Busch Gardens Tampa Bay

The Busch Gardens Tampa loop offers a truly distinctive hiking experience, blending the excitement of a theme park with the wonder of a zoo. As you walk the 2.7-mile (4.3 km) route, you'll navigate paved paths that wind through diverse animal habitats, allowing you to spot everything from majestic elephants and giraffes on the Serengeti Plain to playful orangutans and powerful tigers. It's an easy walk, with only 27 feet (8 metres) of elevation gain, making it accessible for nearly everyone, and you can expect to complete it in about 1 hour and 5 minutes if you keep a steady pace.

Planning your visit means securing park admission, as this unique trail is entirely within Busch Gardens Tampa. While there are no specific permits needed beyond your entry ticket, arriving early is always recommended to beat the crowds and enjoy the park at its most serene. The park also offers the Serengeti Express train and Skyride as convenient alternatives to cover ground or simply enjoy aerial views, giving you flexibility in how you explore.

What makes this one of the best loop hiking trails near Busch Gardens Tampa is its immersive combination of world-class animal care and thrilling entertainment. You're not just walking; you're observing wildlife up close, often with minimal barriers, while also being surrounded by the energy of a major theme park. It's a fantastic option for families or anyone looking for an active day out that's far from a traditional wilderness hike.