Busch Gardens or Beach?
 

Hi we will be traveling to clearwater beach in march for 5 days then going onto orlando for 8 more. We have 2 kids ages 12,9 we can't decide if we should go to busch gardens or just save the theme parks for orlando.Would it be better to just beach it the first week or is busch a must see?Thanks Doug.

I have been to all the places you are considering. Busch Gardens is a "see in one day" park. Personally, I find Disney a little too much and over-whelming, but I must be in a small minority. We went to Busch Gardens a few years ago when our kids were the ages of yours, and they loved it. However, since you are doing the Orlando thing, it might be over-kill to do both in one trip. While in Orlando, repeat to yourself each hour "this is a vacation - we do not get extra points in life if we see everything - it is OK to veg out at the hotel pool for a day"

Hi Doug...I'va always felt that Busch Gardens is a great place to go if you like roller coasters...I remember there was also a safari ride and an ice skating show...you can do it in one day...Tampa/St. Pete has some really nice beaches and there are other things to see and do...I remember there was an aquarium in that area that my kids liked...and we also went to the Ybor City area of Tampa where there's a historical area that highlights its heyday as the cigar making capital of the world...the Columbia Restaurant (Spanish) that's there has a flamenco show on weekends and also on that same street I heard that there's now an indoor game arcade that Steven Spielberg helped design.

Doug:<BR><BR>I'm 36 and went to Busch Gardens when I was 13. I really enjoyed it. You can ride or view weird African things, like watching someone make furniture using their feet.<BR><BR>

Hi Doug,<BR><BR>I agree with the above poster; unless you and the family are *really* into roller coasters, I think I'd opt out of Busch Gardens. You're going to get your fill of theme park mania being in Orlando for 8 days! Are the kids "into" beaching it? If so, then spend some time doing that. There are so many nice beaches in that area: Clearwater, St. Pete, etc. Do some fun things in St. Pete and Tampa where you're into the "nature" thing. You'll have plenty of asphalt, rides, and people in Orlando! Enjoy your vacation.

I live in Clearwater, and though I haven't been to Busch yet (we just moved here), from what I've heard from friends, I agree with the above posts: if you're really into roller coasters, go, because they have several that are supposed to be very good, and Disney doesn't have that many. Otherwise, Disney/Orlando is theme-park overload, and with 8 days there, agree that a few days just relaxing at the hotel might be necessary.<BR><BR>You didn't ask, but here are a few other ideas for Tampa/St. Pete/Clearwater (since 5 days on the beach may be too much and the water won't be very warm that early): <BR>Tampa zoo is nice, fairly small and can be covered in a few hours. <BR>There's an interesting aquarium at Clearwater Beach. It's primarily a research facility and very small, but we enjoyed it very much. Allow 1 hour and try to time your visit during feedings when the critters are more active. <BR>There is another larger, more commercial aquarium in Tampa that is supposed to be good.<BR>Visit downtown St. Petersburg, which is lovely, parking is free on the streets. Very walkable, with nice shops and restaurants, and there are also several good museums, including the excellent Dali and Museum of Fine Arts, among others. The Dali is about a mile south of downtown proper; the other is just inland of the pier, which is also worth a visit. btw: entrance to the Dali is half-price on thursdays after 5. <BR>Ybor City is worth a visit if you enjoy historical buildings and quaint shops.<BR><BR>Many of these places have AAA discounts, so take your card if you have one. <BR><BR>By the way, there are no decent beaches in Tampa proper, but recommend both St. Pete Beach and Clearwater Beach. I'm partial to C'water, but both are lovely. <BR><BR>A good day trip from T/SP is to drive to Sarasota, not even an hour south of Clearwater, over the fantastic Sunshine Skyway bridge (a destination in itself). The wonderful Ringling Museum is there, which has beautiful grounds, a very good art museum in a beautiful building, the old Ringling family home set right on the bay, and a fun circus museum that your kids might like. There's also St. Armands Circle, which is mostly shopping and restaurants--possibly of limited interest, but it is sort of charming. If you do go to Sarasota, the drive up the beach side road from there to Anna Maria Island is lovely too. <BR><BR>Also, I wouldn't stay in Tampa--it is at least 1/2 hour from the beaches. <BR><BR>Hope that helps. Have a wonderful time! <BR><BR><BR><BR><BR><BR><BR>

My kids liked the Mote Marine Aquarium in Sarasota. They also have a boat ride that sounded great. They take you around Sarasota Bay with a naturalist. It is very hands-on - your kids are probably the perfect age for it - we thought ours were still too young.

If your kids are like most kids, they would rather be swimming/beaching than anything else. I remember taking our daughter to Disney when she was in the 3rd grade and although she enjoyed it, her most frequent comment was "when can I go swimming?" Of course we live in Ohio and it was March so swimming was not something she got to do very often.<BR><BR>Also, we visit the Clearwater area often (our in-laws are there) and the beaches there are very nice although sometimes crowded.

Doug<BR>it doesn't have to be either/or...you can do it all. Stay at the beach and go to Busch Gardens for a day trip.

Oh man! I'm glad that this is an open forum. I've lived in Tampa for almost 30 years. I've traveled and lived in other parts of the world, too. There is a lot to do that these other posters aren't telling you. Busch Gardens is a great place for your kids. Yes, you can (and will want) to do it in one day. It's a blast, even if you're not into coasters, they have some great ones. <BR><BR>One person mentioned the "Tampa zoo". Hmmm, I think that this person has watched "Goodfellas" too many times. Now, if they really lived there, they would know that the name is the Lowry Park Zoo. When I was a kid, it was a dump, now it's a great place to take kids for a half day. <BR><BR>Another thought is the Florida Aquarium. It's located near downtown. This is a great Auarium. I visited the Sydney Aquarium last Nov and the one in Tampa blows it away. No doubt. Right within walking distance of the aquarium is Harborwalk. It's for dinig and shopping.<BR><BR>Beaches: Clearwater is nice. Too bad that you're getting into Spring Break time. Get ready for teenagers and college kids by the moving van full. <BR><BR>Why not check out Ft. DeSoto Park. Constantly rated as one of the best beaches in the USA! It's a place where you can relax beneath trees as you watch the sunset over the Gulf of Mexico. There are places to grill food and pavillions to eat at. If you would rather, there is also Dunedin beach. That is north of Clearwater. Great little town. People there are very friendly. <BR><BR>There are so many other things to do in the Tampa/St. Pete area. Please look up some things to do on other sites and have a wonderful vacation.<BR><BR>

Dan -- <BR>Call me hypersensitive, but I don't know what you meant: I have never seen "Goodfellas," and I do indeed live near Clearwater (closer to Dunedin, actually), though I haven't lived here long. <BR><BR>I too mentioned the Tampa aquarium, and my apologies for forgetting the proper name of the Tampa zoo. I'm sure just knowing there is a zoo in Tampa would allow get them the info they need. <BR><BR>Again, not to be hypersensitive, but I didn't appreciate your slamming me and implying I was lying. <BR><BR>To Doug -- come, and have a great time. There's lots to do, as you can see. <BR><BR>

doug - busch gardens isn't just roller coasters. my kids love the animal attractions and sit-down shows (a nice break from walking & line standing); as for orlando parks - sea world is our favorite - much more manageable, interesting & guest friendly. we've been dying to do the "swim with dolphins" but its v pricey. do your family a favor -- break up your theme park visits w/ downtime. 8 days of parks in orl is equivalent to military manuevers. hey, that what hotels have pools for, isn't it?

Busch Gardens is my favorite Florida theme park, but I love coasters and they have some really good ones. It's also a big zoo with many unusual animal exhibits. Plus they give you FREE BEER! I would definitely not skip Busch Gardens. In Orlando, Universal's Islands of Adventure is my favorite, but again it's got great roller coasters and some cool water rides. You and your kids will have a blast no matter who you divide your time. Enjoy!

you have to do busch gardens it great there is such a variety of things to do and it is SO non comercialised compared to the disney parks,there is something for all ages.the animals are much more visable than in animal kingdom (the gorilla habitat in particular is very well established.<BR>we have been on holiday in florida from the uk several times and we always make room for a trip to B G

Do them both. Stay on the coast & take a day trip to busch Gardens. You couls leave the Beach a day early & stay in Tampa prior to heading over to DW. <BR>the kids will probably love both Clearwater & Busch Gardens.<BR>Also other poster talking about Sarasota had a great idea. If you stay in that area ou can be on one of the world's best beaches