Our 24 Favorite Florida Zoos and Gardens

There are so many beautiful Florida zoos, gardens, and sanctuaries perfect for an educational day trip with the family or as a solo traveler.

Not only do most of the Florida zoos include interactive animal exhibits, but they also focus on conservation projects and educating the public about the endangered animals in the area.

Explore the exciting Florida Everglades, see animals native to Florida, drive through a safari, or even put on comfortable shoes and track how many steps you take at your local Florida zoo is something we encourage everyone to do.

Best Florida Zoos and Gardens

While you may have visited some of these Florida zoos before, now is the perfect time to revisit an old favorite or go on a new adventure at a great place. These Florida zoos can always use our support, and each one offers a unique experience.

Brevard Zoo, Melbourne

What started as a passion project to build a Florida zoo that focused on conservation, the Brevard Zoo is now 75 acres and home to over 900 animals. The zoo features many exhibits like Expedition Africa, Wild Florida, Rainforest Revealed, Caribbean Trail, and more.

The animals you will encounter include everything from Zebras and Camels to traditional wild Florida animals like alligators and black bears.

That’s not all of the adventures you can have at the Brevard Zoo. For an additional fee, you can feed giraffes, kayak through Expedition Africa, take a train ride throughout the park, and soar through the Florida trees at the Treetop Trek. It’s a popular attraction and not far from the various theme parks in Orlando.

While it is not open to the public, The Brevard Zoo is also home to the Sea Turtle Healing Center. This Florida zoo is close to the beaches of Brevard County, the largest beach in the United States for nesting sea turtles.

Before the healing center opened, the closest rehabilitation facility was 107 miles away.

This closer facility provides sea turtle patients with a shorter drive when they are injured. This means less stress and more recovery.

Brevard Zoo is the only zoo in the United States to offer kayaking adventures on its property. Two kayak options are available: the Guided Africa voyage, priced at $12.95 per person, or the Self-guided Florida Wetlands expedition, priced at $6.00 per person.

Science Sundays provides a captivating mix of animal behavior demonstrations and interactive exhibits focused on conservation and environmental science, aimed at inspiring curiosity and a passion for science in visitors of all ages.

Activities are held in the climate-controlled Nyami Nyami River Lodge, offering a comfortable environment to explore and learn. Participation in all activities is included with the zoo admission price.

Brevard Zoo Address: 8225 N Wickham Rd, Melbourne, FL 32940

Did you know? Brevard Zoo Voted One of North America’s Best Zoos, Top in Southeast

Looking to make it a day trip? Check out our favorite things to do in Brevard County.

Butterfly World, Coconut Creek

Butterfly World in Coconut Creek was the result of one man’s butterfly hobby that turned into something magical. Ronald Boender was fascinated by raising butterflies and eventually teamed up with Clive Farrell, owner of the London Butterfly House.

The two of them then created Butterfly World, the first butterfly house in the United States.

In 1988 on its opening day, Butterfly World was comprised of three acres of butterfly aviaries, botanical gardens, and a working butterfly farm and research center.

Since then, the park has added two additional aviaries for tropical birds, an interactive lorikeet encounter, and a skilled research staff.

Butterfly World started the “Bring Back the Butterflies” campaign. This is a call to action for people across the country to build a small garden in their backyards in order to help reverse the destruction of butterfly habitats in their areas.

You can learn more about the Bring Back the Butterflies Campaign.

Butterfly World Address: 3600 W Sample Rd, Coconut Creek, FL 33073

Central Florida Zoo and Botanical Gardens, Sanford

First known as the Sanford Zoo, the Central Florida Zoo opened in 1923 when a rhesus monkey was given to the local Elks Club by a traveling circus that came through the area.

Soon, more animals were added to the zoo, including a monkey, a bulldog, a skunk, an opossum, a raccoon, and a squirrel.

Today, the Florida zoo has grown to over 500 animals, including giraffes, cheetahs, monkeys, alligators, and much more.

Other than seeing amazing animals, you can also experience the beautiful and lush botanical gardens, an aerial adventure course, Zoom Air Adventure Park, the Children’s Zoo, and the Southeast’s largest collection of venomous snakes and non-venomous reptiles.

In addition, the Central Florida Zoo focuses on conservation and created the Orianne Center for Indigo Conservation, which focuses on saving the Eastern Indigo Snake.

The zoo, along with the Orianne Society, operates the facility and takes care of over 100 indigo snakes to help them reproduce and be reintroduced into the world.

Learn more about the conservation of the Indigo Snake and how you can “Adopt an Indigo” from the Central Florida Zoo.

They also offer educational programs for children of all ages. Plus, check out this stunning event we attended at the Central Florida Zoo: A Stroll Thru Central Florida Zoo’s Dazzling Asian Lantern Festival.

Central Florida Zoo Address: 3755 W Seminole Blvd, Sanford, FL 32771

Here are a few of our favorite things to do in Sanford.

Everglades Holiday Park, Fort Lauderdale

Everglades Holiday Park, located outside of Fort Lauderdale and Miami, is the perfect authentic Florida attraction. First, you’ll hop on a speedy airboat ride to see the gorgeous Florida Everglades and the wildlife of the area with an expert tour guide.

From there, you can watch a live alligator show featuring the Gator Boys Alligator Rescue Team in the world-famous Gator pit.

For an additional fee, you can also participate in the Everglades Holiday Park Animal Encounter. Located in a private section of the park, you can see animals in a relaxed setting with a small group.

You’ll have the chance to interact with tortoises, skunks, raccoons, snakes, pigs, and of course, alligators. The handlers will not only teach you important and interesting information about the animals but will give you the opportunity to interact with them as well.

It’s fun for the entire family.

Everglades Holiday Park Address: 21940 Griffin Rd, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33332

Everglades Alligator Farm, Homestead

The Everglades Alligator Farm in Homestead is not only South Florida’s oldest alligator farm but is also located right near the entrance of the Everglades National Park. You have the chance to see over 2,000 alligators, a snake show, a feeding demonstration, and an airboat ride.

The alligator show, is, of course, one of the most popular and entertaining attractions on the alligator farm. Not only do you get to see these creatures up close, but you’ll also get to learn more about them and see capturing techniques used by Native Americans.

Another not-to-miss show is the Alligator Feeding where you’ll get to see over 500 gators devour their lunch in the breeding pond area.

Everglades Alligator Farm Address: 40351 SW 192nd Ave, Homestead, FL 33034

Check out these other things to do in the Homestead area:

• Robert is Here … and Has Been HERE for Years
• Knaus Berry Farm in Homestead is Home to Florida’s Best Cinnamon Rolls
• Exploring the Extraordinary Florida Everglades

Gatorama, Palmdale

Gatorama is an alligator farm in Palmdale that has “gatorventures” for the whole family. You’ll have the opportunity to see a wide array of animals, including turtles, bobcats, panthers, snakes, and, of course, alligators and crocodiles.

For extreme adventurers, there is also a wide variety of shows that will test your nerves.

The Fast Hands Challenge lets you lean over a bridge and let hungry alligators and crocodiles jump out of the water to grab their snack from your grasp. The Face to Face Challenge is another heart-pounding attraction that will let you get up close and personal with the gator “Big Daddy”.

You’ll get to feed him and take a commemorative photo.

If you think those challenges are too intense for you, don’t worry. Gatorama also has a Python Encounter, a Tortoise Encounter, a Featured Creatures Show, a baby gator pond, and an alligator and crocodile feeding show with the professionals.

Make sure not to miss out on their Annual Hatching Festival every August. This festival will allow you to hatch a baby alligator right in your hand. Learn more about the Hatching Festival.

Gatorama Address: 10665 US Hwy 27, Palmdale, FL 33944

Gatorland, Orlando

Did you know that the “Alligator Capital of the World” is located in Orlando? Gatorland is the perfect place to see alligators and crocodiles of all sizes, as Florida’s leader in alligator safety and education.

This 100-acre park also has wild cats, birds, snakes, tortoises, and the largest collection of rare white leucistic alligators.

However, you’ll be experiencing so much more than just a gator park.

Gatorland includes numerous gator shows and encounters, a free-flight aviary, a petting zoo, animal shows, Screamin’ Gator Zip Line (Voted the Best Zip Line in the USA by AOL Travel), and Stompin’ Gator Off-Road Adventure.

The off-road adventure is a brand new attraction where you can board a 12-foot-high monster vehicle for a rugged adventure throughout the park full of Gatorland characters, singing tour guides, swampy adventures, and alligators galore.

Wanting to stay at home? Gatorland also offers online episodes of “Gatorland’s School of Croc”, a show to learn about the creatures that call the park home. You can check out the episodes from Gatorland.

Gatorland Address: 14501 S Orange Blossom Trl, Orlando, FL 32837

Gatorland always has great special events. Here are a few we’ve written about in the past:

• Gators, Ghosts, and Goblins Halloween Event Returns at Gatorland
• Gatorland Salutes Veterans with Free Admission in November

Gulf Breeze Zoo, Gulf Breeze

The Gulf Breeze Zoo is the panhandle’s home to over 800 animals from all around the world including gorillas, rhinos, giraffes, tigers, and much more.

In addition, this Florida zoo has multiple animal encounters, which allow you to get up close and personal with the animal of your choosing – giraffes, hippos, or sloths.

If you’re looking to see some adorable barnyard animals, make sure to visit the interactive petting area complete with goats, sheep, and other farm favorites.

Another attraction that you can’t miss is the free-flight Australian Aviary. This attraction allows you to walk in among colorful birds and feed them as they perch on your hand.

If you’re looking for an adrenaline rush, the alligator feeding attraction may be more your speed.

You’ll have the opportunity to feed these giant creatures from April through October every year, weather permitting. End the day with a relaxing guided Safari Train ride throughout the African preserve.

You’ll get to experience 30 acres of beautiful surroundings with rhinos, hippos, gorillas, and orangutans.

The Gulf Breeze Zoo also focuses on conservation, education, and wildlife collaborations with other zoos.  These programs are supported by you – the zoo guests.

Gulf Breeze Zoo Address: 5701 Gulf Breeze Pkwy, Gulf Breeze, FL 32563

Looking to make it a day trip? Check out our favorite things to do in Pensacola.

Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens, Jacksonville

Located on the Trout River, the Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens has over 2,000 animals, 1,000 plants, and 117 acres of family fun. Animals that you can see at this particular Florida Zoo include flamingos, jaguars, penguins, monkeys, lemurs, and much more.

What’s unique about the Jacksonville Zoo, is that its botanical gardens and numerous plant species are integrated throughout the zoo, the first of its kind. This special setting allows you to see the animals in the setting where they would be in the wild.

The wellness of the animals is at the forefront of everything that the Jacksonville Zoo does. They believe that wellness is obtained when the animal is truly thriving.

The Jacksonville Zoo’s wellness department is one of the world’s top animal welfare programs and publishes many high-quality research papers annually.

Their commitment to wellness also goes further than what they do in-house at the zoo.

They also work closely with the University of North Florida and the University of Florida to “learn about the behavior of our collection of animals while rendering services and conducting behavioral interventions”.

Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens Address: 370 Zoo Pkwy, Jacksonville, FL 32218

While in the area, check out: Small Towns, Big Passions: Clay County, Florida, and Our Top Authentic Things to Do in Jacksonville.

Jungle Adventures, Christmas

Located in Christmas, you won’t miss Jungle Adventures when you drive by. You’ll know you’re at the park when you see Swampy, the World’s Largest Gator at 200 feet long.

He may look like a gator, but he’s actually just the entrance to Jungle Adventures, a Real Florida Animal Park. You’ll get to see rare Florida animals like panthers, black bears, wolves, white-tailed deer, tropical birds, and more.

Other than the animal exhibits, Jungle Adventures has additional exciting shows and attractions. This includes hands-on wildlife experiences with baby gators and other critters and a Gator feeding show where the guides hand feed the 8 – 15 foot alligators.

Make sure not to miss the Jungle Swamp Queen River Boat. This relaxing ride aboard the Green Gator River allows you to go deep into the Florida wilderness and see wild alligators and flocks of birds up close and personal.

You’ll also pass by an authentic replica of Spanish Fort Mees while you’re on the tour.

Jungle Adventures Address: 26205 E Colonial Dr, Christmas, FL 32709

While in the area, check out Great Ways to Experience Orlando Like a Local.

Jungle Island, Miami

Jungle Island, which used to be known as Parrot Jungle, is a Florida Zoo located in Miami between downtown Miami and South Beach. This park combines both Miami’s beautiful and tropical setting with animals from all around the world.

The park has been open since 1936, and today guests can enjoy informative animal exhibits, shows, waterfalls, and tropical trees.

Jungle Island also allows you to get up close and personal with some of your favorite animals including lemur, sloth, capybara, and flamingo encounters. All of these encounters will allow you to meet and interact with these beautiful and exotic animals.

This Florida zoo is also home to the Joia Beach Restaurant and Beach Club, where you can relax and eat some delicious food.

Jungle Island Address: 1111 Parrot Jungle Trail, Miami, FL 33132

Looking to make it a day trip? Check out all of our favorite Things to do in Miami.

The Key West Butterfly and Nature Conservatory, Key West

Next time your travels take you to the Southernmost Point in the USA, head over to The Key West Butterfly and Nature Conservatory. You’ll be able to relax amongst the tropical plants and waterfalls, see beautiful butterflies and birds, and meet Rhett and Scarlett, Key West’s most famous celebrity couple.  

The conservatory is home to 50 – 60 butterfly species and 20 exotic bird species.

Wanting to mingle with a flamingo? A maximum of six guests per day can “flamingle” with Rhett and Scarlett after hours. Just contact Clarisa Fluker at [email protected] to reserve your spot.

Nowhere near the Florida Keys? You can watch Rhett and Scarlett LIVE quite often on the Key West Butterfly and Nature Conservatory Facebook page. We also like to share their posts or do LIVE Watch Parties on our Authentic Florida Facebook page. So be sure to follow us on Facebook.

The Key West Butterfly and Nature Conservatory Address: 1316 Duval St, Key West, FL 33040

Looking to make it a day trip? Check out a few of our favorite things to do in Key West.

Lion Country Safari, Loxahatchee

Located near West Palm Beach, Lion Country Safari is a Florida Zoo on 600 acres of natural area and is home to over 900 animals. You can print out your own “Jambo Guide” to the animals at home, and play the audio to go along with your tour when you arrive.

The tour is 90 minutes and is split into seven sections: Las Pampas, Ruaha National Park, Kalahari Busheveldt, Gir Forest, Gorongosa Reserve, Serengeti Plains, and Hwange National Park. Unlike many Florida zoos, you’ll get to see zebras, chimpanzees, rhinos, giraffes, and lions from your vehicle.

Lion Country also has the opportunity for exclusive and private animal encounters that allow you to get up close and personal with your favorite animals.

This includes the Giraffe Painting Experience and Birds and Brushes Painting Experience, both of which allow you to take home a masterpiece painted by the animal you met. You can also attend the Flamingo Mingle experience where you can meet and feed some flamingos.

Lion Country Safari Address: 2003 Lion Country Safari Rd, Loxahatchee, FL 33470

ZooTampa at Lowry Park, Tampa

ZooTampa, formerly known as Lowry Park Zoo, focuses on conservation, education, and research and is one of the most popular zoos in the Southeastern United States with over one million visitors annually.

This Florida Zoo is also home to many endangered animals, including African Elephants, White Rhinoceros, and Florida’s own manatees and panthers.

One of our favorite things about ZooTampa is the wide array of special encounters, experiences, and events they have to offer. Below are just a handful of their offerings:

• Breakfast with the Animals and Mimosas with the Manatees
• Manatee Critical Care Center Backstage Encounter
• African Penguin Backstage
• Indian Rhino Feeding
• Aldabra Tortoise Encounter
• Koala Photo Encounter
• African Elephant Backstage
• Southern White Rhino Backstage
• Giraffe Meet and Greet
• Stingray Bay Touch Experience
• Toddler Tuesday
• Yoga in the Wild

ZooTampa at Lowry Park Address: 1101 W Sligh Ave, Tampa, FL 33604

Monkey Jungle, Miami

Established in 1935, Monkey Jungle is a tropical forest teeming with jungle wildlife that lives exactly as they would in its natural habitat. Joseph DuMond originally released six Java monkeys into the South Florida wild, and that event is what made Monkey Jungle what it is today.

If you visit, you will be greeted by a troop of over ninety Java monkeys, all original descendants from the original group. This section of the park is known as the Wild Monkey Swimming Pool, a 7-acre forest.

As you explore the area you’ll see the monkeys roam throughout the forest and swim into the pond for treats.

Another must-see attraction is the Amazonian Rainforest, where you’ll observe the only semi-tropical rainforest in North America. This rainforest is successful due to Joseph DuMond gathering numerous plants from Iquitos, Peru, and bringing them back to Florida.

Three species of monkeys also call the rainforest home: squirrel monkeys, black-capped capuchins, and howler monkeys. You can also see gorillas at the Cameroon Gorilla Forest and free-flying tropical birds at the Wings of Love exhibit.

Looking to make it a day trip? Check out all of our favorite things to do in Miami.

Monkey Jungle Address: 14805 SW 216th St, Miami, FL 33170

Naples Zoo at Caribbean Gardens, Naples

The Naples Zoo on the surface may just look like a walk-through zoo. However, this Florida zoo has a day full of fun activities for the whole family.

You can see exotic animals surrounded by beautiful plants and botanical gardens that were first planted in 1919.

This zoo is set up in an interesting way since the botanical gardens were planted much earlier than when the animals were introduced. The exhibits are therefore in available spaces between the trees and you will be within three or four steps of the animals.

You’ll get to see lions, giraffes, lemurs, cheetahs, alligators, and more.

If you want to stay at home, you can learn about Naples Zoo and its amazing animals online. Check out their virtual learning resources from the Naples Zoo Website.

Naples Zoo at Caribbean Gardens Address: 1590 Goodlette-Frank Rd, Naples, FL 34102

Palm Beach Zoo and Conservation Society, West Palm Beach

Located in West Palm Beach, the Palm Beach Zoo and Conservation Society features over 550 amazing animals in a tropical rainforest environment. This Florida zoo was started over 50 years ago and has changed from a small red barn to a major attraction.

You’ll be able to see cougars, monkeys, koalas, tigers, sloths, and our personal favorite, the flamingo. The zoo has two species of flamingo – the American Flamingo and the Chilean Flamingo.

In addition to seeing exhibits, the Palm Beach Zoo also offers animal encounters, children’s storytime, and toddler workshops.

Palm Beach Zoo and Conservation Society Address: 1301 Summit Blvd, West Palm Beach, FL 33405

Reptile World Serpentarium, St. Cloud

The Reptile World Serpentarium, which opened in 1972, houses snakes, reptiles, and birds from all around the world. The snakes on display rotate between public display cases and behind-the-scenes areas resulting in an ever-changing display for visitors of the Snakes of the World exhibit hall.

The Serpentarium also has a wide variety of attractions and experiences. Below are just a handful of the offerings:

• Venom Extraction Show
• Non-Venomous Snake Holding
• Baby Alligator Holding
• Feed the Turtles

Reptile World Serpentarium Address: 5705 E Irlo Bronson Memorial Hwy, St Cloud, FL 34771

St. Augustine Alligator Farm Zoological Park, St. Augustine

St. Augustine is home to the St. Augustine Alligator Farm Zoological Park which began in the nineteenth century. The small exhibit of reptiles eventually became an iconic Florida attraction which today has become a renowned zoo.

Their work includes educational shows and exhibits, research, and worldwide conservation efforts to benefit the animals.

While the zoo features alligators, you can also visit Albino Alligators, Birds of Africa, Exotic Birds and Mammals, Florida Native Reptiles, Fossil Discoveries, Land of Crocodiles, Lemurs of Madagascar, Oasis on the Nile, Python Cave, Sloth Landing, Wading Bird Rookery, and more.

One of our favorite parts of the zoo is riding the zipline across the Alligator Lagoon on Crocodile Crossing (or at least watching others do it).

St. Augustine Alligator Farm Zoological Park Address: 999 Anastasia Blvd, St. Augustine, FL 32080

Looking to make it a day trip? Check out our favorite things to do in St. Augustine.

Zoo Miami, Miami

Did you know that the largest and oldest Florida Zoo is located in Miami? Zoo Miami, also known as the Miami-Dade Zoological Park and Gardens and formerly known as Miami MetroZoo has over 340 acres, 3000 animals, and endless fun.

Their exhibits include Amazon and Beyond, Wings of Asia, Mission Everglades, Critter Connection, and the brand-new Conservation Action Center

Zoo Miami also has a wide array of special encounters, experiences, rides, and events. Below are just a handful of their offerings:

• Tortoise Encounter
• Giraffe Feeding
• Camel Feeding
• Rhino Feeding
• Parrot Feeding
• Lostman’s River Ride
• Monorail
• Safari Tram Tour
• Wildlife Carousel
• Pedal Boats
• Animal Close-Up at Critter Connection
• Meet the Zookeeper

Zoo Miami Address: 12400 SW 152nd St, Miami, FL 33177

Looking to make it a day trip? Check out all of our favorite things to do in Miami.

Santa Fe College Teaching Zoo, Gainesville

Have you ever wanted to visit an accredited zoo on a college campus? The Santa Fe College Teaching Zoo is run by 10 staff members and over 100 students.

The zoo features over 70 species of animals including exotic and native animals. You can visit this zoo in the shade and enjoy seeing the animals.

If you want to add something special to your day you can try out animal encounters such as spoonbill feeding or a Galapagos tortoise encounter. You could also be a zookeeper for a day and experience all the zookeepers are tasked to take care of that day.

Santa Fe College Teaching Zoo Address: 3000 NW 83rd Street, Gainesville, FL 32606

While in the area, don’t miss the Top Things to Do Near Gainesville FL.

Homosassa Springs Wildlife Park Visitor Center

Homosassa Springs is home to a variety of freshwater and saltwater marine life. You can view them from a unique Underwater Observatory.

You may even have the chance to see manatees while in this Underwater Observatory. You won’t want to miss this view.

The park is also home to a few species of captive animals. Some of the animals include alligators, black bears, red wolves, key deer, and the oldest hippopotamus in captivity.

These animals are not able to survive in the wild on their own. Because of this, they get a safe home at the springs.

Homosassa Springs Wildlife Park Address: 4150 S. Suncoast Blvd., Homosassa FL 34446

Emerald Coast Zoo, Crestview

Rick of A and E show Wild Transport, Rick the Reptile Guy loaded his family up and bought a zoo. They have since made it their mission to educate people about the animals in their care.

Visit a variety of local and exotic animals at this zoo located in Crestview. You can also enjoy a variety of animal encounters with animals such as giraffes, sloths, penguins, bears, and more.

The zoo is also well-known for its zoo camp. You will not want to miss it if you have a child interested in animals.

Emerald Coast Zoo Address: 5262 Deer Springs Dr, Crestview, FL 32539

Here are a few other Authentic Florida articles you may want to read:

• Best Places to See Flamingos in Florida
• Our Favorite Dog-Friendly Beaches/Parks in Authentic Florida
• How to Start a Backyard Florida Garden
• A Visit to Florida’s Sanctuary: Bok Tower Gardens
• McKee Botanical Garden Has Something for Everyone
• Florida Alligator Parks You Won’t Want to Miss

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