A citrus orchard turned conservation treasure, Flamingo Gardens in Davie, Florida has been quietly dazzling visitors since 1927 — making it one of the oldest botanical gardens and family attractions in all of South Florida. Founded by Floyd and Jane Wray as a citrus orchard originally called Flamingo Groves, what began as a humble agricultural venture has since blossomed into something far grander. Today, once inside the gates, you’re transported to a stunning 60-acre tropical oasis filled with roaming peacocks, native Florida wildlife, and more than 3,000 plant species — all managed by a nonprofit organization committed to preserving endangered and injured animals in naturalistic habitats.
Flamingo Gardens serves as the premier Everglades Learning Center and South Florida Wildlife and Botanical Sanctuary, striking a rare balance between lush horticultural beauty and genuine wildlife rescue. Whether you’re a nature enthusiast, a family with young kids, or just someone looking for a refreshing break from the beach crowds, this place delivers something genuinely special.
Highlights & Must-See Experiences
Hand-Feeding the Flamingos — Without a doubt, the flamingo lagoon is the crown jewel of the entire property. The bird habitats are a treat throughout the gardens, but the flamingo lagoon stands apart — with over 40 flamingos gathered together, you can actually feed them right out of your hand, and that alone makes the visit unforgettable. Bird food can be purchased at the ticket counter, and the hands-on interaction with these vibrantly pink, prehistoric-looking birds is the kind of memory that sticks with you long after you leave.
The Narrated Tram Tour — Don’t skip the tram. Visitors can enjoy a narrated tram ride that takes them through the site’s tropical rainforest, native hammock, wetland areas, and exotic flora — offering a unique opportunity to explore the gardens and learn about the various plant species and ecosystems present. The one-mile paved loop path takes you to the back of the park, leading to a scenic landscape featuring fruit trees and a cypress swamp. The tram runs every 30 minutes, making it easy to hop on at your convenience.
The Everglades Wildlife Sanctuary — The Everglades Wildlife Sanctuary is home to permanently injured, non-releasable animals and hosts the largest collection of Florida native wildlife, including alligators, bobcats, panthers, otters, eagles, and flamingos. The animals here are ones that have been injured and would not survive in the wild, or have been “imprinted” by humans — making this place genuinely different from a traditional zoo. It gives the whole experience a meaningful, conservation-minded depth that resonates with visitors of all ages.
The River Otter Habitat — Flamingo Gardens also features one of the nation’s largest free-flight aviaries and a leading River Otter breeding program. The otter habitat in particular tends to be a crowd favorite, especially with younger visitors who can’t get enough of the playful, acrobatic antics on display.
The Wray Botanical Collection & Champion Trees — The Wray Botanical Collection and Arboretum spans the full 60 acres with over 3,000 species of rare, exotic, and native plants, and houses 23 Florida Forest Service–designated “Champion” trees, including the state’s largest single-trunk tree. The gardens are home to more than 3,000 species of tropical and subtropical plants, including 200-year-old Southern live oaks and over 300 species of palms.
Wildlife Encounter Shows & the Butterfly Conservatory — Flamingo Gardens offers free daily Wildlife Encounter Shows at 11:30 a.m., 1:30 p.m., and 3:30 p.m., weather permitting. These engaging live presentations bring out reptiles and birds up close, often getting kids in the audience directly involved. The butterfly sanctuary is widely described as peaceful and colorful, rounding out a diverse and well-paced visit.
The Historic Wray Home Museum — During your visit, you can also tour the Wray Home Museum — a restored house built in 1933 and one of the oldest residences in Broward County, offering an accurate depiction of life in South Florida in the 1930s and displaying family portraits of the original owners, Floyd and Jane Wray. Admission to the museum is included in your Flamingo Gardens ticket.
Atmosphere & Setting
Flamingo Gardens is lushly landscaped with tropical and native plants and trees that carpet the grounds with shade, with criss-crossing paved paths along exhibits and open green space under a canopy of mature oak trees. The overall feeling is one of cool, leafy seclusion — surprisingly tranquil given how close you are to Fort Lauderdale’s bustle.
Peacocks freely roam the grounds, and a natural rookery brings in native birds — lending the property a wonderfully untamed, living quality that sets it apart from more polished, commercial attractions. The shaded pathways and gentle sounds of wildlife make every stroll feel like a genuine nature immersion. Most attractions are outdoors, though there is an air-conditioned gallery with special art exhibits that change seasonally.
The first stop after the entrance gift shop is the arboretum — a collection of towering Florida Champion trees, plus hundreds of native and exotic trees intertwined with paved paths, a small stream, ground orchids, a pond, and a waterfall. It sets a gorgeous, immersive tone right from the start that carries throughout your entire visit.
Other Considerations
What does admission cost? Admission ranges from $17 for kids ages 3 to 11, to $24 for visitors 12 and older, with children 2 and younger admitted free. For an even more up-close experience, special Encounter tickets offer personal interactions with flamingos or reptiles for $55. A small number of visitors feel some of the animal enclosures could be larger, and some families find the general admission price a touch high — though most agree the sheer variety of experiences included makes it worthwhile.
When is the best time to visit? The morning is the best time to visit if you want the gardens to yourself — perfect for a tranquil stroll through the tropical landscape or to have the sea otter exhibit all to yourself. Visitors heading out during summer months should be aware that the walking paths can get hot, so bringing water and sun protection is a smart move.
Is parking free? Complimentary on-site parking is available every day, which is always a welcome perk. The gardens are open seven days a week from 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., with last entry at 4 p.m.
Is it good for kids and families? Flamingo Gardens is highly family-friendly, with engaging activities, wildlife encounters, and safe walking paths ideal for kids. The combination of live animals, interactive feeding, and colorful gardens keeps children thoroughly captivated. The park is also wheelchair accessible, including paved walkways, restrooms, and the tram tour for inclusive access throughout.
Any dining options on-site? Visitors can grab sandwiches, snacks, hot dogs, and more at the Flamingo Cafe, which overlooks the flamingo pond. The Tropical Marketplace also offers fruit smoothies, old-fashioned candies and sodas, homemade sandwiches, jams, and pies. The food options are casual and convenient — perfectly suited for a laid-back day outdoors, though don’t expect a gourmet dining experience.
Flamingo Gardens
📍 3750 S Flamingo Rd, Davie, FL 33330
Website: https://flamingogardens.org
