Tampa Bay CityPASS®

If you’re planning a trip to Tampa, the Tampa Bay CityPASS® might be just the ticket to make your visit more affordable and less stressful. This all-in-one ticket grants entry to some of Tampa’s biggest draws—think thrill rides, marine life, and family fun—all wrapped into a convenient package. From our research, it’s clear many travelers find this pass a good way to explore Tampa’s highlights without breaking the bank.

Two aspects we especially appreciate are the flexibility of a 9-day validity and the coverage of diverse attractions, offering something for all from adrenaline junkies to curious kids. On the flip side, it’s worth noting that transportation isn’t included, so you’ll need your own way to hop between sites. This pass suits families, adventure seekers, and anyone wanting to maximize their Tampa experience without overspending.

Key Points

• Valid for 9 consecutive days, providing flexible scheduling
• Includes major attractions: Busch Gardens, Florida Aquarium, ZooTampa, and more
• Offers the option to choose 2 additional attractions from a list, tailoring your experience
• Good value — especially if planning to visit multiple sites
• No transportation included; travel arrangements are up to the visitor
• Great for families and first-time visitors wanting a comprehensive Tampa experience

An In-Depth Look at the Tampa Bay CityPASS® Experience

What’s Included and How It Adds Value

The Tampa Bay CityPASS® provides entry to four core attractions: Busch Gardens Tampa Bay, The Florida Aquarium, ZooTampa at Lowry Park, and a choice of two from four options—either Clearwater Marine Aquarium, The Tropics Boat Tours (Dolphin or Sunset Cruise), Museum of Science and Industry (MOSI), or Glazer Children’s Museum.

This setup offers a balanced mix of thrill rides, marine life encounters, and family-focused educational fun. For many visitors, the real appeal is cost savings. For instance, admission to Busch Gardens alone can be over $100, so the pass often pays for itself if you visit just a few attractions.

How Long Can You Spend at Each Site?

The listed durations are approximate. Expect around 8 hours at Busch Gardens—spending time on rides, animal exhibits, and shows. The Florida Aquarium and ZooTampa each take about 4 hours, giving you plenty of time to explore without feeling rushed.

The boat tours are shorter—around 2 hours—but provide an authentic experience of Clearwater’s waterways and wildlife, especially dolphin sightings. The additional indoor attractions, like MOSI and Glazer Children’s Museum, are perfect for those rainy days or for kids needing a break from outdoor adventures.

Visiting Busch Gardens Tampa Bay

Busch Gardens is Florida’s coaster capital, offering a mix of adrenaline-pumping rides, animal encounters, and live shows. It caters to families and thrill-seekers alike. Many reviews praise the park’s diverse attractions and the ease of entry with the pass. As one reviewer put it, “Disappointed that a lot of stuff was closed and they ran out of simple things like ice, but we had a great day.” This highlights that, like any theme park, some rides or amenities might be temporarily unavailable.

One reviewer called it “worth it—especially at the price of the pass.” If you love roller coasters and animals, you’ll find plenty to keep you busy here. For those worried about parking, be prepared for an additional fee—parking costs around $36, and cash isn’t always accepted, so plan accordingly.

The Florida Aquarium

This aquarium stands out for its impressive collection of sea creatures, including sharks, otters, and sea turtles. The Journey to Madagascar exhibit is a highlight, with colorful chameleons, lemurs, and cockroaches. Visitors often enjoy the 4-D theater, which offers an immersive film experience, and the Splash Pad outside for kids.

One review captures the experience well: “The aquarium is one of the top in the country,” with many visitors noting how well-organized and engaging the exhibits are. The aquarium’s working animal hospital offers an educational look at marine rescue work, adding a layer of meaning beyond mere entertainment.

ZooTampa at Lowry Park

ZooTampa earns praise for its naturalistic animal enclosures and interactive experiences. Visitors can get close to rhinos, flamingos, and alligators, and enjoy educational shows and water play areas. Many review comments mention fun interactions and splashy water rides like Roaring Springs.

One traveler pointed out, “Feel the rush of a macaw flying overhead and watch animal mingles,” emphasizing how immersive the experience can be. If you upgrade, you might even go behind the scenes or see a rhino up close, making it a hit for animal lovers.

The Tropics Boat Tours

The boat tours offer a relaxed way to see Tampa’s waterways. The dolphin exploration tour guarantees sightings, which many reviews describe as “spectacular,” thanks to live narration and wildlife viewing. Alternatively, the Sunset Cruise provides a breathtaking view of Florida’s evening sky over the water.

While the tour is only about two hours, it’s a great way to escape the city and enjoy some natural scenery. The double-decker boat features both shaded and open areas, and the onboard bar adds a touch of leisure.

Clearwater Marine Aquarium

Most travelers are drawn to this attraction because of Winter the dolphin, star of the Dolphin Tale movies. But it’s more than a celebrity sighting; it’s a working rescue facility where visitors see rescued dolphins, sea turtles, and sharks. The animal hospital and educational presentations make it a meaningful visit.

Reviewers note that it’s “not your typical aquarium,” emphasizing the rescue and rehabilitation focus. The hands-on exhibits and stories of animal recovery are both inspiring and educational.

Museum of Science and Industry (MOSI) and Glazer Children’s Museum

Both are perfect for families with kids, offering interactive exhibits that cover space, engineering, physics, and art. MOSI, especially with its recent renovations, provides hands-on science experiences, while Glazer’s exhibits encourage creative play.

One review highlights that MOSI is “great for curious young minds,” and the Glazer Museum provides seasonal family activities and spontaneous play opportunities, making them excellent options for a full day of indoor fun.

The Choice of Attractions

The option to choose 2 attractions allows you to tailor your trip. Whether you prefer marine life, adventure tours, or child-focused museums, the flexibility enhances value. For many, the dolphin tour and aquarium are favorite picks, given the consistent praise in reviews.

Practical Considerations

Keep in mind that transportation isn’t included. You’ll need your own car, ride-sharing, or local transit to reach each site. Also, most tickets are non-refundable, so plan your days carefully. Travelers have noted that timing is key—especially for attractions with limited capacity or hours.

Who Will Love the Tampa Bay CityPASS®?

This pass appeals most to families with children, first-time visitors wanting a rundown, and budget-conscious travelers eager to save on entry fees. It’s ideal if you want to spread out your visits over multiple days and don’t mind organizing your own transportation.

However, if your plans change suddenly or you prefer flexible, pay-as-you-go arrangements, you might find purchasing individual tickets more convenient. Also, those seeking luxury experiences or exclusive access could be disappointed, as the pass provides general admission only.

Final Thoughts

The Tampa Bay CityPASS® offers a solid value for travelers eager to explore Tampa’s most popular attractions without shelling out full price at each site. Its nine-day validity provides the flexibility to take your time, which is particularly helpful for families or travelers with a packed itinerary.

The diverse selection of attractions ensures there’s something for all—whether it’s the thrill rides of Busch Gardens, the marine wonders of the aquarium, or the playful exhibits at Glazer Children’s Museum. The dolphin and boat tours add a relaxing outdoor element that many reviews mention as a highlight.

While transportation and some amenities might require extra planning, most visitors agree the pass’s cost savings and convenience outweigh these minor inconveniences. It’s especially suited to those wanting a comprehensive Tampa experience with minimal hassle and maximum fun.

FAQs

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

How long is the pass valid?
The pass is valid for nine consecutive days from the first use. You can visit the attractions on any of these days.

Can I visit each attraction multiple times?
No, the pass provides single entry to each attraction. If you want to revisit, you’ll need to purchase additional tickets.

Are food and drinks included?
No, food and drinks are not included in the pass price.

What is the best way to maximize the value of this pass?
Plan your visits so you can visit the most expensive attractions first, like Busch Gardens, and spread out your sightseeing to avoid rushing.

Is parking included?
No, parking fees are extra and may not accept cash in some places, so prepare accordingly.

Can I cancel or change my booking?
No, this experience is non-refundable and cannot be altered once booked. Be sure of your plans before purchasing.

In all, the Tampa Bay CityPASS® is a practical, cost-effective way to experience Tampa’s top sights. With careful planning, it guarantees a memorable trip filled with fun, discovery, and a good dose of Florida sunshine.