Alligators are one of the animals that have fascinated and frightened people for years, and one of the highlights of any vacation or visit to Florida is spotting these animals in the wild. However, if you are headed to Florida and want to be sure to see alligators, you are likely interested in knowing the best places to look. While alligators have become quite numerous across the state, and live in most freshwater lakes and rivers, that doesn’t mean you are guaranteed a peek at them. Knowing the best places to visit and the best times to spot these reptiles can help increase your chances. We have visited many of state parks and
Anhinga Trail, Everglades National Park
If you want to see alligators, along with turtles, other reptiles, and wading birds, you have come to the right place! The Anhinga Trail in Everglades National Park is one of the best places for seeing wildlife that we have experienced while we traveled through the United States. While some visits are better than others, you can expect to see at least a few animals here at nearly any time of year. This trail is relatively short and includes both a paved portion as well as a boardwalk loop. All parts of the trail are accessible. You can access the trail relatively close to the Homestead entrance of the park, a few miles from the visitor center. If you can only go on one trail in the Everglades, make it this one.
La Chua Trail, Paynes Prairie State Park
Paynes Prairie State Park is one of the most unique of Florida’s state parks. This prairie, or open grassland, is actually a swampy area for much of the year. The park is home to a variety of wildlife, including animals not usually associated with the state, such as bison and wild horses. In addition, the park is one of the best places in the state to see alligators. The La Chua Trail, on the north side of the park, is accessed from a residential neighborhood in Gainesville. There is a large parking area and this is a popular hiking trail. Much of the trail is closed, however, and has been for years. This is because the trail is relatively narrow and is frequently flooded. Most of the time, the boardwalk and at least a short portion of the dirt trail are accessible to the public.
When we visited this trail one year toward the end of winter, the banks of the canals were covered with hundreds of alligators. While there are not always this many of the creatures in one spot, it’s likely that you will see at least a few unless the weather is uncooperative. Use some caution taking kids to this location, as alligators are frequently basking along the edges of the trail and there is no way to maintain sufficient distance. The boardwalk is safe for children even when the trails are covered with gators, however.
Myakka River State Park
Myakka River State Park, located near Venice Beach and north of the Fort Myers area, is a great place to see Florida wildlife. Alligators lounge along the banks of the Myakka River and can be spotted from the road. There’s a parking area so you can get out and look at the gators from the bridge or along the road. Don’t miss the Canopy Walkway, a suspended boardwalk through the trees, or the Birdwalk, an excellent place to spot wading birds of all kinds, as well as many other kinds of wildlife. (Both boardwalks are currently closed due to damage from Hurricane Ian.)
When we were visiting, not only did we see many alligators and wading birds (including a roseate spoonbill), but we also watched a tortoise dig a hole and lay her eggs (from a distance).
Tamiami Trail (Highway 41)
The Tamiami Trail, or Highway 41, is a stretch of road that connects the eastern and western sides of Florida through the north part of the Everglades, as well as Big Cypress National Preserve. You will take this road if you decide to visit the Shark Valley side of Everglades National Park. This road, along with Highway 75, which parallels it to the north, are excellent places to get a sense of this desolate and unique area of the state. We have seen alligators and turtles, as well as deer and multiple different kinds of birds along this stretch of highway. Once we saw a Native American police officer directing traffic around a large tortoise who seemed content to continue sitting in the middle of the road for as long as possible! This road is long and has few amenities, so make sure that you fill up on gas and snacks before you leave.
Lake Apopka Wildlife Drive
The Lake Apopka Wildlife Drive is popular with locals around the Orlando area but seems to be relatively unknown in many “what to do” articles. This drive is exceptional birding, but it also allows visitors to spot many, many alligators, turtles, and other animals. We watched a heron attempt to swallow a huge (live) snake while we were on this drive! The snake eventually won its freedom as it was just too big for the bird. Make sure you plan ahead for this drive, bringing snacks, your favorite music, and audiobooks. While it’s not very long, only about 11 hours, it can take 2-3 hours to complete due to the slow driving speeds and the backed-up traffic as people stop to observe and take pictures. The drive is open for foot traffic all week, but only open for vehicles on the weekend and can be busy. There is an audio tour to listen along with as you drive.
Shark Valley, Everglades National Park
Shark Valley in Everglades National Park is another good place to see alligators. Unfortunately, this area is a little less accessible by car than the area around the Homestead entrance where multiple trails and drives can be taken.
At shark valley, you can take the 15-mile Shark Valley Loop Road to the observation tower, or walking the two short trails near the visitor center. You can rent bicycles or ride the tram to get to the observation tower, but cars are not allowed on the Loop Road.
Highlands Hammock State Park
Highlands Hammock State Park is another great park in Florida where you can enjoy some unique Floridian features such as swamps, boardwalks, and wild orange trees. We enjoyed tasting the wild oranges, which are descended from Spanish versions planted by early sailors in order to provide their crews with citrus to prevent survey on the long journeys back home. These oranges are very sour! We spotted a mother pig here with a few tiny piglets, several alligators, lizards, and one sleepy water moccasin sunning on a log. The boardwalks here don’t cover as much area, so you won’t see gators every time you visit, but there’s still plenty to see and do here. The best places to spot gators seems to be along the Cypress Swamp Trail or by taking the Alligators Tram Tour offered by the park.
Big Cypress National Preserve
Big Cypress National Preserve is a wonderful part of the state. This unit of the National Park Service picks up where the northern side of Everglades National Park ends. If you travel along the Tamiami Trail (HWY 41) or Alligator Alley (HWY 75) you will go through a good portion of this preserve and you are likely to spot alligators while driving. Some of the best places to see them are right at the Oasis or Nathanial P. Reed Visitor Centers (both located along Highway 41).
I have vivid memories of stopping here as a little girl and seeing an alligator in the parking lot. The rangers were trying to encourage the gator to go back to safety, and I was scared because I thought it would rip open our van and eat us!
When is the Best Time to See Wild Alligators?
While you can see alligators year-round, there are some times of day and some seasons that will increase your chances of spotting them.
The best time of year to see alligators is on warm, sunny days during the dry winter season. At these times, alligators often spend time out of the water, basking to warm up. You can also spot alligators during the summer if you go in the cooler morning and evening hours.
How to find alligators in the wild can depend on what time of year you visit. Because these are cold-blooded animals that rely on the surrounding atmosphere to help them maintain their body temperature, you can expect different behaviors at different times of the year.
Winter Visitors
If you are visiting during late fall and winter, you can expect to easily see alligators for several reasons. First, alligators are cold-blooded and need to seek warmth during the cooler weather. If the day is warm and sunny, you will see alligators all over the state, sunning on river banks and soaking up the heat. You may even spot them if the weather is overcast, as long as it’s warm and not too cloudy. Once the temperatures drop below 65° or 70°, you are less likely to see alligators as they will take refuge from the cold air.
Another reason that you may see more alligators during the winter is that this is the dry season in Florida. Many of the shallower pools, rivers, and lakes will shrink or even dry up completely during the winter. This forces alligators and other aquatic animals to move into the pools and lakes that still have water, increasing your chances of finding them in these areas.
Summer Visitors
If you are visiting Florida in the summer, however, you can still see alligators. You will just have to adjust your tactic a bit. In fact, alligators are more active during the warm summer months. You may just see them less because they aren’t forced to share the same waterways and they can stay warm without basking as much. In addition, summer isn’t the most comfortable time of year for people in Florida, and you can expect to battle mosquitoes and heat if you visit during this time.
The best way to see alligators during the summer is by waiting for a cool or cloudy day and going out during the early morning or late evening while the sun is still up but the heat is abated. During the hottest part of the day, alligators will seek deep pools of water where they can submerge and stay cool. Perhaps the best way to spot alligators during the summer is by taking an early-morning wildlife drive and watching from your air-conditioned car.
How to See Alligators in The Wild
There are several different ways to see alligators in the wild, and no one option is best. We have done all of these successfully and enjoy them all. Which option we choose depends on the weather, the ages of our group, and even our mood.
Hiking to See Alligators
Hiking is one of the best ways to see alligators. Many hiking trails in state and national parks travel along waterways where you can spot these animals, along with other reptiles and wading birds. When you are hiking in alligator habitat, take precautions. Don’t wander close to the water at night and keep small children away from the edges of the water. If you see a gator basking near the trail, make sure to stay at least 20 feet away.
Using Your Car to See Alligators
Another great way to see alligators is from your car. This is ideal for families with small children and when the weather is hot. You can see alligators from the comfort and air conditioning of your car while your kids stay entertained with audiobooks or music. There are several wildlife drives in Florida that are perfect for this.
Spotting Alligators While Kayaking
Finally, you can see alligators while kayaking. Many people worry if this is safe, but alligators rarely approach kayaks. Many state parks, as well as Everglades National Park, have kayaks for rent or offer tours. Consider taking a guided tour in a national or state park if you are new to kayaking or are worried about taking kids around these big predators.
Keeping Kids Safe Around Alligators
Before you head to Florida and start looking for gators, spend some time learning how to stay safe around these big predators. Alligator attacks are rare, and most are caused by human error, but it is still essential to learn what you can about keeping your kids safe. According to wildlife experts, here are some of the most important things to keep in mind:
- Give animals their space. Never approach alligators and stay at least 20 feet away when you see them near trails or other public areas.
- Avoid nighttime expeditions. Stay away from waterways at night when alligators naturally hunt for their prey. Be especially vigilant to keep kids and dogs away from water at night.
- Never feed wildlife. Feeding alligators teaches them to associate humans with food, a dangerous situation that can lead to alligator attacks and cause too-familiar animals to be euthanized.
- Keep your hands out of the water. When kayaking in water where alligators live, avoid playing in, splashing, or slapping the water with your hands.
Conclusion
Spotting alligators is a highlight of any trip to Florida, especially for reptile-loving kids. By choosing the best weather and locations, you will greatly increase your chances of seeing wildlife.