Attraction
Vizcaya Museum and Gardens
Vizcaya is James Deering's early twentieth-century bayfront estate in Coconut Grove, with a furnished Mediterranean Revival villa and formal Italian Renaissance-style gardens.
Zoo Miami
Zoo Miami is a large zoo in south Miami-Dade, with more than 3,000 animals arranged by region across Asia, Africa, Australia, the Amazon and Florida.
At a glance
- Type
- Zoo
- Area
- South Miami-Dade, Miami, United States
- Official site
- zoomiami.org
Good to know
- Free parking
- Safari cycle hire
- Pedal boats
- Stroller and wheelchair hire
Why we recommend it
Zoo Miami covers around 750 acres in unincorporated south Miami-Dade, southwest of the city, of which more than 300 acres are developed. It moved to its current site in 1980, when it opened as the Miami MetroZoo, having started in Crandon Park in 1948. The zoo is organised by world region rather than by species, which makes it easy to plan a visit around the parts of the world you most want to see.
There are more than 3,000 animals of around 500 species, shown across sections that include Florida: Mission Everglades, Asia, Africa, Amazon and Beyond, and Australia. The Wings of Asia aviary is a highlight for bird lovers. The paths are long, so plan a route in advance using the zoo map and focus on the areas that interest you most rather than trying to see everything.
The zoo lists opening hours of 10am to 5pm, with the last ticket sold at 4pm. Tickets have separate prices for adults and children, with children aged two and under free, and sales tax is added on top. Parking is free. To save walking in the heat you can hire a Safari Cycle for two hours (the driver must be at least 21), and at weekends and on holidays pedal boats are available on the Amazon and Beyond lake. Strollers, wheelchairs and motorised wheelchairs can also be rented.
Allow most of a day, ideally arriving when the gates open so you see the animals while they are more active and before the strongest heat. Families with children of all ages will get the most out of the zoo, but it also suits anyone who enjoys wildlife photography. Bring water, hats and sun cream, as you will spend most of the day outdoors.
The zoo is a long way from Miami Beach and downtown, so a car is the most practical option. On weekdays the public bus no longer stops at the main entrance and the nearest stop is about two miles away; the zoo offers a free ride from there if you call 305-251-0400 (extension 0) between 10am and 4pm. Miami-Dade Transit has announced a return of weekend and holiday bus service into the zoo on route 252, so check the website for the current arrangements. On the way back north, Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden makes a good second stop on another day.
Zoo Miami FAQs
What are the opening hours?
The zoo lists opening hours of 10am to 5pm, with the last ticket sold at 4pm.
Is parking free?
Yes, parking at Zoo Miami is free.
How big is the zoo?
It holds more than 3,000 animals of around 500 species, arranged by world region.
Can I hire transport inside the zoo?
Yes, Safari Cycles can be hired for two hours (drivers must be 21 or over), and strollers and wheelchairs can be rented.
How long should I allow?
Most of a day.
Can I get there by bus?
Bus service is limited, especially on weekdays; check the zoo website for current arrangements, including its free ride from the nearest stop.
When is the best time to visit?
Arrive at opening time, when it is cooler and animals are more active.
Do young children pay?
Children aged two and under go free.