Queen's Park is a 30-hectare national monument, a pocket of indigenous trees and shrubs in the city. The well-kept gardens border the zoo that has a variety of mammals and reptiles. There are pony rides for children (10am to 3pm on weekends only) and a refreshment kiosk.

The East London Aquarium strives to conserve South Africa’s coastline and marine animals. Visitors can enjoy tank viewings, whale watching and seal shows.

One of the leading tourist attractions in Nelson Mandela Bay, Bayworld is unique in Southern Africa, embracing a natural and cultural history Museum combined with a Snake Park and Oceanarium, and a house museum at No. 7 Castle Hill. It is located in the heart of the Port Elizabeth beachfront and serves up a feast of edutainment to hundreds of thousands of visitors each year. The main activities of the Complex are research and education aimed at stimulating a greater awareness of the need for conservation of South Africa's natural and cultural heritage. Research and education programmes focus on marine life, reptiles, maritime and local history.