Looking for a family-friendly outdoor adventure in St. Augustine, Florida? Check out the St. Augustine Alligator Farm Zoological Park. I recently went with my cousin in-law and his two kids (4 and 6 years old) and we all had a blast. Though, the four-year-old was slightly disappointed that she couldn’t go swim in the water with two massive crocodiles. She’s braver than me – that’s for sure!
If you’re interested in the Alligator Farm, the following are answers to the most common questions and some things to know before your go. If you want to grab a bite before or after check out: Local’s Guide to the Best Eats in St. Augustine Beach
The Basics
St. Augustine Alligator Farm Zoological Park
Address: 999 Anastasia Blvd. St. Augustine, FL 32080
Website: https://www.alligatorfarm.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/staugalligatorfarm/
Phone Number: (904) 824-3337
Parking: Free in a lot in front of the building and across and usually enough
Tips for Visiting St Augustine Alligator Farm
The following are some tips to help you have the best experience possible at the alligator farm:
Consider Weather. During cold snaps, some of the animals (like the sloths) will be taken indoors for their well-being and the cold-blooded alligators and crocodiles won’t move around much and feedings may be canceled (though, I still enjoyed visiting on a cold day) On the flip-side, in summer it is hot and humid.
Go early. The Alligator Farm is a popular family tourist destination. Like any tourist destination, it can get crowded. Go early to beat the crowds. We were there a few minutes before opening and there were initially not many people. Two hours later as we were leaving, the park was busy.
Budget ahead. Between tickets, add-ons like the zipl-line, and food a trip to the Alligator Farm can quickly add-up. Decide ahead what you will and won’t be spending on. For example, you can plan to bring your own water and skip a trip to the snack bar.
Carnivore Awareness. Alligators and crocodiles are carnivores, which means they get fed animals (rodents) during the feeding show. This may not be a fun viewing experience for some so just be aware and skip the feeding if it’s going to be cringe-worthy for you or someone in your group.
Pricing
How much does the St. Augustine Alligator Farm Cost?
As of early 2023, pricing is:
Adult Admission: $28.99
Kids (3-11) Admission: $17.99
For the most up-to-date pricing, check here. Note that admission includes daily shows but there is an additional charge for “special experiences,” like the Crocodile Crossing Zipline and animal encounters.
Are there Discounts for the Alligator Farm?
Yes! There are regular discounts for AAA, seniors, and military.
Local free circulars that can be found at restaurants and other businesses throughout town frequently have coupons for the Farm.
Locals or frequent visitors can benefit from Membership Options. For local grandparents whose grandkids visit often, the Grandparents Membership allows year-round entry for two adults (same household required) plus grandkids under 18.
Frequently Asked Questions About the St. Augustine Alligator Farm
Is it worth going to the St. Augustine Alligator Farm in Florida?
I’m in my late 30s and I had a blast on my first visit with my cousin-in-law and his kids. I loved watching the kiddos reactions to the animals (including sadness over note being able to swim with the crocodiles, lol) and found myself fascinated by the massive crocs, abundant alligators, and well some unique animals. I truly enjoyed it and was glad I went. I’d especially recommend it for out of state families that haven’t seen alligators much or at all.
How long should I spend at the Alligator Farm?
We spent about 2 – 2.5 hours and for most families, I think 2 – 3 hours is probably a sweet spot where you can see most of the park, watch a show if you want, and get out before everyone starts to get cranky. There’s a playground in the park which can be a nice break for kids that need to release a little more energy.
Is the Alligator Farm humane?
Full disclosure, I’m not an expert in this area, however, my observations were that the staff treated the animals kindly and were enthusiastic to share information. Additionally, the St. Augustine Alligator Farm is accredited by the Association of Zoos & Aquariums (AZA)’s independent Accreditation Commission.
What animals can you see at the alligator farm?
As its name suggests, the St. Augustine Alligator farm focuses on members of the Crocodylia, family, in others words: alligators and crocodiles. But you can also find other animals like turtles, snakes, sloths, and exotic birds. The species rotate so check out the Species List to get an idea of what animals you might expect to see on your visit.
When is the best time to visit the Alligator Farm?
The Alligator Farm is open year-round, but it’s outdoors so check St. Augustine’s monthly average temperatures to pick a time that fits your preferences. Personally, I like October through April and would pass in oppressively humid late June through August.
As far as crowds, the Alligator Farm is a tourist attraction in an area that gets tourists year-round so it’s generally a busy place year-round. If possible, arriving early on a Tuesday or Wednesday during the school-year is likely to yield the smallest crowds. As I mentioned earlier, we had a few pretty empty hours on a chilly December weekday.
What hotels are near the St. Augustine Alligator Farm in Florida?
The alligator farm is located in St. Augustine Beach just over the bridge from historic downtown St. Augustine, making either a convenient place to book a hotel for an alligator farm visit.
The beachfront Embassy Suites is a splurge stay while the Hilton Garden Inn across the street (and a smidge south) is a good option at a more moderate price point. For downtown, the splurge stay is the Casa Monica (note: it’s historic so if you’re looking for hyper-modern, it’s not a fit for you) while bed and breakfasts offer more moderate nightly rates.
If you’re traveling with multiple people, Vrbo and AirBnb are worth reviewing. There are some great family rentals in St. Augustine, Florida.
Check St. Augustine Beach Hotel Prices
Browse St. Augustine Beach VRBOs
Check Historic St Augustine Hotel Prices
Browse Historic St Augustine VRBOs
What is there to do near the St. Augustine Alligator Farm?
The Alligator Farm is awesome, but if you’re in the area, I highly recommend doing more than just the farm. Both historic downtown St. Augustine and St. Augustine Beach have a lot to offer depending on the type of activities you are looking for.
Read more: Local’s Guide to the Best Eats in St. Augustine Beach, 10 Fun Things to do in St. Augustine Beach, Florida, Guide to St. Augustine, Florida’s Craft Breweries, St. Augustine Distillery is one of Florida’s Coolest Distilleries
Gear Check: Alligator Farm, St. Augustine Florida
Be sure to pack comfy shoes for walking around the park, sunglasses, sunscreen (all year – it’s Florida!), and reusable water bottles. I like Goodr glasses, LaRoche Posay sunscreen, and Nalgene waterbottles.
Happy trails! Hope you enjoy your visit.
