Florida

Florida gators are close to guaranteed in a way they aren’t anywhere else on this list. They’re present in nearly every freshwater system in the state, and the Everglades and the network of state parks and water management district land give you boardwalks and paved trails running right over their habitat, no boat or guide required.

Everglades National Park’s Anhinga Trail is a short, flat boardwalk loop over a slough that holds water even in the dry season, which concentrates gators right along the rail; it’s probably the single most reliable spot on this list. Wakulla Springs State Park, south of Tallahassee, runs a guided boat tour that’s a good option if you’d rather not walk. Myakka River State Park near Sarasota has a wildlife drive and paddling access over a lake known for a dense population. Paynes Prairie Preserve State Park south of Gainesville is a former lakebed turned open prairie basin, with an observation tower overlooking the whole thing. Circle B Bar Reserve near Lakeland is a smaller wetland with an easy boardwalk loop, good for a short visit.

Florida stays warm enough that gators are visible in some form nearly year-round, though activity picks up by March and peaks through the warm months. Dawn and dusk are the strongest windows on any given day.

Stay back at least 30 feet, don’t feed them, and keep dogs leashed near water. Several popular parks now use timed entry or fill parking early on weekends, so check hours before you drive out.