If you’re looking for a quick getaway that feels far-flung but is close enough for a day trip, set your sights on the Alabama Safari Park in Montgomery, Alabama. Just 2.5 hours from Pensacola, this 350-acre wildlife park is a must-do as we approach the end of summer and head into fall. What makes Alabama Safari Park so unique is the way you experience it. Instead of standing behind fences, you drive through vast fields where animals roam freely, often strolling right up to your car window. Buckets of feed are available at the entrance, and you’ll quickly discover that the animals know exactly what’s in your hands. Expect curious camels leaning in for a treat, zebras trotting alongside your vehicle, and gentle deer strolling straight up to your car window.
At the Alabama Safari Park, you can spend time with the resident animals in several ways. Observe them from your vehicle on the 350-acre safari drive-thru. Explore the village walk-thru, where you will find ring-tailed lemurs, macaws, kangaroos and more. Enjoy the budgie adventure aviary and feed the giraffes. You can also pet all your favorite farm animals, including goats and pigs. Lastly, experience a behind-the-scenes encounter with their sloths, giraffes and Aldabra tortoises.
The safari is home to an incredible variety of species—over 700 animals in total. You’ll encounter bison, wildebeest, water buffalo, and long-horned watusi cattle grazing in the open fields.I found the ostriches, alpacas and rheas strut past with a little extra attitude. Keep your camera ready—because every turn allows for the perfect photo opportunity.
There is also an ‘Anteater’ serving up meals like chicken tenders, hot dogs, French fries and tater tots. The gift shop features restrooms, ice creams and hundreds of different toys, stuffed animals and merchandise to remember your adventure with.
Beyond the fun, Alabama Safari Park plays an important role in conservation, supporting global breeding programs and wildlife preservation efforts. So not only is your visit a chance to enjoy an unforgettable day with animals from around the world, but it also helps ensure their survival for generations to come.
This fall, trade the beach breeze for safari adventure. With its close proximity to Pensacola, Alabama Safari Park makes the perfect day trip—easy, exciting, and full of one-of-a-kind encounters you won’t find anywhere else.
The details:
Location: 1664 Venable Road, Montgomery, AL
Distance from Pensacola: ~2.5 hours (easy day trip)
Hours: Open daily, 9 a.m.–5 p.m. (last car admitted at 4 p.m.)
- We left Pensacola at 6:30am and arrived right when they opened at 9am. We completed a wagon ride, drove through the park, had lunch and completed animal encounters and left at 3pm. Home just in time for dinner!
Tickets: Adults $27.95 | Children (2–12) $21.95 | Seniors $25.95 (children under 2 are free)
- Don’t Miss: Buckets of feed for the drive-through ($5 each), giraffe lettuce feeding, and the aviary encounter.
What to Bring: Comfortable walking shoes, water bottles, snacks for the road, and a camera or phone fully charged—you’ll want photos of every moment.
