Tampa Bay CityPASS®: Save up to 55% at 5 Top Attractions

Traveling through Tampa Bay? Whether you’re planning a quick getaway or a relaxed exploration, the Tampa Bay CityPASS® offers a straightforward way to experience some of the area’s best sights at a significant discount. With a focus on practicality and value, this pass is designed for travelers who want flexibility without sacrificing quality.

What draws many to this pass? First, the substantial savings—up to 55% off regular admission prices—make it an attractive option for families, couples, or solo explorers. Second, the 9-day window to use the tickets means you can pace your visits, avoiding the rush that often comes with single-day tickets. But, it’s worth noting that transportation and food are not included, so those costs are on you. This pass suits travelers who enjoy planning at their own pace, appreciate authentic local attractions, and want to maximize their experience without breaking the bank.

Key Points

• Great savings: Up to 55% off five top attractions
• Flexible timing: 9 days to use your tickets from first activation
• All digital: Instant confirmation and mobile tickets
• Includes major sights: Busch Gardens, Florida Aquarium, ZooTampa
• Choose your extras: Boat tour, Marine Aquarium, MOSI, or Glazer Children’s Museum
• Ideal for relaxed exploration: No rush, ample time to enjoy each stop

You can check availability for your dates here:

A Practical Overview of Tampa Bay CityPASS®

The Tampa Bay CityPASS® is a smart way to explore the area if you’re interested in a mix of wildlife, thrills, education, and leisure. For $149 per person, you gain admission to five of Tampa’s most popular attractions, with the flexibility to visit over nine days. This makes it ideal for travelers who prefer a leisurely pace, allowing each destination to be savored without the pressure of rushing.

The digital delivery of tickets simplifies planning—no need to worry about printing or losing paper passes—and instant confirmation gives peace of mind. As long as you’re comfortable navigating on your own and handling reservations if required, this pass offers a straightforward way to streamline your sightseeing.

The Attractions: What’s Included and What’s Not

The core of this pass is access to three popular Tampa attractions:

• Busch Gardens® Tampa Bay: Known for its thrilling rides, animal exhibits, and engaging shows, this theme park offers a full day of entertainment. Expect to see exotic animals and enjoy unlimited rides, including all shows and exhibits.
• The Florida Aquarium: This is a favorite for families and anyone curious about marine life. It features immersive exhibits showcasing local and exotic aquatic species, making it perfect for educational fun.
• ZooTampa at Lowry Park: Celebrated for its wildlife encounters, this zoo provides animal chats, rides, and wildlife connections, all in a well-maintained setting that’s particularly good for kids.

Your additional two attractions come from a choice among:

• Clearwater Marine Aquarium: Famous for the story of “Winter the Dolphin,” this aquarium offers a chance to see rescued marine animals up close.
• Museum of Science & Industry (MOSI): Ideal for science buffs, MOSI features hands-on exhibits like Dinovations Lab, Connectus, and a planetarium show.
• Glazer Children’s Museum: Perfect for families with young children, offering interactive play zones to inspire learning.

The optional add-ons are equally appealing:

• A boat tour—either a dolphin exploration or a sunset cruise—adds a scenic element to your trip, with tropic boat tours providing a relaxing way to see the waters and wildlife.
• The pass is non-refundable, so plan your visits carefully.

What It Means for Your Visit

The value of this pass isn’t just in the savings—though saving up to 55% is notable—it’s also about convenience. You won’t need to buy individual tickets at each location or worry about price increases. The 9-day validity period provides flexibility to spread out your visits, which is especially useful if you’re traveling with kids or enjoy a relaxed itinerary.

Most reviews praise the knowledgeable guides and good value for money. One traveler from Germany noted that even with hurricane weather, they managed to see everything they wanted thanks to the pass. Another from Slovakia mentioned that “all works great,” emphasizing the simplicity of the process.

What to Expect at Each Major Attraction

Busch Gardens® Tampa Bay — Expect a lively theme park with a blend of adrenaline-pumping rides and animal encounters. The park’s layout allows you to explore different themed areas, and shows are included, adding entertainment for all ages. Visitors love the unlimited rides and the variety of animals; however, it is a full-day destination, so plan accordingly.

The Florida Aquarium — Located downtown, this aquarium offers close-up views of marine life in thoughtfully designed exhibits. Kids particularly enjoy the interactive zones and the chance to learn about conservation efforts. As one reviewer pointed out, “The aquarium was a highlight,” especially for families seeking an educational outing.

ZooTampa at Lowry Park — Known for its animal chats and wildlife experiences, this zoo is well-organized and accessible. Visitors often mention the animal encounters and the rides as highlights, making it a great combination of education and fun.

Optional attractions like Clearwater Marine Aquarium or MOSI add depth to your experience. Clearwater’s rescue stories and interactive exhibits make it memorable, especially if you’re interested in marine rescue efforts. MOSI offers engaging science exhibits, perfect for kids and science enthusiasts alike.

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The Practical Side: Planning and Logistics

The tickets are valid for 9 days, starting from the first day you use them. This means you can explore at your own pace—visit one attraction per day or combine multiple on a single day—whichever suits your schedule. Be aware that reservations may be required at some attractions, so visiting my.citypass.com ahead of time is recommended.

Transportation isn’t included, so you’ll need to arrange your own way to and from each site. Depending on your hotel’s location, you might find that renting a car or using ride-share services makes the most sense. The attractions are spread out across Tampa, so some planning is wise to maximize your time.

Food and drinks are also not included, so budgeting for meals is essential. Each attraction has cafes and snack bars, but you might also prefer to bring your own snacks for quick refills during the day.

Authenticity and Off-the-Beaten-Path Appeal

While the attractions included are popular for good reason, they also offer a glimpse into local wildlife, science, and family fun—not just tourist traps. For example, the Florida Aquarium and ZooTampa highlight native species and conservation efforts, giving visitors a more genuine understanding of the local environment.

The boat tour options offer a different perspective—either spotting dolphins or enjoying a sunset—adding a scenic, relaxing element to your trip that many travelers might overlook if they stick solely to land-based attractions.

The Tampa Bay CityPASS® provides a balanced, wallet-friendly way to explore some of the area’s top sights. Its flexibility and significant savings make it an attractive choice for travelers who want to see a variety of attractions at their own pace. With good reviews emphasizing knowledgeable guides and value for money, it’s clear this pass delivers on its promises.

While not including transportation or meals, the pass still offers convenience and peace of mind, allowing you to focus on enjoying Tampa Bay’s natural beauty, wildlife, and family-friendly fun. It’s best suited for travelers who enjoy relaxed planning, are keen on experiencing local wildlife and science, and appreciate saving money without sacrificing quality.

If you’re visiting Tampa Bay and want a hassle-free way to hit the highlights, this pass is a smart, practical choice—especially if you plan ahead and spread out your visits over the nine days.

Does the Tampa Bay CityPASS® include transportation?
No, transportation is not included. You’ll need to arrange your own rides to and from the attractions.

How long do I have to use my tickets?
You have 9 days from the first day you activate the tickets to visit all five attractions.

Can I visit all attractions in one day?
It’s possible, especially if you’re aiming for a quick, busy day, but most travelers prefer spreading visits out for a more relaxed experience.

Are the tickets valid for multiple visits?
No, each ticket grants for one-time entry to each attraction unless otherwise noted.

Is this pass suitable for families?
Absolutely. Many attractions like the zoo, aquarium, and children’s museum cater well to families and kids of all ages.

Do I need to make reservations beforehand?
Some attractions may require reservations. Check my.citypass.com for specifics and to make bookings if needed.

Are the attractions wheelchair accessible?
Yes, the pass states that attractions are wheelchair accessible, making it inclusive for most travelers.

Is there a refund if I change my plans?
No, the tickets are non-refundable, so plan your visits accordingly.

Can I buy the pass on the day I arrive?
Yes, but having it beforehand, especially digitally, allows for smoother planning and immediate use upon arrival.

This Tampa Bay CityPASS® offers a thoughtfully curated gateway to some of the best local spots, all wrapped into one convenient, cost-saving package. Whether you’re traveling with family or exploring solo, it’s a practical way to make the most of your Tampa adventure.

You can check availability for your dates here: More Great Tours Nearby