Something for everyone - from roller coasters to cute animals...

Whether you're a thrill-seeking roller coaster enthusiast or someone who simply enjoys spending a leisurely day at the zoo, Busch Gardens is right up your alley.

Located in Tampa, Florida and open year-round, Busch Gardens Tampa Bay is a family-friendly theme park which combines rides, live shows, restaurants, and shops with a zoo comprised nearly 3,000 animals, making it easy to see how Busch Gardens really does have something for everyone.

Roller Coasters

Busch Gardens is home to some of the country's most popular roller coasters, and they're certainly not for the faint of heart:

• SheiKra, a floorless coaster featuring a 200 foot climb followed by a true 90 degree drop, reaches speeds of more than 70 miles per hour
• Gwazi is also truly unique - one of the largest and fastest double wooden roller coasters in the country which features six fly-bys
• Montu, one of the tallest and longest inverted roller coasters in the world
• Kumba provides seven complete inversions and allows riders to experience complete weightlessness
• Scorpion features a 360-degree vertical loop at speeds of more than 50 miles per hour, and it's one of only three remaining roller coasters of its kind in the world

Water Ride Favorites

The Florida sun can be intense, and there's no better way to cool off than with an exciting water ride!

• The Tanganyika Tidal Wave is a seemingly innocent scenic journey which ends with a 55-foot drop that splashes everyone in its path
• The Stanley Falls is a log flume ride which allows riders to experience a 40-foot drop to the bottom of the falls
• The Congo River Rapids is a white water rafting experience.

Animal Attractions

Home to nearly 3,000 animals, Busch Gardens is not your typical zoo: it provides visitors with a truly unique experience that is nearly impossible to get outside of the African continent.

The 65-acre Serengetti Plain engulfs most of the park, and visitors can enjoy the breathtaking scenic view of animals in their natural habitat on the Skyride or while riding the Serengetti Express Railway. You can also take an open truck tour of the area for an additional fee.

Animals take center stage at Jungala, a four-acre attraction featuring rides and entertainment in addition to various up-close animal interactions - you'll see Bengal tigers, orangutans, and other animals better than you probably will anywhere else.

Edge of Africa and the Myombe Reserve even give you the opportunity to come eye-to-eye with gorillas, hippos, meerkats, and more.

Bird Gardens, a free-flight aviary, is home to approximately 500 colorful birds from around the world.

Sesame Street Safari of Fun

Busch Gardens' newest land is home to Elmo, Big Bird, Bert and Ernie, Cookie Monster and the rest of the Sesame Street Gang! Kid-sized rides, water fun, and plenty of wonderful photo opportunities are what you'll find in the brand-new Sesame Street Safari of Fun. On select days, families can even arrange to eat breakfast or lunch with Elmo and his friends at an outdoor restaurant adjacent to the area. This section of the park may be new, but it's already a huge hit with families.

Enjoy Your Day at Busch Gardens

In addition to visiting the animals and riding the rides, live stage shows occur throughout the park at various times, so be sure to check the daily schedule when you arrive. You'll almost certainly enjoy the opportunity to get off your feet for awhile as you watch!

Whatever your taste buds request, you'll be sure to find something you like because quick-service and full-service restaurants are located throughout the park, and it's easy to find a perfect souvenir for everyone on your list at any of the gift shops. Busch Gardens really does have something for everyone - adventure-loving roller coaster fans and sightseers alike can both have equally enjoyable days at this African-themed adventure park.