There is no shortage of outdoor activities in Gainesville, FL. Outdoor enthusiasts will find plenty to keep them busy, from relaxing pursuits like fishing and birdwatching to more active endeavors such as hiking and cycling. And if you’re looking for something even more adventurous, Gainesville has that too.
There is an abundance of outdoor activities in Gainesville, Florida. Whether you like to spend your time outdoors relaxing, engaging in fitness, or exploring the exciting activities the city has to offer, there are many opportunities for all types of people. Below are the most popular outdoor activities in Gainesville, FL. So grab your sunscreen and water bottle and get ready to explore everything this charming city has to offer.
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Located in North-Central Florida, Gainesville is most famous for the University of Florida Gators, where teams compete in sports such as football, softball, baseball, basketball, and swimming. But, despite how Gainesville may appear on the surface (a quintessential college town), it’s also a great tourist destination that offers many outdoor activities for locals and visitors alike.
Ten Top Tips During Outdoor Activities in Gainesville, FL
- It can be sweltering and humid in the summer in Gainesville. Dress in light colors and fabrics. But, pack a light jacket for restaurants and shops.
- Wear sunscreen to protect your skin from the harmful rays of the sun that increase your risk of skin cancer and cause wrinkles. And don’t forget chapstick or lip balm with SPF.
- Drink plenty of water to stay hydrated; you will lose fluids through sweating during outdoor activities in the heat.
- Purchase mosquito repellent and use it. Mosquitoes here can be brutal and ruin your day and maybe even your night from itching.
- It’s true; Florida is filled with alligators. Do not feed, approach, or harass the gators.
- Know your skill level and skill limits, too. Try not to overdo it, as the heat can sneak up on you.
- If you are spending time around the water, make sure everyone knows how to swim, keep a close eye on the kids at all times, and don’t drink alcohol and swim.
- Wear shades to protect your eyes from the sun.
- Avoid outdoor activities during the hottest part of the day, typically between 11 AM and 3 PM.
- And NEVER leave a child or a pet in your vehicle. Even with the window cracked, the heat in a car can increase to deadly levels quickly.
For more summer vacation safety tips, over 120 of them, read this.
One more ninja tip! Don’t wear garnet and gold or red and black. Orange and Blue Only! Go Gators.
Let’s Start With Heading Out For a Hike.
With relatively mild weather year-round, you can hike pretty much anywhere without worrying about freezing temperatures or unbearable heat. Here are the most popular hikes in Gainesville.
Paynes Prairie Preserve State Park
Paynes Prairie, considered one of the largest remaining prairies in the United States, hosts bison herds throughout the year. If you miss the bison when you visit, there are still plenty of other activities, like biking, hiking, and even birdwatching. Plus, watching the sunrise over the prairie is breathtaking.
The Gainesville to Hawthorne Trail
Hiking this path is an idyllic outdoor activity for anyone who enjoys wildlife spotting. Joggers, cyclists, and skateboarders love this lengthy trail that extends from Boulware Springs Park all the way to Hawthorne. It’s a mostly shaded, somewhat hilly, sixteen-mile trail with lots of wildlife and many people out getting their steps in. Plus, there is an equestrian trail alongside.
Sweetwater Wetlands Park
Looking for outdoor activity in Gainesville, FL, perfect for birdwatchers? A guided hike through this gorgeous preserve is just what you need. The serene path takes visitors through wetlands, hammocks, and floodplain forests — an unforgettable experience for nature lovers everywhere.
I found Sweetwater Wetlands Park to be a calm, serene and peaceful place during the pandemic. My husband and I would pack up breakfast and coffee and head out to watch the sunrise over the prairie, hike the three miles of trails and boardwalks, take pictures, and isolate ourselves from the craziness of the world at that time.
You will undoubtedly spot a few alligators. And you may spot bald eagles, black-bellied ducks, Buff-breasted Sandpipers, or great white herons, making the Sweetwater Wetlands park a fascinating place for bird watchers.
The park is open 7 AM until sunset daily. The admission fee is $5 per car. If arriving on your bike or foot, the cost is $2 per person. Wear sunscreen; there is minimal tree cover. And pack hydration.
San Felasco Hammock Preserve State Park
San Felasco is not only for hiking; there are also biking and equestrian trails. The hiking trails located on Millhopper Road offer nearly six miles of shaded paths through the forest. You’ll pass by sinkholes and stroll through swamps and ponds.
Bikers, get your adrenaline pumping on some fairly challenging terrain that ranges between beginner level up towards advanced levels depending upon your skillset and experience. The 40 miles of biking trails of San Felasco are located on the north side and accessed from 441. They range from beginner to quite advanced terrain.
And there are over eight miles of equestrian trails accessed from 441 as well.
Hikers, bikers, and equestrians will be pleased to find that there is plenty of room for all three types at the San Felasco Hammock Preserve State Park.
La Chua Trail
Ready to see the alligators up close and personal? Some people say, maybe too many and too close.
Often overlooked by the locals, La Chua Trail is truly worthy of a visit. You will see lots of alligators, and tons of birds, including blue herons, hawks, limpkins (they are loud), warblers, and maybe even an owl. Plus, turtles, horses, and snakes.
Unfortunately, sometimes the trail is closed due to flooding, and the only access is strolling down the boardwalk. If it is closed, you may not see as much wildlife, but it’s still a pleasant and peaceful stroll.
Now for a Visit to the Local Springs
Ginnie Springs
Ginnie Springs is a one-of-a-kind experience. Spend the day floating in crystal clear waters, hiking through woodsy trails, and snorkeling or scuba diving. Also, tube or stand-up paddleboard down the Santa Fe River. Ginnie Springs has camping sites sprinkled throughout the trees if you are a camper. There are also numerous camping sites that offer tent space with extras like grills & picnic tables so you can cook up your favorite meal while enjoying nature at its finest around us all day long. If you’re into roughing it outdoorsy style, some sites offer no frills at all, just a primitive night in nature.
Ichetucknee
Ichetucknee Springs is a unique natural wonder that has become one of the most popular activities near Gainesville, FL. The spring water stays 72 degrees year-round, making swimming in this oasis an experience like no other. In addition, visitors can enjoy opportunities such as tubing down the natural lazy river, relaxing with the sun brushing across your face, surrounded by a peaceful, lush green forest. (don’t worry; there are guides available).
Blue Springs
Blue Springs is located about forty minutes from Gainesville. Another magical spring with a 72-degree year-round temperature provides the perfect spot for lounging around on a raft or tube or snorkeling the crystal clear springs. There are several pavilions for family gatherings. And if you are into scuba diving, Blue Springs accepts certified divers to explore.
Hours of operation are from 8 AM until sundown. The entry fee is $6 per vehicle. Advise arriving early as the park often reaches full capacity and close the entrance. Also, in the winter months, Blue Springs is home to manatee families seeking warmer waters. Therefore, parts of the park will be closed to water activities to protect them.
Artwalk Gainesville: A Fun Outdoor Activity in Gainesville Supporting Local Artisans
Gainesville has a thriving and eclectic art scene with frequent free events. Artwalk Gainesville, held the last Friday of every month from 7 PM to 10 PM, is a self-paced tour of art galleries and studios in celebration and support of our local artists. It’s mostly indoors, but Artwalk Gainesville often includes an outdoor venue such as First Magnitude Brewing Company. Food trucks, craft beer, and support the local art scene — what more could you want for a Friday night?
Try Your Hand at a New Sport or Skill
Try your hand at a new skill to stay engaged, fit, and active. Here are just a few sports and skills to try out here in Gainesville, all done in the fresh outdoors.
- Pickleball
- Disc Golf
- Fishing
- Golf
- Skateboarding
- Horseback Riding
- Kayaking
- Stand Up Paddleboarding
- Birdwatching
- Photography
Take Your Family to a Local Park or Garden, a Favorite Outdoor Activity in Gainesville FL
Kanapaha Botanical Gardens
The Kanapaha Botanical Gardens is a hidden gem in the heart of Florida and has been a go-to destination for decades. Visitors can explore nearly 70 acres of pure nature and home to over 300 species that are indigenous only in this state.
The Kanapaha Botanical Gardens houses an extensive collection, including bamboo forests and a butterfly garden where you’re sure to find your next favorite insect footprint on display. In addition, visitors can take self-guided tours, including walking trails and a butterfly garden.
The most enchanting displays happen during warmer months when giant water lilies cover the ponds, making them perfect for photography or simply finding peace.
Devil’s Millhopper Geological State Park
Devil’s Millhopper is a mesmerizing natural wonder, a limestone sinkhole covered in lush vegetation resembling a miniature rainforest. Hike down the boardwalk about 120 feet deep into the sinkhole to the sounds of trickling waterfalls. Even in the warmest months of summer, you will notice a temperature change as you descend about 200 steps onto a viewing platform in the middle of the sinkhole.
➡ Fun Fact: Did you know there is no actual word for a sinkhole phobia? ⬅
Devil’s Millhopper is open Wednesday through Sunday from 9 AM to 5 PM. There is no ranger station, so deposit $4 per car into the dropbox. If you arrive on foot or by bicycle, the cost is $2 per person.
Or Hang Out By the Lake
Lake Wauberg is a University of Florida-operated Lake with surrounding adventures that include boating and sailing, mountain biking, disc golf, climbing, an adventure course, a swimming area, volleyball courts, and a pavilion with a grill for an epic picnic after working up an appetite.
*You must be accompanied by a University of Florida student with a Gator 1 card, who can sponsor up to four guests.*
Spend the Day Exploring the University of Florida Campus
- Visit Steve Spurrier Field at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium. This mammoth of a football field, locally known as “The Swamp,” seats over 90,000 Gator fans on Saturdays in the fall months. It is an unforgettable experience, full of photo opportunities.
- Take a walk around Lake Alice, where you will spot alligators, tons of birds, family picnics, and people reading or relaxing in hammocks.
- On the shores of Lake Alice, discover The Baughman Center, a chapel dedicated to personal reflection and possibly the most peaceful place on campus.
- And across the street from Lake Alice, visit the bat houses. During warmer months, a little after sunset, experience hundreds of bats flying out to forage, hydrate, and get some exercise.
- You should be hungry by now and maybe need a break from the heat. So, head over to the Reitz Union for lunch and shop for your favorite Gator hoodie at the enormous bookstore.
Gainesville is a highly diverse city filled with outdoor sports and entertainment opportunities. With so many things to see and do, it’s easily one of Florida’s most popular tourist destinations.
If you’re looking for a great way to spend your day, look no further than the many outdoor activities available in Gainesville, FL. There are activities to suit everyone’s interests and fitness levels, so whether you’re a lifelong resident or just visiting for a weekend, you’ll be able to find something fun to do outdoors.
Gainesville is home to a diverse landscape, making it an ideal place for exploring the outdoors. From hiking and cycling trails to lakes and springs, there’s no shortage of outdoor activities you can partake in here. In addition, Gainesville has a unique history and plenty of art galleries and museums waiting for you to explore on your next visit.
