Five Hikes to See Wildlife in Florida

Turtle in Everglades National park

1. Anhinga Trail (Everglades National Park) 

What animal does everyone want to see in Florida? Alligators, of course! Take this hike on a sunny day and you have a great chance of spotting a few of the huge reptiles. Don’t worry though, this short walk in Everglades National Park is very popular, and constantly patrolled by rangers. Along with alligators, you have a good chance of spotting turtles, fish, and a lot of birds, including the namesake anhinga. You are also likely to see wading birds, songbirds, raptors, and waterfowl. 

Baby alligators in Big Cypress National Preserve

2.     2. Big Cypress Bend Boardwalk (Big Cypress National Preserve) 

Another great choice for seeing gators and snakes, as well as birds, squirrels and other small mammals, this out-and-back boardwalk travels through a cypress swamp. Because the trail travels under trees, you can walk in the shade. In addition to the trail, there’s a small visitor center at the parking lot.

Alligator and birds along the La Chua Trail

3.    3. La Chua Trail (Paynes Prairie State Park) 

This state park is well known for wildlife- including wild horses and bison! The La Chua Trail starts as a boardwalk and continues as a dirt two-track past canals and ponds, leading into the prairie area of the park. The trial often floods and parts may be closed during your visit. In addition, the area is sometimes inundated with alligators, who use the trail along the water as sunning areas. For this reason, you might want to stick to the boardwalk portion of the trail if you have small children or there are a lot of gators out during your visit. The boardwalk is still a great place to see wildlife, including baby alligators, other reptiles, and birds.

Flamingos in Ellie Schiller Homosassa Springs State Park

4.      4. Ellie Schiller Homosassa Springs Wildlife State Park 

Do you have young children who aren’t interested in a long hike? Maybe you are tired of the wildlife lottery and want to go somewhere you KNOW you will see some action? If so, visit this park where the state houses recuperating animals and animals who can’t be released back into the wild. It feels a bit like a cross between a zoo and a park, where you will see both caged and free animals. The park is home to many birds, including lots of flamingos. You will also see animals like foxes, weasels, and deer. The springs is home to wild manatees during the winter.

Manatee surfacing to breath

5.       5. Blue Springs State Park 

Want to see manatees? This park is one of the best places to spot them. The spring water here (and in many other springs around the state) stays the same temperature all year, so manatees travel into these areas in the winter when the ocean gets too cold. The park has a boardwalk where you can stroll along the river. Visiting in the summer? Watch for fish and birds, and take a dip in the cool water.

Bonus- Try a Wildlife Drive: 

If you have very little kiddos, need an accessible option, the weather is too tropical for a hike, or you’re just in the mood for a more relaxing way to see wildlife, consider a wildlife drive. 

6. Black Point Wildlife Drive 

This drive is a 7 mile one-way road through wetlands. There are two short hikes with parking areas as well. You may spot alligators, other reptiles, and mammals here, and expect to see a variety of birds. 

7. Lake Apopka Wildlife Drive 

This 11 mile drive is a great place to spot alligators and a huge variety of birds- more different species have been spotted here than any other place in the state. At times, the wetlands are home to thousands of migrating or wintering birds. Though short, plan on at least an hour to drive the 11 miles, and be patient- you will be behind other vehicles and everyone is on the lookout for critters.