Lion Country Safari in Loxahatchee offers one of the best animal encounters in the state, as this drive-through safari boasts more than 900 animals on its property. Take a five-mile drive through the amusement park and get a peek at large herds of water buck, orucks and rhinos, and see if you can spot lion prides, chimps and giraffes roaming the area. Walk through the area’s range of displays, where you can see colorful birds and fish, while little ones will delight in the kid-friendly rides and interactive water features.

Just 21 miles inland from downtown West Palm Beach sits Lion Country Safari, the first cageless drive-thru zoo in the country. Although it's a bit of a drive, it's well worth the trip to see more than 900 animals walk freely around your car. All sorts of animals can be seen here, including white rhinos, zebras, ostriches and lions. There's also a walk-thru portion of the park called Safari World, where travelers can feed giraffes, birds and fish; play miniature golf; and enjoy paddle boats and water park rides. Though some visitors caution that this attraction is a bit expensive, most agree a visit here is a must. Past travelers especially appreciated the friendly staff and well maintained grounds. To cut costs, pass on park food and bring packed lunches instead. And for additional savings, check out the park's website, which sometimes offers printable coupons to apply toward park admission. Lion Country Safari's drive-thru adventure is open from 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. daily, while Safari World can be explored from 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Public transportation is not available within the immediate area, so driving to the attraction is required. Regular admission costs $33 for each person between 10 and 64 years in age. Discounted rates are available for seniors and children ages 3 to 9, while kids younger than 3 visit for free. All general admission tickets include access to the drive-thru and walk-thru portions of the park. In addition to the attraction's various animal exhibits, guests have access to restrooms, gift shops, restaurants, picnic areas and water rides inside of Safari World. On-site parking costs an additional $7 per vehicle.

Purportedly the first "cageless" animal park in the United States, the touring roads through Lion Country Safari weave among animals commonly found on African safari. After purchasing a ticket to the park, you'll be handed an audiotape or CD to play as a guided tour for your drive. It is important to drive slowly and keep doors and windows closed at all times. In the chimpanzee exhibit, chimps mimic their natural behavior by migrating from island to island within the park, and the exhibit are also used to research the primates' complex behavior. After the driving tour, the visit Safari World Ferris wheel, petting zoo, and rides. Choose to start, finish, or center your holiday on a trip to Lion Country Safari by using our Loxahatchee trip itinerary builder tool.