Fort Lauderdale: Flamingo Gardens Entry Ticket & Tram Ride

Summary

Flamingos, wild birds, ancient oaks and a vintage home tour

You’ll wander under ancient oaks at Flamingo Gardens in Fort Lauderdale, watch flamingos strut around their noisy pond, ride a tram through wild groves with a local guide, and peek inside a 1930s home-turned-museum. Expect unexpected moments—like peacocks crossing your path or spotting rare butterflies—plus plenty of space to just breathe and look around.

What’s the experience like?

I’ll admit, I didn’t expect the air to smell so green — like wet leaves and something sweet I couldn’t name. We’d barely made it past the entrance of Flamingo Gardens in Fort Lauderdale when a peacock strutted right across our path, tail dragging through a patch of sunlight. My niece tried to mimic its call (not even close), and an older couple nearby just grinned at us. There’s something about seeing those Caribbean flamingos up close — I thought they’d be more delicate, but they’re kind of bold, almost nosy. Their pond is loud with squawks and splashing; it’s impossible not to smile.

The tram ride was actually more fun than I expected. Our guide — I think his name was Carlos — pointed out these live oaks that have been there for two centuries. The bark felt rough under my hand when we stopped for a minute; you could see orchids hanging from the branches like little lanterns. He talked about how parts of the gardens are some of the last real jungle left in South Florida. I liked that he didn’t rush us or sound bored by his own stories. It’s easy to forget how wild Florida still is until you’re rolling past alligators sunning themselves or watching an eagle glare down at you from a branch.

Inside the aviary it got suddenly quiet except for wings beating overhead — honestly, I flinched when a heron swooped low. The light felt different in there, filtered through all those trees and netting, with flashes of blue and white feathers everywhere. Later we wandered into the Wray Museum; it’s this old house from the 1930s with creaky floors and faded family photos on the walls. For some reason the kitchen made me think of my grandma’s place — maybe just the way everything smelled faintly like lemon polish and old wood.

I’m still thinking about those flamingos though — how their pink looked almost fake against all that green. If you’re anywhere near Fort Lauderdale and want a day that feels both slow and sort of surprising, this is it.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Visit Flamingo Gardens wildlife sanctuary

• Enter Flamingo Gardens sanctuary
• Explore Wray Botanical Garden plants
• Stroll Everglades Wildlife Sanctuary
• Watch wildlife encounter show
• Visit Butterfly and Hummingbird Garden
• See orchids and bromeliads
• Walk through large aviary
• Observe Caribbean flamingos at pond
• Visit Bird of Prey Center
• Tour Wray Museum historic home
• Take tram ride through gardens
• Buy snacks or beverages if desired

Top questions

Is Flamingo Gardens wheelchair accessible?

Yes, all areas and surfaces at Flamingo Gardens are wheelchair accessible.

How long does the tram ride last?

The tram ride lasts approximately 25 minutes and departs every hour throughout the day.

Are there food options available inside Flamingo Gardens?

Yes, snacks and beverages can be purchased at the marketplace and cafe on site.

What animals can I see at Flamingo Gardens?

You can see flamingos, alligators, panthers, peacocks, eagles, otters, bobcats, bears, owls, hawks, falcons, and more native species.

Is parking free at Flamingo Gardens?

Yes, parking is free for all visitors.

Are strollers or prams allowed?

Yes, infants and small children can use strollers or prams throughout the gardens.

Is there an educational show included?

Yes, expert handlers present wildlife encounter shows featuring birds of prey and reptiles during your visit.

Can service animals enter Flamingo Gardens?

Yes, service animals are allowed inside Flamingo Gardens.

What’s included

Your admission covers skip-the-line entry to Flamingo Gardens in Fort Lauderdale with access to all botanical gardens and wildlife areas plus a narrated tram ride through remote acres of jungle growth; you’ll also get entry to the Wray Museum house exhibit. Free parking is included as well as access for wheelchairs and strollers throughout your visit.