Flamingo Gardens | Fort Lauderdale

Flamingo Gardens, located at 3750 South Flamingo Road in Davie, Florida, is a 60-acre non-profit botanical garden, wildlife sanctuary, and historic site. Established in 1927, it stands today as one of the most iconic and educational destinations in South Florida, showcasing native and exotic wildlife, subtropical and tropical plants, and a glimpse into the area’s pioneer heritage.

Historical Background

Originally created by Floyd L. and Jane Wray as Flamingo Groves, the property was a citrus orchard planted with 40 acres of orange trees. The Wrays envisioned more than just a commercial venture—they wanted to create a lush showcase for Florida's natural beauty. Over time, they began cultivating exotic trees and plants from around the world and opened the grove to visitors.

In the 1960s, as agriculture declined in the area, Flamingo Groves evolved into Flamingo Gardens, a botanical garden open to the public. By the 1990s, it incorporated a wildlife sanctuary, conservation efforts, and formal educational programming.

Botanical Garden Features

The botanical gardens span over 60 acres and contain more than 3,000 species of rare and exotic plants, including:

Tropical and subtropical fruit trees

Butterfly and hummingbird gardens

Cycad garden, bamboo groves, and fern collections

Ginger and heliconia trail

Rainforest and native hammock ecosystems

One of the highlights is the arboretum, home to 15 Florida Champion Trees—the largest of their species in the state. Flamingo Gardens is also a designated International Conifer Conservation Program site, reflecting its scientific and environmental importance.

Everglades Wildlife Sanctuary

Opened in 1990, the Everglades Wildlife Sanctuary serves as a permanent home for over 90 species of native animals, most of which are unreleasable due to injury or captivity history. Visitors can observe:

Florida panther

Bald eagles

Black bears

Otters

Bobcats

Alligators

Peacocks

American flamingos (a major attraction)

There is also a Bird of Prey Center, a free-flight aviary, and a tortoise habitat. The sanctuary's largest feature is the 25,000 sq ft Everglades Aviary, which replicates five Florida ecosystems and houses over 250 wading birds, such as herons, spoonbills, ibises, and egrets.

Wray Home Museum

The Wray Home, built in 1933, is a preserved wooden home that once belonged to the founders, Floyd and Jane Wray. It has been restored and now operates as a museum showing life in South Florida in the early 20th century. The house contains original furniture, photographs, and personal artifacts, offering a rare look at the domestic life of pioneer citrus growers.

This home is the oldest residence west of University Drive in Broward County.

Tram Tours

The narrated tram tour is a popular feature at Flamingo Gardens:

Duration: Approximately 25 minutes

Schedule: Every 30 minutes throughout the day

Highlights: Guests are taken through remote areas of the gardens, including:

Tropical rainforest

Wetlands and waterways

Historic citrus groves

Native hammock

The tour is especially recommended for visitors who want an overview of the landscape or have mobility concerns.

Educational Programs

Flamingo Gardens is deeply committed to education and conservation. It hosts:

Field trips for schools

Summer camps

Animal encounter shows

Workshops and lectures on native plants, animal conservation, and eco-sustainability

Special focus is placed on teaching about Everglades ecology and Florida’s natural heritage.

Special Events

The gardens host a wide array of annual and seasonal events:

Garden of Lights during the winter holidays

Orchid and Bromeliad shows

Harvest Festivals

Wildlife Weekends

Art shows and plant sales

These events are family-friendly and often include live music, vendors, food trucks, and educational exhibits.

Admission and Hours

Hours: Open daily from 9:30 AM to 5:00 PM
(Last entry at 4:00 PM)

Admission Prices:

Adults (12+): $19.95

Children (3–11): $12.95

Seniors (65+): $17.95

Children under 3: Free

Members: Free

Free parking is available on-site.

Amenities

Flamingo Café: Serves sandwiches, snacks, and cold beverages. Seating overlooks the flamingo pond, offering a scenic place to rest.

Gift Shop: Offers local artisan crafts, educational books, home décor, and themed merchandise.

Restrooms and shaded seating areas are located throughout the park.

Accessibility

The main paths, aviary, museum, and tram are wheelchair accessible.

Wheelchairs are available on a first-come, first-served basis.

Summary

Flamingo Gardens is more than just a tourist attraction; it's a historical, botanical, and wildlife sanctuary that educates and inspires. Whether you're interested in Florida's environmental ecosystems, native wildlife, or simply enjoying lush gardens and peaceful scenery, Flamingo Gardens offers a comprehensive and memorable experience for all ages.