Discover the “wild life” of wildlife in our great outdoors – deep dive to explore our underwater animal kingdom, paddle or kayak to catch a glimpse of some natural natives or hike through sanctuaries and preserves.

From the Florida Everglades and the Loxahatchee River to the Intracoastal Waterway and Atlantic Ocean, take a walk (or paddle or dive!) on the wild side with these animal attractions and experiences:

Arthur R. Marshall Loxahatchee National Wildlife Refuge – Boynton Beach, FL In this northern portion of the Everglades, paddle on a “river of grass” through native sawgrass marsh. This refuge is a local favorite for birding and for wildlife watching in this unique eco-system.

Busch Wildlife Sanctuary – Jupiter, FL The Busch Wildlife Sanctuary offers a one-of-a-kind opportunity to discover Florida’s native flora and fauna.  Take to the nature trails, which wind through pine flatwoods, oak hammocks and cypress wetlands.  Along the way spot native animals like alligators, eagles and maybe even a panther!

Gumbo Limbo Nature Center – Boca Raton, FL This cooperative project of the City of Boca Raton, Greater Boca Raton Beach and Park District, Florida Atlantic University (FAU), and Friends of Gumbo Limbo, hosts valuable environmental programs for all ages, as well as sea turtle-themed activities and events. Programs include sea turtle summer camps, turtle walks, hatchling release observations and free outdoor marine feedings.

John D. Macarthur Beach State Park – North Palm Beach, FL Paddle around the estuary or under Burnt Bridge into Lake Worth Lagoon. See manatees, dolphins, mullet, snook, rays, and abundant birdlife.

Lion Country Safari – West Palm Beach, FL See more than 900 wild animals, such as lions, giraffe, zebras, ostrich and rhinos, in this South Florida Safari. Witness large free-roaming herds of animals from six continents from inside an enclosed vehicle. After taking the four-mile drive-through safari, explore Safari World Amusement Park with rides, animal shows, giraffe and bird encounters, a water sprayground with waterslides as well as dozens of animal exhibits.  

Loggerhead Marinelife Center – Juno Beach, FL Loggerhead Marinelife Center is an ocean conservation organization and sea turtle hospital located adjacent to Juno Beach, one of the most important sea turtle nesting beaches in the world. The Center serves as a sea turtle rehabilitation hospital, with staff leading specialty tours to see these gentle giants coming to nest between April and October each year.  

McCarthy’s Wildlife Sanctuary – West Palm Beach, FL McCarthy’s Wildlife Sanctuary has treated hundreds of native animals that were sick or injured. From foxes and bobcats, to sandhill cranes to pelicans, local wildlife has received veterinarian care by staff and then released back into their native habitat. Guided tours of the Sanctuary are available by reservation only. Children must be age five and over.

Palm Beach Zoo & Conservation Society – West Palm Beach, FL The Zoo houses over 500 animals from Florida, North, South and Central America, Australia, and Madagascar, within 23-acres of lush tropical habitat. See many exotic animals from Malayan tigers, anteaters, and capybaras, to aldabra tortoises and even an albino alligator.

Panther Ridge Conservation – West Palm Beach, FL Panther Ridge’s custom-built facilities provide its resident cats with native-like habitats. Guided tours are available by appointment.