Are you looking for the best things to do at Busch Gardens Tampa for adults?
Busch Gardens isn’t just for families and kids.
It’s for anyone that loves the thrill of the coasters, getting up close and personal with exotic wildlife, foodie and beer lovers, and those wanting to feel like they’ve escaped to a faraway land.
Busch Gardens Tampa has been one of my favorite places to go all my life growing up here in Florida and still is to this day.
That’s why I have put together a list of the 21 best things to do in Busch Gardens Tampa for adults because you are never too old to have a little fun.
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Listen to the Theme Park Podcast Episode 15 Below for More Things You Must Do at Busch Gardens Tampa
1. Hangout in Myombe Reserve
Myombe Reserve is one of my favorite places to chill and catch my breath from all the excitement of Busch Gardens Tampa.
It’s easy to lose track of time here!
Myombe Reserve is so peaceful and feels like you have found your way to the rainforest.
Why This is One of the Best Things to Do at Busch Gardens for Adults
You can find shade, rest your legs and unwind on the benches and escape into the jungle vibes.
But the main stars are the amazing gorillas and chimpanzees roaming around in their natural habitat.
It is set up so you can have an up close and personal look so you can learn all about their interesting behaviors.
Plus, they are fascinating to watch and admire!
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2. Ride Cheetah Hunt
After watching the cheetahs sprint at the Cheetah Run it’s time to find out for yourself what it’s like to be the world’s fastest land animal.
At 4400 feet, Cheetah Hunt is the longest ride at Busch Gardens Tampa!
Why This is One of the Best Things to Do at Busch Gardens for Adults
You will feel like you are racing across the African Serengeti weaving in and out after your prey.
And if you haven’t had your morning coffee yet for the day, don’t worry, because this triple launch roller coaster will jump-start your day at record speeds.
3. Conquer Iron Gwazi
To say Iron Gwazi is intense is an understatement!
With a peak of 206 feet tall, you plunge down a 91-degree drop.
Why This is One of the Best Things to Do at Busch Gardens for Adults
It will leave you breathless, almost literally reaching speeds up to 76 miles per hour.
So, if you love to scream and shout, feel lots of air time movements, and looking for the best things to do at Busch Gardens Tampa then look no further….
Let me introduce you to the tallest and world’s fastest and steepest hybrid coaster of North America, right here at Busch Gardens Tampa, Iron Gwazi.
Amusement Today even honored Iron Gwazi with the “Golden Ticket Award” for “best new roller coaster”.
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4. Grab a Beer
One of the best things to do at Busch Gardens Tampa for adults on a hot Floridian day is to cool off with a delicious glass of cold beer.
Some of my go to stops for beer are:
- Zambia’s Smokehouse
- Twisted Tails Pretzels
- Giraffe Bar
- Springs Taproom
- Dragon Fire Grill & Pub
Why This is One of the Best Things to Do at Busch Gardens for Adults
I have brewtastic news for beer lovers!
The end of summer brings Bier Fest to Busch Gardens Tampa with craft beer, a food festival with unique foods that are beer-inspired and live entertainment.
And entry is included in your admission to the park!
5. Create Your Own Foodie Tour
One of the fun things to do at Busch Gardens Tampa for adults is to create your own foodie tour and eat your way through the park.
Some of my favorite places to eat at Busch Gardens are:
- Moroccan Delights has out-of-this-world sweet treats
- Twisted Tails Pretzels is perfect for a warm pretzel and a cold beer
- Dragon Fire Grill & Pub has food court-style dining with international dishes
- Springs Taproom for a handcrafted cocktail and Mediterranean Sampler in the Bird Gardens section
- Dragon Dog for sizzling sausages and giant gourmet hot dogs
Why This is One of the Best Things to Do at Busch Gardens for Adults
The All-Day Dining Deal lets you dive into an entrée platter with a fountain soft drink as well as choosing between a side or dessert every hour and a half at the following restaurants:
- Zagora Café
- Oasis Pizza at Serengeti Overlook
- Dragon Fire Grill & Pub
- Zambia Smokehouse
- Chick-fil-A
Ready to plan your theme park trip? Watch the best vacation planning tips on YouTube. Get started here!
6. Soar on Montu Roller Coaster
Soaring through the air on Montu Roller Coaster is my absolute must for things to do at Busch Gardens Tampa for adults.
No trip to Busch Gardens Tampa is complete without it, it’s a classic!
You feel like you are about to be dropped right to the ground, it’s so intense and thrilling.
Why This is One of the Best Things to Do at Busch Gardens for Adults
This high-speed inverted coaster rides super smooth.
Jam-packed with seven inversions, a batwing inversion, and full of loops and rolls it feels like flip after flip after flip.
It’s one of the best roller coasters out there, you can’t miss it!
7. Relax on the Skyride (temporarily closed)
This class cable ride takes you up in the sky for a panoramic view of almost all of Busch Gardens Tampa.
Why This is One of the Best Things to Do at Busch Gardens for Adults
Skyride is super relaxing up above with a bird’s eye view along the treetops moving between the Edge of Africa and Stanleyville.
You can see the wildlife below grazing and roaming in the fields and see the coasters at new heights. It’s a beautiful way to travel across the park.
Recommended: 25 Fun and Free Things to Do in Tampa, Florida TODAY!
8. Conquer Cobra’s Curse
There’s always a new twist and turn on Cobra’s Curse.
You will never have the same 3.5-minute ride, each spin you take will be a little bit different!
Why This is One of the Best Things to Do at Busch Gardens for Adults
That’s why conquering the Cobra’s Curse is always so much fun, it changes each time and you never know what to expect.
But there is one thing you can always count on… the 70-foot vertical lift and the 30,000 pound King Snake that awaits you with its fangs 4 feet in length.
9. Watch a Show
Have you ever seen a kinkajou or grey fox? Well now is your chance.
You can hear about some of the heart-warming stories of the rescued animals that now call Busch Gardens Tampa their new home at the Rescue Tails presentation.
Summer Nights light up the sky with fireworks ending the night with a bang while Icons has some of your favorite musical hits performed live at Dragon Fire Grill.
Get started on Your Tampa Bay Travel Plans here!
10. Do an Animal Tour
Animal tours are one of the best things to do at Busch Gardens Tampa for
animal lovers because you get a chance to have a more personal encounter with them.
Why This is One of the Best Things to Do at Busch Gardens for Adults
Find out behind the scenes how they are cared for, what goes into properly maintaining a safe environment for them to thrive, and discover a new understanding of some of your favorite animals.
A few of my favorite Busch Gardens Tampa Tours are:
- Keeper For a Day: This is the most hands-on experience and by far one of the absolute best things to do at Busch Gardens Tampa
- Penguin Insider Tour: Go behind the scenes and find out what the day in the life of an African penguin is all about
- Serengeti Safari: Travel across the Serengeti Plain on an open-air touring vehicle to get up close and personal with some of Africa’s majestic wildlife
- Sloth Encounter: Here is your chance to meet the loveable slow-moving sloths and have a chance to interact and feed them while learning about their conservation
11. Ride the Busch Gardens Water Rides
Well, we all know Florida is the sunshine state so it can get pretty hot while discovering all the best things to do at Busch Gardens Tampa.
If you want a total cool down and a splashtastic adventure then the Stanley Falls Flume ride is the water ride for you.
After bouncing your way through the waters, your log flume climbs 40 feet up into the air.
The anticipation of the drop is half the fun then drops you down into a mound of water. So prepared to get soaked!
Don’t say I didn’t warn you! And if you really want to get drenched then try to sit in the front row!
You will laugh just as much as you get wet on the Congo River Rapids.
Why This is One of the Best Things to Do at Busch Gardens for Adults
The spinning, the twirling, the constant surprise of spouting water in your face, you can’t help but laugh and have a good time as you bounce along the rapids.
It’s one of the things to do at Busch Gardens Tampa for adults that will have you feeling like a kid again!
And if you want to have a little fun, stand out on the bridge and you can help cool people off as they raft on by spraying them with water jets.
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12. Scream on Kumba
OH KUMBAAAAAA!!!
I am not sure who screams louder every time? Me or the roar in the distance whom some say is a lion, that of the Kumba.
Kumba is my absolute favorite ride and some of the best 3 minutes of my life as you roar through 7 different inversions.
Why This is One of the Best Things to Do at Busch Gardens for Adults
A 135-foot drop, going weightless for a full 3 thrilling seconds, 360-degree spirals, one of the world’s largest vertical loops, and reaching top speeds of 60 miles per hour.
Nothing can prepare you for the sheer excitement and adrenaline…and it is addicting!
13. Visit Howl-O-Scream
Howl-O-Scream is one of the most spooktacular things to do at Busch Gardens Tampa for adults since the annual event is geared for mature audiences with all its frights and gore.
There are no scaredy-cats allowed so leave your little ghouls and goblins safely tucked in at home.
Why This is One of the Best Things to Do at Busch Gardens for Adults
Spine-tingling scare zones, creepy and sinister haunted houses, and hordes roaming and lurking just waiting to scare the pants off of you keeps your adrenaline pumping.
The whole park becomes one big haunt in the fall.
And the best part is the rides keep running so you can scream your way into the shadows of the night.
This event is after hours so the ticket is not included in your admission to Busch Gardens Tampa but it is well worth the frightening visit.
I look forward to the scares every year!
14. Experience the Busch Gardens Food and Wine Festival
Busch Gardens Food and Wine Festival rolls around every year and is a fantastic way to spend the weekend with good friends and good wine.
And if you aren’t into wining and dining, don’t worry they are serving up craft beers and cocktails too.
Why This is One of the Best Things to Do at Busch Gardens for Adults
Foodies will be in culinary heaven with all the globally inspired menus full of dishes from around the world.
It is one of the top things to do at Busch Gardens Tampa for adults because only those that are 21 and older can come to play.
Plus, it’s already included in your park admission so it’s free to come stroll around! So come check out the artisan treasures, and vineyard marketplace and listen to some live concerts.
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15. Visit Christmas Town
Christmas comes early in Busch Gardens Tampa so you have plenty of time to warm up into the Christmas spirit.
Beginning November 14 and running until January 7, 2024 millions of magical twinkle lights shine, making spirits bright.
The skies explode with festive fireworks and entertaining holiday performances.
Why This is One of the Best Things to Do at Busch Gardens for Adults
From the classic Christmas on Ice to a Winter Rock Opera with former members of Def Leppard and Trans-Siberian Orchestra, it’s a merry time.
Christmas Town is one of the best things to do at Busch Gardens Tampa during the holiday season with your besties and favorite jingle ladies.
But wait there’s myrrh… Christmas Town is filled with holiday delights and shopping to indulge in.
Treat yo’elf to the Christmas Town Sampler lanyard and fill up on plenty of holiday treats, dishes, and beverages.
Then walk off your full bellies doing some holiday shopping and visiting the local artisans for those special Christmas gifts.
Recommended: 12 Most Festive Things to Do in Tampa for Christmas
16. Relax on the Edge of Africa
The Edge of Africa in Busch Gardens Tampa is truly magnificent and another great spot to beat the Florida heat.
There are lots of places to stay cool since it’s shaded well so you can take your time walking around and discovering all the African wildlife.
Why This is One of the Best Things to Do at Busch Gardens for Adults
From swimming hippos to cheetahs and lions, the Edge of Africa covers a large area that is naturally beautiful.
The walking safari is a chance to see these remarkable creatures up close and personal in their natural habitats.
Recommended: The Solo Theme Park Traveler’s Guide
17. Take a Train Ride Around the Park
Give your feet a rest and hop on the Serengeti Express Train. There is no extra cost and takes about 30 minutes.
By far it is one of the most beautiful and best things to do at Busch Gardens Tampa, taking you all throughout the stunning Serengeti Plain.
Why This is One of the Best Things to Do at Busch Gardens for Adults
You can spot herds of exotic African animals like giraffes, antelopes, zebras, and ostriches out freely roaming in their habitat.
There are stops at the stations in the Congo, Nairobi, and Stanleyville.
I like to try and sit on the left-hand side when I go, it gives me some of the most breathtaking views.
18. Feed the Birds in Lory Landing
Lory Landing is an absolute must, I love feeding the colorful little birds.
It’s a magical experience in the Lory Landing section where you can feed them sweet nectar.
Why This is One of the Best Things to Do at Busch Gardens for Adults
It is a small fee but the memories and photos of these adorable birds are priceless.
If you aren’t comfortable feeding them or wanting to pay the small fee don’t skip stopping in.
You can still visit them and walk through the exhibit as they soar around. They are super playful and fun to watch.
19. Do a VIP Tour
A Busch Gardens Tampa VIP Tour makes you feel like you are the star of the day with your 7-hour private tour.
Everything is all personally planned out for you so you don’t miss out on any of your must-do things.
Why This is One of the Best Things to Do at Busch Gardens for Adults
There’s no waiting in line for your favorite coasters, hand-feed giraffes on a Serengeti Safari, up-close encounters with kangaroos, lorikeets, and giant tortoises.
You are the honored guest for one of the most unforgettable days of your life.
20. Dine at Zambia Smokehouse
Busch Gardens Tampa has fired up their open barbecue pit and is grilling up some slow-cooked mouthwatering dishes at Zambia Smokehouse.
Just follow the smoky aroma in the air to refuel on some tasty barbecue and southern delights.
They also have house wine and draft beer to quench your thirst.
Some of my sizzling favorites are:
- Zambia sampler (St. Louis ribs, brisket, barbecue chicken)
- Texas-style sliced brisket with seasoned fries and coleslaw
- Raspberry Cheesecake
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21. Explore the Serengeti on the Safari Tour and Serengeti Flyer
Wondering what things to do at Busch Gardens Tampa for adults that will take your day to new heights?
Serengeti Flyer is definitely one of them as you soar through the sky on the world’s tallest and fastest ride of this type, one that has several negative G experiences.
Why This is One of the Best Things to Do at Busch Gardens for Adults
It will also give you some amazing views of the Serengeti Plain that sprawls beneath you.
Well only if you can keep your eyes open as the dueling arms reach heights of 135 feet and 68 mph.
If swinging through the air is a bit too much perhaps an award-winning safari tour is more your speed.
The 30-minute adventure tops the charts as one of the best things to do at Busch Gardens Tampa that will leave you with lifelong memories.
Journeying across the park’s Serengeti Plains is an awesome trek on the off-road tour.
From spectacular photos of exotic African wildlife to up close and personal experiences of hand-feeding giraffes it is truly a once in a lifetime opportunity.
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My Final Thoughts on the Best Things to Do at Busch Gardens Tampa for Adults
As you can see, there are so many fun and unique things for you to do at this Tampa Bay theme park.
What is your favorite ride at Busch Gardens Tampa? Let us know in the comments section below.
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Until next time, Happy Park Hopping Hipsters!
NikkyJ
UP NEXT: 21 Busch Gardens Must Do’s YOU Have to Experience
(Original Article Date: May 24, 2018/Updated on June 26, 2023)