Everglades Wonder Gardens
A historic sanctuary since 1936, featuring rescued wildlife and lush botanical gardens in Bonita Springs.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, cooler temps
Everglades Wonder Gardens
Best Time
Fewer crowds, cooler temps
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A historic sanctuary since 1936, featuring rescued wildlife and lush botanical gardens in Bonita Springs.
"A charming, affordable gem offering a unique mix of wildlife, tropical plants, and old Florida charm."
🎯 Affordable Admission
Tickets are reasonably priced, making it a great value for a family outing.
👟 Comfortable Walking Shoes
You'll be doing a lot of walking on shaded paths, so wear comfy shoes!
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Rescued Wildlife Encounters
Various enclosures
See flamingos, alligators, otters, and more! Many animals are rescued, offering a chance to learn about conservation.
Lush Botanical Gardens
Throughout the grounds
Wander through tropical flora, colorful water lilies, and shaded pathways. A true botanical paradise.
Interactive Animal Experiences
Designated areas
Option to feed tortoises and lorikeets for an extra fee. A memorable experience for all ages.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Beat the Heat and Crowds
Embrace Old Florida Charm
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Affordable Admission
Tickets are reasonably priced, making it a great value for a family outing.
👟 Comfortable Walking Shoes
You'll be doing a lot of walking on shaded paths, so wear comfy shoes!
☀️ Beat the Florida Sun
Visit in the morning or late afternoon to avoid the hottest part of the day.
📸 Perfect Photo Ops
The gardens and animals provide stunning backdrops for memorable photos.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Affordable Admission
Tickets are reasonably priced, making it a great value for a family outing.
👟 Comfortable Walking Shoes
You'll be doing a lot of walking on shaded paths, so wear comfy shoes!
☀️ Beat the Florida Sun
Visit in the morning or late afternoon to avoid the hottest part of the day.
📸 Perfect Photo Ops
The gardens and animals provide stunning backdrops for memorable photos.
🦜 Talk to the Birds!
Some of the birds are known to speak, adding a fun, interactive element.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise the Everglades Wonder Gardens for its charming 'Old Florida' atmosphere, well-cared-for rescued animals, and beautiful botanical gardens. It's considered an affordable and educational experience perfect for families and nature lovers. Some mention it can get busy during peak season.
"This place is awesome. Came twice and it was great both times. So much to see. There are so many animals and you can tell they’re all well taken care of. The birds are so cool, some of them will even speak to you. Staff is super friendly, too. Very affordable. Love going to the Wonder Gardens."
Christina Abruzzese
"We had our wedding reception here after our ceremony on the beach. It was such a wonderful place to do so, we enjoyed it as well as all of our guest! It was a great activity for them to walk around such a beautiful places and see the animals. The scenery made for such a pretty background around our tent and for photos. The area for the tent worked out so well. I would highly recommended for any event; wedding reception, birthday, anniversary parties, bridal shower (there is a cute green house/tea house for less people), or any other event!
Jessica White was so incredibly helpful for everything leading up as well as day of the event helped with anything you could think of and had a great personality!"
Marissa Johnston
"We have been to the Wonder Gardens several times now and always do the animal encounter experience. For an additional fee on top of admission, you get to pet and feed the tortoises and the lorikeets. It’s such a wonderful experience."
Irma Lancaster
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Everglades Wonder Gardens is located in downtown Bonita Springs, Florida. It's easily accessible by car and is a short drive from Fort Myers and Naples. Parking is available on-site. +1
Public transportation options may be limited in this area. It's generally recommended to drive or use ride-sharing services for the most convenient access.
There is dedicated parking available at the Wonder Gardens. Arriving earlier in the day, especially on weekends, can help secure a spot more easily.
Downtown Bonita Springs is generally easy to navigate. The Wonder Gardens is centrally located, making it a convenient stop.
Yes, Bonita Beach and other Southwest Florida attractions are nearby, making it a great addition to a day trip exploring the region.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Admission prices are generally affordable. Adults are around $15, children (up to 12) are $10, seniors (65+) are $13, and children under 3 are free.
The Wonder Gardens is typically open daily from 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM. It's always a good idea to check their official website for the most current hours.
While not explicitly stated in all sources, purchasing tickets online in advance is often recommended for popular attractions to save time. Check their official website.
Seniors often receive a discounted rate. Check their website or inquire at the ticket counter for any other potential discounts.
Yes, the Wonder Gardens is a popular venue for events like wedding receptions, birthday parties, and bridal showers, with specific areas available.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
You can see a variety of rescued animals including flamingos, alligators, tortoises, macaws, and other colorful birds and reptiles. +1
Visitors consistently report that the animals appear well taken care of, and the staff is dedicated to their mission.
Yes, for an additional fee, you can participate in animal encounter experiences, such as feeding tortoises and lorikeets.
The gardens are lush and tropical, featuring a variety of plants, flowers, and water features, offering a peaceful and shaded environment. +1
Absolutely! Kids love seeing the animals and exploring the gardens. It's a fun and educational experience for families. +1
The 'Old Florida' charm refers to the attraction's historic roots dating back to 1936, offering a nostalgic feel with its vintage exhibits and natural beauty. 
📸 📸 Photography
Yes, photography is generally allowed and encouraged. The lush gardens and diverse wildlife provide excellent photo opportunities.
Look for colorful birds, unique plant life, and scenic garden views. The animal enclosures also offer great shots.
While not explicitly stated, it's best to check the Wonder Gardens' specific photography policy regarding tripods, especially during busy times.
Generally, personal photography is fine. Professional or commercial photography might require special permission.
The gardens offer dappled sunlight through the trees, creating beautiful lighting conditions. Early morning and late afternoon provide softer light.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Pro-tip for families: Visit during the cooler morning hours to keep little ones comfortable. The shaded paths are a lifesaver, and the birds' ability to talk can be a delightful surprise for children.
❤️ Couples & Date Ideas
The exotic wildlife provides a fascinating backdrop for conversation and shared discovery. Date night idea: Visit in the late afternoon for the golden hour light, which creates a magical ambiance for photos.
Afterwards, explore downtown Bonita Springs for dinner or drinks, making it a perfect evening out. 📸 Photography Enthusiasts
Photography tips: Visit during the 'golden hour' in the late afternoon for soft, flattering light.
Experiment with macro photography for close-ups of flowers and smaller creatures, and telephoto lenses for capturing the animals in their habitats. Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
A Living Piece of History
Unlike modern zoos, the Wonder Gardens focuses on providing a naturalistic habitat for its animal residents, many of whom are rescued. This mission is evident in the care and attention given to each enclosure, creating an environment where visitors can learn about conservation efforts and appreciate the importance of protecting native and exotic species.
Preserving Florida's Natural Heritage
The gardens themselves are a testament to the region's biodiversity, featuring a wide array of tropical plants, vibrant flowers, and serene water features.
Wildlife Encounters and Conservation
For an extra layer of engagement, the Wonder Gardens offers animal encounter experiences. For a fee, visitors can have the unique opportunity to feed the tortoises and lorikeets, creating unforgettable memories.
A Sanctuary for Rescued Animals
The staff and volunteers at the Wonder Gardens are deeply committed to the well-being of their animal residents.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit