Flamingo Gardens — Attraction in Lauderdale-by-the-Sea

I had wonderful time at Flamingo Gardens today. Johanna at the front desk was wonderful. Olivia, I met her while she was feeding the ducks and turtles at the pond, she was really fun to talk to. :) Miss Kathy at the Wray house was awesome to talk to. everyone was really friendly.

I had a hot dog (all beef) at the cafe, and it was good. :)

I spent about 3.5 hours there. They have water bottle refill stations. Bathrooms. Several AC locations to escape the heat, and also several misting locations.

The tram is included with your ticket. It takes you to the far side of the gardens. The driver talks about interesting facts and plants along the way. They stop at the succulent garden and butterfly house for a few minutes, and then drive back a different route. There is a handicap seat on the tram as well, for wheelchairs.

I really enjoyed seeing all the plants and animals. My favorite was the Hyacinth Macaw, it was one that showed interest in me and it chatted with me as well. I saw some huge iguanas, A couple large orange males.

Oh and I really enjoyed the aviary! The pelicans were not afraid of people at all and they walked next to me. The white ones are huge!

I loved the elkhorn fern hanging globes, that got a little magical to me.

There were some mosquitoes around the pond areas, so I def would have some sort of repellent handy.

There were some nice breezes today, and even tho I was very arm and sweaty, I had a great time. I love that the majority of the paths are paved, so it’s very accessible.

The otters weren’t very active, they seemed hot. There were no golden eagles that I could find.

The butterfly house was neat, not many flying around this day but it was really cool looking at the cocoons up close and personal. It’s amazing how many seemingly have good specks, it looks like gold leaf almost.

Suggestions: it would be great I to have some sort of indication that an animal cage were not occupied, a sign or something, just so people don’t look too hard for too long.

There are various vents throughout the day where they feed an animal and give talks.

With the price being $22 while they are doing construction on their wildlife encounter area (a $2 discount), I fly like it was an excellent use of my $ and...

Flamingo Gardens is a historical location and sanctuary!! We love visiting.Things are always being added to create a new experience.

There are many different botanicals, bees, butterflies, animals, reptiles and birds (native and invasive). Its a great place for children of all ages.

Butterfly sanctuary is new since my last visit. The Butterfly enclosure and gardens are beautiful. You can reach these by tram or walking trail.

**Buy bags of food to Feed the Flamingos, Ibis and Koi Fish at the entrance or from the Food vendor.

Take a casual walk thru the different gardens. Visit the the sanctuaries and have a seat while having an Animal Encounter.

Take a ride on the Tram see the butterfly gardens, Everglades hammocks, and fruit grooves.

Visit the animal sanctuaries permanent family members Josh the Blackbear, Otters, Buddy the Fl Panther, Bob cat, Peacocks....the list goes on and on. Ocean birds' sanctuary.

Dont forget to take a moment to visit the Wray home. (Walk back in time). The house is maintained, has A/C and many antiques. Have fun asking children what they "think" the items are. Great fun.

They also have a photo gallery. It's also air conditioned. "Bats" the exhibit. Emmurse yourself in the bat world.

Getting hungry. Theres a food truck and a lunch bar with hot dogs, Hamburg's. snacks and drinks. I had a strawberry banana smoothie. Delicious and refreshing.

It's well worth the visit. Alone or in packs.If you live in there area consider a membership to Flamingo Gardens.

Also consider having Special Events....

I am thrilled for an October reunion with this  venue that holds a special place in my personal evolution; my very first plant and garden event was at Flamingo Gardens many years ago.  I have not visited since pre-covid 19. I was surprised to find that a cute little structure that served as a plant and garden shop was replaced by a learning /conference center. The new and updated plant and garden shop is relocated down the block. Sadly I was not able to check out this new location but, what a great reason for a follow-up visit! The trolley tour which was a separate charge is now included in the general admission price.  The ride was always fun and  informative and now includes a stop at a new (for me)  butterfly conservatory. I had the opportunity to dis-embark the trolley and walk thru the conservatory The foodie options were ,also,  a happy surprise. There was a food truck as well as a stationary outdoor eatery with an acceptable array of drinks , snacks and fast food. The amphitheater near the animal and bird exhibits was under construction. It looks like it will be lovely addition.

That night, I had the best sleep I've had in  a few weeks.  I attribute that, atleast partially, to the day's outing in nature,  in a room without a roof;  furnished with 200 year old trees and all the accessories and accoutrements that can only be curated by mother nature Follow my IG @beyondfortnersgarden where I share my efforts toward a well-lived...