A panel of travel experts was tasked with selecting nominees from the variety of conservation centers, wildlife sanctuaries, safari-style tours, and swimming with dolphins and reptile experiences around the country. Then it was up to the readers to cast votes for their favorites.
Florida earned more than one spot in the Top 10 ranking. Miami’s Everglades Safari Park came in at No. 10, while two historic St. Augustine attractions were Nos. 6 and 9.
The Newsweek poll highlighted Lion Country Safari’s drive-thru experience at the 300-acre natural area, which is home to “roaming herds of wildebeest, water buffalo and impala as well as primates like chimpanzees and gibbons, and, of course, the king of beasts himself, the African lion,” according to the list.
“We are thrilled to receive this high honor and are grateful to all of our supporters for voting for us,” Jennifer Berthiaume, Lion Country Safari’s vice president, said in a statement. “This accolade is a testament to our commitment to outstanding animal care as well as providing an amazing guest experience for the hundreds of thousands of guests we welcome through our gates each year.”
In addition to seven main habitats, there’s a 55-acre Adventure Park with rides, animal habitats and encounters, a water park, mini golf, paddleboats, gem mining, food and shopping on site.
“We have had a baby boom of antelopes over the past few months!” said Lion Country Safari spokeswoman Haley McCann-Gonzales. “Since May/June, we’ve had several impalas, several wildebeests, a greater kudu and a gemsbok calf born on safari.”
Newsweek called the airboat tours at Everglades Safari Park “an exhilarating way to experience the rare and endangered environment of South Florida.”
“You’re sure to spot many species of birds and, if you’re lucky, alligators,” according to the list. “If you fail to spot any swamp dragons on your tour, never fear — each tour includes an interactive Wildlife Nature Show, where you can see and learn about these beasts from expert guides.”
Visitors can also explore the Everglades on foot to see exotic birds, reptiles and fish in the Jungle Trail experience. Try gator bites at the Safari Cafe with a view of the Everglades and take home souvenirs from the Safari Gift Shop at the park, 26700 SW Eighth St. Visit evergladessafaripark.com .
Get updates delivered to you daily. Free and customizable.
It’s essential to note our commitment to transparency:
Our Terms of Use acknowledge that our services may not always be error-free, and our Community Standards emphasize our discretion in enforcing policies. As a platform hosting over 100,000 pieces of content published daily, we cannot pre-vet content, but we strive to foster a dynamic environment for free expression and robust discourse through safety guardrails of human and AI moderation.
Most Popular
Comments / 0