Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo, Gulf Shores: Hours, Address, Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo Reviews: 4.5/5
Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo
Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo
4.5
9:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Monday
9:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Tuesday
9:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Wednesday
9:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Thursday
9:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Friday
9:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Saturday
9:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Sunday
9:00 AM - 4:00 PM
About
Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo has become 'The Little Zoo That Grew' when we move to our new 25-acre home! The Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo is home to exotic animals including lions, tigers, giraffes, reptiles, kangaroos, lemurs, sloths to name just a few. The Zoo features a domestic barn along with seasonal animal encounters, a mining sluice and interactive animal shows during the spring and summer months. The mission of the Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo is to create compelling experiences that connect people and community with wildlife and inspire personal responsibility for conservation of the natural world.
Suggested duration
2-3 hours
Features animals
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The area
Address
Best nearby
Restaurants
56 within 3 miles
Safari Club
30
0.3 mi$$ - $$$ • American • Vegetarian Friendly • Vegan Options
Island Wing Company
308
0.6 mi$$ - $$$ • American • Bar • Vegetarian Friendly
Cactus Cantina
578
0.9 mi$$ - $$$ • Mexican • Southwestern • Vegetarian Friendly
Kitty's Kafe
795
1 mi$$ - $$$ • American • Cafe • Vegetarian Friendly
Tuscany Pizza and Grill
86
1 mi$$ - $$$ • Italian • Pizza • Tuscan
LongHorn Steakhouse
246
1 mi
Starbucks
24
0.9 mi$$ - $$$ • Quick Bites • American • Cafe
Bleus Burger
67
1 mi$$ - $$$ • American • Bar
The Yard Milkshake Bar
251
1.1 mi$$ - $$$ • Dessert • American
Dairy Queen Grill & Chill
49
1 mi$ • Dessert • American • Fast Food
Attractions
8 within 3 miles
Gulf Shores Welcome Center
464
1.8 miVisitor Centers
Big Beach Brewing Company
126
2.7 miBreweries
The Photo Op Shop
3
1 miSpeciality Museums
Swift- Coles Historic Home
51
3 miHistoric Sites
Gulf Coast Tennis Club
5
1.5 miSports Complexes
Our Lady of the Gulf Catholic Church
14
2.8 miChurches & Cathedrals
Pottery Central World Headquarters
13
2.7 miArt Galleries
St. Athanasios Greek Orthodox Church
3
3 miChurches & Cathedrals
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Popular mentions
4.5
1,604 reviews
Excellent
864
Very good
439
Average
193
Poor
69
Terrible
39
paulanjeff
Mount Juliet, TN100 contributions
Our first visit
Jul 2021 • Friends
Our visit was most enjoyable. We were able to get up close to the giraffes which was the highlight!
Younger children will probably enjoy a visit more than our teens did as there were quite a few activities geared toward younger visitors.
This is a definite for family fun.
Younger children will probably enjoy a visit more than our teens did as there were quite a few activities geared toward younger visitors.
This is a definite for family fun.
Written July 18, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Alexis L
1 contribution
They turned a gem into something to avoid
Jul 2021 • Family
We loved it when we went a few years ago. There were many additional encounters, lots of shade, and animals close to the walkways. Since the changes, there are fewer encounters that cost a lot more (2-4 times as much!!) than they used to. There is little to no shade and concrete everywhere raising the temp at least ten degrees. What used to be a fun experience is now just a money grab with very little to enjoy. Even the animals have less shade. The poor bear was pacing in the small part of its enclosure that was shaded. Even the bear’s water area was in full sun. It only took a few years to change this from a must see to a complete avoid :(
Written July 5, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
feigley65
Athens, AL63 contributions
Little Disappointed
Jun 2021 • Family
Yes it’s HOT but the part that made to Zoo worse was no shade no misting stations and everyone was out of water and drinks. Slush machines not frozen yet. Vending machines empty. Very disappointed. It’s hard to enjoy the zoo when you are about to pass out. So they let you take your child’s wagon in so my advice is pack a small cooler. Also, credit card machine was out so you had to have cash at some of the events. They just need to be more prepared.
Written June 15, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
rcknmg
Evansville, IN111 contributions
Little zoo
Jun 2021 • Family
We really enjoyed this little zoo. The animals seemed happy. We went first thing in the morning and it wasn’t very busy, yay. Not a huge animal selection but satisfying.
Written June 13, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Patti S
Searcy, AR14 contributions
A “don’t miss” if you have small children—we enjoyed it too!
Jun 2021 • Family
Rating this sweet little zoo four out of five only because it doesn’t have the large animals like elephants and hippos and rhinos—but don’t let that deter you if you want a morning out. There were lions and giraffes along with a decent assortment of other critters, who appeared well-cared-for. Clean as can be, with well designed and pristine new facilities, this was a completely enjoyable way to pass the time.
Make sure and purchase your tickets online to avoid standing in line. They only accept cash at the window and you’ll end up getting tickets in your phone at the gate if you don’t have cash on you and don’t do it ahead of time.
Would be a “don’t miss” for families with small children.
Make sure and purchase your tickets online to avoid standing in line. They only accept cash at the window and you’ll end up getting tickets in your phone at the gate if you don’t have cash on you and don’t do it ahead of time.
Would be a “don’t miss” for families with small children.
Written June 11, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Stacy M
7 contributions
Not a good zoo!
May 2021 • Family
My daughters and I were very disappointed in this place. We got there at 9am and started walking around the zoo. We were done by 10am. Why did we get done so quick? 70% of the animals were not out while their enclosures we're being cleaned. Why not do that prior to opening? If you're gonna charge $20 a person, then at least try to provide us with what we paid for.
I understand that the cost of keeping up a zoo is extensive, but why if we are already paying $20 a person, does it make sense to charge each person and additional $20 just to go in the enclosure with a few kangaroos? Most zoos include that for free. They have no petting zoo either.
But wait, there were a few animals out! Unfortunately, the zoo keeper came over and asked us to move on and posted a sign that said the animal was having a bad day and everyone should simply leave her alone.
We thought, well maybe we can feed a giraffe. We waited and the posted time that the attendant was supposed to open the feeding station passed by. At that point, we were not going to wait forever.
I see a lot of good reviews, so perhaps we were simply there on a bad day? A very bad day!
I understand that the cost of keeping up a zoo is extensive, but why if we are already paying $20 a person, does it make sense to charge each person and additional $20 just to go in the enclosure with a few kangaroos? Most zoos include that for free. They have no petting zoo either.
But wait, there were a few animals out! Unfortunately, the zoo keeper came over and asked us to move on and posted a sign that said the animal was having a bad day and everyone should simply leave her alone.
We thought, well maybe we can feed a giraffe. We waited and the posted time that the attendant was supposed to open the feeding station passed by. At that point, we were not going to wait forever.
I see a lot of good reviews, so perhaps we were simply there on a bad day? A very bad day!
Written May 31, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
mabeswife
Arkansas54 contributions
Small zoo with many animals
May 2021 • Solo
My 11yo son and I visited last week and we were impressed at how many animals were in this small zoo. He loves all animals and was excited to see the bengal tigers, primates, camels, giraffes, big cats, and more. It was a little warm that day and we happened to visit during the hottest part of the day so the sun was shining right on us. There was some shade but not a ton (the animals all had shade though and many were napping, especially the cats!). We really enjoyed our visit here.
Written May 30, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
DCK
Dexter, MO7 contributions
Fun smaller zoo
May 2021 • Family
We had a great time at this smaller zoo. I gave it four stars because you have to pay for everything above your admission cost of approx $20. You pay to feed the animals, ride the carrousel etc. it is a smaller zoo but very clean and easy to walk thru.
Written May 27, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Norris86
West Frankfort, IL8 contributions
Love it!
May 2021 • Friends
Good time and can get pretty close to
The animals! We fed the giraffes! The petting zoo is very cute. Staff is friendly. We love it and recommend it.
The animals! We fed the giraffes! The petting zoo is very cute. Staff is friendly. We love it and recommend it.
Written May 25, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Alleyplace
Woodstock14 contributions
Typical Zoo - Nothing Special
May 2021 • Family
We have been visiting this zoo for 20+ years. Now the zoo moved to its new location it is no longer a special intimate place to visit. Has now become like any other zoo. Animal viewing through fence, minimal shaded areas. Great if you like the typical zoo but, lost is little special zoo appeal.
Written May 25, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
We are heading that way in mid-June, which I know is busy. Is there a day of the week that seems to be a little less crowded?
Friendbe
Thomasville, GA127 contributions
When the zoo reopens, will we be able to pre purchase tickets online?
ALGulfCoastZoo
Gulf Shores, AL3 contributions
Yes, tickets are available online to n our website.
Wendy S
Jackson, GA80 contributions
Are you closed now for the move? October 5th is today.
ALGulfCoastZoo
Gulf Shores, AL3 contributions
We are open at current location through end of 2019 holiday season. Projected opening date at new zoo is Feb 2020.
N Kraft
Bloomington-Normal, IL235 contributions
Will you be open during the week of Memorial Day? I read an article that you sustained damage during a storm a few weeks ago and had closed until the place could be cleaned up.
ALGulfCoastZoo
Gulf Shores, AL3 contributions
Yes! We are open today. Hours are 9am-5pm.
beckylou1218
Lancaster, OH4 contributions
Is there a fee for parking? Included in admission?
ALGulfCoastZoo
Gulf Shores, AL3 contributions
No fee for parking at current location.
How many hours do you recommend for a visit to the zoo?
MN2Go
Minneapolis, MN47 contributions
When we were there, we spent about 2 hours. We had a wonderful Sloth Experience which took about 30 minutes. The Zoo was very small, but they are moving in September to a new location.
Can you bring your small dog into the zoo?
ALGulfCoastZoo
Gulf Shores, AL3 contributions
No, animals are not allowed in the park. For service dog information please call our gift shop at 251-968-4910.
Passport39795
Sandy Springs, GA4 contributions
Has a moving day been scheduled?
ALGulfCoastZoo
Gulf Shores, AL3 contributions
We will be closing the current zoo on Sept 30th. Starting move on Oct 1st with a projected opening date end of Nov.
Is there a stroller rental and what is the price for one?
JIm J
Brandon, MS52 contributions
As others have answered there are “wagons” available but I don’t know the pricing as we did not have a need. However, I know they have complimentary wheel chairs available.