrace. Finally, merge onto FL-582 W/E Fowler Avenue. After 3.4 miles, turn left onto N 40th St/McKinley Drive. After 1.4 miles, you’ll arrive at Busch Gardens!
If you’re thinking about taking a day trip near Anna Maria Island, we couldn’t recommend Busch Gardens highly enough. Once you’re done at the park, though, you’re going to want a relaxing and welcoming place to chill out for the rest of the night. Why not stay in one of our Anna Maria Island rentals with a pool? Imagine being able to take a dip in the refreshing water after spending all day in the hot sun at Busch Gardens.