Nature & Natural History Museums in Florida

Gatorland, located in Florida, is a 110-acre theme park and wildlife preserve. It was established in 1949 by Owen Godwin and remains privately owned by his family. The park is home to a variety of attractions and wildlife, making it a unique destination for tourists.

SeaWorld Orlando is a unique combination of a theme park and marine zoological park. It is situated in Unincorporated Orange County, Florida, close to Orlando. This location makes it easily accessible for tourists visiting the Orlando area. The park offers a variety of attractions, including rides, animal exhibits, and live shows, providing a fun and educational experience for visitors of all ages.

Lion Country Safari offers a unique experience where visitors can observe wildlife from the comfort of their own vehicles. This safari-like zoo is conveniently located near Loxahatchee Groves in Palm Beach County, Florida, making it an accessible destination for tourists in the area.

Flamingo Gardens is a botanical garden and wildlife sanctuary that spans 60 acres. It is situated in Davie, Florida, United States. This tropical oasis is home to a diverse range of flora and fauna, making it a unique destination for nature lovers. The gardens are open to the public for a fee.

The Miami Beach Botanical Garden, founded in 1962, is a 2.6-acre urban green space located in Miami Beach, Florida. This lush oasis offers a tranquil escape from the bustling city and is a testament to the city's commitment to preserving and showcasing its natural beauty.

Zoo Miami, also known as Miami-Dade Zoological Park and Gardens, is a prominent zoo located in the city of Miami in South Florida, USA. It is a member of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) and is home to more than 3,000 animals representing over 500 different species. The zoo's history dates back to 1948 when the first animal exhibitions began at the then Crandon Park Zoo on Key Biscayne Island off the coast of Miami.

The Florida Aquarium spans an area of nearly 2,300 square meters and is home to nearly 20,000 aquatic plants and animals. These species are not only native to Florida but also come from various parts of the world. This diversity offers visitors a chance to learn about and appreciate the rich biodiversity of aquatic life.

The Key West Lighthouse, situated in Key West, Florida, boasts a rich history dating back to 1825. The original lighthouse was a 65-foot tower, a testament to the architectural prowess of the era.

Take an airboat tour through the Everglades and see alligators, snakes, exotic parrots and plenty of other rare animals!

The Fountain of Youth Archaeological Park is a privately owned park that spans 15 acres. It is located in St. Augustine, Florida, along Hospital Creek, which is part of the Intracoastal Waterway. This location offers a unique blend of natural beauty and historical significance, making it an interesting destination for tourists.

The Martello Gallery-Key West Art and Historical Museum, also known as the East Martello Tower, is a historic site situated at 3501 South Roosevelt Boulevard in Key West, Florida. This location is steeped in history and offers a unique insight into the past of the region.

The Key West Butterfly and Nature Conservatory is a unique butterfly zoo situated on Duval Street in Key West, Florida. This location offers visitors the opportunity to experience a diverse range of butterfly species in a controlled environment.

Zoo Tampa, originally known as Lowry Park Zoo, has a rich history dating back to 1930. Located in Tampa, Florida, the zoo has grown from a small collection of native animals to a large, modern facility that houses a diverse range of species. The zoo's name was changed to ZooTampa at Lowry Park in 2018, reflecting its evolution and growth over the years.

The Kampong, located in the Coconut Grove neighborhood of Miami, Florida, is a 9-acre botanical garden that welcomes visitors from Tuesday through Friday. However, it's important to note that visits must be booked in advance. This lush garden is part of the non-profit National Tropical Botanical Garden and offers a unique opportunity to explore a diverse range of plant species in a tranquil setting.

The Audubon House & Tropical Gardens is a historic site located at 205 Whitehead Street in Key West, Florida. This location is easily accessible and offers a unique experience for visitors interested in history, nature, and art.

The Key West Botanical Forest and Garden is a botanical garden and arboretum that spans 11 acres. It is located in Key West, Florida, in the United States. This lush, green space is a haven for nature lovers and those interested in botany. It offers a unique opportunity to explore a variety of plant species in a tropical setting.

The Tampa Bay History Center is a renowned history museum located in Tampa, Florida. It has been accredited by the American Alliance of Museums, a recognition that signifies its commitment to excellence, accountability, high professional standards, and continued institutional improvement. Additionally, the museum is a Smithsonian Affiliate, which means it has access to the Smithsonian Institution's resources, including its collections and educational programs.

The Norton House, located at 253 Barcelona Road in West Palm Beach, Florida, is a historic home that forms part of the Ann Norton Sculpture Gardens. This location is steeped in history and offers a unique insight into the life and work of Ann Weaver Norton.

The St. Augustine Alligator Farm Zoological Park, opened on May 20, 1893, is one of Florida's oldest continuously running attractions. This historic park has been a staple of Florida's tourism industry for over a century, offering visitors a unique opportunity to explore a diverse range of wildlife in a well-preserved and engaging environment.

The Naples Zoo, also known as Naples Zoo at Caribbean Gardens, is a 43-acre zoo and historic botanical garden. The zoo is home to about 70 species, although not all of these are on display at any given time. The main path is about a mile long and winds past the main animal exhibits through the tropical garden first planted in 1919. The zoo is nationally accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA), and is an institutional member of the American Association of Zoo Keepers (AAZK).

Big Cat Rescue Corp., also known as BCR, is an animal sanctuary located in Hillsborough County, Florida, United States. The sanctuary is dedicated to the rescue and housing of exotic cats, as well as the rehabilitation of injured or orphaned native wild cats. This provides a unique opportunity for visitors to learn about and interact with a variety of exotic and native cat species in a safe and controlled environment.

The Key West Aquarium, located in Key West, Florida, is the only public aquarium in the area. This unique feature makes it a notable destination for tourists interested in marine life and aquatic exhibits.

The St. Augustine Aquarium, which opened its doors in 2016, is situated at 2045 Fl-16, St. Augustine, Florida. This public aquarium is a popular destination for tourists and locals alike, offering a unique opportunity to explore marine life.

The Florida Museum of Natural History is the official natural history museum of the state, sponsored and funded by the Florida government. This means that it is a significant institution in the state, offering a wealth of knowledge and exhibits on natural history. Visitors can expect to see a wide range of exhibits, from fossils to flora and fauna, all under one roof.

The Central Florida Zoo and Botanical Gardens is a sprawling 116-acre zoo and botanical garden located in Sanford, just north of Orlando, Florida. This expansive location offers a wide variety of wildlife and plant life for visitors to explore and enjoy.

The Morikami Museum and Japanese Gardens is a hub for Japanese arts and culture. It is situated to the west of Delray Beach in Palm Beach County, Florida, United States. This location offers a unique opportunity to immerse oneself in Japanese culture without leaving the United States.

The Tallahassee Museum is situated on a 52-acre property between Lakes Bradford and Hiawatha in Leon County, Florida. The museum was relocated to this scenic location in 1962, providing visitors with a beautiful natural backdrop for their visit.

The Gulf Breeze Zoo, located in Woodlawn Beach, Florida, is a sprawling 50-acre zoo that is home to over 900 exotic animals. Visitors can expect to see a wide variety of species, including rhinos, hippos, Western lowland gorillas, and orangutans. The zoo provides an opportunity to get up close and personal with these magnificent creatures, making it a unique and memorable experience for all ages.

The Marie Selby Botanical Gardens is a botanical garden that spans across 15 acres. It is located at 900 South Palm Avenue in Sarasota, Florida. This location is easily accessible and offers a vast space for visitors to explore and enjoy the beauty of various plant species.

The Naples Botanical Garden is a sprawling 160-acre botanical garden situated in Naples, Florida. This expansive garden is home to a diverse range of flora and fauna, making it a perfect destination for nature lovers and botany enthusiasts. The garden's location in Naples, a city known for its rich history and vibrant culture, adds to its appeal for tourists.

Take your children to the only planetarium in the area and learn about the history of the universe together.

The Santa Fe College Teaching Zoo, located on the main campus of Santa Fe College in Gainesville, Florida, spans across 10 acres. This unique facility is not just a zoo, but also a training ground for future zookeepers. It's a place where visitors can observe a variety of animals while also learning about the important work that goes into their care and conservation.

Brevard Zoo is situated in the city of Melbourne, in the eastern part of Florida, United States. It is approximately 60 kilometers northwest of Orlando. This location makes it easily accessible for tourists visiting Florida, especially those staying in or around Orlando.

The Silver River Museum and Environmental Education Center is a nature-focused institution located within the Silver Springs State Park in Silver Springs, Florida, near the city of Ocala. The museum is named after the Silver River, which flows through the park, providing a unique natural setting for visitors. The museum is operated by Marion County Public Schools in cooperation with the Florida Park Service, and hosts a variety of educational events.

The Gillespie Museum is situated in DeLand, Florida, within the premises of Stetson University. This location makes it easily accessible for visitors who are already exploring the university or those who are in the vicinity of DeLand.

The Museum of Florida History, located in Tallahassee, is the official history museum of the U.S. state of Florida. It houses a wide range of exhibits and artifacts that cover the history and prehistory of the state. The museum provides a comprehensive overview of Florida's past, making it an informative destination for those interested in learning more about the state's history.

The Brevard Museum of History & Natural Science is situated at 2201 Michigan Avenue, Cocoa, Florida. This location is easily accessible and provides a convenient starting point for your exploration of the region's history and natural science.

The South Florida Museum, situated in Bradenton, Florida, is a unique institution that focuses on the natural and cultural history of the Florida Gulf Coast. This museum offers a comprehensive view of Florida's history, from prehistoric times to the present day. It provides an opportunity for visitors to delve into the rich and diverse history of the region, exploring the various aspects of its natural and cultural heritage.

The Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden is a sprawling 33-hectare arboretum and botanical garden situated in Coral Gables, Florida. It is home to a vast collection of exotic tropical plants, palms, cycads, flowering trees, and vines. The garden is a member of the Botanic Gardens Conservation International (BGCI) and is dedicated to the International Agenda for Conservation in Botanic Gardens.

We are the largest interactive historical museum in the U.S., occupying more than 5,000 square feet, with over 100 unique implements and devices on display. Enter the minds of fanatics, madmen, and murderers, and discover the world’s most detailed collection of confinement and torture devices. We be

The Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens is a unique blend of a botanical garden and a zoo, situated in the northern part of Florida, USA. This location offers a diverse range of flora and fauna, making it an ideal destination for nature lovers and wildlife enthusiasts. The zoo is home to a variety of animals, while the garden showcases a wide array of plant species from all continents.

This museum nicely recapitulates the maritime history of South Florida. Perfect for families with inquisitive kids.

The Florida Oceanographic Coastal Center is a marine life nature center that spans 57 acres. It is located on Hutchinson Island in Stuart, Florida, nestled between the Indian River and the Atlantic Ocean. The center provides a unique opportunity to explore and learn about the diverse marine life and ecosystems of the region.