So, when you hear about Florida, what are the first things that come to your mind?
There is no doubt that many people picture these: Disney World, beaches, Miami, and partying. If you’re planning to go to the Sunshine State, it’s best to have a plan on where you really want to go. While Florida is most popularly known for Miami and Orlando, you should not ignore the fun things to do in Gainesville.
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Top Fun Things to Do in Gainesville
Located in the heart of Florida, Gainesville is close to Interstate 75 which makes it very easy to access. It’s the biggest city in Alachua County, located 40 miles in the northern part of Ocala and 70 miles southwestern part of Jacksonville. While barely the biggest city in the state when it comes to land or population, it’s home to an interesting cultural diversity and rich history, thanks mainly to the presence of the University of Florida.
Attended by thousands of both local and foreign students, UF draws a lot of visitors mainly due to its championship football program and many cultural activities which is one of the most popular things to do in Gainesville at night. The annual homecoming festivities of UF, closing by the popular Gator Growl, are famous for attracting major music acts. On top of that, the world widely known sports drink, Gatorade, was invented in Gainesville, originally made for UF athletes to help them prevent dehydration.
Aside from these interesting facts and events, Gainesville offers a lot of fun activities available all year round; the nightlife in Gainesville, FL is not bad either! Here are some of the most popular ones that you may want to add to your itinerary for your upcoming trip.
Visit Museums
Founded in 1869, the city of Gainesville has some really interesting history. From its first Spanish colonists to the Civil War, the region is filled with notable landmarks. Explore downtown or better yet, learn about it by visiting some of the museums in the city. After all, add some education to your vacation is always a good idea. This is one of the best things to do in downtown Gainesville.
Harn Museum of Art
An affiliate of the University of Florida, this interesting art museum is a must visit. This is one of only 3 museums in the US that have paintings of Frida Kahlo. The admission to this museum is free, which should give you more reason why you must visit. Aside from Frida Kahlo’s exhibit, The Harn Museum has Asian, African, contemporary, and modern art as well as amazing photography.
Florida Museum Of Natural History And Butterfly Rainforest
Just sitting next to the Harn Museum is the Florida Museum of Natural History. If you happen to be traveling with little kids, then you should not miss this museum. Exhibits include different fossils of Florida, introducing the Native Americans in South Florida, and facts about the wildlife and ecosystem of the state.
This museum also has a Butterfly Rainforest, which will make it more interesting for your kids. Let them walk through lush foliage while listening to a pouring waterfall, with butterflies all over.
Visit State Parks
Every state park in Gainesville has a unique character offering visitors an exciting experience. Dip your feet in the river, look back in the history of Florida, indulge the wilderness, explore a sinkhole, and see animals in their natural habitat.
Devil's Millhopper Geological State Park
Devil's Millhopper Geological State Park could be one of the strangest historical and geological sites situated in a massive sinkhole a little outside Gainesville. Walled by sandy and dry terrain, the high walls of the bowl-shaped sinkhole run down 120 feet below the surface and guard an amazing tiny rainforest.
It’s pretty obvious that the sinkhole has been an attraction to the curious for a lot of years, and experts have found a lot of valuable marine shells, fossils, and solidified skeletons of extinct animals in it. You are able to go on a quick half-mile trek around the border of the depression and then go down to the bottom at the bottom.
Ichetucknee Springs State Park
Situated 4 miles in the northwestern part of Fort White, Ichetucknee Springs State Park protects the Ichetucknee River’s head spring. The adjoining state park offers a brilliant summer playground for those who love the outdoors, which offers a great selection of activities which includes picnicking, hiking, swimming, or simply spending time in the wild.
Tubing, canoeing, and kayaking are some of the most popular activities in the Ichetucknee River. The river’s crystal clear waters are also ideal for scuba diving and snorkeling. This park is home to copious wildlife, and you can practically expect to see a lot of birds along with raccoons, white-tailed deer, and more.
Paynes Prairie
Another state pack you must visit is Paynes Prairie Preserve State Park which will really get you closer to nature. This visitor’s center shows a recorded guide that will make it easier for you to understand the importance of every living thing in the environments, and you are able to get great views on the top of the observation tower that is 50 feet in height. There are 8 trails, all ideal for hiking, horseback riding, and cycling
See More Animals
Did have enough with the animals you see on state park? Perhaps your kids want more? The zoo is always a good place to learn more about wildlife.
Santa Fe College Teaching Zoo
The Santa Fe College Teaching Zoo is a sanctuary to more than 75 animals of different species that are taken care of over 200 students. This college is one of the two institutes in the US to offer training for those who want to work with animals that are kept in captivity. The zoo opens its doors to the public every day and you are able to enjoy a wide range of both endemic and exotic animals as you walk down the meandering pathway. This is considered to be one of the fun things to do in Gainesville for college students.
Go Hiking
Want something more extreme? Gainesville also offers trekking opportunity for those who are looking for some physical workout.
La Chua Trail
The La Chua Trail is an amazing place if you’re looking for an easy hike through sinkholes in a gorgeous natural location. This trail is partly on a handicapped accessible raised up boardwalk. This beautiful hiking spot is located the Paynes Prairie Preserve State Park, close to Micanopy, Florida. Visit for the copious wildlife and wide range of bird species; it’s one of the best places for alligator watching.
Have Some Drink
After a long day of exploring some of the fun things to do in Gainesville, having some drink would be a good way to end your day or even spend half of your day. Here are some spots you may want to check out.
Swamp Head Brewery
The Swamp Head Brewery is known since 2008 for creating an original all-Florida craft beer. The company’s goal is to produce eco-friendly products and work in the most responsible way possible, thus the ingredients they use are obtained locally, while the byproducts are recycled.
Blackadder Brewing Company
The Blackadder Brewing Company brand originated from a little homebrew business and ultimately turned into the brewery it is today, which produces more than forty different Belgian-inspired beers that are available on tap. Blackadder is run by a passionate couple who won more than 30 awards for their brews, so, you will surely not going to get disappointed.
Bluefield Estate Winery
Not a beer person? Maybe wine would work! In Bluefield Estate Winery, you are able to try their unique variety of fruit-based wines that are produced by the couple winemakers Bradley and Jennifer Ferguson, who established their brand by producing first wine in their home. You are able to check out their tasting room to try some of their wines and perhaps buy some of them to take home.
Volta Coffee, Tea, and Chocolate
Of course, there’s also something for those who don’t drink alcohol. Volta Coffee, Tea, and Chocolate will resuscitate your spirits with a delightful cup of the hot brew as well as a chocolate treat. This shop serves a great range of signature coffees obtained from different parts of the world, which include Brazil, Rwanda, Bolivia, and Java all brewed to perfection by the skilled baristas. If you’re a tea lover, they also offer different blends also imported from different parts of the world. Of course, don’t miss out on their sweet treats!
Gainesville, Florida is commonly known as the home to one of Florida’s most famous institutions, the University of Florida. But with more and more fun things to do in Gainesville, it is continuously becoming more and more popular among tourists, both locals and foreigners. So, make sure to try any of these popular things to do in Gainesville, FL this weekend!
Hopefully, this article has helped you plan on your upcoming Florida trip. If you find this informative, don’t hesitate to share this with your family and friends or if you have any further questions regarding this topic, leave it in the comment box below!