The best places to see wildlife in the USA

In partnership with New England Falconry, the Woodstock Inn and Resort hosts Falconry Sessions at its falconry center. Choose from a 45-minute introductory session or a 90-minute extended session, participate, or opt to observe. Tickets range from $30 to $180, depending on the session length and whether the guest will participate or observe. Learn from professional falconers about the sport, conservation, and history of hunting with falcons and other birds of prey. Then enjoy a flying session! Anyone can attend as long as they pre-register online.

Let a professional naturalist guide show you around Jackson Hole, from Grand Teton National Park to the National Elk Refuge. Four Seasons Jackson Hole offers guests an unforgettable wildlife experience in partnership with Jackson Hole Wildlife Safari. Guests are picked up at the Four Seasons and will spend the day with an expert learning the history of the area and scouting wildlife, stopping for plenty of photos along the way. In the winter, there could be wolves, moose, and big horn sheep, then in the summer, tours might find bears, bison and rare birds! Every tour is unique based on the time of year and the traveler’s personal interest. This is an opportunity to appreciate the wildlife of an iconic vacation spot and learn more about ways we can all work to protect their ecosystem.

Maybe an Antarctica cruise is a bit out of budget, but that doesn’t mean you can’t take a trip to see penguins up close and personal this year! The Mystic Aquarium, located in Mystic, Connecticut, offers guests the chance to get up close with African penguins during their Animal Encounter Experiences. During your Penguin Encounter, an expert will teach you about penguins' behavior, diet, and care, as well as their lives in the wild. Tickets for each session are limited to 10 people, so book ahead; tickets range from $190 to $240, depending on the time of year you visit.

Embark on a journey through Antelope Island, a sanctuary just a short drive from the heart of Salt Lake City. Antelope eBikes offers guided tours of Antelope Island via e-bikes. Guests can see diverse wildlife thriving in their natural habitat, from the herd of American bison that roam freely to graceful Pronghorn antelope grazing the plains. Explore scenic trails on two wheels and take in the panoramic views of the Great Salt Lake. Birdwatchers will delight in spotting a plethora of avian species, including pelicans and eagles. 

Nestled in the picturesque landscapes of Montana, this unique retreat offers unparalleled wildlife experiences. Encounter the majestic beauty of wolves up close, the Howlers Wolf Sanctuary aims to foster a deeper appreciation for these magnificent creatures, while providing a safe home for wolves that cannot be released into the wild.

Witness the magical moment when a sea turtle hatches from its egg and makes its first journey to the ocean. To get more out of your trip to Sea Island, Georgia, join the nature team to patrol the beach at dawn for nesting females, hatchlings, and newly laid nests. This experience is typically offered from June through August and is $125 per person.

People come from all over the world to experience the beauty of Crystal River! Let the experts at Nature’s Discovery show you around through a manatee snorkeling or eco-tour. Nature’s Discovery’s goal is to help as many people as possible see and observe the Florida manatee in an educational and exciting setting that preserves the ecology of King’s Bay. The tour is three hours long, and you will be accompanied by an in-water guide and photographer to help you capture this once-in-a-lifetime experience.

The largest chimpanzee sanctuary in the U.S., Chimp Haven gives chimps retired from research a second chance and allows them to experience the joys they would have in the wild: climbing trees, living in large, bonded social groups, eating their favorite fruits, running, playing and so much more. Chimp Haven is not open to the public daily. Still, they have events and special opportunities throughout the year that allow people to learn about and experience the sanctuary. They also offer a limited number of private tours; you can submit a tour request here or check out their events calendar and plan your visit around one of their public events.

You don’t need to do an African safari to see giraffes and rhinos; Longneck Manor offers you the chance to encounter these animals on their 100-acre property in Texas. Longneck Manor treats a small number of overnight guests to more of an immersive, exclusive safari experience. Their goal is to provide fun experiences for guests while helping to save animals in the wild. Choose to stay at the manor for the full experience or book a tour and just visit for the day.

During your next trip to Hawaii, have the thrill of a lifetime when you go shark diving with Hawaii Shark Encounters. See one of the world’s greatest apex predators up close from the safety of a diving cage. But don’t just go for the thrill; your expert guides will share information on shark biology, behavior and their vital role in Hawaiian culture and mythology. Hawaiians deeply respect the ocean and marine life, recognizing sharks as an essential part of the ocean’s ecosystem and their cultural heritage. Offered in Oahu, the shark diving experience is two hours long and starts at $90 for children and $125 for adults.