1 Hour Away Busch Gardens is the ultimate family adventure park

1 Hour Away
Busch Gardens is the ultimate family adventure park offering an array of fascinating
attractions based on exotic encounters with the African continent. A unique blend of
thrilling rides, one of the country's premier zoos featuring more than 2,700 animals, live
shows, restaurants, shops and games, Busch Gardens provides unrivaled excitement for
guests of every age. Parking: $10 - General parking for cars and motorcycles, $11 General parking for buses, trucks and recreation vehicles, $15 - Preferred parking ($7
for 2 Year & 1 Year Passport members; Free for Platinum members), $20 - Valet Parking
($18 for Passport members).
Busch Gardens offers something for everyone including a visit with the world-famous
Budweiser Clydesdales. They also offer numerous live animal tours and have one of the
worlds largest butterfly gardens. For visitors
from out of state the admission fee is $67.95 for
an adult and $57.95 for a child. At Busch
Gardens Tampa Bay, they strive to surprise you
with exciting, top quality menu selections.
Enjoy succulent down-home Bar-B-Que
smoked over real oak and hickory. Sit down to
perfectly prepared filet mignon or fresh
seafood.
And try
their hearty hand-carved sandwiches! With more than
twenty in-park restaurant and snack opportunities,
you're never more than a few steps away from an
impressive taste sensation. The finest ingredients,
professional preparation by their culinary team and
friendly service come together in every meal at Busch Gardens Tampa Bay.
2 Hours Away
All throughout the park you'll find some pretty colorful characters. Inspired by the energy
of the South Seas and the animals who call it home, they bring to life the many ways to
experience Aquatica and all the fun and carefree spirit this whimsical place has to offer.
Aquatica is located just across the street from SeaWorld on International Drive off the
Bee Line Expressway (FL 528), 10 minutes south of downtown Orlando and 15 minutes
from Orlando International Airport. Exact Address: 5800 Water Play Way, Orlando, FL
32821. Parking: Cars $10, RV $12
For guests visiting Florida an Adult
admission is $41.95. Child
Admission is $35.95. At Aquatica
you meet the beautiful, black-andwhite Commerson's Dolphins, the
star animals at Aquatica. These
high-energy dolphins are best known
for their distinct markings-and their
appetite for fun. They'll spend their
whole day racing, playing, and even
swimming upside down. Aquatica is
also equipped with a variety of
places to fill your appetite such as Banana
Beach Cookout, Mango Market, and Water
Stone Grill. Whether you are hungry for a
gourmet buffet or a light bite on the go, you will
find a meal to match most any appetite at one of
our three restaurants. We suggest a private
cabana because it is the best way to take in all
Aquatica has to offer. Your cabana is reserved
exclusively for you for the entire day,
until the park closes. Cabana rentals
include a refrigerator stocked with a
variety of sodas, juice, and water (16
beverages per cabana) as well as
complimentary use of towels and
lockers. Also at Aquatica, the water is as
warm as the South Seas themselves-
actually, warmer. We have a state-of-the-art climate control system that adjusts the water
temperature according to the weather so that it's always just right.
Down The Street
Johns Pass is a quaint turn-of-the-century fishing village is Pinellas County's
and is the #1 tourist attraction. There are over one hundred merchants inhabited in the
Village with unique retail shopping, a variety of restaurants, the local
fishing fleet, gambling boats, boat rentals, parasailing and jet skiing.
There is plenty of parking! The beach is a short stroll away. At Johns Pass
you can stroll along the Boardwalk and through the Village, stopping at
your leisure for a scoop of home-made ice cream or a complete dinner at
one of the waterfront restaurants. Village merchants offer every type of
shopping experience, from priceless one-of-a-kind treasures to "take 'em
home to the folks" souvenirs! There is also a 1,100-foot Boardwalk and easy
access to a wide variety of water sports, boat trips and breathtaking sunsets.
Dolphins are a common sight as they frolic through the corridor
of John's Pass from the Gulf to the Intercoastal. You can dine in paradise
relaxing in a tropical and romantic setting on one of the waterfront decks
while you enjoy a beverage and live music. There are also multiple cruises
you can take such as the pirate cruise, casino cruise, dinner cruise, and many
sailboat charters.
After a day on the powdered-sugar-soft sand, zooming across the gulf on a
jet ski, chasing a big one from a chartered fishing trip, shopping in the
festive and trendy barrier island boutiques, retire to Oasis Palms Resort for a
relaxing nights sleep. Johns Pass address is 12600 Gulf Blvd, Saint
Petersburg, FL 33706. Johns Pass marina’s phone number: (727) 360-1139.
Johns Pass Parking is free, however, if you choose to park in the parking
garage there is a $5.00 entrance fee. Admission to Johns Pass is also free.
1 Hour Away
Adventure Island is closed for the 2008 season. You can return to Adventure Island
beginning March 14, 2009, for plenty more water-drenched fun in the sun. At Adventure
Island you can ride many rides such as the Riptide - Florida's First
Four-Lane Mat Slide Race where three other riders compete for an adventure like no
other. All four racers start by lying on the mat and being released simultaneously from a
height of 55 feet into their own enclosed tubes. Racers then twist through a hairpin turn
before plunging into four open-air lanes for a drenching. You must be at least 42" tall to
ride Riptide.
Adventure Island's 30 acres of water-drenched fun in the sun features the ultimate
combination of high-speed thrills and tropical, tranquil surroundings for guests of all
ages. Within a soothing Key West atmosphere awaits an unrivaled blend of slides,
corkscrews, water falls, a wave pool, children’s water playground and other family
attractions such as outdoor cafes, picnic and sunbathing areas, gift shops, and a
championship white-sand volleyball complex. The exact address is 10001 Malcolm
McKinley Drive, Tampa, Fl, 33612. General Admission for an adult is $37.95, Children
ages 3-9 is $34.95, and Children ages 2 and younger is free. Parking is $7.00.
1 Hour Away
Start early in the day and go to Weeki Wachee Springs, this is a beautiful natural spring
with clear water that stays at 72 degrees all year long.
There is an adorable live mermaid show and a
small water park known as Buccaneer Bay.
This is Florida's only spring-fed water park.
Enjoy the white sandy beaches, thrilling flume
rides, kiddie pool area, lazy river tube ride and
beach volleyball.
If you’re not already worn out you could hit
the animal show, featuring reptiles.
At the Follies show you can enjoy light
hearted parrots and other domestic birds. They
entertain the audience with amazing feats and
at the reptile show you can see large toads,
snakes, and monitors up close. You can also
learn about these creatures, their habitats, and
how
important
they are to
our
economy.
Weeki Wachee Springs is open Thursday Sunday: 10:00am to 3:00pm. Their exact
address is 6131 Commercial Way Spring Hill,
FL 34606. Phone number (352) 596-2062. After a long day of mermaids,
swimming, and tons of animals you’ll probably be very hungry so I suggest going
to
Tarpon Springs which is about a 20 minute
drive
on your way back to Oasis Palms.
Just go South on US HWY19 from Weeki Wachee. The Sponge docks of Tarpon
Spring are like walking in a small Greek Village.
The food is fabulous and there are several cute stores. This is a very full day but
you’re on vacation, savor every moment.
30 Minute Away
Head to Fort De Soto where you can see a Fort that was used to protect Tampa
Bay in the 1800’s. The park was also noted to have the world’s best beach in
2005. From here you can purchase tickets to get to or to a ferry that will take you
to an island that is about 2 miles out into the Gulf, tickets can be purchased at the
long fishing pier. You will need to get there around 10:30a.m because they depart
at 11:00a.m. They will bring you back around 3:00p.m.
The island ferry takes you to has a military past as well, this island is called
Egmont key. You can take a walk into the center of the island along brick
pathways that lead to structures that seem like they are out of the movie, Pirates of
the Caribbean. As you walk around the island you are sure to see several turtles.
Also make sure you bring water because there is none provided for you on the
island. After your day at sea you can stop at one of the local restaurants on the
island of Tierra Verde, this is the town you had to pass through to get to Fort De
Soto. I would suggest Billy’s Stone Crab. There is an outside bar which usually
has live entertainment and a happy hour. Inside there is a piano bar inside. The
food is reasonably priced and the atmosphere is casual. If you were thinking
Italian cuisine, JoJos has fabulous food but is more diner style. If you decide you
want lunch you should get it prior to entering the park because the only food
available is very expensive fast food in Fort De Soto but there is no food at all
except water allowed on Egmont key.
25 Minutes Away
Another great day at Fort De
Soto can be spent kayaking
through the shallow mangrove
areas around the Fort. You will
be able to see pelicans, herons,
and white egrets. The Topwater
Kayak Outpost at Fort Desoto
Park offers canoe and kayak
rentals to both newbies and
experienced paddlers. You can
rent sit-on-top kayaks, which are
easier to get on and off, or sit-in
kayaks with recessed cockpits
that lower your center of gravity.
This increases stability and tends
to keep you from getting as much
water splashed and dripped on
you. I've used both kinds and I can tell you that they both work just fine.
Topwater is open at 9:00a.m., weather permitting,
Last launch Mon-Fri 3:30pm, Last launch Sat-Sun
4:30pm. All boats must be returned by 5:30pm. You
can also call them directly for any further information
at 727-864-1991. You can also rent bikes near the
beach,
there are
miles of
paths.
Rental
hours are
daily
10am5p.m, last
rental. At 4:00p.m. And the
requirements are that you must be 18
years old or with a parents and have a
valid driver’s license.
20 Minutes Away
The Dali Museum is in down town St. Pete and has housed almost all of Dali’s
major master pieces. The museum is open Monday - Tuesday – Wednesday
9:30a.m. - 5:30p.m., Thursday
9:30a.m. – 8:00p.m., Friday
9:30a.m. – 6:30p.m., Saturday
9:30a.m. – 5:30p.m., Sunday
12:00p.m. – 5:30p.m. General
Admission is $15.00, Senior
citizens 65 + / Military and
Police is $13.50, Students
ages 10 + (18 + with ID) is
$10.00, Children ages 5 to 9 is
$4.00, Children ages 4 and
under is FREE, and Thursday
s are $5.00 (5:00p.m. –
8p.m.).
The exact address is 1000 Third Street South, Saint Petersburg Florida 33701 –
4901. Make sure you take a tour with a guide, the stories you will hear about the
art are almost as interesting as the art itself.
It takes about 2 hours to be able to see everything and appreciate the experience.
Since
your
already
in
downtown Saint Pete you can hit
Baywalk and see a movie or go shopping.
This plaza opened in 2000. The exact address is 151 2nd Ave North, St. Pete, FL
33701, Phone number (727) 502-0965. It has tons of shops ranging from clothing
stores to ice cream parlors, it’s a great fun filled place for the whole family. If
your not interested in seeing a movie
perhaps the pier is the right option
for you.
The Piers exact address is 800
Second Ave, NE, Saint Petersburg,
FL, 33701, Phone number (727) 8957437. It is open 10:00a.m. –
8:00p.m., Monday – Saturday and
12:00p.m. – 6:00p.m., Sunday. They have
breath taking views of Tampa Bay and
many uniquely styled restaurants. My
favorite is the Columbia on the fourth floor
with flaming chandeliers and a 1905 salad
that is a must. Going to the pier and sight
seeing is free but general admission for the
aquarium: Monday – Saturday for adults is
$5.00, $4.00 for students (7+) and seniors
(65+), and Sunday $2.50 adults,
students, and seniors.
On the second floor of the pier is the
“Fresh Fish Theater,” which has
interactive and live animal exhibits for
all ages.
They also have daily fish feedings and
guided tours.
45 Minutes Away
One of the biggest party streets in the U.S. is on 7th Ave in Ybor City. On Friday and
Saturday night this place turns into the ultimate party town, there is pretty much
nothing else to do but eat, drink, be merry, dance, and laugh with tons of people doing
the same. There are about 20-30 clubs within a 15 block area.
45 Minutes Away
The exact address of the Ringling
Museum is 5401 Bay Shore Road,
Sarasota, FL, 34243. The Ringling
Museum was the home of John Ringling
of Ringling brothers and Barnum and
Bailey circus. The house is beautiful and
there is a huge collection of original
paintings. The gardens were modeled
after Versailles. Mrs. Ringling loved
shopping all over Europe. She liked
shopping so much that her husband built
a shopping “mall” for her that is now
called St. Armand’s Circle which has
great restaurants and of course shops.
The Ringling Museum is open 7days a
week 10:00a.m. – 5:30p.m. General admission for an adult is $19.00, senior $16.00,
students $6.00, children 6-17 is $6.00, and children under 6 is FREE. Phone number
(941) 351-1660.The Selby Botanical Gardens has a stunning Orchid Display house,
Colorful Koi Pond,
Outdoor Butterfly
Garden, Magnificent
Banyan Grove, Bamboo
Garden, Historic Selby
house, Mangrove
Walkway, Numerous
Poison Dart Frogs, and
Breathtaking Views of
Sarasota Bay. The exact
address is 811 South
Palm Ave, Sarasota, Fl
34236, Phone number
(941) 366-5731.
General admission is
$17.00 for an adult, children 6-11 is $6.00, and children under 6 is FREE. If your not
too tired from all that excitement you can hit the Mote Marine Lab/Aquarium. Here
you will be able to explore the secrets of the sea with touch pools, shark, dolphin,
manatee and sea turtle exhibits and over 100 other species of marine life.
The exact address is 1600 Ken Thompson
Pkwy., Sarasota, FL 34236 Phone number
(941)388-4441. Mote Aquarium is open from
10 a.m. to 5 p.m., seven days a week, 365
days a year, including all holidays. Adults
(over 12): $17, Seniors (over 65): $16, Youth
(4-12): $12, Children (under 4): Admission is
free.
This aquarium is also equipped with a deep
sea diner! The lively interactive café offers a
fun, affordable, family-style menu including
selections such as Steamy Deep Sea Clam Chowder, Hammerhead Triple Stack
Burger, Vegiwich, Chicken Fingers, Philly Cheese Steak Sandwich, Coral Reef
Chili, Moonshine & Harley’s
Mahi-Mahi Sandwich, Garden
Fresh Salads, Hand-Dipped Ice
Cream Cones, Shakes & Sundaes
and much more!