Gainesville, Florida
Top Spots in and near Gainesville
-
Micanopy, Florida
Sweetwater Wetlands Park Loop
4.53.46 mi / 256 ft gainSweetwater Wetlands Park is over 125 acres of wetlands and ponds that were created to help improve the quality of water contained in the Paynes Prairie wetlands and the Florida aquifer. This initiative by the city of Gainesville has led to improved water quality as well as a place for people to c...Read more -
Gainesville, Florida
La Chua Trail
4.62.55 mi / 98 ft gainLocated in Gainesville, FL this easy to moderate trail is approximately 3.1 miles round trip. Approximately a quarter of the trail is an elevated boardwalk that is handicapped accessible. Along the hike, you'll often see alligators, wild turkeys, wild horses, bison, and various migratory birds. ...Read more -
Williston, Florida
Snorkel & Dive at Devil's Den
4.6Located in central Florida, this prehistoric spring is a MUST to add on your bucket list. Devil’s Den is a cave that has an underground spring inside. The spring is crystal clear and is a stable 72 degrees F year round. This spot is well known to local divers as it’s depth is 200 feet. Open swimm...Read more -
High Springs, Florida
Swim at Blue Springs Park
4.5Blue Springs Park is a privately owned property that encompasses a few springs along the Santa Fe River, you can learn more here. The main, Blue Spring, has a large swimming area lined with white sand beach. The main feature is a 12ft high platform over the main spring. Since the spring is upward...Read more -
Keystone Heights, Florida
Hike at Mike Roess Gold Head Branch State Park
4.07 mi / 70 ft gainGold head branch state park has been called the grand canyon of Florida. It hangs on the north central ridge of Florida as some of the first land that came out of the sea, which is the reason for all of the Sandhill ecosystem. The ravine was created by the headspring and flow of the Gold Head Bra...Read more -
High Springs, Florida
Swim at Ginnie Springs
4.6A few hours north and many worlds away from Disney, the Santa Fe River winds its way through the woods of north central Florida, headed for the Suwannee River. This is the real Florida. Although the river is dark during most of the year (except the dry summer months), there are dozens of crystal ...Read more -
High Springs, Florida
Dive Devil's Spring System: Eye and Ear
5.0Nestled on the banks of the Santa Fe River, at the end of a long country road, six springs add a burst of clear water to the dark, winding river. These springs make up a park called "Ginnie Springs," a popular place for both locals and international visitors - and it's not just the clear water an...Read more -
Silver Springs, Florida
Hike the Bear-N-Oak Trail to Indian Lake
1.4 miThe adventure begins at the main trailhead and parking area for The Bear-N-Oak hiking trail. Located on the East side of County Rd 35 just north of Baseline and Hwy 326 intersection. Grab everything in the packing list and prepare to enjoy a leisurely hike through some of Central Florida's most b...Read more -
Silver Springs, Florida
Paddle Silver Springs State Park
5.0Silver Springs State Park is rich with history dating back to the 1500’s when it was first settled by the Timucua Indians. This area has also been explored by the Spanish and was once a settlement of the Seminole Indians. Native American relics can be seen at the museum located in the park or wh...Read more -
O'Brien, Florida
Snorkel at Ichetucknee Blue Hole
4.8At Ichetucknee Springs State Park, there are 2 main entrances - to get to Blue Hole (aka Jug Hole), go to the NORTH entrance. This is also where the main headspring is. If you accidentally go to the south entrance, you are only a few miles away, don't worry! Ask for directions at the guard shack....Read more -
5271 Florida 19, Florida
Kayak Silver Glen Springs
4.0Silver Glen Springs is a popular recreational area that has many activities for the entire family. Located in Ocala National Forrest this park sits on a spring leading out to Lake George. You are able rent Kayaks on site and are able to rent them for as long as you would like. There is also a des...Read more
Top Activities
Escape to the Sunshine
VISIT FLORIDA, serves as Florida's official source for travel planning. What can be discovered beyond Florida’s 825 miles of beaches? How about 320 freshwater springs, 175 state parks, infinite mangrove tunnels and hidden caverns. Let your adventure begin. Follow Your Sunshine.
Camping and Lodging in Gainesville
Starke, Florida
Starke / Gainesville N.E. KOA Holiday
Escape the chill of winter at the family-oriented, sun-drenched Starke KOA in the Gainesville area. Enjoy some of the state's best bass f...
Fort McCoy, Florida
Fort McCoy / Lake Oklawaha KOA Holiday
You'll savor the bluff-top view of lovely Lake Oklawaha from this serene setting in the Ocala National Forest. With its 3,700 feet of pri...
Silver Springs, Florida
Lake Shore Group Camp
Overview
Lake Shore Group Campground sits on the north shore of Fore Lake in Ocala National Forest. It is a favorite for scout, church an...
Sanderson, Florida
Group Landing
Overview
Group Landing is a secluded area that offers a flexible space accommodating many outdoor activities, from a weekend family campi...
Fort McCoy, Florida
Salt Springs Recreation Area
Overview
Salt Springs Recreation Area is one the recreational jewels of the Ocala National Forest, with a spectacular natural mineral spr...
Silver Springs, Florida
Mill Dam Group Camp
Overview
Mill Dam Group Campground offers a fun and relaxing setting for groups of up to 150 to enjoy Ocala National Forest. Large picnic...