Open-air wildlife park

Zoo Miami

Next-door attraction with a separate entrance

Explore more than 2,000 animals across one of the country's largest open-air zoo campuses, next door to Gold Coast Railroad Museum in southwest Miami.

The place

About Zoo Miami

Zoo Miami is a Miami-Dade County wildlife park with more than 2,000 animals representing 375 species. Its open-air habitats and subtropical setting spread across 340 developed acres on a 740-acre parcel, making this a substantial outdoor visit rather than a quick indoor add-on.

The zoo's live ticket page lists daily 10 a.m.-5 p.m. operation with the last ticket at 4 p.m., plus reduced Thanksgiving and Christmas hours and possible early closures for night events. Most guests spend four to five hours, so pairing it with the railroad museum calls for an early start and a deliberate time budget.

Wheelchairs, ECVs, strollers, wagons, and Safari Cycles can sell out, especially on weekends and holidays. The zoo publishes accessible exhibits, concessions, and transportation, permits service animals, and asks for some county accommodations at least seven days ahead.

What stands out

Explore continental regions

Move through large open-air habitats designed around animals from Africa, Asia, the Amazon, and beyond.

Plan for the zoo's scale

The 340 developed acres reward an early start, comfortable footwear, hydration, and a priority list.

Use mobility options

Reserve a wheelchair, ECV, stroller, wagon, or Safari Cycle before busy dates when useful.

Pair carefully with rail history

Visit the adjacent railroad museum only with separate time, ticket, gate, and ride-status checks.

Pair it with the train

Why it belongs in a Gold Coast Railroad Museum trip

Gold Coast Railroad Museum identifies itself as next to Zoo Miami and uses the neighboring 12450 address; Zoo Miami uses 12400 SW 152nd Street. They remain separate attractions with different gates, tickets, schedules, and visit lengths, so follow signs and do not assume one parking area or admission covers both.

Before you go

Plan your visit

  • Regular hoursDaily 10 a.m.-5 p.m.; last ticket at 4 p.m.; holiday and night-event exceptions apply
  • General admissionAdults 13+ $25.95 plus tax; ages 3-12 $21.95 plus tax; ages 2 and under free
  • ParkingFree at the zoo; use the zoo entrance and follow current signs
  • Typical visitFour to five hours for the average guest
  • ScaleMore than 2,000 animals, 375 species, and 340 developed acres
  • Mobility rentalsWheelchairs, ECVs, strollers, wagons, and Safari Cycles; reserve early
  • AccommodationsFor county-provided formats, interpreters, CART, or other accommodations, contact at least seven days ahead
  • WeatherOpen-air habitats; check heat and rain, and call if a specific animal is essential

Return to the railroad museum

Add Gold Coast Railroad Museum

Use the Gold Coast guide for current admission, collection details, four ride formats, and the call-ahead availability boundary.

View the guide →

Useful answers

Frequently asked questions

When is Zoo Miami open?

The regular schedule is daily 10 a.m.-5 p.m., with the last ticket at 4 p.m. Thanksgiving, Christmas, and some night-event dates use different hours.

How much is general admission?

At the source check, adults 13+ are $25.95 plus tax, children 3-12 are $21.95 plus tax, and ages 2 and under are free.

How long should I allow?

The zoo says the average guest spends four to five hours, and some visitors need longer.

Is parking free?

Yes, the zoo's current ticket page lists free parking.

What accessibility planning is available?

The zoo publishes accessible exhibits, concessions, and transportation, service-animal access, wheelchair and ECV rentals, and an advance county accommodation process.

Can mobility equipment sell out?

Yes. The zoo recommends reserving wheelchairs, ECVs, strollers, wagons, and Safari Cycles before weekends and holidays.

Does zoo admission include the railroad museum?

No. The neighboring Gold Coast Railroad Museum is independently operated with separate admission and ride availability.

Trust and accuracy

Sources

Source checked 2026-08-23. This free guide has not yet been confirmed by the venue. Current hours, prices, services, and accessibility can change; confirm time-sensitive details directly.