Zoo Miami
4.5(21K)google
4.2(1.1K)yelp
FamilyWildlife Watching
Overview
Zoo Miami, officially known as the Miami-Dade Zoological Park and Gardens, is the largest and oldest zoological garden in Florida, and unique as the only tropical zoo in the continental United States. Spanning nearly 750 acres of lushly landscaped grounds, the zoo houses over 3,000 animals representing more than 500 species from around the globe. Utilizing open-air, cage-free exhibits surrounded by wide moats, animals roam in natural habitats mimicking the wilderness of Africa, Asia, and Australia. Visitors can rent safari cycles to explore the vast park, feed majestic giraffes, and discover rare, exotic tropical plants, offering a premier wildlife educational experience.
Practical Info
Suggested DurationAbout 4-6 hours
Best TimeHighly recommended to visit during the winter months (December to February) right at 10:00 AM. As the only subtropical zoo in the continental US, summer can be brutally hot, whereas winter mornings feature active animals and pleasant temperatures perfect for renting a safari cycle to explore.
Getting ThereLocated in southwestern Miami, roughly 30 minutes away from downtown. Driving is highly recommended: take I-95 South to Florida's Turnpike South, take exit 16 (SW 152nd St), and follow the zoo signs. The zoo provides an expansive, complimentary outdoor parking lot for all visitors.
Travel Tips
- Avoid the trap: Zoo Miami is massive and features very little shade across its expansive walking trails. Do not attempt to walk without sunscreen and plenty of water; it is highly recommended to rent a Safari Cycle right at the entrance.
- The best interaction windows are between 11 AM and 2 PM for official giraffe, rhino, and parrot feeding experiences (requires buying feed on-site). Because of Miami's afternoon heat, most animals retreat to shady bushes to sleep after 3 PM.
- Buy tickets online to receive a digital discount per ticket; walk-up lines are notoriously long and full price. On-site open-air parking is massive and completely free, but cars heat up rapidly, so using a windshield sunshade is highly advised.
Reviews
Positive
- As the only subtropical zoo in the US, it boasts lush botanical growth and cage-free open moats, providing a wonderful, natural habitat for animals.
- The interactive experiences are rich, allowing visitors to hand-feed giraffes, parrots, and rhinos, making it fantastic for family bonding.
- The accessibility is flawless across the park; paths for strollers and wheelchairs are wide and flat, with a high density of restrooms and shaded pavilions.
- The massive acreage effectively thins out crowd density, ensuring there's no claustrophobic feeling or endless 'walls of heads' even on peak weekends.
Heads up
- The zoo is so humongous that walking the whole way is exhausting; while safari cycles and trams are available, they are pricey and require long lines during peak hours.
- Due to the intense Miami heat, many animals retreat into the deep shade to sleep during midday, leaving several enclosures looking completely empty.
- The location is quite remote from Downtown Miami and South Beach; without a car, using public transit requires multiple transfers and takes a long time.
- The value of onsite dining is poor; basic fast food combos are overpriced and taste very average, so it's best to pack your own snacks and water.