- Attraction: Flamingo Gardens
- Location: 3750 S Flamingo Rd, Davie, FL 33330
- Industry: Botanical Garden
- Website: https://flamingogardens.org
Imagine strolling through 60 acres where 200-year-old oak trees create natural cathedrals overhead, while vibrant flamingos wade gracefully in crystal-clear ponds and rescued Florida panthers lounge in spacious habitats designed for their comfort.
Established in 1927, Flamingo Gardens is one of the oldest botanical gardens and attractions in South Florida, originally founded as a citrus grove but transformed into something far more magical.
This 60-acre tropical oasis is filled with roaming peacocks, native Florida wildlife and more than 3,000 plant species, creating an experience that feels like stepping into a living fairy tale just 17 miles west of downtown Fort Lauderdale.
What sets this sanctuary apart is its incredible mission – Flamingo Gardens aims to preserve endangered, injured animals in naturalistic habitats and educate the public on the history of South Florida and the area’s flora and fauna.
You’re not just visiting a typical zoo or garden; you’re stepping into a place where conservation meets wonder, where every animal has a story of rescue and rehabilitation.
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Keep Exploring →Wildlife Wonders & Natural Treasures
Hand-Feeding Flamingos: The absolute highlight here is the unforgettable experience of feeding flamingos directly from your hand.
Having flamingos eat from your hand is described as an utterly fantastic experience that creates memories you’ll treasure forever. You can purchase special flamingo food and step right up to the pond’s edge where these gorgeous pink birds will gracefully approach you.
Josh the Black Bear: Josh the black bear was kept as a pet by people and cannot survive in the wild, making Flamingo Gardens his permanent sanctuary home. Watching this magnificent creature in his spacious habitat is both heartwarming and educational – a perfect example of why wildlife should remain wild.
Florida Panther Encounters: Anne Marie the Florida panther was also kept as a pet and cannot survive in the wild. The grounds contain Florida panthers, bobcats, turtles, peacocks, fish crows, bald eagles, owls and other birds of prey – all rescued animals living their best possible lives in naturalistic settings.
Playful River Otters: The otters literally have a play land, and watching these energetic creatures splash, dive, and play is pure joy. The facility contains one of the premier River Otter breeding programs, making this a significant conservation effort disguised as pure entertainment.
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Discover MoreChampion Trees Collection: The arboretum features 23 Champion trees, which may be the largest in the state or the country including a massive Enterolobium cyclocarpum (ear tree). The grounds contain more than 3,000 species of tropical and subtropical plants, including 200-year-old Southern live oaks.
Free-Flight Aviary: The 25,000 square feet Everglades aviary houses one of the largest collections of birds and animals in the United States. You’ll walk through this immersive experience where native Florida waterfowl soar overhead in a setting that mimics their natural coastal prairie and cypress swamp habitat.
Immersive Experiences & Educational Fun
Narrated Tram Tours: Enjoy a narrated tram ride through 42 remote acres at Flamingo Gardens. Visit some of the last original jungle growth in South Florida that still remains as it has for over 100 years.
Recent visitors loved the park’s narrated tram tour through 200-year-old live oak trees and tropical groves, noting it was the perfect way to get an overview of the park. The tram leaves every 30 minutes and takes you through areas you simply can’t reach on foot.
Wildlife Encounter Shows: Wildlife Encounters are presented daily at 11:30 am, 1:30 pm, and 3:30 pm (weather permitting) at the Wildlife Encounter Outdoor Amphitheater.
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Keep Exploring →These live presentations feature Florida native wildlife and are both entertaining and educational – perfect for kids and adults who want to learn about local ecosystems.
Historic Wray Home Museum: The restored house was built in 1933 and is one of the oldest residences in Broward County. It is an accurate depiction of life in South Florida in the 1930s. You’ll step back in time to see how the original founders lived when this was still a working citrus grove.
Specialty Gardens: The property features themed garden areas including the Butterfly Garden, Hummingbird Garden, Florida Wildflower Garden, and Bromeliad Garden. Each offers unique photo opportunities and peaceful spots to connect with nature.
Atmosphere & Setting
Tropical Paradise Vibes: Flamingo Gardens is lushly landscaped with tropical and native plants and trees that carpet the grounds with shade.
There are criss-crossing paved paths along exhibits, as well as open green space under a canopy of mature oak trees. The setting feels like you’ve been transported to a tropical paradise right in suburban South Florida.
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Discover MorePeaceful Natural Sanctuary: Between the happy animals and the outstanding gardens, visitors are so happy. This wildlife sanctuary and botanical garden is a tropical oasis in the middle of suburban Broward County.
It offers a peaceful day out for families. The atmosphere is calming and restorative – a perfect escape from busy daily life.
Family-Friendly Design: It is a welcoming spot for little ones, with shaded, paved paths suitable for strollers and wide-open grassy areas for running around. The entire property is designed with accessibility in mind, making it comfortable for visitors of all ages and mobility levels.
Roaming Wildlife: One of the most delightful surprises is the free-roaming peacocks that strut throughout the grounds. My teen loved the free roaming peacocks and cats – yes, there are friendly sanctuary cats that add to the charming, lived-in feeling of this special place.
Practical Considerations
Reasonable Pricing: Tickets for visitors aged 12 and above can be purchased for US$24. Children between three and 11 years of age can get the tickets for US$17.
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Keep Exploring →There’s a 20% discount for seniors age 65 and older, veterans, military, college students, AAA members and AARP members, with valid identification. For the quality and scope of experiences offered, this represents excellent value compared to similar attractions.
Perfect Timing: The morning is the best time to visit if you want the gardens to yourself, perhaps for a tranquil stroll through the tropical landscape. Weekdays are the best times to visit because fewer people are there, and you can walk comfortably. Plan for about 3-4 hours to fully enjoy everything.
Weather-Friendly: Flamingo Gardens is open rain or shine, except in the event of a hurricane. It was rainy and cold when we were there but it didn’t stop us – the extensive covered areas and indoor exhibits make this a great choice regardless of weather.
Free Parking: Parking is free, which is a refreshing change from many South Florida attractions. You can focus your budget on experiences rather than logistics.
Food Options: Visitors can grab sandwiches, snacks, hot dogs and more at the Flamingo Cafe, which overlooks the flamingo pond. The setting makes even a simple lunch feel special when you’re dining with a view of the flamingos.
Flamingo Gardens
📍 3750 S Flamingo Rd, Davie, FL 33330
