Are you looking for the best things to do in Tampa with CityPASS?
Having lived in Tampa for 8 years, I have fallen in love with the Floridian city.
Wedged between its wealth of museums and cultural sites are several amusement areas.
Whether you are a history buff or an intrepid out for adventure, there are always things to do in Tampa for you.
Nestled on the dolphin-dappled bay, the happening city is a hotbed for themed parks with wild rides, exotic aquariums, and fascinating art centers.
The Big Guava also boasts an elaborate food scene that will just leave foodies smitten and salivating.
Plus, the variety here ranges from international gastropubs to a farm-to-table fare and everything in between.
I mean who wouldn’t love the city?
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CityPASS Tampa at a Glance:
- It is a pay-one-price pass that can save you more than 50% on combined admissions to the city’s most popular attractions.
- Your CityPASS is valid for 9 consecutive days starting with (and including) the first day you visit an attraction.
- The cost for CityPASS Tampa is $139 for adults and $124 for kids (3 to 9) which is not bad for all of the attractions you will get to explore!
Keep reading to see how you can visit multiple Tampa destinations like a pro!
Visiting Tampa Bay, Florida
Once without a skyline, look at it now teeming with tall buildings flanking the boisterous streets!
Add to that a medley of romantic Riverwalk, photogenic café, sandy beaches, and Tampa becomes a must-do destination on every traveler’s list.
The best part about touring Tampa is that it does not break the bank.
Whether you are traveling on a budget, hate to wait in long queues, or both – CityPASS Tampa is the way to go!
It is a pay-one-price pass that can save you more than 50% on combined admissions to the city’s most popular attractions.
So, before we explore all the fun Tampa activities, let’s talk a little about its CityPASS.
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What Is CityPASS and It Is Worth It?
CityPASS is an American company that issues discounted ticket packages in different North American metropolitans including Tampa.
The ticket sold by the company includes a booklet with information to all covered city attractions.
If you are looking for a way to maximize traveling time, skip long kiosk lines, and save money while touring Tampa’s top attractions, then the answer to that second question would be a definite YES!
Tampa Bay CityPASS covers six must-see attractions of the city and you can visit five of them.
With a small but mighty pass as such, you will have saved hundreds of dollars and hours of time while exploring Tampa.
Ready to plan your theme park trip? Watch the best vacation planning tips on YouTube. Get started here!
How Does the Tampa CityPASS Work?
The CityPASS is easy to purchase and use throughout the city. You can get your CityPASS online at the official site.
The page will show a list of cities that are accessible with the help of this pass. On the other side of the screen, you will see a blue window. That is where you will book the pass.
While doing so, you can choose Email as your delivery option. When you choose email, the company may send a mobile ticket or a PDF voucher.
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How much does CityPASS Tampa cost?
The cost for CityPASS Tampa is $139 for adults and $124 for kids (3 to 9) which is not bad for all of the attractions you will get to explore!
Getting the Mobile Ticket Emailed
If you choose the option to get the CityPASS via email, the company will mostly send a mobile ticket.
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Getting the Voucher PDF Emailed
Instead of a mobile ticket, the company can also send your CityPASS as a voucher in PDF document.
If you have booked for three passes, you will receive three separate PDF documents. They can be opened with the help of Adobe’s free version or Google Docs.
Once you have received and opened the voucher, you will need to print it before arriving at the first city-covered Tampa attraction.
You’ll have one year from the date of purchase to start using your tickets.
Just know that your CityPASS is valid for 9 consecutive days starting with (and including) the first day you visit an attraction.
When you arrive to the Tampa attraction, you will present your CityPASS® tickets, your attraction reservation, or both.
Plus, you’re able to visit these Tampa destinations in any order you would like.
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All About the Tampa CityPASS Discounts and Benefits
Ah, the big question!
How much do I save?
Give me a number.
How about we start with the percentage?
With the Tamp CityPASS in your pocket, you will save a whopping 53% on your combined package tickets to five popular Tampa attractions.
The percentage accounts for saving $155.03 on adult tickets and saving $134.26 on tickets for kids.
This is not just my calculations, CityPASS says it too.
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Top 7 Attractions Included in CityPASS Tampa
The CityPASS lets you enjoy quick prepaid admissions into five of these seven Tampa travel destinations:
- The Florida Aquarium
- ZooTampa at Lowry Park
- Busch Gardens Tampa Bay
- Clearwater Marine Aquarium
- Museum of Science and Industry (MOSI) or
- The Tropics Boat Tours Dolphin or Sunset Cruise or
- Glazer Children’s Museum
HIPSTER POWER TIP: You will automatically have The Florida Aquarium, ZooTampa and Busch Gardens; however, you will need to choose two additional attractions among MOSI, Clearwater Marine Aquarium, The Tropics Boat Tours, and Glazer Children’s Museum to complete your CityPASS.
1. Busch Gardens (Home to the Best Drop Tower in America)
Wondering what could be the most fun and unique thing to do in Tampa – exploring Busch Gardens.
It is a popular African-themed park with 10 African-named zones.
There are epic roller coasters, spin-into-frenzy 70-ft high vertical lifts, 335-ft high drop tower, and world-class rides that will give your adrenaline a solid rush.
You can observe and even take part in the animal care experience that is offered by the park’s on-site Animal Care Center.
Add to this animal encounters, top-notch performances, shopping, lunch, and a variety of other entertainment.
In short, there is just so much to do here, you won’t have time to catch your breath.
To get CityPASS entry, head straight to the front gate and show your ticket.
Things to Remember About this Tampa CityPASS Destination:
- Opens daily
- Hours: 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. (changes depending on the season)
- Extended hours on weekends, summer, and holiday season
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2. The Florida Aquarium (Swim with the Sharks)
Tampa’s intriguing aquarium is located in the Channelside District of Downtown Tampa.
It has re-created swamps where you can walk with mangrove-prowling herons and ibis.
There are programs in this aquarium that let you swim among fishes. And in case you are feeling a little too daredevil, you have the option to swim with sharks.
The aquarium also owns catamarans that will take you for a tranquil ecotour in Tampa Bay.
Its signature highlight is still the 500,000-gallon Coral Reef Exhibit with over 2,000 residents like moray eels.
Things to Remember About this Tampa CityPASS Destination:
- Opens daily
- Timing: 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.
- Closed on Thanksgiving and Christmas
- Official website: flaquarium.org
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3. ZooTampa at Lowry Park (As Close to Animals as It Gets)
ZooTampa is home to some of the finest natural wildlife that inhabits meerkats, Florida black bears, hippos, white rhinos, African penguins, singing dogs, and more.
Here you don’t just observe the animals, but also get to interact with them.
Animal lovers may even gasp in happy-shocks!
In addition to its African, Floridian, and Australian safari, the zoo also includes a unique Giraffe Encounter.
Get a CityPASS entry at ZooTampa by presenting your ticket at the main entrance itself. It lets you sidestep the ticket window.
Things to Remember About this Tampa CityPASS Destination:
- Opens daily
- Timing: 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.
- Closed on Thanksgiving and Christmas
- Official website: ZooTampa.org
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4. Museum of Science and Industry (MOSI)
The museum is a fun-packed place to learn more about science and industries through interactive activities.
Plus, MOSI includes separate collections, each dedicated to a particular discipline of science.
You will find permanent exhibits in all of these collections that teach something about anatomy, biology, physics, and meteorology.
In the outdoor space of the museum are fun-filled playgrounds and nature trails.
While the playground offers adventures like a zip-line, the walkways give you a tour of Floridian flora and fauna.
However, the highlights of the museum include the Idea Zone where you can create your invention and Saunders Planetarium where you can indulge in stargazing.
Things to Remember About this Tampa CityPASS Destination:
- Open daily
- Timing: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
- Timings may change during holidays
- Official website: mosi.org
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5. Clearwater Marine Aquarium (Where the Tale Began)
Clearwater Marine Aquarium is a nonprofit organization that pledges to rescue and rehabilitate injured marine animals.
Today, the aquarium teems with dolphins, sea otters, rays, fishes, Atlantic Ridley sea turtles.
It is the best place to restore your faith in humanity, watch these sea animals play, and take in the joy in doing so.
You may also get a chance to interact with some of these animals.
But since it can be stressful for dolphins and sharks, you may want to skip getting too close or interactive with them.
Things to Remember About this Tampa CityPASS Destination:
- Opens daily
- Timing: 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
- Various hours during the holidays
- Official website: cmaquarium.org
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6. The Tropics Boat Tours Dolphin or Sunset Cruise
If you’re ready to explore the beautiful shoreline of the Tampa area, then the Tropics Boat Tours is the experience you must do this year!
Clearwater Beach, Florida is host to emerald green waters, exciting nightlife, outdoor adventures and delicious cuisine that will wisp you away on your Florida vacation.
As you enjoy the wonderful views of the Gulf of Mexico, you’ll be able to sip on some premium liquor (ages 21 and over) as well as snacks and soft drinks from the on-board bar.
Things to Remember About this Tampa CityPASS Destination:
- Opens daily
- Hours: 9 am to 5 pm
- Closed on Thursdays, Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Day
- Official website: thetropicsboattours.com
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7. Glazer Children’s Museum
This is the perfect place for you to take your little ones in Tampa.
Not only can you get a break from the Florida sun, you all will learn so many new things. Thing such as:
- The Journey of Water
- Family Play Projects
- Ring Out the Day Parade
- Big John the Triceratops
- Save the day in the Firehouse
- Care for cuddly critters in the Vet Clinic
- And so much more!
Things to Remember About this Tampa CityPASS Destination:
- Opens daily
- Timings: Tuesday – Sunday 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.
- Official website: glazermuseum.org/
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What to Know Before You Get Your CityPASS Tampa Tickets
Now that you know the best things to do in Tampa with CityPASS, let’s go over a few questions that you may have.
Can I cancel my Tampa CityPASS booking?
Yes, you can cancel the booking for your Tampa CityPASS. Be sure to read the return policy before you purchase your ticket.
Just know that theme park tickets are non-refundable and non-transferable.
Will I get a refund after canceling the CityPASS booking?
For a refund, cancel the booking at least 24 hours before the start date. You can submit a refund request here.
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What is the validity of my CityPASS?
As previously mentioned, you’ll have one year from the date of purchase to start using your tickets.
Just know that your CityPASS is valid for 9 consecutive days starting with (and including) the first day you visit an attraction.
Is Tampa Bay CityPASS transferrable?
No, the pass can neither be transferred not be shared with anyone else. However, it can be purchased as a gift.
A friendly reminder from CityPASS: For the best experience, plan ahead and make required reservations as soon as possible.
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My Final Thoughts on the Tampa CityPASS
There are just so many things to do in Tampa that when you get a chance to save money and time, you grab it, jump and snatch it.
In my experience of touring the city, there wasn’t a single option better than the CityPASS Tampa.
It is simply the best and worth using for your next trip to this beautiful Florida city.
If you were on and off about paying for the pass, it is time to settle in and get on board. Let your hair down, because won’t regret it.
Ready to discover Tampa Bay, get your CityPass discounted tour today!
Until next time, Happy Park Hopping Hipsters!
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!
(Original Article Date: April 2, 2020/Updated on February 16, 2024)