Dave, I’m so happy that you found this article to be helpful. Honey Island Swamp Tours, out of Slidell, is a good choice. Your email address will not be published. Also, feel free to check out my other alligator-related blog posts, such as: Amazing Wildlife Interactions You Can Observe in Florida — Alligators Courting & Mating. I actually saw a random visitor pick up a juvenile alligator at Boyd Hill Nature Preserve before, and I was livid. More than one cheesy movie set in New Orleans has given people the idea that it's a normal occurrence for dogs to be eaten by alligators on morning walks, or that the snapping crocodilians stalk the darkest corners of preschool playgrounds. A 12-foot alligator was spotted at Lake Jackson's Rhoden Cove. Enjoy! A few smaller ones around 3 to 4 feet too. It’s a beautiful park to enjoy. As I mentioned, I love this trail, but it’s not the BEST place to see a gator up close. Just got back from Lettuce Lake Park and saw an 8 to 10 foot gator. If you'd rather see wildlife from a hiking trail, you can drive out to the Barataria Preserve at the Jean Lafitte National Historical Park. Welcome to Alligator Alley. Turtles, snakes and fish. We have reviews of the best places to see in Canyon Lake. Alligator Attraction At Alligator Attraction-Wildlife Learning Center, guest are able to create their own experience. On a delightful end-of-winter Florida day, the water is still a little cool but the air is … Alligators aren’t typically aggressive towards humans unless they are accustomed to being fed by people or are protecting their territories/babies. It has 38 alligators in two enclosed areas for visitors to see. Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window), Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window). Great American Country shows you the best places to spot gators in America, from the Florida Everglades to the South Carolina barrier islands to the Louisiana bayou. If you'd like to see them, wander the lagoons for a bit (stick to the slightly wilder areas North of I-610) and keep your eyes open. These pictures are amazing! See alligators in Louisiana. This is a narrow trail between Lake Hancock and a cypress swamp, which means there are countless alligators on both sides of the trail. Alligator Alley. You will love it there! In fact, the odds are actually pretty good that you won't see a gator, but it's still a gorgeous place to take a walk. If you’ve seen the viral photos of a seriously giant gator crossing a trail or the one of an enormous alligator with a smaller alligator in its mouth, then you might already be familiar with Circle B Bar Reserve. Summerdale, AL 36580. The reserve is a dream for us wildlife lovers. Top Places to Visit in Port Saint Lucie, Florida: See Tripadvisor's 29,198 traveller reviews and photos of Port Saint Lucie attractions. Hi, Len! This park is my number one recommendation for those who have limited mobility or are in a wheelchair or stroller, as you don’t have to hike down a trail to see an alligator. Thank you so much for your blog. I’m so happy you enjoyed Lettuce Lake and spotted all kinds of wildlife! This property is hands down one of the best places to spot gators, eagles, and countless other animals in this part of the state. I’ve visited Myakka River State Park countless times throughout all seasons, and I think there has only been one experience where I wasn’t able to spot a gator. As the saying goes, “Give them room, use your zoom.”. In this article you'll find tips for gator spotting and even a list of places to hold an alligator… Luckily, there are a number of places you can hang out with crocodilians without having to travel too far. I’ve often seen both large gators and tiny baby alligators at this park. Thanks so much, Nina! See Alligators on Louisiana Swamp Tours Louisiana's alligator population tops that of all other states combined, so opportunities abound to marvel at these fierce, inquisitive creatures. An extensive network of trails lets you get up (relatively) close and personal with gators and other cool local animals. Hi, Mark! … Take an Airboat Ride Southern … There are wide trails and boardwalks to enjoy. She has a background in tourism marketing and has written for TripSavvy since 2011. Alligators and crocodiles are similar in appearance, but exhibit a number of differences. The population of gators at this park is very, very healthy, and these crocodilians do hang out close to the trails, so pets are not allowed at this reserve. You can see alligators at both the Audubon Zoo and the Audubon Aquarium of the Americas. Some wildlife experts say that one of the best places to see American alligators in the Everglades is The Shark Valley entrance located on U.S. 41 Tamiami Trail in Miami. Here, you … The only place within the New Orleans city limits that you have a good chance of seeing an alligator is in City Park, where alligators can be seen lurking in the numerous lagoons and waterways. If you ever see one in the wild, it is strongly suggested that you stay 60-feet away from them. We are home to a little over 180 animals including 4 species of crocodilians, tortoises, … 19950 County Rd. Naples Zoo at Caribbean Gardens is located off Goodlette-Frank Road. The only place within the New Orleans city limits that you have a good chance of seeing an alligator is in City Park, where alligators can be seen lurking in the numerous lagoons and waterways. I found your site and looked for the closest one near where I’m staying. Don’t be surprised if your airboat captains point out multiple gators swimming right near … I really enjoyed it, and its peace and quiet!!! If you’re back around the area in late October or November, I highly suggest visiting the park again and enjoying some fall foliage and cooler temps. Truthfully, I’m sure they were there — I just wasn’t patient enough to see them. Here's a Map of All the Surprising Places Alligators Have Appeared Over the Past Year If you live in a landlocked state and think your only chance of seeing an alligator is at a zoo, think again. If you have any questions about the area or want any specific recommendations, feel free to reach out! Amazing Wildlife Interactions You Can Observe in Florida — Alligators Courting & Mating. If you're there on a Saturday you may even … There are definitely no guarantees, though. The best place to see alligators in Florida is the Everglades, and a tour puts you front and center with them – literally. Boyd Hill, Sawgrass Lake, and Lettuce Lake are very popular parks for families with kids. If you want to see a unique type of alligator, the Audubon Zoo and the Aquarium of the Americas shelters large, white alligators and that can’t be seen in the wild. 71. Our Hands … If you really want to see gators in the wild, your best bet is to get out of town for a bit and either take a swamp boat tour or visit a nature preserve. 251-946-BITE (2483) Email [email protected] See over 450 alligators from hatchlings to mature … Visit top-rated & must-see attractions. Alligators are dark-colored with a broad, rounded snout and are usually found in fresh water. However, one of the largest and most startling animals in Arkansas is the alligator. Alligators can mostly be found in the territory of south-east Texas. The Rapids Trail at Hillsborough River State Park in Tampa is one of my all-time favorite trails in the area. If you are visiting Destin or Miramar Beach are in the mood for a safe Alligator Adventure, we do have the place … Watch the Florida … Never feed alligators or try to pet/handle them. Be aware that they like to be in the open sunning near lagoons or lakes during the winter months and crawl around mating in May. The first is Overlook Park, which has a killer boardwalk that takes you onto Lake Jessup and puts you right near the alligators. Required fields are marked *. St. Augustine is such an awesome place. Start your guided adventure with a walk to the elevated viewing platform, where you can see over 200 alligators now from hatchlings to mature adults, relaxing, sunbathing, … Your best shot of seeing a gator, especially a large one, is at a bridge you’ll cross after entering the park. Everglades Alligator Farm. I’ve seen plenty of juvenile and adult gators at Lettuce Lake Park in Tampa. The 10-foot gator sunning itself in Lake Cypress seems oblivious to the airboat and its seven passengers just two feet away. It’s a great choice for those who are okay seeing an alligator from a distance. I’ve been reading up on all your St. Augustine and other Florida posts! It’s common to see an adult gator in the water, on a log, or on the bank across the river. Are any of these places suitable to take small children? Everglades Wonder Gardens is home to one of Florida's oldest creatures. According to WOAI, Ashley Sutton, an anchor for the TV station, said her aunt and uncle discovered the large reptile outside their home near Calaveras Lake in San Antonio. It’s well worth going. Then there’s the St. Augustine Alligator Farm Zoological Park where brave souls can zip line over alligators and crocodiles, and Gatorama in Palmdale, east of Lake Okeechobee. I even got up at 5am and went back the next day and it was like a whole other place. They're an eco-tour company, founded by an ecologist, and they use low-wake boats which don't disrupt the wildlife. Guides are experienced at finding gators in the wild, so spotting some is, though not guaranteed, very likely.Â, Cajun Pride Swamp Tours is another popular alternative. (Of course, I told the staff about him.) According to WOAI, Ashley Sutton, an anchor for the TV station, said her aunt and uncle discovered the large reptile outside their home near Calaveras Lake in San Antonio. This place is known as South Florida’s oldest alligator farms. Hillsborough River State Park The Rapids Trail at Hillsborough River State Park in Tampa is one of … See all outdoor activities in … Hangar's Beach. The north side lake, however, isn't the only place to spot the reptiles. The bigger gators are often seen near the observation tower along the boardwalk. I’ve spotted large gators as well as tiny ones throughout my numerous visits. If you want up-close photos of these animals, it’s wise to invest in a tele lens for your camera. Hightower Beach Park. Your email address will not be published. Seagull Park. 🙂. Florida is home to some of the most unique and interesting animal species, and Alligator & Wildlife Discovery Center is the ultimate destination to meet these species up close and personal. Once upon a time, a good part of what is now New Orleans was covered in dense, marshy wetlands, and as such, was most certainly populated by alligators. In fact, both locations currently house a pair of the Institute's famous white alligators, which are particularly interesting to see and not likely to be seen in the wild. You were right, Circle B is absolutely amazing! Hikers can walk the Alligator Alley Trail. With its antediluvian palmettos, teeming sloughs and oxbow lakes, and mighty live oaks, a trip to Brazos Bend can feel like time-travel to the Cretaceous Period. 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