Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens

The Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens offers vacationers a beautiful and inspiring break from the surf and sun. The facility covers over 120 acres and is one of the top 20 zoos nationwide, winning awards for its exhibits and landscaping. For these reasons, it is on most vacationer's to-do list.

The Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens was established downtown in 1914 and featured only one animal: a rescued red-tail deer. Citizens flocked to see the fawn, which inspired local authorities to add regional animals like a black bear, American alligator, and foxes. 

A primate exhibit was added in 1915, along with a lion and prairie bison in 1916, but as the zoo's size grew, surrounding neighborhoods began complaining. Citizens filed complaints with the city about the animals' odors, and in 1924, the zoo moved to its current location.

The zoo is home to over 2,000 animals worldwide whose homes are award-winning exhibits reflecting their natural habitats. Additionally, the gardens will appeal to those with a green thumb or who appreciate landscapes featuring over 1,500 plant species.

The zoo's location north of downtown makes combining a visit with other attractions and restaurants easy. After a family trip to see the animals, head to Tommy Bahama Marlin Bar & Store to discuss your adventure and discoveries. 

Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens offers various animals and stunning landscapes, making it a top choice for vacationers.

Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens: Fun Facts & Cool Features

Before we check out the animals and gardens, we wanted to highlight the art that makes the Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens unique. When you arrive at the gate, a 20-foot, 300-pound steel giraffe welcomes all to the zoo. Children will enjoy sitting on the tusks of the lifesize bronze elephants, whose combined weight is 15,000 pounds!

A cool section of the zoo is the African Loop trail, which features lions, elephants, and white rhinos, to name a few. The exhibits mirror the African plains these majestic creatures call home. 

Make sure you plan time to visit the Land of the Tiger with an innovative trail system. You'll see tigers roam above and around you, making for an exhilarating yet safe experience.

Future herpetologists will make a beeline for the reptile and amphibian area. Here, guests will see local snakes like the Coral and Indigo and colorful constrictors from South America. Turtles and frogs are also part of this exhibit, making it educational yet entertaining. 

The outstanding features are the Themed Pocket Gardens throughout the area. Savanna Blooms features a landscape rich with plants and flowers from Africa, which you'll discover beneath the Giraffe Overlook.

The Gardens of Range of the Jaguar is a village featuring big-leaved plants, palms, and ferns. It's the perfect spot to relax in a shaded tropical setting.

For the ultimate day of exploration, schedule time at the Cummer Museum of Art & Gardens or MOSH (Museum of Science and History) with a visit to the zoo and gardens. The proximity of both landmarks makes scheduling and logistics easy.

And those are only a handful of things to see and do at the Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens! Toss in the penguins, monkeys, and birds, and it's easy to see why it's a popular First Coast destination.

Getting There

Here are step-by-step driving directions to Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens from Downtown:

• Head north on FL-115 North for approximately 8 miles.
• Merge onto I-95 North via the ramp on the left toward Savannah.
• Take exit 358B for Zoo Parkway/Heckscher Drive.
• Turn right onto Zoo Parkway/Heckscher Drive and continue for about 0.5 miles.
• Address: 370 Zoo Parkway, Jacksonville, FL 32218

Cost

Here are some costs associated with visiting Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens:

• Adult Total Experience (13-64): $39.95-44.95
• Children Total Experience (3-12): $32.95-37.95
• Adult General Admission (13-64): $29.95-34.95
• Children General Admission (3-12): $24.95-29.95 
• Behind the Scenes Experience (1-4 participants): $240-300

Prices are subject to change; check their website for updates.