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Gainesville, Florida

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Top Spots in and near Gainesville

  • Micanopy, Florida

    Sweetwater Wetlands Park Loop

    4.5
    3.46 mi / 256 ft gain
    Sweetwater 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...
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  • Gainesville, Florida

    La Chua Trail

    4.6
    2.55 mi / 98 ft gain
    Located 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. ...
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  • Williston, Florida

    Snorkel & Dive at Devil's Den

    4.6
    Located 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...
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  • High Springs, Florida

    Swim at Blue Springs Park

    4.5
    Blue 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...
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  • Keystone Heights, Florida

    Hike at Mike Roess Gold Head Branch State Park

    4.0
    7 mi / 70 ft gain
    Gold 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...
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  • High Springs, Florida

    Swim at Ginnie Springs

    4.6
    A 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 ...
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  • High Springs, Florida

    Dive Devil's Spring System: Eye and Ear

    5.0
    Nestled 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...
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  • Silver Springs, Florida

    Hike the Bear-N-Oak Trail to Indian Lake

    1.4 mi
    The 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...
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  • Silver Springs, Florida

    Paddle Silver Springs State Park

    5.0
    Silver 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...
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  • O'Brien, Florida

    Snorkel at Ichetucknee Blue Hole

    4.8
    At 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....
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  • 5271 Florida 19, Florida

    Kayak Silver Glen Springs

    4.0
    Silver 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...
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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.

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Camping and Lodging in Gainesville

Starke / Gainesville N.E. KOA Holiday
Starke, Florida

Starke / Gainesville N.E. KOA Holiday

Fort McCoy / Lake Oklawaha KOA Holiday
Fort McCoy, Florida

Fort McCoy / Lake Oklawaha KOA Holiday

Lake Shore Group Camp
Silver Springs, Florida

Lake Shore Group Camp

Group Landing
Sanderson, Florida

Group Landing

Salt Springs Recreation Area
Fort McCoy, Florida

Salt Springs Recreation Area

Mill Dam Group Camp
Silver Springs, Florida

Mill Dam Group Camp

Guides, Insights and Stories from Gainesville

A Family Paddle on Florida's Crystal Clear Ichetucknee River

A Family Paddle on Florida's Crystal Clear Ichetucknee River

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