The best zoos and aquariums in Florida, according to visitors

Whether you’re looking to occupy the kids for a day or take that special someone out on a date, zoos and aquariums can serve as great outings for all ages.

As of September 2023, the Association of Zoos and Aquariums reports that there are 213 AZA-accredited zoos and aquariums in the United States, which see about 183 million visitors each year. Though zoos and aquariums have often been maligned for keeping animals in captivity, AZA-accredited facilities provide much more than a chance to ogle caged lions or fish in a tank. Visiting one may afford you a valuable opportunity to help your favorite wild animals.

AZA-accredited zoos and aquariums are committed to promoting species conservation and animal welfare, prioritizing caring for endangered animals and funding initiatives to preserve natural habitats like savannas and rainforests. Buying an entrance ticket (and maybe a souvenir or two) can help support ecological conservation efforts both inside and outside the zoo or aquarium, so you can enjoy your visit knowing that your purchases are going to good use.

Besides showcasing exotic species from faraway locations, zoos and aquariums also often feature restaurants and concession stands, educational programs, and unique activities, making them a great choice for a fun day out.

Of course, certain zoos and aquariums are better than others, standing out among the ranks thanks to their exhibits, high-quality dining options, increased accessibility, and more. To help you plan your next trip, Stacker compiled a list of the best zoos and aquariums in Florida, according to Tripadvisor. Tripadvisor ranks businesses using a combination of metrics, including overall rating, reviews, and number of page views. As a result, a business with a 5/5 overall rating might rank lower than one with a 4/5. Data is as of February 2024. Zoos and aquariums that are AZA-accredited are noted accordingly.

Note: The photos in this article are stock images and do not depict the zoos or aquariums listed.

#30. Miami Seaquarium

- Rating: 3.5/5 (4,542 reviews) - Address: 4400 Rickenbacker Cswy Miami, Florida - Read more on Tripadvisor

#29. Horse Power for Kids & Animal Sanctuary

- Rating: 5/5 (253 reviews) - Address: 8005 Race Track Road Tampa, Florida - Read more on Tripadvisor

#28. The Gulf Breeze ZOO

- Rating: 4.5/5 (771 reviews) - Address: 5701 Gulf Breeze Pkwy Gulf Breeze, Florida - Read more on Tripadvisor

#27. Marine Science Center

- Rating: 4.5/5 (960 reviews) - Read more on Tripadvisor

#26. Sarasota Jungle Gardens

- Rating: 4/5 (1,392 reviews) - Read more on Tripadvisor

#25. Gulfarium Marine Adventure Park

- Rating: 4/5 (1,605 reviews) - Address: 1010 Miracle Strip Pkwy Southeast Fort Walton Beach, Florida - Read more on Tripadvisor

#24. ZooWorld Zoological Conservatory

- Rating: 4/5 (848 reviews) - Read more on Tripadvisor

#23. Florida Keys Eco-Discovery Center

- Rating: 4.5/5 (1,428 reviews) - Read more on Tripadvisor

#22. Florida Oceanographic Coastal Center

- Rating: 4.5/5 (722 reviews) - Address: 890 Northeast Ocean Blvd. Stuart, Florida - Read more on Tripadvisor

#21. Palm Beach Zoo & Conservation Society

- Rating: 4.5/5 (1,156 reviews) - Address: 1301 Summit Blvd. West Palm Beach, Florida - Read more on Tripadvisor

#20. Busch Wildlife Sanctuary at Abramson & Schlaggar Reserve

- Rating: 4.5/5 (779 reviews) - Address: 17855 Rocky Pines Road Jupiter, Florida - Read more on Tripadvisor

#19. Exotic Animal Experience

- Rating: 5/5 (413 reviews) - Read more on Tripadvisor

#18. Island Dolphin Care

- Rating: 5/5 (376 reviews) - Read more on Tripadvisor

#17. Gulf World Marine Park

- Rating: 4.5/5 (2,575 reviews) - Read more on Tripadvisor

#16. Naples Zoo at Caribbean Gardens

- Rating: 4.5/5 (3,707 reviews) - Address: 1590 Goodlette Road North Naples, Florida - Read more on Tripadvisor

#15. Florida Keys Aquarium Encounters

- Rating: 4.5/5 (1,166 reviews) - Read more on Tripadvisor

#14. SEA LIFE Orlando Aquarium

- Rating: 4/5 (2,410 reviews) - AZA accredited - Read more on Tripadvisor

#13. Peace River Wildlife Center

- Rating: 4.5/5 (1,056 reviews) - Address: 3400 Ponce de Leon Pkwy Punta Gorda, Florida - Read more on Tripadvisor

#12. Big Cat Habitat and Gulf Coast Sanctuary

- Rating: 4.5/5 (1,464 reviews) - Read more on Tripadvisor

#11. Lion Country Safari

- Rating: 4.5/5 (1,950 reviews) - AZA accredited - Read more on Tripadvisor

#10. Jacksonville Zoo & Gardens

- Rating: 4.5/5 (3,283 reviews) - Address: 370 Zoo Pkwy Jacksonville, Florida - Read more on Tripadvisor

#9. Brevard Zoo

- Rating: 4.5/5 (2,611 reviews) - AZA accredited - Address: 8225 North Wickham Road Melbourne, Florida - Read more on Tripadvisor

#8. Clearwater Marine Aquarium

- Rating: 4/5 (8,028 reviews) - Address: 249 Windward Passage Clearwater, Florida - Read more on Tripadvisor

#7. ZooTampa at Lowry Park

- Rating: 4.5/5 (4,089 reviews) - AZA accredited - Address: 1101 West Sligh Ave. Tampa, Florida - Read more on Tripadvisor

#6. The Florida Aquarium

- Rating: 4/5 (5,776 reviews) - Address: 701 Channelside Drive Tampa, Florida - Read more on Tripadvisor

#5. Zoo Miami

- Rating: 4.5/5 (4,855 reviews) - AZA accredited - Address: 12400 Southwest 152nd St. Miami, Florida - Read more on Tripadvisor

#4. Zoological Wildlife Foundation

- Rating: 4.5/5 (2,078 reviews) - Address: 16225 Southwest 172 Ave. Miami, Florida - Read more on Tripadvisor

#3. Mote Marine Laboratory & Aquarium

- Rating: 4.5/5 (4,412 reviews) - Read more on Tripadvisor

#2. St. Augustine Wild Reserve

- Rating: 5/5 (2,280 reviews) - Read more on Tripadvisor

#1. McCarthy's Wildlife

- Rating: 5/5 (3,522 reviews) - Address: 12943 61st St. North West Palm Beach, Florida - Read more on Tripadvisor

This story features data reporting by Karim Noorani, writing by Cu Fleshman, and is part of a series utilizing data automation across 48 states.