Zoo Miami

Zoo Miami (officially Miami-Dade Zoological Park and Gardens) is the largest and oldest zoo in Florida and the only tropical zoo in the continental United States. Its 750-acre campus in southern Miami-Dade County houses over 3,000 animals in open-air habitats that take advantage of Miami's subtropical climate.

The tropical setting is Zoo Miami's key differentiator. Animals from tropical regions around the world -- African elephants, Asian tigers, gorillas, orangutans, and hundreds of bird species -- live in climates that closely match their native environments. This allows for more natural habitats and more active animals compared to zoos in colder climates where tropical species spend months indoors.

The zoo's exhibits are organized geographically -- Africa, Asia, Amazon and Beyond, and Florida: Mission Everglades. The Africa section is the largest, with expansive savanna habitats where giraffes, zebras, ostriches, and antelope share space. The Asia exhibit features tigers, orangutans, and Komodo dragons. Amazon and Beyond showcases jaguars, giant river otters, and tropical birds.

Florida: Mission Everglades is unique to Zoo Miami and connects the zoo experience to the nearby Everglades ecosystem. A boardwalk winds through a recreated Florida habitat with American crocodiles, Florida panthers, black bears, bald eagles, and native wading birds. For families who can't make it to the actual Everglades, this exhibit provides a faithful representation.

Practical considerations: Zoo Miami is entirely outdoors, so weather matters enormously. October through March provides comfortable temperatures (70s-80s F) for walking the extensive grounds. Summer visits require extreme heat management -- start early, use the monorail, and take breaks at the splash playground.

The monorail (included in admission) covers the entire zoo and is essential for families with young children or anyone wanting to avoid walking the full 750 acres.

The zoo offers several premium experiences including giraffe feeding ($7), camel rides, and keeper-led animal encounters. The giraffe feeding platform puts visitors at eye level with the giraffes -- the experience of a giraffe's 18-inch tongue wrapping around food in your hand is unforgettable for kids.