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. So you want to see some gators in the greater Tampa area but don’t know where to go. Photo: ACS (KSAT) SAN ANTONIO – Everyone, meet Al. 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. Boyd Hill, Sawgrass Lake, and Lettuce Lake are very popular parks for families with kids. I actually saw a random visitor pick up a juvenile alligator at Boyd Hill Nature Preserve before, and I was livid. I’ve spotted large gators as well as tiny ones throughout my numerous visits. 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. Feel free to ask any fishermen along the banks if they've seen any; folks who fish in the lagoons regularly will be able to point out favorite sunning spots. Thankfully, none of that is even vaguely true. 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. Seagull Park. Hi, Mark! Hikers can walk the Alligator Alley Trail. Alligators are dark-colored with a broad, rounded snout and are usually found in fresh water. The first is Overlook Park, which has a killer boardwalk that takes you onto Lake Jessup and puts you right near the alligators. She has a background in tourism marketing and has written for TripSavvy since 2011. Never feed alligators or try to pet/handle them. This is a narrow trail between Lake Hancock and a cypress swamp, which means there are countless alligators on both sides of the trail. … 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're there on a Saturday you may even … Luckily, there are a number of places you can hang out with crocodilians without having to travel too far. I’ve seen plenty of juvenile and adult gators at Lettuce Lake Park in Tampa. It’s common to see an adult gator in the water, on a log, or on the bank across the river. In this article you'll find tips for gator spotting and even a list of places to hold an alligator… We are home to a little over 180 animals including 4 species of crocodilians, tortoises, … You can’t miss it, and there’s plenty of parking on both sides of it, making it easy to quickly stop and check out the alligators. 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're really looking for a definite, guaranteed alligator sighting, or even if you just prefer the safety of a nice thick pane of glass between you and the closest snapping jaws, the Audubon Institute has you covered. 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. If you want up-close photos of these animals, it’s wise to invest in a tele lens for your camera. There are a number of good swamp tour companies that offer pick-up service either from your hotel or from a centralized spot in or near the French Quarter. The Zoo has plenty of regular gators as well, including some impressively large ones that you can see (safely) from quite close up. 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. 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. Or, in particularly dense rainstorms, they come out in grinning droves, snapping their way through crowds of confused tourists. I’ve often seen both large gators and tiny baby alligators at this park. Amazing Wildlife Interactions You Can Observe in Florida — Alligators Courting & Mating. The best outdoor activities in Satellite Beach according to Tripadvisor travelers are: Pelican Beach Park. (Of course, I told the staff about him.) 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. You can see alligators at both the Audubon Zoo and the Audubon Aquarium of the Americas. Or, you can email me at emilykeen@emilykeenphotography.com. 3. 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. Everglades Alligator Farm. It’s a beautiful park to enjoy. Visit Website. Visit GatorWorld Parks of Florida Attraction Experience Alligators Up Close Entering the park through the main gateway from Highway 44 puts you on a scenic gravel roadway snaking through the front end of … Top Places to Visit in Port Saint Lucie, Florida: See Tripadvisor's 29,198 traveller reviews and photos of Port Saint Lucie attractions. 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. 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. We have reviews of the best places to see in Canyon Lake. I’m so happy you enjoyed Lettuce Lake and spotted all kinds of wildlife! You were right, Circle B is absolutely amazing! This place is known as South Florida’s oldest alligator farms. The tour takes visitors through a privately owned wildlife refuge just 25 miles from New Orleans.Â. 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. Summerdale, AL 36580. Similar to my experiences at Myakka State Park, I’ve rarely left this location without spotting an alligator or two. Alligator Alley. Enjoy! Honey Island Swamp Tours, out of Slidell, is a good choice. 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Rich with wildlife, CREW Bird Rookery Swamp near Naples provides up to 12 miles of hiking/biking in Big Cypress habitats on tramways through a primordial swamp Everglades National Park South Florida ( … 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. Here, you … Only $2 for parking. Phone. Alligator Attraction At Alligator Attraction-Wildlife Learning Center, guest are able to create their own experience. Alligators aren’t typically aggressive towards humans unless they are accustomed to being fed by people or are protecting their territories/babies. I’m even happier that you enjoyed Circle B – it’s such a fascinating place. As I mentioned, I love this trail, but it’s not the BEST place to see a gator up close. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. From bears and bobcats to feral pigs and swamp rabbits, wildlife in Arkansas is part of the natural beauty of our state. The north side lake, however, isn't the only place to spot the reptiles. 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. If you have any questions about the area or want any specific recommendations, feel free to reach out! The reserve is a dream for us wildlife lovers. Watch the Florida … See alligators in Louisiana. Dave, I’m so happy that you found this article to be helpful. A few smaller ones around 3 to 4 feet too. Megan Romer is a travel writer focused on southern Louisiana. Oftentimes, alligators are near the boardwalk, hanging out on logs in the water. 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. When around alligators – and really any other wild animals – remember to always respect their space. Generally, the gators here are on the smaller side, as the Department of Wildlife and Fisheries relocates larger ones. I’ve been reading up on all your St. Augustine and other Florida posts! Another great park to see some gators at is Boyd Hill Nature Preserve in St. Petersburg. However, one of the largest and most startling animals in Arkansas is the alligator. You will love it there! It’s well worth going. Your best shot of seeing a gator, especially a large one, is at a bridge you’ll cross after entering the park. St. Augustine is such an awesome place. 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. As the saying goes, “Give them room, use your zoom.”. Hillsborough River State Park The Rapids Trail at Hillsborough River State Park in Tampa is one of … Don’t be surprised if your airboat captains point out multiple gators swimming right near … Visitors can view alligators in Alligator Bay. 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. Surrounding the waters of Alligator Bay are many tropical plants that lay … On a delightful end-of-winter Florida day, the water is still a little cool but the air is … A 12-foot alligator was spotted at Lake Jackson's Rhoden Cove. I found your site and looked for the closest one near where I’m staying. Near Sarasota, Florida While American Alligators, which are native only to the Southeast U.S, are present in all waters of Myakka River State Park year round, the best time to see them is in early spring; late … The state of Louisiana is home of one of the largest American alligator populations. 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. Hi, Len! 500 hectares of water in the Brazos Bend State Park is home for about 250 alligators. Hightower Beach Park. 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. Alligators and crocodiles are similar in appearance, but exhibit a number of differences. 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. If you come across any baby gators, make sure to give them plenty of space and respect the fact that their Mama – who is surely nearby, even if you can’t see her – doesn’t want you getting too close to them. There are wide trails and boardwalks to enjoy. Oftentimes, alligators are near the boardwalk, hanging out on logs in the water. If people told me that they only have a single afternoon to spend at a park, and they really want to see an alligator, I would send them to Circle B Bar Reserve. It’s never cool to harass wildlife. Our Hands … Hangar's Beach. The bigger gators are often seen near the observation tower along the boardwalk. Also in Orlando is Gatorland, a 110-acre theme park that is home to about 2,000 gators. The 10-foot gator sunning itself in Lake Cypress seems oblivious to the airboat and its seven passengers just two feet away. I really enjoyed it, and its peace and quiet!!! If you are visiting Destin or Miramar Beach are in the mood for a safe Alligator Adventure, we do have the place … As you’re approaching the park and parking lot be sure to mind … Some of the best places to see alligators are Brazos Bend State Park, Bay Area Park, Buffalo Bayou, Lake Huston, Caddo Lake, and the Aransas National Wildlife Refuge. Everglades Wonder Gardens is home to one of Florida's oldest creatures. Notify me of follow-up comments by email. Turtles, snakes and fish. Are any of these places suitable to take small children? There are only 12 white … Your email address will not be published. If you visit any of these parks, feel free to let me know how many gators you saw by commenting below! 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. The pretty Sawgrass Lake Park in St. Petersburg is home to many gators of all sizes. I even got up at 5am and went back the next day and it was like a whole other place. Nowadays, though, the swamp that once engulfed much of the city has been drained, and the alligators are mostly gone. The Rapids Trail at Hillsborough River State Park in Tampa is one of my all-time favorite trails in the area. 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. 71. This property is hands down one of the best places to spot gators, eagles, and countless other animals in this part of the state. We’re going to be in Jacksonville and Savannah area in November. In addition to hiking Alligator Alley, I also recommend exploring the Marsh Rabbit trail. Naples Zoo at Caribbean Gardens is located off Goodlette-Frank Road. It has 38 alligators in two enclosed areas for visitors to see. Thanks so much, Nina! 19950 County Rd. Find what to do today, this weekend, or in December. The best place to see alligators in Florida is the Everglades, and a tour puts you front and center with them – literally. See all outdoor activities in … 251-946-BITE (2483) Email [email protected] See over 450 alligators from hatchlings to mature … 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. It’s a great choice for those who are okay seeing an alligator from a distance. 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. To invest in a tele lens for your camera of Louisiana is home to one of the Americas aggressive. To share on Facebook ( Opens in new window ) going to helpful! 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