Get Wild: Animal Encounters, Aquariums, Zoos, and More!
Florida has a wide variety of wildlife, including manatees, sea turtles, alligators, and much more. Whether you enjoy strolling through an aquarium, hiking through a nature reserve, or horseback riding on the beach, there’s something for everyone. With so much to see and do, Florida is a wonderful destination for animal lovers of all ages.
Six Mile Cypress Slough
Located in Ft. Myers, the Six Mile Cypress Slough (pronounced “slew”) features more than 3,500 acres of wetland preserve. It features an array of plants and wildlife, including several endangered species. Take a stroll on the mile-long boardwalk, where you will see otters, wading birds, turtles, alligators, and more. Fascinating migratory birds can also be seen during the spring and fall seasons. This family-friendly destination offers educational programs and recreational activities for adults and kids of all ages. Visit the butterfly garden or take a guided tour to discover the hidden treasures in this diverse ecosystem. The Slough is also designated as a Great Florida Birding Trail site.
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St. Johns River Airboat Tours
Book a trip on the St. Johns River Airboat Tour for a family adventure. This airboat tour promises to be a unique and educational experience about the diverse ecosystem of the St. Johns river. In addition to the more than 2,000 alligators along the river, you will also see a variety of wildlife, flower, and fauna, including ancient grand cypress trees. An airboat tour on the St. Johns river is a great way to escape the hustle and bustle of busy theme parks and other nearby tourist attractions.
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The Florida Aquarium
The Florida Aquarium is one of the highest-rated aquariums in America, and it’s easy to see why. See a variety of animals like sharks, alligators, lemurs, and penguins. The Florida Aquarium features a Wetlands Trail, where you can walk past alligator-infested waters on your way to flowing river streams where otters play. Take in the sights at the Journey to Madagascar exhibit, which is full of ring-tailed lemurs, hissing cockroaches, and brightly-colored chameleons. At Stingray Beach, you can touch stingrays and sharks. There’s even a splash pad where the kids can play. Explore the waters with the diving program that lets you get up close and personal with Sand Tiger sharks. Unwind on the Wild Dolphin Cruise, where you will get the chance to see some of the 500 dolphins that live in Tampa Bay.
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Oscar Scherer State Park
Oscar Scherer State Park is a birdwatcher's paradise. This 1,381-acre state park contains a wide variety of bird species, including bald eagles and lake ospreys. The park is also involved in the preservation of Florida's scrub-jay habitat. In addition to birds, there is an abundance of other wildlife, such as bobcats, gopher tortoises, white-tailed deer, and alligators. If you want to get some exercise, there are over 15 miles of hiking trails and a 12-mile paved Legacy Trail perfect for roller blading. Other activities include kayaking, canoeing, and camping. Saltwater and freshwater fishing are available in South Creek and Lake Osprey. When you want to take a break, visit one of the well-equipped picnic areas featuring picnic tables, charcoal grills, and a playground area.
floridastateparks.org/parks-and-trails/oscar-scherer-state-park
Ellie Schiller Homosassa Springs Wildlife State Park
This Florida state park allows you to see manatees up close without getting wet at the Fish Bowl Underwater Observatory. See native Florida wildlife like black bears, foxes, river otters, and hundreds of different bird species. The park also features endangered species, including a Florida panther, Red wolves, and two whooping cranes. Hop on a pontoon boat at the visitor center to take a boat tour along Pepper Creek.
floridastateparks.org
Peck’s Lake Reef
Located in what is known as Florida’s Treasure Coast, Peck’s Lake Reef is a favorite among divers. The reef runs for over nine miles along the coast and is one of the best places to see green and leatherback turtles, especially from April through August. You are guaranteed to see at least one turtle during any time of year, but you will likely see three or four during nesting season. Caves and crevices along the reef attract an array of marine wildlife, including three species of lobster and hundreds of species of reef fish. Steep limestone ledges house sharks and goliath groupers.
St. Mark’s National Wildlife Refuge
This natural habitat has an abundance of wildlife, especially birds. Natural salt marshes, hardwood swamps, vast pine forests, and freshwater pools are spread throughout this beautiful wildlife refuge. Enjoy activities like fishing, hiking, bird watching, and wildlife observation before visiting the historic St. Mark’s lighthouse. Monarch butterflies migrate to the wildlife refuge in the fall, and whooping cranes migrate there in the winter.
fws.gov/refuge/st-marks
Ten Thousand Islands National Wildlife Refuge
This gorgeous wildlife refuge features a two-story observation tower for spectacular views of the marshes and wildlife. Mangrove islands give shelter to more than 200 bird species, including migratory birds. Estuaries and back bays serve as nurseries for almost 200 species of fish, including the goliath grouper. Florida manatees and bottle-nosed dolphins swim and play throughout the waters of the refuge. Raccoons, otters, bobcats, Florida black bears, and the Florida panther can be seen throughout the mangrove islands as well as the mainland areas. The tropical climate of Ten Thousand Islands National Wildlife Refuge allows several different reptile species to thrive. Expect to see loggerhead sea turtles, gopher tortoises, South Florida king snakes, eastern hognose snakes, alligators, and the occasional crocodile, to name a few. Several threatened and endangered species like the Florida manatee, peregrine falcon, wood stork, and Kemp’s Ridley sea turtles have made the wildlife refuge their home.
fws.gov/refuge/ten-thousand-islands
Florida Zoos
Florida is home to 26 zoos and wildlife parks, featuring some of the top-rated zoos in the United States. With so many options to choose from, you’re sure to find a zoo almost anywhere you go in the Sunshine State.
At Brevard Zoo in Melbourne, you can kayak through Africa or zip-line through South America to see more than 900 animals. The zoo features 182 animal species from Florida, Africa, South America, Australia, and Asia. Shaded boardwalks guide you through amazing animal habitats, or you can paddle boat through the 22-acre restored wetlands. Extraordinary experiences at Brevard Zoo include hand-feeding a giraffe, petting a rhino, touching a baby alligator, or getting close with lories as they land on your arms. There’s also a 20,000-gallon aquarium where you can get up close and personal with marine wildlife.
To see koalas, tigers, and elephants, take a trip to Zoo Miami. Rated as one of the top 10 zoos in the U.S., this 340-acre zoo has more than 3,000 animals to see. Stroll along the four miles of walkways, ride the monorail, or take a guided tram tour to enjoy everything this zoo has to offer. The Wings of Asia Aviary showcases around 85 different colorful, free-flying bird species, and you can even get a chance to feed the parrots.
For a unique safari experience, visit Lion Country Safari in West Palm Beach. Drive through the four miles of natural habitat to see the largest herds of zebras, rhinos, and giraffes in the United States. You will also encounter chimpanzees, water buffalos, ostriches, tapirs, and alpacas. Take a relaxing stroll through the petting zoo, animal feeding station, and safari maze. Your entire family will also enjoy the pontoon boat tour, paddle boats, miniature golf, water slides, and other fun activities.
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Horseback Riding in Cape San Blas and Bradenton
For a romantic getaway complete with horseback riding on the beach, Cape San Blas is your ideal destination. Experience a horseback ride on one of Florida’s most beautiful beaches as you view a breathtaking sunset. There are a few horseback riding companies to choose from, and they offer special packages for couples so you and your partner can enjoy a peaceful ride along the beach together.
For a completely different kind of horseback riding experience, you can go “horse surfing” in Palma Sola Bay, near Anna Marie Island. In addition to riding the horses, you can swim with them and try to stand on their backs in the water. The beach here is not as pristine as Cape San Blas, but it is a thrill ride you don’t want to miss!
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