St Augustine Alligator Farm

Maybe it's because I'm originally from Orlando, and grew up going to Gatorland every weekend because my father got free tickets, I was a little disappointed with the alligator farm. It was much much smaller than I had expected and one cannot certainly spend a whole day there- three hours tops. There are very very few places to eat (I can only remember one refreshment stand). The gator show was unimpressive as the gators were lethargic and were only expected to respond to their names and eat a piece of chicken lobbed in their general direction, and in a huge habitat where one could barely make them out (which is probably a lot better for them than the Jumparoo show at Gatorland, which is very exciting). A few monkeys in cages line the area and they have a huge stuffed Gator in its own building, which is interesting. Their huge living gator was difficult to see as his habitat was built with an area that he can retreat to at the bottom where is obscured from the visitors. I would have written a glowing review had they not charged the same prices as Gatorland, who really does offer a whole day's worth of nature trails, different shows, a kid's water park, multiple refreshment stands, and many more animals than at the Alligator farm. more

This place is great if you love gators. I always liked going here on field trips as the lighthouse park was always the after stop for lunch. They've always had some huge gator feeding, so if you go you must see the big gator feeding, although the regular gator feedings are also interesting. However, this is not an all day or even majority day activity -- plan accordingly. more

The St. Augustine Alligator farm has fun for young and old. This long standing icon of St. Augustine is a wonderful way to spend a day, or a few hours. A bit hot in the summer, the plentiful shade trees offer relief from the Florida heat. There are lots of animals to see. There is a reptile house that features many species of snakes, lizards and other creepy crawlies. A huge petting zoo is a favorite among young children, and the parrots scattered throughout the park add a colorful break to the green and lush scenery. Alligator, snake, and bird shows are always informative and entertaining, and a trip to the Alligator Farm can not be complete without seeing Gomek! Also be sure not to miss the walkways through the swamps. They are especially breathtaking at daybreak and early evening when the many species of water bird leave to eat or come back to roost for the evening. In the spring, the nesting birds can be seen up close and personal! more