Our signature atriums, tropical and lush, recreate three Florida environments, immersing you in the sights and sounds that make the Sunshine State...from the gently rising mists of the Everglades, to the funky and vibrant island revelry of Key West, to the Spanish-infused, old-world charm of St. Augustine (pictured).
Inside Gaylord Palms Hotel visitors and guests can experience, for the first time ever, all of the wonder and enchantment of the State of Florida under one roof... and what a roof it is! Four and a half acres of glass and steel majestically soar over the facility's main atrium space - a lush landscaped setting that is completely shielded from the changing weather.
To enjoy all that is truly Florida, be sure to enjoy the following activities - all part of Gaylord Palms' "Best of Florida LIVE!" experience. It is our hope that a visit to our atriums will spark curiosity and inspire you to further explore the rest of the Sunshine State.
Gator Springs:
A specially designed habitat in the hotel's St. Augustine atrium reminiscent of Florida's natural springs. This habitat is home to 15 juvenile alligators and 30 native species turtles. Guests can watch gator feedings and information sessions, which are led several times a week by a member of the GATORLAND curatorial staff.
Sawgrass Place:
In the Everglades atrium, two popular exhibits are housed at Sawgrass Place, a themed "backwaters" homestead. The first includes four species of non-venomous Florida snakes, securely displayed within swamp themed habitats. The second features a family of baby alligators, otherwise known as "grunts."
Sunset Celebrations:
In a tradition established in the Southernmost City, Gaylord Palms breaks into a nightly celebration of its own. If you're looking for the party, head to the Key West Atrium at 6:30 p.m., the official hour of sundown at Gaylord Palms. Enjoy live music, festive drinks, performers and the general spectacle of this nightly atrium celebration. Hop aboard the S.S. Gaylord sailboat and grab a specialty drink, including popular infused rums.
Scenic Waterways:
The indoor waterways at Gaylord Palms are home to many species of fish, including koi, bluegill, tilapia, gar, pacu, catfish and oscars. In total, the hotel features 150,000 gallons of water that supports aquatic life.
Sand Sculptures:
From the beaches of Key West to the Florida's pristine Emerald Coast, sand sculpting is a Sunshine State tradition! In honor of this unique art form, Gaylord Palms features an ever-changing exhibition of sand sculptures in the Key West atrium. The Gaylord Palms sand displays are created using 2 TONS of sand!
Castillo de San Marcos:
The St. Augustine atrium features a small-scale replica of the oldest fort in North America... Castillo de San Marcos. The original was built by Spain in 1672 in what is now St. Augustine. Designers studied the actual ruins found in St. Augustine to emulate the mysterious yet romantic feel of the space.
Treasures of the Atocha:
Making its home inside the Castillo de San Marcos is the "Treasures of the Nuestra Senora de Atocha" museum display. The Spanish galleon "Atocha" was believed to have been lost in 1622 off the Matecumbe Keys of Florida. These spectacular golden treasures, discovered in 1985 by Mel Fisher, complement the enchanting theme of the Castillo. The relics were found in what is reported to be one of the United States' richest treasure excavations.
Flagler College bell tower:
Reminiscent of the city of St. Augustine and historic "old Florida," the architectural backdrop for Emerald Plaza is designed to evoke the style of Henry Flagler, an entrepreneur and visionary who developed St. Augustine as a major hotel for leisure travelers. The atrium's architectural expression clearly articulates the Mediterranean revival style found in Flagler's distinctive turn-of-the-century hotels, such as The Alcazar and The Ponce de Leon. A bell tower stands guard over the atrium, as it still does today at Flagler College in St. Augustine.
