Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo
A charming 'little zoo that could' with over 199 species, offering intimate animal encounters and family fun.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Beat the heat and crowds
Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo
Best Time
Beat the heat and crowds
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A charming 'little zoo that could' with over 199 species, offering intimate animal encounters and family fun.
"A wonderful zoo, perfect for a leisurely and intimate experience with the animals!"
🎯 Arrive at Opening
Beat the heat and crowds by arriving right when the zoo opens. :clock10:
🎟️ Book Encounters Early
Popular animal encounters like lemur and sloth experiences sell out. Book ahead! :ticket:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Lemur Encounter
Lemur Habitat
Get up close with these playful primates in a guided, interactive experience.
Sloth Sanctuary
Sloth Habitat
Meet Patron and Agave, the zoo's two-toed sloths, and learn about their unique lives.
Big Cat Exhibits
Big Cat Area
Marvel at lions, tigers, and panthers in well-designed habitats.
Alligator Viewing Window
Alligator Exhibit
A new, exciting way to see the alligators up close.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Beat the Heat and Crowds
Plan for Extra Activities
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Arrive at Opening
Beat the heat and crowds by arriving right when the zoo opens. :clock10:
🎟️ Book Encounters Early
Popular animal encounters like lemur and sloth experiences sell out. Book ahead! :ticket:
👟 Comfortable Shoes
You'll be doing a lot of walking, so wear comfy shoes. :athletic_shoe:
💧 Stay Hydrated
Bring water bottles or buy drinks; misting stations help cool you down. :droplet:
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Arrive at Opening
Beat the heat and crowds by arriving right when the zoo opens. :clock10:
🎟️ Book Encounters Early
Popular animal encounters like lemur and sloth experiences sell out. Book ahead! :ticket:
👟 Comfortable Shoes
You'll be doing a lot of walking, so wear comfy shoes. :athletic_shoe:
💧 Stay Hydrated
Bring water bottles or buy drinks; misting stations help cool you down. :droplet:
📸 Capture the Moments
Great photo ops, especially with the new alligator viewing window. :camerawithflash:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise the Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo for its well-cared-for animals and intimate atmosphere, making it a delightful experience for families. While some note its smaller size and occasionally confusing layout, the friendly staff and engaging extra activities like animal encounters and a zip line make it a highly recommended destination.
"Small zoo that does not disappoint! Lots of really cool animals.
Big Cats, alligators, lemurs, monkeys, giraffes, and much more
It was very hot the day we visited but the experience was made better by misting sections and well air conditioned buildings for cooling off.
The barn animals were cute and although the mining section wasn’t working that day; we were able to buy a bag and sorted through our gems at home. Which my kids liked doing it this way more than when we have done them at other zoos before!
We got the big bag, and there is SO MUCH included in it!
We ended it with my 15 year old taking a ride on the zip line ride thing. It was $15 and he said it was really cool at the top to be able to see the entire zoo and town too.
The gift shop seemed pretty reasonable priced to other gift shops. they had some really funny shirts and lots of items to choose from. I would recommend them getting a better variety of magnets but other than that, 10 out of 10!"
Emi Morrison
"This is a wonderful zoo! Somewhat smaller than some of the zoos in larger metropolitan areas, this quiet zoo was a perfect place to take our young kiddos for a more intimate and leisurely experience with the animals! The staff was also super friendly, and there were plenty of restrooms and places to hydrate scattered throughout the zoo. In addition to being stroller friendly, there were mist hoses (a wonderful way to provide visitors a break from the heat), playgrounds, and benches at all the major exhibits. We can’t wait to return!"
Sarah Phillips
"This is a nice zoo, but it is small. We walked it in less than an hour. It is also laid out very confusing. It has paths to walk that do not go straight to the exhibits.
I enjoyed the animals they had. They seemed to have good habitats and exhibits.
They had other rides that were nice, like a merry go round and a zip line ride.
We had fun and would probably come back."
Thomas Ison
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo is located at 20499 Oak Road East, Gulf Shores, AL 36542. It's easily accessible by car and is a popular destination for visitors to the Gulf Shores area.
Yes, there is ample parking available at the Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo.
Ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft are generally available in Gulf Shores and can be used to reach the zoo.
Absolutely! The zoo is very stroller-friendly, with paved paths throughout.
From the main highway, follow signs for the zoo. It's a well-known landmark in Gulf Shores.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
The zoo is typically open daily from 9 AM to 4 PM, but it's always a good idea to check their official website for the most up-to-date hours, especially on holidays.
Ticket prices can vary, but generally, adult admission is around $20-$25, and children's tickets are around $15-$20. Check the official website for current pricing and potential discounts.
Keep an eye out for special promotions, especially around holidays like Black Friday, where annual passes can be significantly discounted. Local tourism sites may also offer deals.
Yes, purchasing tickets online in advance is recommended, especially during peak season, to save time and potentially secure your entry.
Yes, the zoo offers annual passes, which can be a great value if you plan to visit multiple times. Look out for Black Friday sales for significant discounts.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
The zoo is home to over 199 species, including lions, tigers, giraffes, lemurs, monkeys, sloths, and alligators.
Yes, the zoo offers popular animal encounters like the lemur and sloth encounters, where you can get up close with zookeepers. There's also a zip line and a petting zoo.
It's a fantastic place for kids! They have playgrounds, a petting area, a carousel, and various feeding attractions, in addition to all the animals.
Beyond the animal exhibits, you can enjoy a zip line ride, a carousel, a small train, and a 'mining' activity where you can sort gems.
The zoo is generally accessible with paved paths, making it suitable for wheelchairs and strollers.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Yes, there are food concessions available at the zoo, offering snacks and meals for visitors.
While not explicitly stated, it's generally advisable to check the zoo's policy on outside food and beverages. However, bringing water bottles is usually permitted.
Concessions typically offer typical zoo fare like hot dogs, burgers, snacks, and drinks.
Options may be limited, but it's worth inquiring at the concessions stand about available choices.
Food concessions are usually located near central areas or major exhibits.
📸 📸 Photography
The new alligator viewing window offers unique photo opportunities. The giraffe and big cat exhibits also provide great shots.
Yes, photography is generally allowed for personal use. However, flash photography might be restricted in certain areas to avoid disturbing the animals.
Always be mindful of signage regarding flash photography and avoid using flash near sensitive exhibits.
Early morning or late afternoon can offer softer light and potentially more active animals, leading to better photos.
Drones are typically not permitted at zoos for safety and animal welfare reasons. Check the zoo's specific policy.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Don't miss the animal encounters for a truly memorable experience, but be sure to book them in advance. The zoo's layout is stroller-friendly, and misting stations are a lifesaver on hot days.
💰 Budget Travelers
Consider packing your own snacks and drinks to save on concession costs, though check the zoo's policy first. The zoo itself provides plenty of entertainment without needing to purchase every add-on activity.
📸 Photography Enthusiasts
Visit during the early morning or late afternoon for the best lighting and potentially more active animals. Be mindful of flash photography restrictions to ensure the well-being of the animals.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The 'Little Zoo That Could'
Despite not being a sprawling metropolitan zoo, it packs a punch with its diverse collection of animals, including popular species like lions, tigers, giraffes, and primates. The zoo's commitment to providing good habitats and exhibits is evident, ensuring the animals are well-cared for. This focus on quality over sheer size makes it a highly recommended destination for families and animal lovers.
Visitors frequently praise the zoo's intimate atmosphere, which allows for a more personal connection with the animals. The staff's friendliness and knowledge further enhance the experience, making it a truly memorable visit.
Interactive Animal Encounters
Popular encounters include the Lemur Encounter, where you can step into the habitat and learn about these energetic primates, and the Sloth Encounter, offering a chance to meet the zoo's beloved two-toed sloths, Patron and Agave. These experiences are highly recommended for those seeking a deeper connection with wildlife.
+1It's crucial to book these encounters in advance, as they are very popular and have limited availability. Planning ahead ensures you don't miss out on these unique opportunities to learn directly from the experts and interact with the animals in a safe and educational way.
Family Fun Beyond the Animals
Kids will love the playgrounds, the petting zoo where they can interact with gentle farm animals, and the carousel for a classic amusement park feel. For a bit more adventure, the zip line offers a bird's-eye view of the zoo and surrounding town, a thrilling experience for older kids and adults.
Additionally, the zoo often features seasonal activities and a small train ride, making it a destination where you can easily spend an entire day. The inclusion of these diverse attractions alongside the animal exhibits makes the Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo a comprehensive entertainment option for families visiting Gulf Shores.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit