Big Cat Habitat and Gulf Coast Sanctuary Reviews

Manuela Schewe-Behnisch / EyeEm / Getty Images

Key Info

7101 Palmer Blvd.
Sarasota, FL 34240
Official Website
Tours & Tickets

Details

Zoos and Aquariums Type
1 to 2 hours Time to Spend

3.4

Overall

Scorecard

Value

3.5
Facilities

3.5
Atmosphere

3.0

Read about how we rank Things to Do.

Animal lovers and families will likely enjoy Sarasota's Big Cat Habitat and Gulf Coast Sanctuary. This attraction has cared for exotic animals like lions, tigers, bears and chimpanzees since 1987. In addition to housing various animals, the facility hosts bird and big cat shows with educational talks and demonstrations.

Many past visitors appreciated the Big Cat Habitat's commitment to the wellbeing of its animals, although some were disappointed by the property's use of animals in shows. For those with young ones, check out the petting zoo, where kids can feed goats and llamas. Prior travelers also recommend feeding the lions, tigers and bears, which costs an extra dollar per animal.

No SCAT bus routes make stops near the Big Cat Habitat, so visitors will need to drive or hail a taxi to get to the property. The attraction sits between downtown Sarasota and other top sights like Myakka River State Park and Sarasota National Cemetery, making it a convenient spot to check out on the way to or from the park or cemetery. Should you choose to visit, you'll have access to free parking, restrooms, a gift shop and complimentary parrot and big cat shows, which start at 1 and 2 p.m., respectively. But keep in mind that this outdoor sanctuary costs $18 per adult and $8 per child to visit and is only open between noon and 4 p.m. Wednesday through Sunday (weather permitting). Tickets can be bought in-person or on the Big Cat Habitat and Gulf Coast Sanctuary website.

Hotels Nearby

Thing to Do
Hotel

Homewood Suites by Hilton Sarasota-Lakewood Ranch ...

4.1 Miles Away
3.0-star Hotel Class

La Quinta Inn and Suites Sarasota I75 ...

1.6 Miles Away
2.5-star Hotel Class

Carlisle Inn Sarasota ...

4.0 Miles Away
3.5-star Hotel Class

See all hotels in Sarasota »

More Best Things to Do in Sarasota

Myakka River State Park picture in Sarasota

The John & Mable Ringling Museum of Art picture in Sarasota

Marie Selby Botanical Gardens picture in Sarasota

Sarasota National Cemetery picture in Sarasota

Mote Marine Laboratory & Aquarium picture in Sarasota

Big Cat Habitat and Gulf Coast Sanctuary picture in Sarasota

x of x

#1 Myakka River State Park Considered one of Florida's oldest and largest state parks, Myakka River State Park stretches across 58 square miles of wetlands, hammocks, pinelands and prairies. The area also features a ... Read more » The Photography Factory / Getty Images

#2 The John & Mable Ringling Museum of Art The John & Mable Ringling Museum of Art, which features thousands of Medieval, Renaissance, Greek, Roman and Cypriot antiquities and works of art, is the main attraction on The Ringling ... Read more » Marje / Getty Images

Marje / Getty Images

#4 Lido Key Beach Though visitors have access to several beaches in Sarasota County, one of the easiest to reach from downtown is Lido Key Beach. Situated less than 5 miles southwest of the ... Read more » fallbrook / Getty Images

#5 Marie Selby Botanical Gardens Once the home and grounds of amateur gardener Marie Selby, the Marie Selby Botanical Gardens opened to the public in 1975 after the death of its namesake. The garden, which ... Read more » Photo by Cathy Scola / Getty Images

#6 Sarasota National Cemetery Designed to highlight Sarasota's background as a military post for flight training, the 295-acre Sarasota National Cemetery has served as the final resting place for thousands of fallen veterans ... Read more » Dennis Macdonald / Getty Images

#7 Golf To many travelers, Sarasota may not be the first Florida destination to come to mind when thinking of a golf getaway. But golfers regularly seek out this city's championship ... Read more » Marje / Getty Images

#8 Mote Marine Laboratory & Aquarium Part-research center, part-aquarium, Mote Laboratory & Aquarium features nine exhibits, including two interactive areas and a 135,000-gallon shark tank. In total, the property houses more than 100 species of ... Read more » genenphotos / Getty Images

#9 Big Cat Habitat and Gulf Coast Sanctuary Animal lovers and families will likely enjoy Sarasota's Big Cat Habitat and Gulf Coast Sanctuary. This attraction has cared for exotic animals like lions, tigers, bears and chimpanzees since ... Read more » Manuela Schewe-Behnisch / EyeEm / Getty Images