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10 Florida Alligator Parks You Won’t Want to Miss

Last Updated on May 13, 2022

When you hear Florida alligator parks, you may think of any body of water in Florida. Some of the best and safest places to see alligators in Florida are official Florida alligator parks.

Alligator swimming in the water

Many of the parks listed below offer unique experiences that aren’t accessible in the wild, like holding a gator or seeing them in up-close exhibits.

Florida Alligator Parks

For those of you who rather see alligators in a more controlled setting, check out these Florida alligator parks:

Gatorland in Orlando

Albino alligator from Gatorland Florida
Source: Gatorland

Gatorland in Orlando is known as The Alligator Capital of the World TM. While the park is known for its alligators and crocodiles, Gatorland also has wild cats, birds, snakes, flamingos, and more.

Alligator show at Gatorland
Source: Gatorland

You can watch live shows that demonstrate the incredible capabilities of alligators and crocodiles or learn more about different animals at an Up-Close Encounters Show. 

Albino Alligator
Source: Gatorland

Gatorland is your place to see a variety of animals including over 2,000 alligators, rare albino alligators, crocodiles, and even a serval. See these amazing animals while spending a day out at Gatorland.

Gatorland Halloween
Halloween at Gatorland – Source: Gatorland

Gatorland also offers fun special events, so check their website to optimize your visit.

TIPS:

  • Gatorland admission starts at $34.99 for a single-day ticket.
  • Sites like Groupon offer discounts on admission to the park.
  • Book experiences such as zip line rides and adventure hour in advance to ensure availability on the day you visit.

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

While you’re in the Central Florida area, also check out: 7 Ways to Experience Orlando Like a Local

St. Augustine Alligator Farm Zoological Park

Zipline at St Augustine Alligator Farm
Source: St. Augustine Alligator Farm

St. Augustine Alligator Farm Zoological Park has been around in some way or another since 1893. Today, the park is known for its animal exhibits, wildlife shows, zip line course, flamingos, and alligators.

Alligator at St. Augustine Alligator Farm Zoological Park
Source: St. Augustine Alligator Farm Zoological Park

Conservation plays a big role at St. Augustine Alligator Farm, with wildlife research being conducted on location.

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

TIPS:

  • General admission starts at $34.99 for adults.
  • Check the schedule before visiting to get showtimes. You won’t want to miss out.
  • Book experiences such as the zip line and animal encounters in advance.

While you’re in the St. Augustine area, check out: A Romantic Weekend in St. Augustine

Wild Florida in Kenansville

Wild Florida Airboat
Source: Wild Florida

Wild Florida in Kenansville offers many things to do including an airboat tour you’re sure to enjoy.

Giraffe feeding at Wild Florida
Source: Wild Florida

Wild Florida is home to a drive-thru safari where you can see amazing animals. You can even hand-feed giraffes.

Crusher Show at Wild Florida
Source: Wild Florida

There are also educational shows teaching you about animals. You can even see Crush get up close with the keepers.

TIPS:

  • Admission prices will vary depending on the experience you choose.
  • Book wild animal encounters in advance to ensure availability.
  • Enjoy feeding giraffes for a small extra price when visiting the drive-thru safari.

Wild Florida Address: 3301 Lake Cypress Rd, Kenansville, FL 34739

Jungle Adventures in Christmas

Alligator at Jungle Adventures A Real Florida Animal Park
Source: Jungle Adventures A Real Florida Animal Park

Jungle Adventures in Christmas is a natural habitat park that offers Jungle Swamp Cruises through the Green Gator River, where you may see alligators, birds, and other animals in their natural habitats.

Baby alligators
Source: Jungle Adventures

You can also watch park guides hand feed gators during Gator Feeding. See alligators of different ages as well as a variety of other animals.

TIPS:

  • Full-day passes start at $29.95 per adult. Discounts can often be found on Groupon.
  • The water has a distinct sulfur smell you will notice while there.
  • There are hands-on animal encounters that come with most tickets to the attraction.

Jungle Adventures Address: 26205 East Colonial Drive, Christmas, FL 32709

Everglades Alligator Farm in Homestead

Airboats at Everglades alligator farm
Source: Everglades Alligator Farm

Everglades Alligator Farm in Homestead offers airboat tours into the Everglades.

Everglades Alligator Farm
Source: Everglades Alligator Farm

Gator enthusiasts are encouraged to book the Alligator Encounter, a one-hour guided tour that allows you the opportunity to hold, sit with, and feed a variety of different alligators and crocodiles.

TIPS:

  • General admission starts at $32 and includes an airboat ride.
  • You can pay an added fee for an in-person alligator encounter.
  • Check the website for show schedules before visiting to make the most of your day.

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

While in the Homestead area, be sure to check out: Robert is Here … and Has Been HERE for 62 Years

Alligator and Wildlife Discovery Center in Madeira Beach

*** The Alligator and Wildlife Discovery Center experienced a devastating fire in July of 2023. Because of this, they will be closed for the foreseeable future and will be at a temporary location.

Alligator and Wildlife Discovery Center Alligators
Source: Alligator and Wildlife Discovery Center

Alligator & Wildlife Discovery Center in Madeira Beach is on a mission to provide care for pet surrenders and orphaned wildlife, which has made the center home to over 250 animals.

Staff with Alligator at Alligator and Wildlife Discovery Center
Source: Alligator at Alligator and Wildlife Discovery Center

There are many hands-on adventures to engage in here, including the unique opportunity to kiss a gator if you book a VIP tour.

This is one of those Florida alligator parks that makes a positive impact.

TIPS:

  • General admission tickets start at $11-$15.
  • Reservations are required for all animal experiences.
  • Plan to ask questions of the staff. They are known to be very engaged with attraction visitors.

Temporary Alligator and Wildlife Discovery Center Address: 14805 Gulf Blvd, Madeira Beach, FL

Gatorama in Palmdale

Alligator sitting on the grass at Gatorama
Source: Gatorama

Gatorama in Palmdale is known for having the only breeding colony of American Crocodiles in the United States.

Gatorama Feed Show
Source: Gatorama

You can see them daily during the Crocodile Feed Show, where Gatorama keepers hand-feed the animals. There is also an Alligator Feed Show and a variety of wildlife exhibits and attractions.

TIPS:

  • Adult admission starts at $25.
  • This location has a wide variety of animal encounters. Book in advance.
  • Book an adventure package for a variety of experiences.

Gatorama Address: 10665 N US Hwy 27, Palmdale, Florida 33944

Gator Beach in Destin 

Gator Beach World's Greatest Alligator Park Sign
Source: Gator Beach

Gator Beach in Destin is a free-admission alligator park with hundreds of alligators. Check out the Discovery Zone, a habitat for baby alligators in the first year of their life.

Baby alligator at Gator Beach
Source: Gator Beach

Some gators are as short as a dollar bill. When it comes to Florida alligator parks, this free attraction offers fun for all ages.

TIPS:

  • Admission is free but you will pay for added experiences.
  • Free gator shows are included when visiting the park. You can find showtimes on their website.
  • Book VIP experiences in advance to avoid them selling out.

Gator Beach Address: 20001 Emerald Coast Pkwy, Destin, FL 32541

While you’re in the Destin area, also check out: 7 Fun Things to Do in Destin – The Emerald Coast

More Florida Alligator Parks

Everglades Holiday Park aerial view
Source: Everglades Holiday Park

Everglades Holiday Park

Everglades Holiday Park Address: 21940 Griffin Road, Fort Lauderdale, Florida 33332

Croc Encounters alligator exhibit
Source: Croc Encounters

Croc Encounters

Croc Encounters Address: 8703 Bowles Rd., Tampa, FL 33637

Florida Trivia Time:

What is the most alligator-infested lake in Florida?

The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission estimates there are 1.3 million gators statewide and about 13,000 in Lake Jesup.

Lake Okeechobee 
Source: Lake Okeechobee 

“Lake Okeechobee has the most alligators due to its size and availability of suitable habitat,” an FWC spokesperson said.

More Florida Fun

1 thought on “10 Florida Alligator Parks You Won’t Want to Miss”

  1. We have so much more Miss Authentic. This must be old info.😊. Please come see us. Our 18th annual Alligator Hatching Festival starts Saturday and runs for 3 weeks this year. Come Hatch a Gator with us.

    Reply

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