Gatorland

Set in a natural cypress swamp – in a spot where most of the natural habitats are now erased from the landscape by development – Gatorland is not just a historic Florida attraction but an immersion into what this part of Central Florida used to be. Walk the boardwalks, marvel at the ancient reptiles, savor the birds, and go “oooh” at snakes.

Resources

Overview

Location: Orlando
Trailhead: 28.355165,-81.40424
Address: 14501 S. Orange Blossom Trail. Orlando, Florida 32837
Phone: 407-855-5496

Fees: $30 adult, $20 ages 3-12. Annual passes and Florida resident discounts make this a great place to visit more than once a year. Additional fees apply for special experiences like Gator Night Shine and the Screamin Gator Zip Line.

Open 10-5 daily.

View park map

Location

Along US 441 near Hunter’s Creek, south of Orlando and north of St. Cloud.

Details

Founded in 1949 by Owen Godwin, it’s still a family park and the undisputed Alligator Capital of the World. It’s not an enormous park, but it’s so packed with wildlife that if you’re an avid photographer, you’ll easily spend most of the day there.

It’s a birder’s delight, too. We arrived at the peak of breeding season, with the birds in bright and showy plumage, and spotted some species that we rarely see, like roseate spoonbills winging their way overhead.

For the best view of the birds, follow the boardwalks along the main ‘gator pond and climb the three-story observation tower for a panorama of the ten acre breeding marsh and bird rookery.

Dad loved the train, of course. Debuting in 1965 as the Iron Horse, the little Gatorland Express circles the park, giving a different perspective on the animal enclosures.

You’ll also find a splash playground for the kids, and lots of optional “Experiences” like shadowing a trainer or wrestling an alligator, for an additional fee, the most wild of which is the Screamin’ Gator Zip Line over the alligator pens.

Explore More

Official Website