Sarasota Jungle Gardens is a family-owned attraction in Sarasota, Florida, with 10 acres of tropical gardens, winding trails and more than 200 native and exotic animals. It is about 4.5 miles from Deluxe Inn - Sarasota, a one-star motel in Sarasota.
- Address: 3701 Bay Shore Road, Sarasota, FL 34234
- Typical hours: Open daily
- Typical visit: About 2–4 hours
- One-day admission: $24.99 for adults; $14.99 for children ages 4–12; free for children age 3 and younger
What Sarasota Jungle Gardens offers
Sarasota Jungle Gardens combines landscaped trails with animal exhibits and interactive experiences. Developed from the early 1930s by David Breed Lindsay and Pearson Conrad, the gardens officially opened to the public on New Year’s Eve 1939.
Plan on a mix of walking and scheduled activities rather than a single exhibit route. The gardens’ winding trails pass through tropical landscaping, while animal encounters and shows offer set points in the day to organize around.
Gardens, exhibits, and animal experiences
The gardens are home to more than 200 native and exotic animals, with free-roaming flamingos among the best-known residents. Other animals include parrots, birds of prey, lemurs, African porcupines, coatimundis, muntjac deer, alligators, crocodiles, giant tortoises, snakes and other reptiles.
You can walk the Jungle Trails, visit the petting zoo and hand-feed the flamingos. Use only food from the park’s feeders or bagged food sold there. The gardens also advertise animal interactions, including encounters with parrots and macaws, alligators, Aldabra tortoises and Reeve’s muntjac deer; check current availability and details before making plans around a particular encounter.
Daily animal shows are advertised, including Wildlife Wonder, a Jungle Bird Show and a Reptile Show. Schedules can change, and shows run approximately 20 minutes and are included with admission. Seating can fill up, so the gardens recommend arriving about 15 minutes early.
Admission, hours, and visitor rules
One-day admission is $24.99 for adults, $14.99 for children ages 4–12 and free for children age 3 and younger; children ages 4–12 must be accompanied by an adult.
Annual passes cost $74.99 for adults and $44.99 for children ages 4–12. A family pass covering two adults and two children ages 4–12 costs $219.99; a Summer Family Pass costs $83.99 and is valid June 1 through August 31.
Opening hours
- Monday to Sunday: 10 AM–4 PM
Last checked November 2026. Hours can change on holidays and for special events.
The gardens state that they are open daily from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., except Thanksgiving and Christmas Day. Show schedules and encounter details can change, so check the official site before you go.
Children under 17 must remain with an adult, parent, guardian or chaperone. Outside food and drinks are generally prohibited, with exceptions for children under 3 and school groups bringing sealed, packed lunches. Two picnic tables are available on a first-come, first-served basis; the Flamingo Cafe may sometimes be closed.
Accessibility and planning your visit
The approximately 1.2-mile trail network is mostly paved brick and suitable for walking, strollers and wheelchairs. Some inclines and sections of crushed shell or sand may affect access, and about 60% of the park is shaded.
Free paved parking is available at the entrance, including five accessible spaces near the Gift Shop and Admission building. Manual adult strollers and wheelchairs can be rented at admissions on a first-come, first-served basis. The outdoor show area has bleachers and space for wheelchairs along the side.
Emotional-support animals are not permitted. Service-animal access is restricted in some areas, including the flamingo and petting-zoo areas, and the gardens recommend calling ahead. Personal still photography and video are allowed during normal business hours, but recording shows is prohibited.
How do you get to Sarasota Jungle Gardens?
The attraction’s address is 3701 Bay Shore Road, Sarasota, FL 34234. For drivers coming from I-75, the gardens direct you to take Exit 213, University Parkway West, then U.S.
41 south, Myrtle Street west and Bay Shore Road north. If Sarasota Bradenton International Airport is your arrival point, plan how to get from the airport to Sarasota before setting out for the gardens.
Parking is free at the entrance; during busy periods or special events, overflow parking may be available at the church across Bay Shore Road.
The John and Mable Ringling Museum of Art is another Sarasota attraction, and you can plan how to visit the museum as part of your trip.
FAQs
How long should you plan for Sarasota Jungle Gardens?
The gardens estimate approximately 2–4 hours to explore the park, walk its 1.2 miles of trails and attend shows.
Are animal shows included with admission?
The advertised animal shows are included with admission and run approximately 20 minutes. Seating can fill up, so arriving about 15 minutes early is recommended.
Are the paths wheelchair accessible?
Most paths are paved brick and suitable for wheelchairs, though some inclines and areas of crushed shell or sand may be challenging. Wheelchair rentals are available at admissions on a first-come, first-served basis.
Can you bring food into the gardens?
Outside food and drinks are generally prohibited, with exceptions for children under 3 and school groups with sealed, packed lunches. Two picnic tables are available first-come, first-served.