Top Wildlife Safaris & National Parks in Atlanta, Georgia, United States
1. Zoo Atlanta
Home to more than 1,000 animals across 200 species, including gorillas, pandas, and elephants. Features a Savannah exhibit with African wildlife.
- Variety of Species: Offers a wide range of animals not commonly found in other zoos.
- Conservation Efforts: Active in conservation efforts for numerous species, including the giant panda and the red wolf.
- Educational Programs: Provides educational programs about animal conservation and behavior.
2. Georgia Aquarium
The largest aquarium in the world with more than 100,000 animals across 600 species. Features a variety of exhibits, including a whale shark and dolphin show.
- Size: The largest aquarium in the world, housing an immense variety of marine life.
- Animal Conservation: Engaged in various conservation programs for aquatic species.
- Educational Programs: Provides educational experiences about marine ecosystems and conservation.
3. Six Flags White Water
A water park with more than 60 rides, slides, and attractions. Features a wild animal exhibit called 'Wild Artic'.
- Variety of Attractions: Offers an extensive variety of water-based amusements and rides.
- Wild Artic Exhibit: Features a polar bear and seal exhibit, offering close encounters with Arctic wildlife.
- Family-Friendly Atmosphere: Designed for families, with attractions suitable for all ages.
4. Callaway Gardens
A 13,000-acre resort featuring gardens, forests, and wildlife. Offers guided nature walks and bird watching opportunities.
- Size of the Property: One of the largest resorts in the southeastern United States, boasting a variety of ecosystems.
- Guided Nature Walks: Offers guided tours to help visitors explore and learn about the local wildlife and plant life.
- Bird Watching Opportunities: Provides excellent opportunities for bird watching, with over 200 species found on-site.
5. Chattahoochee Nature Center
A nature preserve and education center with 1,930 acres of forests, meadows, and wetlands. Offers programs for bird watching, wildlife photography, and guided hikes.
- Size of the Preserve: One of the largest nature preserves in Atlanta, offering diverse ecosystems.
- Educational Programs: Provides educational programs about local wildlife, plants, and conservation efforts.
- Wildlife Photography Opportunities: Offers exceptional opportunities for nature photography due to the variety of wildlife present.
6. Fort Yargo State Park
A park featuring a 52-acre lake, hiking trails, and a variety of wildlife, including deer, raccoons, and turkeys.
- Lake Activities: Offers activities like boating, fishing, and swimming on its 52-acre lake.
- Hiking Trails: Features over 20 miles of hiking trails, allowing visitors to explore the park's diverse ecosystems.
- Wildlife Viewing Opportunities: Provides excellent opportunities for wildlife viewing, including deer, raccoons, and turkeys.
7. Yellow River Game Ranch
A drive-through wildlife park featuring African animals such as zebras, giraffes, and antelope. Offers up-close encounters with these exotic species.
- Drive-Through Experience: Allows visitors to drive through the park, providing close encounters with African wildlife.
- Exotic Wildlife: Features a variety of exotic African animals that are not commonly found in other parks.
- Conservation Efforts: Engaged in conservation efforts for the species found on-site, as well as other endangered wildlife.
8. Blue Ridge Wildlife Park
A non-profit wildlife park dedicated to the conservation of native and exotic species. Offers educational programs, up-close encounters with animals, and guided tours.
- Conservation Focus: Dedicated to the conservation of both native and exotic wildlife species.
- Educational Programs: Provides educational programs about wildlife conservation and behavior.
- Up-Close Encounter Opportunities: Offers unique opportunities for visitors to get up close and personal with a variety of wildlife species.
9. Piedmont Park
An urban park featuring lakes, gardens, and walking trails. Offers opportunities for bird watching and spotting other local wildlife.
- Urban Location: Located in the heart of Atlanta, providing a unique urban wildlife experience.
- Bird Watching Opportunities: Offers excellent opportunities for bird watching, with over 150 species found within the park.
- Walking Trails: Features miles of walking trails, providing a chance to explore the park and observe local wildlife.
10. Panola Mountain State Park
A nature preserve with hiking trails, a granite dome, and diverse ecosystems. Offers opportunities for wildlife viewing, including deer and various bird species.
- Granite Dome: Features a unique granite dome, providing stunning views of the surrounding area.
- Hiking Trails: Offers miles of hiking trails, allowing visitors to explore the park's diverse ecosystems.
- Wildlife Viewing Opportunities: Provides excellent opportunities for wildlife viewing, including deer and various bird species.
11. Red Top Mountain State Park
A park featuring a reservoir, hiking trails, and a variety of wildlife, including deer, turkeys, and bald eagles.
- Reservoir Activities: Offers activities like boating, fishing, and swimming on its reservoir.
- Hiking Trails: Features miles of hiking trails, allowing visitors to explore the park's diverse ecosystems.
- Wildlife Viewing Opportunities: Provides excellent opportunities for wildlife viewing, including deer, turkeys, and bald eagles.
12. Sweetwater Creek State Park
A park featuring a historic mill ruins, hiking trails, and diverse wildlife, including deer, beavers, and various bird species.
- Historic Mill Ruins: Features the ruins of an 1800s mill, offering a glimpse into history.
- Hiking Trails: Offers miles of hiking trails, allowing visitors to explore the park's diverse ecosystems.
- Wildlife Viewing Opportunities: Provides excellent opportunities for wildlife viewing, including deer, beavers, and various bird species.
13. Fort McPherson Nature Center
A nature center located on a former military base, featuring hiking trails, wildlife observation areas, and educational programs.
- Former Military Base: Located on a former military base, offering a unique setting for nature exploration.
- Hiking Trails: Offers miles of hiking trails, allowing visitors to explore the park's diverse ecosystems.
- Educational Programs: Provides educational programs about local wildlife and conservation efforts.
14. Silver Comet Trail
A rail-trail for hiking, biking, and horseback riding that stretches from Atlanta to Alabama. Provides opportunities for wildlife viewing along the way.
- Length of the Trail: Stretches over 61 miles, offering a long, scenic route for exploration.
- Variety of Transportation Options: Supports multiple modes of transportation, including hiking, biking, and horseback riding.
- Wildlife Viewing Opportunities: Provides excellent opportunities for wildlife viewing along the trail's diverse ecosystems.
15. Chastain Park
An urban park featuring a lake, golf course, and a variety of wildlife, including deer, raccoons, and various bird species.
- Urban Location: Located in the heart of Atlanta, providing a unique urban wildlife experience.
- Lake and Golf Course: Features a lake for boating and fishing, as well as an 18-hole golf course.
- Wildlife Viewing Opportunities: Provides excellent opportunities for wildlife viewing, including deer, raccoons, and various bird species.