21 Busch Gardens Must Do’s YOU Have to Experience in 2024!

Do you have a Busch Gardens must do’s list?

I do!

Busch Gardens is a must do theme park in Florida. This amazing park is over 335 acres with more than 2000 animals onsite.

Busch Gardens has a special place in my heart because it was where I rode my first roller coaster, the Python, in 1994.

I remember being terrified, but courageous enough to experience this roller coaster.

Busch Gardens was also the first theme park I was allowed to do without direct adult supervision.

Now that you understand my love of the park, let’s look at some of my favorite Busch Gardens rides, food, and attractions that you must do!

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1. Grab a Tasty Treat at Moroccan Delights

The Moroccan Delights and Coaster Coffee Co., are bakery shops located near the front of Busch Gardens. It’s usually my first or last stop of the day.

Here you can grab a slice of cake, cinnamon rolls, muffins, a piece of fruit, or other freshly baked pastries.

2. Relax in Myombe Reserve

The Myombe Reserve is a relaxing, secluded area in Busch Gardens. Here you can rejuvenate yourself during your solo trip.

Myombe Reserve Busch Gardens Must Do's with statue gorilla.
Myombe Reserve at Busch’s Gardens

You will trek through the majestic jungle for an up-close look of the Gorilla habitat.

This area of the park is also a great spot to sit, read, or unwind. It has multiple benches throughout with shaded covering.

3. Ride Cheetah Hunt

Located in the Cheetah Hunt Area, this triple launch coaster will have you flying with cheetah like speed. It’s also the park’s longest ride (4400 feet).

Busch Garden Cheetah Hunt green and yellow roller coaster. One of the must do at Busch Gardens Tampa.
Busch Gardens Cheetah Hunt

If you need a morning pick-me-up, then make Cheetah Hunt your first roller coaster of the day!

Busch Gardens Tampa Cheetah Hunt view. One of the must do at Busch Gardens Tampa.
Cheetah Hunt Roller Coaster

Get started on Your Tampa Bay Travel Plans here!

4. Experience the Cobra’s Curse

This Egyptian-inspired spin coaster, features a vertical lift that takes you through the dark legend of the King Snake.

Busch Gardens Tampa Must Do's Cobra's Curse drop
Cobra’s Curse Roller Coaster

This is one of the best rides at Busch Gardens and it’s also well themed.

5. Ride Montu

The Egyptian god named high speed roller coaster has seven inversions and is one of my absolute must-do attractions at Busch Gardens.

Busch Gardens Tampa Bay Montu Roller Coaster Side By Side View. One of the must do at Busch Gardens Tampa.
Montu Roller Coaster at Busch Gardens

It’s now considered a Busch Gardens classic and a must-do for any trip to the park.

Read: Ultimate Guide to Conquering Montu at Busch Gardens

6. Hop on the SkyRide

The SkyRide is located in the Cheetah Hunt Area and Stanleyville. It gives you an opportunity to get a bird’s eye view of Busch Gardens in the classic cable car.

Busch Gardens Tampa Skyride Entrance. One of the must do at Busch Gardens Tampa.

7. Conquer Congo River Rapids

Try riding the Congo River Rapids solo.

If you go to Busch Gardens on a slow day, usually in January, then you’ll most likely be able to ride Congo River Rapids alone!

Busch Gardens Must Do's Congo River Rapids with guy by himself on the yellow raft.
One Brave soul riding through icy cold waters on a January day.

On one visit I met a solo theme park traveler riding it alone on a 37° F morning in Florida (that’s freezing for Floridians)! He was very brave.

8. Ride SheiKra and have lunch at Zambia Smokehouse

You will smell the savory aroma of smoked meat as you get off SheiKra. This is one of my favorite theme park spots to eat.

Zambia Smokehouse Busch Gardens Must Do's
Zambia Smokehouse Busch Gardens

My favorite aspect of Zambia Smokehouse is the outdoor covered patio with a picture-perfect view of Sheikra.

Busch Gardens Tampa Bay Sheikra roller coaster. One of the must do at Busch Gardens Tampa.

The meat, which ranges from barbecue chicken and ribs to brisket, are all prepared on a wood fire each day.

Brisket Meal Zambia Smokehouse Dining at Busch Busch Gardens Zambia Smokehouse brisket wrap with fries on black plate. One of the must do at Busch Gardens Tampa.

My favorite is the beef brisket.

9. Conquer Kumba!

Kumba is a classic and the best ride at Busch Gardens!

Busch Gardens Tampa Bay Kumba Roller Coaster. One of the must do at Busch Gardens Tampa.
Kumba Roller Coaster

This ride will push you through a 135-foot drop through one of the world’s largest vertical loops with 3 seconds of absolute weightlessness.

Kumba Busch Gardens Roller Coaster. One of the must do at Busch Gardens Tampa.

Kumba is my absolute FAVORITE ride at Busch Gardens and it can still compete with many of the top roller coasters today.

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10. Take Lots of Pics

Busch Gardens is the perfect photo destination for the best social media worthy pics. Busch Gardens has year-round topiaries and beautiful garden displays.

Busch Gardens Tampa Bay Butterfly topiary. One of the must do at Busch Gardens Tampa.

Not to mention the thrilling coaster photo-ops!

Christmas Town Village at Busch Gardens Holiday Lion Sleeping. One of the must do at Busch Gardens Tampa.
The Edge of Africa at Busch Gardens Tampa

The best way to turn this hobby into a full-time passion is to get an annual pass or Fun Card.

Busch Gardens Tampa Bay Sesame Street Land Roller Coaster. One of the must do at Busch Gardens Tampa.

You’ll learn new ways of the discovering the park through the lens of your camera.

It’s also extremely therapeutic!

11. Explore the Edge of Africa

The Edge of Africa is the perfect way to discover the beautiful wildlife of Africa.

Busch Gardens Tampa Walking Trail Mile and The Edge of Africa. One of the must do at Busch Gardens Tampa.

This walking tour will bring you up close to the animals of this great continent such as hippos, cheetahs and lions.

Hipster Challenge: Do a scavenger hunt and search for relics, various plant life, and animals!

12. Feed the Birds!

I love feeding the birds in the Lory Landing section.

Busch Gardens Team Member Feeding Bird. One of the must do at Busch Gardens Tampa.

For a small fee you can purchase a cup of sweet nectar. If you don’t want to feed the birds, you can skip paying for the nectar and just walk through the exhibit.

Busch Gardens Tampa Bay Lory Landing Bird Experience Entrance. One of the must do at Busch Gardens Tampa.

The birds will be uninhibited as they soar all around you.

Scorpio Roller Coaster Busch Gardens Must Do's
Charging Station in Busch Gardens

Hipster Power Tip: Use the free charging stations located next to Scorpion roller coaster and Falcon’s Fury. Here, you can plug any device into the electrical and USB outlets.

13. Conquer Falcon’s Fury

Pivot 90 degrees in midair to a face-down dive in the tallest (335 feet) freestanding drop tower in America.

Busch Gardens Falcon's Fury Drop Tower. One of the must do at Busch Gardens Tampa.
Falcon’s Fury

If you’re an adrenaline junkie, then you’ll love this ride!

14. Hop on the Serengeti Express Train

Explore the Serengeti through the train at Busch Gardens. Travel around the park and watch exotic animals roaming about.

Busch Gardens Tampa Bay Red, Black and Yellow Train. One of Busch Gardens Must Do's. Photo copyright ThemeParkHipster.
Busch Gardens Tampa Bay Serengeti Express Train

The train has stops in the Congo, Nairobi and Stanleyville stations.

Busch Gardens Tampa Food and Wine Festival Serengeti flyer at night. One of the must do at Busch Gardens Tampa.
Serengeti Flyer Ride

Hipster Power Tip: Don’t forget to ride the NEW Serengeti Flyer attraction at Busch Gardens Tampa Bay!

15. Grab a Pretzel and Beer

Have a delicious pretzel and beer at Twisted Tails Pretzels inside the colorful Pantopia area of the park.

Busch Gardens Tampa Bay twisted pretzels shop One of the must do at Busch Gardens Tampa.

Read: Groupon Busch Gardens: Money-Saving Travel Deals You Must Get TODAY!

16. Visit Howl-O-Scream

Busch Garden’s theme park transforms into a terrifying, bone-chilling event where you’ll scream your way through the park. Howl-O-Scream is the best event held at the park.

Howl-O-Scream Busch Gardens Tampa, Florida Must Do's
Howl-O-Scream Busch Gardens Tampa, Florida

It happens yearly during the fall.

17. Do a Special Tour

If you did not know, Busch Gardens offers a variety of special behind-the-scenes tours.

Safari Tour at Busch Gardens Must Do's with Zebras
Safari Tour at Busch Gardens

They are a great way to discover how Busch Gardens cares for the animals on property and how staff are also able to maintain the thrills.

Here are my favorite Busch Gardens Tampa Tours:

  • Private Rhino Safari Tour: Get an up-close, private safari to check out these majestic creatures with specialized trainers.
  • Keeper for a Day Tour: You will work with zoological staff caring for giraffes, antelope, birds and more! This hands-on experience is one of the best things to do at Busch Gardens. 
  • Penguin Insider Tour: Guided tour of understanding the African penguins with specialized trainers. 
  • Serengeti Safari: Open-air touring vehicle that takes you through the Serengeti plain. 

Get Your Busch Gardens Tampa Bay Tickets Today! CLICK HERE.

18. Visit Busch Gardens During Christmas

Busch Gardens is one of the world’s most stunning park that dresses the evening with more than 10 million lights.

Christmas Town Decoration in Tampa Life Size Toy Solider near Cheetah Hunt Roller Coaster best things to do at Busch Gardens and is One of the must do at Busch Gardens Tampa.

Plus, Christmas treats, Santa’s house, Rudolph and more can be found in this annual Winter Wonderland experience right in the heart of Tampa.

It’s a must do at Busch Gardens Tampa that you don’t want to miss!

Read: Celebrate the Holidays at Christmas Town Busch Gardens Tampa 

19. Conquer Iron Gwazi

This is North America’s TALLEST AND WORLD’S FASTEST & STEEPEST HYBRID COASTER!

Busch Gardens Tampa Bay Iron Gwazi Entrance. One of the must do at Busch Gardens Tampa.

Iron Gwazi is one of the BEST roller coasters in Florida and will have you topping off at speeds up to 76 miles per hour!

20. Eat at Chick-fil-A

Who would have ever thought we’d see the day when Chick-fil-A would make its debut inside of a Florida theme park!

Busch Gardens Tampa Bay Chick fil a entrance and menu. One of the must do at Busch Gardens Tampa.

I used to be so jealous of amusement parks like Cedar Point who used to have this delicious franchise inside of their parks for years.

Busch Gardens Tampa Bay Chick fil A. One of the must do at Busch Gardens Tampa.

It’s one of the newest additions to Busch Gardens Tampa Bay and I’m so happy to have it inside one of my favorite theme parks!

Recommended: The Solo Theme Park Traveler’s Guide

21. Face the Tigris

When it opened, Tigris was dubbed as Florida’s tallest launch roller coaster with a height of 150-feet and a speed maxing out around 60 miles per hours.

Busch Gardens Tampa Bay Must Do Ride is Tigris
Tigris Roller Coaster

It may not look intimidating, but this ride built on pure thrills!

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What to Expect at Busch Gardens Tampa Bay

Busch Gardens was opened in Tampa, Florida on March 31, 1959 by the Anheuser-Busch company as a free animal attraction alongside a brewery. 

Serengeti Safari at Busch Gardens Tampa Bay

It is divided into African-themed regions:

  • Edge of Africa
  • Egypt
  • Congo
  • Bird Gardens
  • Jungala
  • Morocco
  • Nairobi
  • Pantopia
  • Cheetah Hunt Area
  • Sesame Street Safari of Fun
  • Serengeti Plain
  • Stanleyville

Ready to plan your theme park trip? Watch the best vacation planning tips on YouTube. Get started here!

What to Know Before You Go to Busch Gardens Tampa

If you are wearing loose-fitting shoes, you should leave them at the loading platform. Any other loose articles can be placed inside any locker located throughout the park.

Busch Gardens Tampa Bay front of the park lockers. One of the must do at Busch Gardens Tampa.

What should I pack for Busch Gardens?

Get your full Theme Park packing checklist here!

How to Navigate to Busch Gardens

Busch Gardens Tampa Bay is about 70 miles from the Walt Disney World Resort (an hour and 25 minute drive). 

Busch Gardens Tampa Bay tiger topiary in front of cheetah hunt. One of the must do at Busch Gardens Tampa.

There is a Busch Gardens shuttle service that offers round-trip transportation to the park.

The round-trip fare is free with park ticket purchase and departs Orlando daily with a maximum of three stops to Busch Gardens.

Reservations are highly recommended and can be reserved by calling 1-800-221-1339 or visit Mears Destination Services online.

How to Get to Busch Gardens Tampa from Disney World

  • Travel WEST on I-4 to I-75 (About 58 Miles)
  • Merge onto I-75 NORTH via EXIT 9 toward Ocala (stay on I-75 for about 3.74 miles)
  • Take EXIT 265 toward Temple Terrace (this exit is also the exit for the University of South Florida)
  • You will merge onto E Fowler Ave/FL-582 W via EXIT 265 and stay on here for about 4.65 miles
  • Turn left onto N McKinley Dr/County Hwy-585A (stay on here for about 1 mile)
  • Make a U-turn onto N McKinley Dr/County Hwy-585A
  • Arrive and park at Busch Gardens

Get Your Busch Gardens Tampa Bay Tickets Today! CLICK HERE.

Busch Gardens Tampa Address

The address for Busch Gardens is 10165 N McKinley Drive Tampa, FL 33612.

Busch Gardens Tampa Bay Welcome Sign. One of the must do at Busch Gardens Tampa.

Busch Gardens Tampa Hours

Busch Gardens usually opens at 10:00 a.m. and closes at 6:00 p.m.; however, during the peak summer days the park may be open until midnight.

Busch Gardens Tampa Bay UBanga Banga Bumper Cars. One of the must do at Busch Gardens Tampa.

Remember when planning your trip, always check the park’s website or mobile app for the current hours and wait times.

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My Final Thoughts on Your Must Do’s at Busch Gardens Tampa

As you can see Busch Gardens is a very unique theme park.

I love it because it keeps the traditions of the old Florida amusement park feel with the technology of today.

Busch Gardens Tampa Pantopia entrance 2 with falcon's fury. One of the must do at Busch Gardens Tampa.

If you are thinking about taking a trip to Tampa, then take advantage of the CityPASS which allows you to do the most popular attractions in the area for one cost!

21 Things You Must Do at Busch Gardens
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What are your Busch Garden’s must do’s? Let me know in the comments section below!

Until next time, Happy Park Hopping Hipsters!

Hoop Dee Doo Revue NikkyJ Dinner Show Disney World. Author bio of theme park expert Nikida Metellus.

About the Author

My name is Nikky. I’m a wife, a mother, a pharmacist turned theme park blogger, USA Today 10Best Contributor, and a writer who loves ALL things amusement park related!

Traveling alone to the parks has changed my life and I want to show how you can create your own solo theme park memories.

Connect with me on Instagram!

UP NEXT: 5 INCREDIBLE Things You MUST Do in Tampa for ONE Price!

(Original date April 2018/Updated February 15, 2024)

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