Flamingo Gardens - Davie (42 miles South)

Flamingo Gardens is a 60 acre Botanical Garden and Everglade Wildlife Sanctuary. 

The Flamingo Gardens botanical gardens in Fort Lauderdale, (Davie) Florida, features over 3000 species of rare & exotic, tropical, subtropical, and native plants and trees. Flamingo Gardens wildlife sanctuary is home to the largest collection of Florida native wildlife including alligators, bobcats, eagles, otters, panthers, peacock, and of course, flamingos!

​​Established in 1927, Flamingo Gardens is one of the oldest botanical gardens  and attractions in South Florida. Originally founded by Floyd L. and Jane Wray as an orange grove, the nonprofit botanical gardens is home to 18 “Champion” trees, the largest trees of their species, including the largest tree in Florida. Specialized botanical gardens, including a Butterfly and Hummingbird Garden, Croton Garden, and Bromeliad Garden dot the main Arboretum. 

​The centerpiece of the gardens is a natural hammock of 200 year-old Live Oaks dripping with species orchids and epiphytes. Here sits the historic Wray Home Museum, built in 1933 by Floyd L. and Jane Wray as a weekend retreat. It is the oldest residence in Broward County west of University Drive. The building was restored in 1991 to depict a typical South Florida country home of the 1930's.

Nestled in and around the gardens, the Everglades Wildlife Sanctuary is home to over 90 species of Florida native birds and animals, most of whom are permanently injured or non-releasable.The half-acre Free-flight Aviary boasts over 250 wading birds representing over 45 species, and the Bird of Prey Center houses one of the largest raptor collections in the United States. 

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Flamingo Gardens is owned and operated by the Floyd L. Wray Memorial Foundation, Inc. which was established in 1969 by Mrs. Wray in honor of her late husband. Her wish to preserve the core property for future generations and emphasize the flora, fauna, and history of the Florida Everglades is the core of Flamingo Gardens' mission still today.

Hours of operation: 7 days a week 9:30am - 5:00pm. Closed Thanksgiving and Christmas Days.

View Trip Map

Online Tickets $19.95

Alligators and Airboats ...sounds like fun!

From a Trip Advisor visitor:

"An airboat tour had been on my bucket list so I went to the park and had an enjoyable morning.

We brought bug repellent (which you MIGHT need when the boat is not moving). Some folks used it but there really were not that many flying insects.

As for the sights - be forewarned. Unless the gators are on dry land (and there isn't a lot of that), you generally only see their eyes and nose. It was interesting seeing them in so many shapes and sizes but the big ones were part of the show. We also had a good luck at turtles and some rather colorful birds. The little lady and I enjoyed the ride.

The airboats are comfortable but noisy - wear the earplugs they give you. My guide was pretty funny and made certain we had a good time.

After the tour, there is an alligator "show". No, the guide doesn't put his head in the gator's mouth but he does demonstrate how our perception of the alligator is skewed by what we see on TV. the gator's didn't really move all that much but I'm not certain I'd want to be standing in a gator pen with my back to some really big alligators like he did.

There is a photo opportunity where you get to hold a baby alligator for $3.

The gift shop has just what you would imagine. The restaurant was small and made even smaller when a bus pulled in. There are seats outdoors but it was at least 87 degrees when I was there. I had an ice cream cone and passed.


We got there around 8:15 am and by 12 we were on the road back to Miami. It was a nice time and worth the visit."



There are several places offering tours.
You may try Everglades Safari Park, family run since 1968. For a reasonable fee they offer a so-called  Eco-Adventure Tour that includes:

» 30-40 minute Airboat Ride
» Alligator Wildlife Nature Show &
» Jungle Trail, Observation Platform & Exhibits

Practical Tips:

Distance from Roseaire: 77 miles, about 1:30 hours ride. Map.

Combos: You can combine the excursion with one of the urban choices in Miami, like a Downtown Ride, Coral Gables or Wynnwood graffiti tour.