Tampa Bay CityPASS®

If you’re planning a trip to Tampa, Florida, the Tampa Bay CityPASS offers a convenient way to explore the city’s highlights while saving some money. For $149 per person, you get access to five major attractions, including the famous Busch Gardens Tampa Bay, the Florida Aquarium, and ZooTampa at Lowry Park. Plus, you get to pick two additional attractions from four popular options, like the Clearwater Marine Aquarium, Tropics Boat Tours, MOSI, or the Glazer Children’s Museum.

This pass is valid for nine consecutive days from the first use, giving you plenty of flexibility to plan your adventures. The tickets are mobile, which makes entry quick and hassle-free—just scan your phone, and you’re in. Keep in mind, transportation, meals, and special ticketed attractions are not included, but overall, this package provides excellent value for those wanting to maximize their Tampa experience.

Two things we love about this experience are how it allows you to customize your itinerary with the choice of two extra attractions, and the long validity period, making it suitable for flexible travel plans. On the downside, some might find the non-inclusion of transportation a challenge, especially if you’re not renting a car. But if you’re a family or group wanting to pack a lot into a short time, this pass is perfect. It suits travelers who enjoy diverse attractions—from wildlife and aquariums to museums and boat cruises—and want to avoid the hassle of buying individual tickets at each location.

Key Points

• Flexible 9-day validity allows you to visit attractions at your own pace.
• Includes top attractions like Busch Gardens, Florida Aquarium, and ZooTampa.
• Choice of two additional attractions offers customization based on your interests.
• Mobile tickets make check-in quick and contactless.
• Great value for families and groups wanting to experience Tampa’s highlights without overspending.
• No transportation included, so plan ahead if you need transit arrangements.

Exploring Tampa with the CityPASS: What You Can Expect

The Tampa Bay CityPASS is designed to give you access to five core attractions with the flexibility to choose two more from a set of four options. Here’s what each stop offers and why it matters.

Busch Gardens Tampa Bay

Often the highlight for families and thrill-seekers alike, Busch Gardens combines roller coasters, animal exhibits, and live entertainment. The included admission gives you a full day of fun, with reviews praising both the rides and the animal encounters. One visitor wrote, “We had a blast with the shows, animals, and rides,” illustrating how this park balances thrill with wildlife. However, some reviews note parking costs ($36) and some rides being closed, which can be frustrating if you’re expecting everything to be operational.

The Florida Aquarium

A quaint yet engaging aquarium, this spot offers a chance to see marine life up close—perfect for families or anyone interested in aquatic creatures. Reviews highlight that entry was smooth, and the aquarium is a great value considering the admission price alone exceeds $100. Expect to see exhibits with local fish, manatees, and perhaps even some interactive displays.

ZooTampa at Lowry Park

This zoo is praised for its diverse animal collection and well-maintained grounds. Visitors often remark on the great animal sightings like rhinos, penguins, and monkeys, making it a memorable wildlife experience. One reviewer shared, “Tons of fun – not enough time,” emphasizing how much there is to see and do here.

Tropics Boat Tours (Dolphin or Sunset Cruise)

A fantastic way to see Tampa’s waterways, these boat tours offer dolphin sightings or sunset views. The two-hour tours are free with your pass but require reservations in advance through the app. Reviews mention the dolphin tours as “awesome,” with riders enjoying the chance to see dolphins in their natural habitat. Keep in mind, availability can sell out, so early booking is advised.

Choice Attractions

Your remaining two spots can be filled with any of the following:

• Clearwater Marine Aquarium: Famous for the story of Winter the dolphin, it offers a chance to see rescued marine animals.
• Museum of Science & Industry (MOSI): A hands-on science museum that’s great for kids and curious adults alike.
• Glazer Children’s Museum: Perfect for families with young children, offering interactive exhibits and playful learning.

Some reviews mention that the reservations for cruises are essential, and availability can be limited, so plan early. The Museum of Science is noted as “disappointing” by some, but others enjoy the interactive exhibits.

How the Itinerary Unfolds

Many travelers choose to spread out the attractions over the nine days. For instance, you might visit Busch Gardens on your first day, then enjoy a relaxing dolphin cruise mid-trip, followed by a zoo visit and aquarium on subsequent days. The flexibility to visit in any order is a significant advantage, especially if weather or energy levels vary.

The duration at each attraction ranges from a few hours to a full day, depending on your pace. For example, Busch Gardens recommends about 8 hours to experience everything, including rides and shows, while the Aquarium and zoo tend to take about 4 hours each.

The tours and cruises are shorter, generally 2 hours, which could be combined with other activities or used as a relaxing break.

What the Reviews Say

Some visitors highlight the value for money—one said, “Busch Gardens alone is over $100,” and the pass pays for itself quickly. Others appreciate the easy check-in and user-friendly mobile tickets, which streamline the process. However, a few reviews mention logistical hiccups, like app issues or blackout dates for certain cruises. It’s worth making reservations early and confirming your schedule.

Practical Tips for Using Your Tampa Bay CityPASS

• Plan your days in advance but allow flexibility; the nine-day window encourages a relaxed pace.
• Book cruise reservations early through the app to avoid missing out.
• Be aware that parking is not included and can cost around $36 at Busch Gardens.
• The mobile ticket is easy to use, but if technical issues arise, contact customer care for assistance.
• Remember that the pass only grants single admission to each attraction; re-entry or multiple visits are not allowed.
• Transportation is not included, so consider whether renting a car or using ride-sharing is necessary.
• Food and drinks are not included, so budget for meals at the attractions.

Who Will Love the Tampa Bay CityPASS?

This pass is perfect for families or groups who want to see the best of Tampa without the hassle of buying individual tickets for each attraction. Its long validity makes it ideal for those who prefer a relaxed schedule, perhaps fitting in a few attractions per day. The customizable options mean you can tailor your trip to interest, whether wildlife, science, or marine life.

If you enjoy outdoor activities like boat tours and want a good mix of attractions, this pass covers a lot of ground. However, if you’re traveling solo or seeking more exclusive experiences like behind-the-scenes tours, you’ll need to look beyond the CityPASS.

The Sum Up

The Tampa Bay CityPASS offers an excellent way to explore Tampa’s key sights at a reasonable price, especially if you’re eager to experience a variety of attractions over several days. The flexibility, combined with noteworthy attractions like Busch Gardens, the Florida Aquarium, and Tropics Boat Tours, makes this a strong choice for families, first-time visitors, or anyone wanting to maximize their time.

While it does require some planning—particularly around reservations and parking—the overall value and convenience are hard to beat. It’s suited best for travelers who want to see diverse sites without the stress of individual ticketing, and who appreciate the freedom to visit at their own pace.

If your trip is focused on outdoor fun, wildlife encounters, and family-friendly museums, the Tampa Bay CityPASS can make your visit memorable and stress-free. Just remember to book early, make those cruise reservations, and enjoy Tampa’s warm hospitality and scenic waterways.

FAQ

Does the CityPASS include transportation?
No, transportation to and from attractions is not included, so you’ll need to plan how to get around—whether by rental car, rideshare, or public transit.

Can I visit the attractions in any order?
Yes, once you activate your pass, you can visit the attractions in any order over the nine days.

Is the ticket valid for multiple visits?
No, each attraction’s admission is single-entry. Re-entry or multiple visits require additional tickets.

How long do I have to use the pass?
The pass is valid for nine consecutive days starting from the first attraction entry.

Are the tickets mobile?
Yes, the tickets are on your phone, making check-in quick and contactless.

What attractions are included?
Busch Gardens Tampa Bay, the Florida Aquarium, ZooTampa at Lowry Park, plus two from a choice of Clearwater Marine Aquarium, Tropics Boat Tours, MOSI, or Glazer Children’s Museum.

Are there blackout dates or restrictions for cruises?
The cruises do not have black-out dates for CityPASS holders, but they do require reservations, and availability may sell out.

Can I cancel or change my ticket?
No, the tickets are non-refundable and cannot be changed once purchased.

What if I encounter technical issues with the app?
Customer support is available at support.citypass.com to assist with app or ticket problems.

Is parking included?
No, parking fees are separate and can be around $36 at Busch Gardens, so plan accordingly.

Whether you’re a thrill-seeker eager for roller coasters, a wildlife lover, or a family wanting a fun-packed trip, the Tampa Bay CityPASS offers a balanced, value-packed way to see Tampa. Just remember to plan ahead, book early, and keep a flexible attitude—Tampa has a lot to offer.