Visit the Tampa Bay Area in the Off-Season

Busch Gardens Africa - Tampa, FL

Montu

Experience big thrills with Montu.  ©2006 Busch Entertainment Corporation.  All rights reserved.

While the area attracts tourists year round, the most popular time of year to visit is during the winter months, when Tampa Bay is a sunny retreat compared to the majority of the country. Visiting during the winter months will provide you with savings on lodging and you will be able to avoid the majority of the crowds. Most of the attractions are open year-round, so there won't be a shortage of things to do.

For Everyone...

Busch Gardens. When visiting the Tampa Bay area, you absolutely have to stop by Busch Gardens or your vacation won't be complete. The theme park is based on encounters of the African continent and features thrill rides, a zoo with over 2,700 animals, live shows, restaurants, shops and games. One of the most popular theme parks in Florida, you're sure to love this Tampa Bay attraction.

University of South Florida Botanical Gardens. These gardens offer the perfect backdrop for an outdoor stroll. On your walk, you'll see collections that include orchids, begonias, mallows, bromeliads, gingers, ferns, aroids, fruit trees, palms, cycads, carnivorous plants, herb and scent gardens and more. Plants aren't the only things that contribute to the atmosphere. You'll see a butterfly garden, gopher tortoises and over 60 species of birds.

For the Water Lover...

Adventure Island. Do 30 acres of slides, corkscrews, waterfalls, wave pools and a children's water playground sound like something you'd enjoy? Then Adventure Island is the place to be. This water park has everything needed to satisfy your craving for excitement and thrills. Adventure Island also offers caf's, an arcade, picnic areas and gift shop.

Starlite Majesty. Take a lunch or dinner cruise on the Starlite Majesty. The 115-foot vessel offers three decks and ample room for observation, and a brass and mirrored interior. You can enjoy an exquisite meal at your specially reserved table. You will have your choice of entrees, and your meal will be prepared by an award-winning chef.

Starlite Princess. The Starlite Princess also offers lunch and dinner cruises. When you want to take a narrated cruise along the shores of Florida's inland waters, this cruise is exactly what you need. Nothing rivals the atmosphere this authentic paddleboat has to offer. Keep an eye out for the dolphins; it's not uncommon to see them frolicking in the water.

The Florida Aquarium. You will definitely enjoy spending the day discovering over 10,000 aquatic plants and animals that call the waters their home. You'll see animals like sharks, stingrays, otters, dolphins, jellyfish and more. You can even swim with the fishes! For an additional cost, anyone over six years of age has the opportunity to swim in the Coral Reefs Exhibit.

The Beaches. The area is also known for its abundance of outdoor beaches. Numerous beaches are scattered across the area, creating the perfect environment for sunbathing, fishing, snorkeling, diving, sailing and more. A few beaches in the area are Davis Island Beach in Tampa, Clearwater Beach in Clearwater, and St. Pete Beach in St. Pete Beach.