Gulf Breeze Zoo

Gulf Breeze Zoo is a 50-acre outdoor animal park on Highway 98 between Gulf Breeze and Navarre. It is a drive from Destin rather than a downtown Destin attraction, so families should include road time in the day. Once inside, visitors explore the first 20 acres on foot.

An elevated boardwalk, farm area, budgie aviary, feeding locations, and habitats provide different ways to see animals. The Safari Express train then travels through a separate 30-acre free-roaming preserve, where the zoo highlights animals such as hippos and rhinos.

The mix works well for several ages. Toddlers can watch large animals and ride in a stroller, while preschool and elementary-age children may be especially excited by the train, farm, aviary, and optional feeding cups. Older children and teens can focus on animal behavior and the size of the preserve.

Families may bring their own stroller, wagon, or wheelchair. The zoo rents wagons and wheelchairs but does not rent strollers. Strollers and wagons must be left in designated areas while the family boards the wheelchair-accessible train.

Through October 30, the published 2026 hours are 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM, with last admission at 4:00 PM. From October 31 through December 31, the zoo closes at 4:00 PM and admits its last guest at 3:00 PM. It closes on Thanksgiving and Christmas.

Day passes cost $29.95 for adults ages 13 through 64 and $22.95 for children ages 2 through 12. Children under 2 enter free. Two adults and two children would cost $105.80 before tax and optional extras.

Allow three to five hours and check the train schedule soon after entering. The train normally departs hourly beginning at 10:00 AM, with more frequent service possible on high-attendance days. This is not a dependable rainy-day attraction.

The zoo does not offer rain refunds, the train pauses for lightning, and some animals may move into shelter during extreme weather. The Watering Hole Cafe provides children's meals and familiar lunch foods. Outside meals cannot enter the zoo, but families may use the covered pavilion outside the gates and return the same day with their receipt.

Confirm seasonal hours, ticket prices, weather, and animal availability before making the drive.