A Legacy of Adventure: Busch Gardens History
Busch Gardens Tampa Bay opened its doors on March 31, 1959, and quickly became a popular destination for visitors seeking adventure and natural beauty. Its name honors Adolphus Busch, co-founder of Anheuser-Busch, whose private gardens in Pasadena, California, served as the inspiration for the park. Although the original gardens closed in 1937, the Busch Gardens legacy lives on in Tampa Bay, Florida, where the lush landscapes and wildlife thrive.
Spanning 335 acres, Busch Gardens is home to over 2,700 animals, making it one of the largest zoological collections in the U.S. The park’s African theme and exceptional animal exhibits have earned it the nickname "The Dark Continent."
Thrilling Rides and Attractions at Busch Gardens Tampa
Busch Gardens is a paradise for adrenaline junkies. Here are some of the top rides you won’t want to miss:
- Tigris: A heart-racing launch coaster featuring thrilling twists and flips.
- Cobra’s Curse: A spinning coaster that takes you through an ancient Egyptian-themed ride experience.
- Cheetah Hunt: A high-speed roller coaster mimicking the agility of a cheetah.
- SheiKra: A vertical dive coaster that offers an intense free-fall experience.
- Falcon’s Fury: The world’s tallest freestanding drop tower offering a spine-tingling plummet.
- Montu: A high-speed inverted coaster that takes you on an unforgettable journey through ancient Egypt.
- Kumba: A classic inverted coaster with thrilling loops and twists.
- Stanley Falls: A family-friendly log flume with exciting drops.
- Serengeti Express: A scenic train ride through the Serengeti Plain to view the park’s exotic wildlife.
- Scorpion: A steel coaster with an intense vertical loop.
- Sand Serpent: A family-friendly wild mouse coaster perfect for all ages.
- Air Grover: A coaster designed for younger adventurers, full of fun twists and turns.
- Congo River Rapids: A water-based rafting ride perfect for cooling off.
- Wild Surge: A thrilling family ride with sudden drops and exhilarating motion.
- SkyRide: A relaxing gondola ride that offers breathtaking views of the park.
- Iron Gwazi: The world’s fastest and steepest hybrid coaster, combining wood and steel for an unforgettable thrill.
