7 places to see wildlife in the U.S. this spring

Spring is a magical time to witness wildlife in action, as animals emerge from winter and migratory birds return. From paddling alongside wild ponies on Virginia’s Eastern Shore to spotting baby bison in Yellowstone National Park, here are seven unforgettable adventures that will take you to wildlife-rich spots across the U.S. Keep in mind, however, that the best wildlife encounters happen when you keep a respectful distance and observe responsible practices, so grab your binoculars and get ready for a spring wildlife safari.

Kayak to see wild ponies on Chincoteague Island, Virginia 

Located on Virginia’s Eastern Shore, Chincoteague is a pristine barrier island known for its iconic wild ponies, which were made famous by the 1961 film Misty of Chincoteague. The island’s salt marshes, sandy beaches, and quiet coves of the Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge are ideal for grazing and wading ponies. To truly experience them, paddle the island’s waterways. 

“The thing about kayaking is that you can go much further up these shallow, narrow creeks,” says Laura Scharle, an avid kayaker and certified ecotour guide based in Ocean Pines, Maryland. “When you paddle, you have a better chance of getting a closer look at the ponies.” Scharle recommends paddling at high tide to access more remote areas of the refuge.

For guided kayak tours, do your research and choose a responsible local outfitter that prioritizes respectful wildlife viewing practices, allowing you to observe the ponies from a safe distance–at least 50 feet–without disturbing them in their natural environs. The best paddling season is from April to October.  

(Related: The story of the mythical origins of Chincoteague ponies may actually be real.)

Go birdwatching in Everglades National Park, Florida

Florida’s Everglades National Park is a bird watcher’s paradise, home to more than 360 species of birds, including herons, egrets, wood storks, and roseate spoonbills. This vast subtropical wetland spans 1.5 million acres, offering plenty of opportunities to spot wading and migratory birds. Respect natural surroundings by staying quiet and giving birds space, especially during nesting season, from March to September.

The Anhinga Trail, a short boardwalk loop that starts at the Royal Palm Visitor Center, is a favorite among birders, as is the open-air Shark Valley Tram, which rewards visitors with sweeping views across the lush wetlands. The Guy Bradley Visitor Center in Flamingo offers daily ranger-guided bird walks from mid-December to mid-April. 

Spring migration is a wonderful time to witness migratory birds pass through the park.  Tod Dahlke, owner of a wildlife eco-tour company in Everglades City, Florida, notes that birding is good in the spring due to “lower water levels, which make it desirable for many wading birds.” He adds that early morning is the best time to see birds when they are most active and vocal.

(Related: Going birding for the first time? Here’s what you need to get started.)

Spot baby bison at Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming 

Yellowstone National Park is a haven for wildlife enthusiasts, especially in spring when bison calves—nicknamed “red dogs” for their orange-red coats—make their debut in the park. The Lamar Valley is a prime location to see baby bison, often alongside elk, bighorn sheep, and even brown and black bears. Keep your eyes peeled, but observe silently and avoid sudden movements so as not to startle wildlife. New bison arrivals can appear as early as late April. 

“Yellowstone is a must-see destination for megafauna, like elk and bison. It’s just an incredible experience to see a bison in the wild,” says Todd Walton of Yellowstone National Park Lodges, which offers a Wake Up to Wildlife guided tour from mid-May to early October. “Springtime is incredibly unique because you do have the bison babies and the elk babies.”  

For prime viewing, start at Mammoth Hot Springs, then head east to Lamar Valley, where pull-offs provide excellent wildlife-watching opportunities. Never approach or feed wildlife, and always stay at least 25 yards away from a bison. Bison may look slow, but they can run up to 35 mph. Use binoculars or a zoom lens for viewing.

(Related: Birds, bison, and bears—learn how to see wildlife from your car.)

Take a wildlife cruise at Channel Islands National Park, California 

Off the Southern California coast, Channel Islands National Park, an eight-island archipelago, is a haven for marine life, from sea lions and dolphins to whales and seabirds. Spring marks the arrival of California sea lions and northern fur seals at their rookery sites. With pupping season beginning as early as May, you may see playful pups basking in the sun, but keep your voices low to minimize stress or disruption to their natural behaviors.  

Early spring marks the end of whale-watching season, when gray whales may be seen breaching or slapping their tails. The park is only accessible by boat, so plan ahead and book a wildlife-watching cruise with Island Packers, the park’s official boat concessionaire, which offers cruises to five of the park’s islands. They also offer non-landing cruises along the Santa Barbara Channel, where you might encounter sea lions, dolphins, and off-shore birds, like sooty shearwaters and black-footed albatrosses. As you cruise, help keep the ocean clean by securing your belongings to prevent waste from unintentionally going overboard. 

(Related: Whale watching is booming. Here’s how to do it responsibly.)

Paddle with manatees at Silver Springs State Park, Florida 

In Central Florida, Silver Springs State Park caters to nature lovers, especially during manatee season from mid-November to late March. The park’s crystal-clear, spring-fed waters allow visitors to quietly and respectfully observe these gentle sea cows, free from motorized disturbances as gas- and electric-powered boats are prohibited. 

An easy paddle in a canoe or kayak gets you up close to manatees. Consider a guided clear kayak tour with a responsible local outfitter for a unique viewing experience. “To see them swim under the kayaks was incredible. There were so many manatees, too,” says Max Gifford, who visited the park during a road trip across Florida.  

As you paddle, give manatees space and avoid splashing, poking, or disturbing manatees as they swim. Beyond manatees, keep your eyes open for turtles, wading birds, and even wild monkeys.   

(Related: There have never been more manatees in Florida than there are now.)

Watch brown bears at Katmai National Park and Preserve, Alaska 

Home to 2,200 brown bears, Alaska’s Katmai National Park and Preserve is a sought-after bear-viewing destination. Situated along the Brooks River and Naknek Lake, the park offers numerous ways to witness these powerful animals in the wild responsibly. 

Start at Brooks Camp, where brown bears gather to feast on sockeye salmon. From early June to mid-September, the visitor center hosts ranger-led programs. Three viewing platforms offer prime spots to watch bears from a safe distance, ensuring their normal behaviors remain undisturbed. 

“Watching bears in their natural habitat is just an awesome experience,” says Jillian Simpson, Alaska Travel Industry Association President and CEO. “It’s an adventure you must have in your lifetime.” Local outfitters offer guided trips, including full-day excursions to Brooks Falls. Don’t forget that bears are predators and should never be approached. Always maintain a distance of at least 100 yards from a grizzly bear, which can run up to 35 miles an hour.

(Related: How to see Katmai's famous brown bears up close—and stay safe.)

Witness free-roaming elk herds in Benezette, Pennsylvania

Benezette, known as the “Elk Capital of Pennsylvania,” is home to one of the largest free-roaming elk herds in the eastern United States. Spring is a great time to observe these majestic creatures as they graze in the meadows from a respectful distance of at least 50 yards. Binoculars or a spotting scope can provide up-close views. 

To increase your chances of seeing elk, visit in the early morning or late afternoon—about an hour after dawn or an hour before dusk. Elk are most active at these times and move between feeding areas and sheltered woodlands. 

Top viewing spots include the Elk Country Visitor Center, as well as wildlife viewing areas at Hicks Run, Winslow Hill, and Dents Run. The 127-mile Elk Scenic Drive features 23 designated elk viewing sites as well as stunning vistas and scenic hiking trails. Keep in mind that if an elk stops feeding or changes direction, it’s a sign you’re too close. 

(Related: Read why you should never pick up a wild animal. Especially a baby wombat.)