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

Planning a trip to Tampa Bay? The Tampa Bay CityPASS® offers a streamlined way to see some of the region’s best attractions while saving a significant amount of money. We’ve looked into this pass to help you decide if it’s a good fit for your Florida adventure.

What makes this pass appealing is the chance to visit five must-see attractions at a fraction of the regular price—up to 55% savings—plus the flexibility of a 9-day window to explore. We love that the process is straightforward: instant mobile tickets, easy reservations, and no stress about planning every detail. But, of course, there are some considerations to keep in mind, like the fact that transportation and food are not included. This pass suits travelers who enjoy a relaxed pace, want to maximize their sightseeing, and appreciate good value.

If you’re the type of traveler who enjoys flexible itineraries, appreciates family-friendly activities, or is eager to explore Tampa Bay’s wildlife and theme parks, this pass is worth considering. It’s especially attractive for first-time visitors who want to cover a lot of ground without the hassle of individual ticketing.

Key Points

• Great savings: Up to 55% off five major attractions.
• Flexible use: 9 days to enjoy your tickets from the first day.
• Convenient access: Mobile tickets and easy reservations.
• Diverse options: Theme parks, aquariums, boat tours, and more.
• No transportation or meals included: Plan to arrange your own logistics.
• Ideal for families and first-timers: Offers a broad overview of Tampa Bay.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Why Choose the Tampa Bay CityPASS®?

This pass provides more than just a discount; it simplifies your trip planning and offers the freedom to spread out your visits over nine days. For families or groups, the convenience of quick entry into five prominent attractions means less time waiting in lines and more time enjoying what matters: experiencing Tampa Bay’s vibrant wildlife, thrilling rides, and engaging exhibits.

The fact that the pass includes instant confirmation and digital delivery makes it easy to organize, especially if you’re arriving unexpectedly or want to avoid mailing delays. Plus, the wheelchair accessibility feature ensures that it’s a viable option for many visitors.

What Attractions Are Included?

The card grants entry to five major attractions:

• Busch Gardens® Tampa Bay: Known for its exciting rides, animal exhibits, and live shows, Busch Gardens is a staple for thrill-seekers and animal lovers alike. You get a single-day admission, covering all rides and exhibits—an excellent way to spend a fun-filled day.

• The Florida Aquarium: A top choice for families, this aquarium showcases Florida’s marine life with interactive exhibits. Reviewers have praised its wide range of exhibits and the opportunity to get up close with aquatic creatures.

• ZooTampa at Lowry Park: Perfect for animal enthusiasts, this zoo includes unlimited rides, animal chats, and wildlife connections. Visitors love the knowledgeable guides and the chance to see animals in naturalistic habitats.

• Choose Two from the following options:

• Tropics Boat Tours: You can select a Dolphin Exploration Tour or a Sunset Celebration Cruise. Both boat tours offer memorable experiences with marine life and scenic vistas, with reviews highlighting the friendliness and knowledge of guides.

• Clearwater Marine Aquarium: Famous for “Winter the Dolphin,” this aquarium provides an engaging experience with rescue animals and educational displays.

• Museum of Science & Industry (MOSI): Offers permanent exhibits, including Dinovations Lab and the Saunders Planetarium—great for curious minds and families.

• Glazer Children’s Museum: A hands-on museum perfect for younger kids, with interactive exhibits designed to inspire creativity.

The choice of two attractions allows you to tailor your experience based on interests and energy levels, providing flexibility for different travelers.

What About the Logistics?

Purchasing the CityPASS® means that you won’t have to worry about buying tickets separately at each site. Presenting your mobile ticket at each attraction is straightforward, and many reviews point out how smooth the process is. However, some attractions may require reservations, so it’s wise to check the details ahead of time via the official website.

With 9 days of validity, you can pace your visits—perhaps combining a zoo day with a boat tour, then returning for the aquarium or theme park later. This flexibility helps prevent the feeling of being rushed, especially in a region with diverse options.

Note that transportation and food are not included, so plan accordingly. You’ll need to arrange your own transport between attractions, especially if you’re not staying centrally. Also, consider the cost of meals and snacks, which can add up during a busy day.

What Do the Reviews Say?

The reviews are quite telling—averaging 4.8 out of 5 from 84 visitors—meaning most travelers found good value and a positive experience. One traveler from Germany mentioned, “Despite Hurricane Helen and Melina, we were able to see everything we wanted to with the card. The card was definitely worth it for us.” This highlights the flexibility and reliability of the pass even during unpredictable weather.

Another reviewer from Slovakia simply said, “all works great,” emphasizing how smooth the process is, from ticketing to attraction entry. The praise for knowledgeable guides and good value for money suggests that the attractions and tours are well-organized and enjoyable for visitors.

More Great Tours Nearby

Deep Dive into Each Attraction

Busch Gardens Tampa Bay

This is perhaps the most famous attraction included in the pass, and rightly so. It combines thrilling rides—like roller coasters—with animal exhibits and live entertainment. We loved the way Busch Gardens manages to blend the excitement of rides with educational opportunities about wildlife conservation.

The single-day admission means you’ll want to plan your visit early, possibly prioritizing your favorite rides or shows. The reviews praise the variety of exhibits and how friendly and knowledgeable the staff are. This is ideal for families with kids or adrenaline junkies looking for a full day of excitement.

The Florida Aquarium

Home to a wide array of marine creatures, this aquarium is a highlight for many. It offers engaging, multi-sensory exhibits that showcase Florida’s underwater habitats. Visitors often comment on the interactive displays and the chance to get up close with animals in touch tanks.

The aquarium’s location also makes it convenient for those staying near downtown Tampa. It’s a great educational stop, especially for children, and the reviews indicate that many found it both fun and informative.

ZooTampa at Lowry Park

ZooTampa is celebrated for its well-maintained habitats and animal chats that provide insight into wildlife conservation efforts. The unlimited rides and wildlife connections are a big hit with families, as they allow for a more interactive experience.

Reviewers consistently mention the friendly guides who make the zoo’s exhibits come alive. It’s a day well-spent for animal lovers and families looking for a relaxed but engaging outing.

The Choice of Two Additional Attractions

• Tropics Boat Tours: Whether you pick the dolphin tour or the sunset cruise, you’ll enjoy scenic views, marine wildlife, and knowledgeable guides. Reviewers emphasize the friendly atmosphere and the beautiful scenery.

• Clearwater Marine Aquarium: Famous for rescue animals, the aquarium offers a heartfelt look at marine conservation. Visitors love the chance to see Winter the Dolphin and other rescued animals in a caring environment.

• MOSI: For science buffs, MOSI provides hands-on exhibits, including the Dinovations Lab and planetarium shows. It’s an inspiring spot for kids and curious adults alike.

• Glazer Children’s Museum: Designed for the youngest travelers, this museum offers interactive exhibits that foster creativity and learning.

Choosing two attractions gives you the flexibility to customize your trip based on your interests and the weather.

Practical Considerations

The cost of $149 per person for the pass is competitive, especially considering the individual prices of these attractions. If you plan to visit even three of the major sites, the savings are substantial.

Since tickets are valid for one-time entry and for 9 days from first use, you can spread out your visits to avoid fatigue. This is especially helpful if you’re traveling with children or want to take breaks in between.

One review pointed out that “the card was definitely worth it for us”, even during hurricane disruptions, highlighting its value and reliability.

While transportation is not included, the attractions are generally accessible, and the flexibility of the pass allows you to plan your own logistics.

Food and drinks are also not covered, so budgeting for meals is important, particularly if you plan to spend full days exploring.

Who Will Benefit Most?

This pass is a fantastic option for families, first-time visitors to Tampa Bay, and groups who want to see a broad range of attractions without the hassle of individual tickets. It’s especially suitable for those who prefer a relaxed pace and enjoy diverse experiences—from wildlife encounters to theme park rides and boat cruises.

Travelers who value saving money and convenience will find that the combination of flexibility and significant discounts makes the CityPASS® a practical choice.

However, if you’re someone who prefers guided tours or specific experiences outside this set, you might want to explore other options. And bear in mind that transportation and food are on you, so budget accordingly.

The Sum Up

The Tampa Bay CityPASS® offers an excellent way to explore the region’s top attractions with minimal fuss and maximum savings. With a well-chosen selection of theme parks, aquariums, zoos, and boat tours, it provides a broad overview of what Tampa Bay has to offer. The 9-day validity allows you to enjoy the attractions at a relaxed pace, skipping the rush often associated with single-day tickets.

The reviews highlight how organized and reliable this pass is, with many travelers appreciating the knowledgeable guides and good value. It’s a particularly smart choice for families, first-timers, or anyone wanting a comprehensive Tampa Bay experience without breaking the bank.

While you’ll need to plan for transportation and meals separately, the convenience of all your tickets in one digital package makes this a stress-free way to maximize your visit. If you’re looking for a flexible, cost-effective way to enjoy Tampa Bay’s highlights, the CityPASS® is definitely worth considering.

FAQ

How long do I have to use the tickets?
You have 9 days from the first day you activate your pass to visit all five attractions, giving you plenty of flexibility.

Are tickets delivered instantly?
Yes, tickets are delivered digitally, allowing you to access and scan them directly from your mobile device at each attraction.

Can I visit the attractions more than once?
No, each attraction’s admission is one-time only per ticket, but you can spread your visits over the 9-day period.

Do I need to make reservations?
Some attractions may require reservations—it’s best to check your specific attraction’s details on the official site before your visit.

What is included in the pass?
It includes admission to Busch Gardens, The Florida Aquarium, ZooTampa, and two of Tropics Boat Tours, Clearwater Marine Aquarium, MOSI, or Glazer Children’s Museum.

Are there any age restrictions?
The pass is suitable for all ages; attractions are generally family-friendly and wheelchair accessible.

Is transportation included?
No, transportation between attractions is not included, so plan your routes and timing accordingly.

This Tampa Bay CityPASS® strikes a good balance between convenience, variety, and value. It’s perfect for those wanting to see the region’s highlights without the hassle of multiple ticket purchases, all while enjoying the flexibility of a 9-day window to explore at your own pace.

You can check availability for your dates here: