- McCarthy’s Wildlife Sanctuary tops the list with 96.39% of reviews rated as ‘excellent.’
- Zoological Wildlife Foundation is praised for its exotic encounters and ‘worth the money’ experiences.
- Brevard Zoo impresses families with immersive exhibits and a 70.45% excellent rating.
A new study by Westgate Palace Hotel at Universal has revealed the top wildlife attractions in Florida for great family fun, with McCarthy’s Wildlife Sanctuary coming out on top.
The study combined Tripadvisor ratings and reviews to identify the highest-rated wildlife attractions based on their percentage of ‘excellent’ reviews and overall visitor sentiment based on the percentage of reviews that mention things such as ‘kids love it,’ ‘worth the money,’ and ‘pricey.’
Florida’s top wildlife attractions:
| Rank | Attraction | Percentage of Excellent Reviews | Total Reviews | Reviews Rated ‘Excellent’ |
| 1. | McCarthy’s Wildlife Sanctuary | 96.39% | 3,571 | 3,442 |
| 2. | Zoological Wildlife Foundation | 85.78% | 2,102 | 1,803 |
| 3. | Brevard Zoo | 70.45% | 2,626 | 1,850 |
| 4. | St. Augustine Alligator Farm Zoological Park | 67.55% | 4,037 | 2,727 |
| 5. | Mote Marine Laboratory & Aquarium | 64.40% | 4,418 | 2,845 |
| 6. | Jacksonville Zoo & Gardens | 64.31% | 3,292 | 2,117 |
| 7. | Lion Country Safari | 61.36% | 1,959 | 1,202 |
| 8. | Flamingo Gardens | 58.75% | 1,435 | 843 |
| 9. | Zoo Miami | 56.81% | 4,872 | 2,768 |
| 10. | Palm Beach Zoo | 55.34% | 1,162 | 643 |
| 11. | ZooTampa at Lowry Park | 54.93% | 4,111 | 2,258 |
| 12. | Naples Zoo at Caribbean Gardens | 51.93% | 3,713 | 1,928 |
| 13. | SEA LIFE Orlando Aquarium | 48.02% | 2,430 | 1,167 |
| 14. | Clearwater Marine Aquarium | 47.17% | 8,043 | 3,794 |
| 15. | The Florida Aquarium | 45.08% | 5,808 | 2,618 |
| 16. | Jungle Island | 40.34% | 2,204 | 889 |
| 17. | Miami Seaquarium | 27.96% | 4,560 | 1,275 |
McCarthy’s Wildlife Sanctuary in West Palm Beach emerged as the leading attraction, receiving an impressive 96.39% of reviews rated as ‘excellent.’ With over 3,500 reviews praising its educational and hands-on experiences, McCarthy’s Wildlife Sanctuary tops the list as the best wildlife attraction in Florida for 2024. Roughly one in six reviews used the phrase ‘clean’ in their reviews (the highest across all wildlife attractions), and one in 30 reviews mention that it was ‘worth the money.’
Ranking second, Zoological Wildlife Foundation in Miami boasts an excellent rating of 85.78% across more than 2,000 reviews. Known for its exotic animal encounters and personalized experiences, this foundation allows visitors to get up close with sloths, lemurs, and other rare animals. The Zoological Wildlife Foundation ranked highest for its ‘worth the money’ sentiment, mentioned in one out of every 22 reviews, highlighting its value as a family destination.
In third place, Brevard Zoo offers an immersive experience with over 2,600 reviews, 70.45% of which are rated ‘excellent.’ Families are drawn to its kid-friendly atmosphere and various exhibits that allow guests to kayak through animal habitats or zipline above them. Brevard Zoo had the highest percentage of reviews containing the phrase ‘kids love it’ across any zoo, with it appearing in one out of every 24 reviews.
The St. Augustine Alligator Farm Zoological Park secured the fourth spot with 67.55% of its reviews marked as ‘excellent.’ Famous for its thrilling exhibits featuring alligators, crocodiles, and exotic birds, this park provides an exciting mix of adventure and education.
Rounding out the top five is the Mote Marine Laboratory & Aquarium in Sarasota, receiving 64.40% excellent ratings. This attraction stands out for its focus on marine research and interactive exhibits, providing an educational deep dive into Florida’s coastal ecosystems.
What Makes These Attractions Stand Out?
According to the study, visitors consistently highlighted features such as being ‘worth the money,’ ‘family-friendly,’ and ‘educational’ as defining characteristics of these top-rated animal attractions. Additionally, attractions like McCarthy’s Wildlife Sanctuary were particularly noted for their emphasis on providing a ‘hands-on experience,’ making it a favorite among families.
A spokesperson from Westgate Palace Hotel at Universal commented on the findings, “Florida’s wildlife parks and zoos offer not only a glimpse into diverse ecosystems but also opportunities for visitors to engage and interact with animals in unique ways. Families looking for educational and memorable experiences will find exactly that in these top-rated attractions.
“For travelers looking to make the most of their time in Florida, these wildlife attractions offer the perfect blend of adventure, education, and family-friendly fun.”
