Zoo Miami

Zoo Miami’s entry fee is $25.95 (plus tax) for adults as of 2025. Children from 3 to 12 years old cost $21.95 (plus tax), and toddlers 2 and under enter for free. Seniors aged 65 and above enjoy a 25% discount on tickets when purchasing on-site with a valid ID.

The zoo is open every day of the year from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., with the last ticket sold at 4:00 p.m. (hours are slightly reduced on Thanksgiving Day, and on Christmas Day the gates open at noon). Tickets can be bought at the entrance or online in advance, and there are seasonal promotions too – for instance, in summer 2025 the zoo offered $15 admission on Mondays for online ticket purchases. Parking at Zoo Miami is free of charge, so you won’t need to worry about any extra cost for your car. We visited on 15 August 2025, and all the details were accurate as of that day.

A Tropical Wildlife Adventure

Stepping into Zoo Miami feels like embarking on a mini safari across multiple continents. With almost 750 acres of exhibits and 4 miles of walkways, the zoo is vast – it’s actually the largest zoo in Florida and the only tropical zoo in the continental United States. ( https://www.zoomiami.org )

You might wonder: are we gonna see all 3.000 animals in one day? Probably not, but we sure tried to hit the highlights among the more than 500 species on display.The exhibits are organized by region, so as we wandered through each zone it felt like we were globe-trotting: one moment we were face-to-face with African elephants and giraffes on the African Plains, and the next moment we found ourselves in the Asian River Life area watching a playful tiger cooling off in a pond. The open-air exhibit design definately made it feel more like a wild preserve than a traditional city zoo – barriers are often moats or low fences, giving you an immersive view of the animals in lush, naturalistic habitats.

A group of red flamingos

Zoo Miami

Female Asian elephant surrounded with green leaves. Photographed in Zoo Miami, South Florida.

We were particularly impressed by the Wings of Asia aviary, a giant free-flight dome where hundreds of exotic birds fluttered around us amidst waterfalls and bamboo groves. Stepping inside that aviary was like walking into a living rainforest – at one point a brilliantly colored parrot swooped just above our heads, much to our amazement. Another highlight for us was the giraffe feeding station in the African section: we got the chance to feed a giraffe some lettuce, and feeling its long dark tongue wrap around the food in our hand was an experience we won’t soon forget!

Throughout our visit, we noticed the animals were most active in the morning hours. By early afternoon, many had settled for a nap in the shade (can you blame them in the Miami heat?). Because of this, we recommend arriving right at 10 a.m. when the zoo opens, to catch creatures like the lions, jaguars, and rhinos when they’re up and about.

Galapagos Giant Tortoise (Chelonoidis nigra) eating grass, Miami, Florida, USA

Mother & Baby Gorilla

Visiting Zoo Miami is a full-day affair if you want to see everything without rushing. We spent about six hours there and still didn’t manage to see every exhibit – its impossible to cover such a large area in a hurry, especially if you stop to really watch the animals. One thing we appreciated was how easy the zoo made it to get around despite the size: if your feet get tired, you can hop on a guided tram tour or even rent a safari cycle, which is a fun pedal-powered cart that seats multiple people. We saw plenty of families pedaling those safari cycles along the paths, smiling and laughing as they explored. For families with young kids, there are also playgrounds and splash pad areas inside the zoo (like the Ocean Voyage splash zone in the Playworld Playground) – we paused at one of these so the little ones in our group could cool off under the sprinklers, which was a lifesaver on a hot afternoon. Also, keep in mind that South Florida’s sun can be intense; we suggest bringing a water bottle, wearing comfortable shoes and a hat, and applying sunscreen.

Lion cubs running to dad. Miami Metro zoo, south Florida.

Feeding giraffe in zoo.

Miami zoo, Florida.

In terms of history,Zoo Miami has roots dating back to 1948 (it was originally a small zoo in Crandon Park) and moved to its current expansive home in 1980. Walking through the modern Zoo Miami, we felt that rich legacy combined with modern wildlife conservation efforts – many exhibits include educational signs about habitat preservation, and the zoo participates in breeding programs for endangered species. There’s something inspiring about knowing you’re not only enjoying the day but also supporting a facility that helps protect animals around the world.

Nearby Attractions

After your zoo adventure, there’s more to explore around the area. Right next door to Zoo Miami is the Gold Coast Railroad Museum, a treat especially if you or your kids love trains. We headed there after leaving the zoo, and it was like stepping into a different kind of time capsule. The museum houses dozens of historic rail cars – we even climbed aboard a vintage Presidential railroad car that once transported a U.S. President, which was an unexpected thrill. Walking through those old train carriages, imagining the eras they came from, added a nice historical complement to our day of animal adventures. The Railroad Museum often offers short train rides on the weekends, letting visitors ride a little train around the property. It’s a laid-back visit that doesn’t take too long (we spent about an hour there), and it’s literally adjacent to the zoo parking lot, making it an easy addition to the itinerary.

When it comes to grabbing a bite or unwinding after the zoo, there are a few convenient options nearby. We decided to relax at a local restaurant called FreshCo Fish Market & Grill, just a short drive from the zoo, to recharge after our long day on our feet. It’s a casual seafood spot that’s popular with locals – we tried their grilled mahi-mahi and a basket of crispy conch fritters, and both were delicious (nothing hits the spot like fresh seafood after a day out in the Miami sun!).

For those craving something other than seafood, there are also family-friendly eateries along SW 152nd Street (the road leading to the zoo), including some familiar spots like Panera Bread and local Cuban cafés. If you’re in the mood for a sweet treat, you might swing by a nearby ice cream shop or café for a cold milkshake or a scoop of tropical-flavored ice cream – after hours of walking around in the heat, a little sugar boost felt well-deserved. We ended our day sitting under the shade of a palm in a small picnic area just outside the zoo entrance, savoring an ice-cold drink and reflecting on all the amazing sights we had seen. It was the perfect way to decompress and soak in the experience.

Visiting Zoo Miami is more than just seeing animals – it’s an immersive journey that combines education, adventure, and a taste of Miami’s unique environment. In our experience, the combination of the zoo, the nearby train museum, and some good local food made for a full and satisfying day. Whether you’re a family with kids, a couple looking for an outing, or a solo traveler keen on wildlife, Zoo Miami offers an experience we think every visitor will remember fondly.