21+ Best Places to See Flamingos in Florida in 2024

Last Updated on April 10, 2024

Since we are all about flamingos to the point of it being somewhat of an obsession, we wanted to share the best places to see flamingos in Florida.

Once native to Florida, flamingos vanished from the Sunshine State in the early 20th century.

This was due to a number of factors including the popularity of hunting for their prized feathers. In addition, destruction of their wetland habitats for agriculture and urban development played a big part in their demise.

Even without wild flamingos, Florida has always had a connection with these beautiful pink birds.

Are you one “those people” who proudly display all sorts of lawn flamingos at your home in the Sunshine State? Well, we are proud to be those people!

Showcasing plastic flamingo yard ornaments has become one of the most common ways to celebrate kitsch not only in Florida but all over the United States and abroad.

Looking for the best place to see Florida Flamingos near you?

Check out this list that starts off with Florida attractions and zoos/gardens, and ends with wild flamingos that blew in with Hurricane Idalia in 2023 and have stayed.

The Key West Butterfly and Nature Conservatory

Next time your travels take you to the Southernmost Point in the USA, head to The Key West Butterfly and Nature Conservatory.

Visitors have the opportunity to see Rhett and Scarlett, Key West’s most famous celebrity couple.  

Additionally, a maximum of six guests per day can “flamingle” with Rhett and Scarlett after hours for an additional cost of $50 per person.

They sell out fast, so reserve your spot WAY in advance!

You can also see these two pink flamingos during regular visits to this mini sanctuary, but not up close and personal like you experience in an official flamingle.

Tickets can be purchased online from the Key West Butterfly website.

They also have a terrific gift shop and amazing sales. The gift shop can be visited without paying an admission fee.

You can also access their online gift shop which is also known for having good sales.

The Conservatory is open 365 days a year. The hours are as follows:

• Conservatory – 9 am – 5 pm
• Last Admission – 4:30 pm
• Gift Shop – 9am – 5:30 pm
• Holiday Hours (Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve, Christmas Day) Closing at 2pm and Last Ticket Sold at 1:30pm

Nowhere near the Florida Keys? You can watch Rhett and Scarlett LIVE on their 24/7 webcam and quite often on the Key West Butterfly and Nature Conservatory Facebook page.

We like to share their posts on our Authentic Florida Facebook page, especially on #FlamingoFriday.

Be sure to follow us on Facebook. We also have an Authentic Flamingo Friday Pinterest page.

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

Flamingo Gardens in Davie

Flamingo Gardens in Davie is a must-visit roadside attraction and clearly one of the best places to see flamingos in Florida.

Established in 1927, Flamingo Gardens is one of the oldest botanical gardens and attractions in South Florida.

Flamingo Gardens features over 3,000 species of rare and exotic, tropical, subtropical, and native plants and trees.

In addition, it’s home to the largest collection of Florida native wildlife.

This sanctuary provides residence to permanently injured and non-releasable birds and animals, including American flamingos. 

It’s also the home to James the Flamingo, celebrated each year on his birthday (August 1). If you want to see James the Flamingo as a baby, click to see the Flamingo video.

2024 Flamingo Gardens Hours and Admission Fees

Flamingo Gardens is open Monday through Sunday from 10 am to 5 pm (with the last entry at 4 pm). 

• General admission for adults (age 12+) is $24
• Children (3-11) is $17
• Children ages 2 and under and members of Flamingo Gardens are admitted free
• Reserving online provides a $2 discount.
• Parking Is Always Free.

2024 Flamingo Fest

We attended the 2023 Flamingo Fest at Flamingo Gardens. It was awesome!

The 2024 Flamingo Fest at Flamingo Gardens took place on January 13 and 14.

Flamingo Gardens Address: 3750 S Flamingo Rd, Davie, FL 33330

Sarasota Jungle Gardens

Looking for the best places to see flamingos in Florida, and you’re in the Sarasota area? Stop by Sarasota Jungle Gardens, home to more than 200 native and exotic animals … and a flock of flamingos.

You will get a glimpse of flamingos, and hand-feeding flamingos is an experience you will never forget.

Flamingos roam free throughout this vintage roadside attraction and often greet guests personally, sometimes face to face.  You may hand-feed them or view them strolling by! 

Sarasota Jungle Gardens is open daily and has been delighting families since 1939. Plan to spend at least two hours to see everything in this park.

On our last visit to Sarasota Jungle Gardens, a flamingo was our actual tour guide and lead us through the park, including a pitstop at the playground.

• Admission is $24.99  for an Adult One Day Pass
• $14.99 for a Child One Day Pass (age 4-12) must be accompanied by an adult
• FREE for an Infant/Child One Day Pass (age 3 and younger).

Sarasota Gardens has a variety of coupons and discounts available on the Sarasota Gardens website.

They also offer annual passes on the Sarasota Jungle Gardens Website.

Sarasota Jungle Gardens Address: 3701 Bay Shore Rd, Sarasota, FL 34234

Everglades Wonder Gardens in Bonita Springs

In Bonita Springs, you will find the Everglades Wonder Gardens, home to a beautiful botanical garden and an array of rescued birds and reptiles. 

Everglades Wonder Gardens has been delighting guests since 1936.

You can see Amigo the Flamingo and the rest of the flamboyance (a flock of flamingos) as they feed, preen, and explore the flamingo lagoon.

• Adult Park Admission is Non-Member, Ages 13 – 64, per person $12
• Military/First Responder Adult Admission – $10
• Child Park Admission is Non-Member, Ages 3 – 12, per person – $7
• Military/First Responder Child Admission – $5
• Senior Park Admission is Non-Member, Ages 65 and older, per person – $10
• Military/First Responder Senior Admission – $8
• All Children Under 3 Years Old – FREE.

Everglades Wonder Garden Address: 27180 Old 41 Rd, Bonita Springs, FL 34135

Interested in visiting Everglades National Park? Click to read the Exploring the Extraordinary Florida Everglades post. There’s nothing like embracing the vast array of Everglades wilderness and native wildlife.

Gatorland in Orlando

If you are in the Kissimmee area, you can also see Florida flamingos at Gatorland, a big tourist attraction that has been open since 1949.

Although alligators are a common sighting, so are migratory birds.

You can purchase food from the gumball machines and feed these pink-wading birds.

You will also see other birds hanging out, like ducks, geese, egrets, white ibis, and roseate spoonbills, which often get mistaken as a species of flamingos.

Check out the Gatorland VLOGS Channel on YouTube if you are in the mood for some comic relief.

Savannah, Mike, and the whole Gatorland crew are unapologetically and authentically a cast of characters that showcase this Florida roadside attraction in an eye-opening and entertaining manner.

Gatorland is open every day (365 days per year) from 10 am to 5 pm for your family’s fun and enjoyment, rain or shine.

TIP: If you buy your tickets online, you can save $3.00 per ticket.

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

Hialeah Gardens and Casino

If you’re in the Davie area, you can still spot wild flamingos at the Hialeah Park and Casino. Be sure you grab your binoculars to get an up-close and personal view of these large flocks of wild birds.

The infield at Hialeah Park is an Audubon Bird Sanctuary and a place for common sightings of these rare birds.

Hialeah Park is the only place where an entire flock of Florida’s flamingos has successfully reproduced in the wild in the United States.

Hialeah Park is also listed on the National Register of Historic Places. 

There is no cost to see the flamingos unless an event occurs at the race track.

Hialeah Gardens and Casino Address: 100 E 32nd St, Hialeah, FL 33013

Discovery Cove in Orlando

If you’ve never been to Discovery Cove, an all-inclusive day resort in Orlando, it’s worth putting on your bucket list.

Although it’s a bit pricey, they offer discounts for Florida residents and people in the military.

The “flamingle” experience is an upgrade to your regular Discovery Cove adventure. You can flock to a sandy shore (“Flamingo Beach”) to feed the beautiful flamingos one-on-one.

The Discovery Cove photographer will be there to capture the experience. They will also provide experts to answer questions and share fun facts about these fantastic animals.

Space is limited, so plan your morning “flamingle” in advance. Prices start at $199 per person.

Learn more about this Flamingo Adventure.

Discovery Cove Orlando Address: 6000 Discovery Cove Way, Orlando, FL 32821

Sunken Gardens in St. Pete

One of the best roadside attractions in Florida is unquestionably Sunken Gardens in St. Pete.

Within this historic botanical garden, a flock of flamingos has called Sunken Gardens home since 1957.

• Sunken Gardens is open Monday through Saturday, 10 am to 4:30 pm, and Sunday, noon to 4:30 pm.
• The last admission is sold at 4 pm daily. 
• Admission is $15 for Adults, $12 for Seniors (62+), and $6 for Children (2-17).

TIP: Check Groupon. They often offer good discounts.

Sunken Gardens Address: 1825 4th St N, St. Petersburg, FL 33704

Busch Gardens in Tampa

If you can pull yourself away from the roller coasters and beer, find the fantastic flamingos of Busch Gardens.

Flamingo Island has been around since Busch Gardens opened in 1959.

Dozens of brightly colored flamingos can be seen strolling in the grass and the shallow water.

Busch Gardens Tampa Address: 10165 N McKinley Dr, Tampa 33612

Sea World in Orlando

Sea World Orlando’s Flamingo Cove allows visitors to observe nearly 100 flamingos.

In addition, check out the manatee rehabilitation area, dolphin nursery, stingray lagoon, and penguin and shark encounter.

There are also lots of fun roller coasters and a Sesame Street area you won’t want to miss.

Sea World Orlando Address: 7007 Sea World Dr, Orlando, FL 32821

Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens

If you’re in Northeast Florida and want to see flamingos, put the Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens on your list of things to do in Jacksonville.

You can always count on something new to see and do at this zoo. In addition to the flamingos, there are more than 2,000 rare and exotic animals, 1,000 plant species, and many special attractions.

Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens is open from 9 am to 5 pm daily (excluding Thanksgiving and Christmas Day).

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

Brevard Zoo Flamingos in Melbourne

One of the highlights of the Brevard Zoo is undoubtedly the flamingos. These majestic birds are a favorite of many visitors – and for good reason.

The Flamingo Plaza is where the flamingos are housed. It’s also where you can participate in a few fun activities, including purchasing a cup of flamingo feed for just a few dollars.

The Brevard Zoo is open from 9:30 am to 5:00 pm daily. The last admission is at 3:30 pm. There’s a discount if you purchase your tickets online.

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

Homosassa Springs Wildlife State Park

Ellie Schiller Homosassa Springs Wildlife State Park is one of the best roadside attractions in Florida and home to a celebrity, Lu the Hippo. Lu is the oldest hippopotamus in captivity.

There’s so much to see and do at this wildlife park; make sure you plan to spend a few hours exploring this attraction.

In addition to the flamingos, the park also features a variety of captive animals, such as eagles, alligators, black bears, red wolves, Key deer, and whooping cranes.

The native wildlife that resides in the park has a unique life story, including Lu the Hippo. All animal inhabitants cannot survive in the wild alone.

The park is open daily from 9 am to 5:30 pm. The ticket counters close at 4:45 pm. Adults (age 13+), $13; Children ages 6-12, $5; Children 5 and under admitted free.

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

Zoo Miami

Zoo Miami is home to a variety of animals. This is a great South Florida attraction for anyone who wants to connect with wildlife.

Even better, they have over 40 American Flamingos waiting to greet you. These flamingos can be standing in their iconic one-legged pose.

Zoo Miami provides the flamingos a special clay so they can build their nest mounds. If you see one of these mounds, there may just be a flamingo nest there.

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

Lion Country Safari in Loxahatchee

Lion Country Safari is South Florida’s drive-thru safari experience. From the comfort of your car, you can see a variety of wildlife.

Lion Country Safari is also home to 19 Caribbean Flamingos. You can see them while driving through the 320-acre property.

Even better, there is a mingle with the flamingos experience you can take part in. This is an add-on experience and will have a price tag attached.

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

The Palm Beach Zoo and Conservation Society

The Palm Beach Zoo and Conservation Society is a global nonprofit organization focused on educating about species and conserving wildlife.

A highlight for visitors is the flamingo encounter, which also features an unexpected treat: meeting Zeus, the capybara!

Zeus lives alongside the zoo’s flamingo flock, allowing guests to interact closely and take pictures with this sociable creature.

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

St. Marks National Wildlife Refuge

Following Hurricane Michael, a lonely flamingo was spotted at St. Mark National Wildlife Refuge and has been spotted sporadically ever since.

The sighting once again opened up a dialogue about whether flamingos are native to Florida. NOTE: The FWC considers flamingos native to Florida.

If your travels take you to this Northwest Florida wildlife refuge, look for Pinky.

Pinky had several flamingo friends show up following Hurricane Idalia.

St. Marks National Wildlife Refuge Address: 1255 Lighthouse Road St. Marks, FL 32355

Tampa International Airport

The next time your travels bring you to or through Tampa International Airport, don’t miss the opportunity to take a photo of Phoebe, the 21-foot flamingo sculpture.

Phoebe, who received her name from a contest, lives in the Main Terminal at TPA. You can’t miss her!

Tampa International Airport Address: 4100 George J. Bean Parkway Tampa, FL 33607 

Wild Flamingo Sightings Throughout Florida

Hurricane Idalia Flamingos

When Hurricane Idalia blew through Florida, it brought a special surprise with it. A group of flamingos migrating between Mexico and Cuba.

Experts believe that the storm changed the birds’ migratory path. This has meant that Floridians get the honor of seeing wild flamingos in a variety of locations.

Here are some of the other spots throughout Florida that have had wild flamingo sightings since September 2023:

Tigertail Beach – Marco Island

Fort DeSoto – St. Pete Beach

Navy Point Park – Pensacola

The Sanibel Causeway

Estero Bay Preserve State Park

San Carlos Bay – Bunche Beach Preserve – Fort Myers

Punta Gorda

Charlotte Harbor – Port Charlotte

Pine Island

Clearwater

Treasure Island Beach

Anna Maria Island

Siesta Key

Tarpon Springs

Gainesville

Palm Coast

The Everglades

Grassy Key – Middle Florida Keys

Cudjoe Key – Lower Florida Keys

Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge/Haulover Canal

As of February 2024, flamingos were spotted on Florida’s Space Coast.

This was the first time since 1992 that there was a flamingo sighting in Brevard County.

We are hoping these flamingos decide to stay in Florida. People are flocking all over Florida in hopes of a flamingo sighting.

Help Needed from Audubon Florida in February 2024

Flamingo enthusiasts, please report sightings during the February 18-25, 2024 census.

This initiative, led by the Florida Flamingo Working Group and the Caribbean Flamingo Conservation Group, aims to assess the remaining population of American Flamingos in Florida following Hurricane Idalia.

Observe from a distance to avoid disturbing them.

Submit your findings here: Flamingo Report.

Fun Facts About Flamingos

Other articles you may find interesting:

• Our 20 Favorite Florida Zoos and Gardens
• Brevard Zoo Voted One of North America’s Best Zoos, Top in Southeast
• Exploring the Extraordinary Florida Everglades
• 23 Best Roadside Attractions in Florida
• Top Places to Eat, Stay, and Shop Near Florida’s Unique Attractions