You don’t need to venture far to enjoy an exotic animal encounter anywhere in Florida.
To meet a ferocious predator in a natural setting, discover various conservation and educational programs, and see endangered species in person are all possible at Florida’s zoos and aquariums.
Given the size of Florida, there is usually an animal sanctuary within short driving distance when visiting.
Animal lovers and enthusiasts get to see various wildlife living in their natural habitat.
Going to the zoo or aquarium is also ideal for spending an afternoon and bonding more with your family and nature.
Keep reading to learn more about the best zoos and aquariums in Florida!
11 Best Zoos and Aquariums in Florida
These are some of the best zoos and aquariums in the state:
Sarasota Jungle Gardens
As a family-operated and owned destination, the Sarasota Jungle Gardens is a tiny tropical oasis on just 10 acres of land that has been continuously pleasing the community since 1939.
Created to captivate all visitors, the Jungle Gardens boasts over 200 animals across the property, including alligators, lizards, and snakes, and has interactive animal shows that are perfect for children.
The biggest draw is the flamingos greeting guests when walking through the door.
You can hand-feed the animals or watch them strut, flap, and splash around.
Meanwhile, the pelicans, swans, ducks, and egrets enjoy a local bath nearby.
Gulf Breeze Zoo
At under 15 minutes from the Pensacola city center, the Gulf Breeze Zoo is a massive 50-acre property that features animals from across the globe.
The zoo is the largest animal attraction in the area, giving you a chance to see around 850 animals over 137 species of tortoises, cats, birds, kangaroos, monkeys, reptiles, and mammals.
The Safari Line Train allows you to ride past antelope, gorillas, hippos, and more on a 30-acre preserve.
The free-flight aviary has hundreds of parakeets flying around as they land atop your hand.
You can also take a relaxing walk across the elevated boardwalk to catch a bird’s eye view of the roaming rhinos, zebra, and deer.
Naples Zoo
As a nationally accredited zoo, the Naples Zoo at Caribbean Gardens is one of the most popular attractions in the city.
This 44-acre park started in 1919 as a botanical garden, which has transformed into a zoo where you can observe gazelles, leopards, bears, tigers, and lions.
You can also see a honey badger in person, ride a camel, and feed the giraffes.
Additional activities include exhilarating animal shows, multimedia exhibits, and a boat cruise that sails past the primate island where monkeys and lemurs swing from trees.
When visiting the Black Bear Hammock exhibit and “Snakes Live” show is a do not miss.
Lion Country Safari
Only 30 minutes from West Palm Beach is Lion Country Safari, which is considered one of the top attractions in South Florida.
As the only drive-thru safari in Florida, Lion Country Safari boasts over 900 animals roaming freely across the property.
Here you will observe rhinos and large herds of waterbuck at the animal exhibits.
You can also take a five-mile drive through the park to see how giraffes, chimps, and lion pride meander through the grassy expanse.
The park also features a walkthrough portion known as Safari World, where children can view the colorful fish and bird displays.
The Lion’s Den Gift Shop has plenty of souvenirs to create a lasting memory, and renting paddleboats to navigate along Lake Shannalee is also a great option.
In addition, children will want to explore the Safari Splash Sprayground, which features waterslides.
Palm Beach Zoo
Featuring animals from almost all continents, the Palm Beach Zoo is situated in West Palm Beach on a comfortable 23 acres of tropical land.
This property allows you to get closer to the animals than other zoos and offers unique interactive experiences and animal exhibits.
The Sleep Sloth experience allows you to touch a sloth, and you can get a behind-the-scenes view of Aldabra tortoises.
Additionally, Happy Capy features some of the world’s largest rodents, or you can have an interactive experience with anteaters, Chilean flamingos, or Australian koalas.
Other activities include a safari train ride, a colorful carousel, and an interactive play fountain.
Central Florida Zoo and Botanical Gardens
The tropical world of lush foliage at Sanford’s Central Florida Zoo and Botanical Gardens creates the perfect environment for the 400 animals that live on the 23 acres of gardens.
Domestic animals can be seen at the Barnyard Buddies Children’s Zoo.
However, those interested in more ferocious creatures can venture into the Herpetarium, the southeast’s largest collection of venomous snakes and non-venomous reptiles.
When visiting, don’t miss the fossa, an animal similar to the civet and mongoose, the largest predator in Madagascar.
This entertaining attraction is ideal for the entire family.
You can partake in an aerial adventure course through the ZOOm Air Adventure Park or head to the Wharton-Smith Tropical Splash Ground.
Brevard Zoo
If you’re in the Melbourne, Florida area, stop by the Brevard Zoo, which features 880 animals representing 182 species from Australia, Asia, Africa, South America, and Florida.
The Brevard Zoo offers some unique experiences such as kayaking through Africa or zip lining through South America, without ever leaving the U.S.
Children will have delightful memories by touching a baby gator, viewing the colorful lories, feeding a giraffe, or stroking a rhino. Wetlands and lush foliage surround the boardwalks.
Meanwhile, the 20,000-gallon aquarium offers you the chance to see diverse underwater aquatic life, and there is a touch tank for children.
Zoo Miami
Regularly ranked as one of the best Miami attractions, Zoo Miami is the largest tropical zoo in the U.S.
With over 2,000 wild animals in their natural habitats; you can go on a live safari without leaving the state.
From elephants to giraffes, lions, and zebras, this cage-free zoo separates animals from visitors using a series of moats.
Walk through the 340-acre zoo to catch a glimpse of a tree kangaroo, ring-tailed lemur, Komodo dragon, or one of many other exotic animals.
For a unique view of the park, ride the monorail, or cool off in the splash zone on a steamy summer day.
ZooTampa at Lowry Park
Featuring over 1,300 animals, ZooTampa at Lowry Park spans 60 acres of exotic animals, from orangutans and koalas to African elephants, rhinos, monkeys, tigers, manatees, and much more!
The zoo’s most popular attraction for visitors of all ages is the opportunity to feed giraffes from a feeding plateau.
Other popular exhibits include touching a giant tortoise, going for an exciting jungle safari ride, or cooling off in the splash pool.
Children absolutely love feeding the playful and adorable goats, and the countless educational shows keep adults and children entertained for hours.
The Florida Aquarium
When searching for the best aquariums in Florida, The Florida Aquarium is typically the first result you will come across, and it’s easy to understand why.
This aquarium is the largest in the state, situated directly in downtown Tampa near the inner shore.
With a focus on awareness of the local ecosystem, this aquarium boasts plenty of opportunities to get personal with the residents.
You can touch invertebrates, stingrays, and moon jellies, to name a few. Also, you can visit the wetlands exhibit and tour underwater sea exhibits.
Due to its large size, the Florida Aquarium can easily take an entire day and tire out the children!
Additional amenities at this property include a splash pad, playground, and cafeteria, and the location offers a splendid view of Tampa Bay with all the incoming cruise ships.
Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens
As the top-paid attraction in Northeast Florida, the Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens covers 93 acres and is a walking safari.
With over 1,000 exotic plants and 2,000 animals, there is plenty to see at this destination.
You can go behind the scenes with a zoo expert to learn more about the animal residents, become a zookeeper, and roam the Land of the Tiger.
The most exciting feature of the property is the variety of animals you will encounter.
Children can brush pygmy goats in the Animal Care Yard area or touch Atlantic stingrays at Stingray Bay.
The more adventurous visitors can feed the giraffes at Giraffe Overlook or hold nectar for the Rainbow Lorikeets to dine on in the Australian Adventure area.
11 Best Zoos and Aquariums in Florida – Summary Table
| Zoos and Aquariums | Address |
|---|---|
| Sarasota Jungle Gardens | 3701 Bay Shore Rd, Sarasota, FL 34234, USA |
| Gulf Breeze Zoo | 5701 Gulf Breeze Pkwy, Gulf Breeze, FL 32563, USA |
| Naples Zoo | 1590 Goodlette-Frank Rd, Naples, FL 34102, USA |
| Lion Country Safari | 2003 Lion Country Safari Rd, Loxahatchee, FL 33470, USA |
| Palm Beach Zoo | 1301 Summit Blvd, West Palm Beach, FL 33405, USA |
| Central Florida Zoo and Botanical Gardens | 3755 W Seminole Blvd, Sanford, FL 32771, USA |
| Brevard Zoo | 8225 N Wickham Rd, Melbourne, FL 32940, USA |
| Zoo Miami | 12400 SW 152nd St, Miami, FL 33177, USA |
| ZooTampa at Lowry Park | 1101 W Sligh Ave, Tampa, FL 33604, USA |
| The Florida Aquarium | 701 Channelside Dr, Tampa, FL 33602, USA |
| Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens | 370 Zoo Pkwy, Jacksonville, FL 32218, USA |
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the largest zoo in Florida?
Zoo Miami is the largest zoo in the state and the fifth largest in the U.S.
Which zoo is better, the Palm Beach Zoo or Zoo Miami?
The Palm Beach Zoo is a less crowded and friendlier zoo than Zoo Miami.
However, Zoo Miami is your best bet if you want countless exhibits and attractions to tire out the kiddos.
The Palm Beach Zoo has plenty of entertaining and educational shows, but the food is not as good as Zoo Miami.
The best option is the one that’s easiest for you and the family to travel to.
Is the Clearwater or Tampa aquarium larger?
The Tampa Aquarium is much larger and more traditional than its Clearwater cousin.
Since Tampa has a larger property, there are significantly more shows, activities, and events.
The Clearwater Marine Aquarium was the first sea life rehab and rescue facility.
How long does it take to walk through the Clearwater Aquarium?
Although the Clearwater Aquarium is of decent size, it will take between two and three hours to comfortably walk through and see the various exhibits offered by the location.
Sarasota Jungle Gardens, Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens are the only two I visited but I loved both.