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

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

If you’re planning a trip to Florida’s Tampa Bay area, the CityPASS® offers a practical way to see some of the best sights while keeping your budget in check. For $149 per person, you’ll gain access to five major attractions, including Busch Gardens, The Florida Aquarium, and ZooTampa, with the flexibility of using your tickets over a full nine days. This pass provides an excellent foundation for a relaxed, immersive Tampa experience—especially if you’re eager to explore at your own pace without the stress of individual ticket lines.

What makes this pass particularly appealing is the significant savings of up to 55%—a welcome benefit if you’re planning to visit more than a couple of spots. The digital tickets make planning easy, and with nine days to use your pass from the first day of activation, you can comfortably spread out your visits, avoiding the rush that often comes with single-day tickets.

Two standout features we like are the flexibility of the nine-day window—which gives you plenty of time to absorb each site without feeling hurried—and the all-inclusive nature of the main attractions, including shows, exhibits, and rides. However, a point to consider is that transportation and food are not included, so you’ll need to budget for those separately.

This tour works well for families, first-time visitors, or anyone who prefers a laid-back itinerary with a focus on engaging, authentic attractions. If you’re someone who appreciates having a clear plan but also values flexibility, this is an option worth considering.

Key Points

• Cost-effective: Save up to 55% compared to individual tickets
• Flexible schedule: 9 days to enjoy your selected attractions
• All-in-one access: Includes top spots like Busch Gardens, Aquarium, and ZooTampa
• Optional tours: Choose two from boat tours, marine aquariums, or museums
• Digital convenience: Mobile tickets and instant confirmation
• No transportation or food included — plan accordingly

You can check availability for your dates here:

Exploring Tampa Bay with the CityPASS®

When you first purchase the Tampa Bay CityPASS®, you’re opening the door to a relaxed, no-hassle way to experience some of the area’s most loved sights. Imagine strolling through Busch Gardens with its mix of thrilling rides, animal exhibits, and entertaining shows—this is a theme park that balances adrenaline with educational encounters. We loved the way the park offers a full day’s worth of entertainment, from the heart-pumping roller coasters to the animal interactions, all included in your pass.

Next, the Florida Aquarium offers an underwater adventure that’s both fun and educational. We found the exhibits to be engaging, especially if you have children with curious minds. The aquarium’s layout makes it easy to navigate, and you’ll enjoy the chance to see diverse marine life up close. Reviewers like Beate, from Germany, appreciated how the pass allowed her to see everything she wanted despite weather challenges, calling it “definitely worth it.”

ZooTampa at Lowry Park is another highlight. It’s a well-maintained zoo with a variety of animals, and the added perk of animal chats and wildlife connections makes it more immersive. Visitors report that the unlimited rides and animal chats make the zoo experience especially interactive—a plus for families or animal enthusiasts.

Choosing Your Extra Attraction

The flexibility of the CityPASS® extends to selecting two attractions from three options:

• Tropics Boat Tours (Dolphin Exploration or Sunset Cruise) – You’ll love the chance to see dolphins in their natural environment or enjoy a relaxing evening on the water. These tours add a gentle, scenic dimension to your visit.
• Clearwater Marine Aquarium – Known for its rescue stories and adorable animals like Winter the dolphin, this spot is perfect for animal lovers.
• Museum of Science & Industry (MOSI) – Offers hands-on exhibits, including the Dinovations Lab and a planetarium. It’s a hit for curious minds and families.
• Glazer Children’s Museum – Focuses on interactive, child-friendly exhibits that make learning fun.

Based on reviews, many travelers find these add-ons enhance their trip without overcomplicating logistics, especially given the nine-day window.

How the Experience Works

Once you purchase your CityPASS®, you’ll receive a mobile ticket that you can store on your phone—no paper needed. Each attraction’s entry is simple: just present your mobile ticket at the gate, where it’ll be scanned. At some sites, reservations might be required—it’s a good idea to check your attraction details beforehand via the website.

The nine days start from your first use, giving you plenty of time to spread out your visits or even revisit favorites. This is a real perk for travelers who want a relaxed pace or might be hurrying through some parts of their trip.

The price point of $149 might seem steep initially, but when you consider the savings—up to 55%—and the convenience of all-in-one tickets, it becomes a pretty good value. Plus, since food and transportation are extra, you’ll want to budget accordingly, but the bulk of your visits are covered.

What to Expect at Each Attraction

Busch Gardens: Expect a lively park full of thrill rides, animal shows, and themed areas. The park is quite large, so wear comfortable shoes and plan your day around the shows and rides you’re most excited about.

The Florida Aquarium: The exhibits are engaging and well-laid out, perfect for families or anyone interested in marine life. You’ll probably spend around two hours here, perhaps longer if you participate in interactive talks or feedings.

ZooTampa: The zoo’s layout encourages a leisurely visit, with animal chats making it educational and fun. Reviewers mention the “unlimited rides” which adds to the value, especially for kids.

Boat Tours: Whether dolphin spotting or enjoying a sunset, these tours bring a tranquil, scenic element to your trip. The boat departs from convenient locations, making it easy to fit into your day.

Additional options: The aquarium, museum, or children’s museum will provide engaging exhibits, often with interactive features that appeal to different ages and interests.

More Great Tours Nearby

Authentic Experiences and Practical Tips

Many travelers appreciate the knowledgeable guides and the good value for money. Vladimir, from Slovakia, said “all works great,” speaking to the smooth operation of the system. Beate’s experience during hurricane warnings highlights the flexibility of the pass—she was able to see everything she wanted despite weather issues.

Keep in mind that transportation between attractions is not included, so you might want to plan your routes in advance, especially if you’re visiting multiple sites in a day. Parking fees might also apply at some venues, so factor those into your budget.

The nine-day period allows you to take your time. For example, you could visit Busch Gardens early on, then relax with a boat tour or aquarium visit on a different day, making your trip more enjoyable rather than rushed.

Accessibility and Family-Friendly Features

The pass and most attractions are wheelchair accessible, making this a good choice for travelers with mobility needs. The attractions cater well to families, with kid-friendly exhibits, animal encounters, and interactive exhibits that keep children engaged.

Who Will Love This Tour?

This pass is ideal for families with children, first-time visitors, or anyone who enjoys a blend of wildlife, theme parks, and educational experiences. It’s perfect if you like having a clear plan but also value the ability to stay flexible.

Travelers who appreciate good value for money and want to explore at their own pace will find this option very appealing. Since reviews highlight the knowledgeable guides and well-organized access, it’s a solid choice for those who want hassle-free entries into some of Tampa Bay’s top attractions.

Final Thoughts

The Tampa Bay CityPASS® offers a straightforward, economical way to enjoy the area’s best sights without the stress of purchasing individual tickets or rushing through a tight schedule. The nine-day window provides ample opportunity to explore at your own pace, taking in the thrills of Busch Gardens, the marine wonders of the Aquarium, and the wildlife of ZooTampa—all with significant savings.

While transportation isn’t included, the convenience of digital tickets and the variety of attractions make this pass a reliable backbone for your Tampa trip. Whether you’re traveling with family, friends, or solo, you’ll find that this pass packs a lot of value into a flexible, easy-to-use package.

If you value authentic experiences, good guides, and the freedom to explore over several days, this option should be on your short list. It’s a smart way to see Tampa Bay’s highlights without breaking the bank or feeling overwhelmed.

FAQ

Do I need to make reservations for the attractions?
You might find reservations are required at some sites. Check the details online at my.citypass.com to plan ahead and avoid surprises.

Can I use the tickets over a longer period than 9 days?
Yes, your tickets are valid for one year from purchase, but the nine-day window begins from your first use.

Are all attractions included in the pass?
The pass includes one-time admission to Busch Gardens, The Florida Aquarium, and ZooTampa. You can pick any two from the boat tour, Clearwater Marine Aquarium, MOSI, or Glazer Children’s Museum.

Is transportation or parking included?
No, transportation and parking are not included. You’ll need to budget for those separately.

How do I get my tickets?
They are delivered digitally—just present your mobile ticket at each attraction for quick entry.

Is the pass wheelchair accessible?
Yes, all included attractions are wheelchair accessible, making it manageable for most travelers.

Can I revisit an attraction on different days?
No, tickets are for single entries only, but your nine-day window offers plenty of flexibility.

What if the weather disrupts my plans?
Thanks to reviews like Beate’s, we know the pass offers some wiggle room. You can adjust your schedule within the nine days to accommodate weather or other issues.

In short, the Tampa Bay CityPASS® is a well-rounded, flexible choice that combines value, convenience, and authentic attractions. It’s a fantastic way for travelers to enjoy Tampa Bay with peace of mind and plenty of memorable experiences.

You can check availability for your dates here: