Heather’s Local Guidebook!
Sightseeing-Parks and Springs!
We are surrounded by natural wonders.
Get out on the Prairie and see tons of wildlife; including wild horses, gators, and so many birds!
Amazing place to walk, bike, or learn some history. Wild horses, bison, and of course there are lots of gators to see! This is the largest concentration of alligators in the world! There is a walking trail, boardwalk, and a 17 mile bike trail.
28 locals recommend
La Chua Trailhead
4270 SE 15th StGet out on the Prairie and see tons of wildlife; including wild horses, gators, and so many birds!
Amazing place to walk, bike, or learn some history. Wild horses, bison, and of course there are lots of gators to see! This is the largest concentration of alligators in the world! There is a walking trail, boardwalk, and a 17 mile bike trail.
The reason Univ. of FL settled here was this great water source. Beautiful scenery, picnic area, historic waterworks building, and posted no swimming but if you are brave enough, as the locals say: "a quick dip!"
Boulware Springs Park
3300 SE 15th StThe reason Univ. of FL settled here was this great water source. Beautiful scenery, picnic area, historic waterworks building, and posted no swimming but if you are brave enough, as the locals say: "a quick dip!"
Make sure to bring your bike or skates for this amazing 17 mile trail along the old railroad to Hawthorne! Or head in the opposite direction on the Connector Trail to Gainesville, through Depot Park and into Downtown, or even continue through town.
15 locals recommend
Gainesville-Hawthorne State Trail
Gainesville-Hawthorne State TrailMake sure to bring your bike or skates for this amazing 17 mile trail along the old railroad to Hawthorne! Or head in the opposite direction on the Connector Trail to Gainesville, through Depot Park and into Downtown, or even continue through town.
Sweetwater Wetlands Park is not only a place to connect with nature, it's a way to protect our environment. The park, which consists of more than 125 acres of wetlands and ponds, was created to improve the water quality of wetlands in Paynes Prairie and the Floridan Aquifer.
Now a thriving habitat, Sweetwater Wetlands Park is filled with vast numbers of plants and animals, including birds, butterflies, alligators and Florida cracker horses.
80 locals recommend
Sweetwater Wetlands Park
325 SE Williston RdSweetwater Wetlands Park is not only a place to connect with nature, it's a way to protect our environment. The park, which consists of more than 125 acres of wetlands and ponds, was created to improve the water quality of wetlands in Paynes Prairie and the Floridan Aquifer.
Now a thriving habitat, Sweetwater Wetlands Park is filled with vast numbers of plants and animals, including birds, butterflies, alligators and Florida cracker horses.
Protecting 125 acres of watershed along Sweetwater Branch, Sweetwater Preserve is broken into two distinct parts by this waterway flowing out of downtown Gainesville.
On its west side, a trailhead off Williston Rd – just north of Sweetwater Wetlands Park – provides mountain bikers singletrack in the deeply shaded forest along the creek.
On its east side, it’s a different world. A 1.2-mile loop trail inside the preserve enables hikers to explore eight different habitats along the forested bluffs above Paynes Prairie.
The hiking trail on the east can only be accessed off the Depot Park Connector bike path north of the Gainesville-Hawthorne Trail terminus at Boulware Springs.
6 locals recommend
Sweetwater Preserve
309 SE 16th AveProtecting 125 acres of watershed along Sweetwater Branch, Sweetwater Preserve is broken into two distinct parts by this waterway flowing out of downtown Gainesville.
On its west side, a trailhead off Williston Rd – just north of Sweetwater Wetlands Park – provides mountain bikers singletrack in the deeply shaded forest along the creek.
On its east side, it’s a different world. A 1.2-mile loop trail inside the preserve enables hikers to explore eight different habitats along the forested bluffs above Paynes Prairie.
The hiking trail on the east can only be accessed off the Depot Park Connector bike path north of the Gainesville-Hawthorne Trail terminus at Boulware Springs.
A great place to walk through nature, enjoy a city park on skates, museum, play ground, splash pad, grab a bite at the general store and deli, pop-up local markets, or have a drink at the Box Car. Many events happen such as concerts, history days, and fireworks!
115 locals recommend
Depot Park
874 SE 4 StA great place to walk through nature, enjoy a city park on skates, museum, play ground, splash pad, grab a bite at the general store and deli, pop-up local markets, or have a drink at the Box Car. Many events happen such as concerts, history days, and fireworks!
Newnans Lake Boat Ramp
5906 SE Hawthorne RdBest spot for fishing in town!
Best quick walk and your best chance to see horses and bison out on the Prairie, through the year.
Bolen Bluff Trail
Bolen Bluff TrailBest quick walk and your best chance to see horses and bison out on the Prairie, through the year.
Right on the side of US 441, a beautiful way to see the vastness that is Paynes Prairie!
20 locals recommend
Paynes Prairie Preserve State Park Observation Platform
Florida 25Right on the side of US 441, a beautiful way to see the vastness that is Paynes Prairie!
Beautiful historic little town 20 min away, with a ton of charm. Little ice cream and coffee shops, lots of antiquing, cultural history/museums, and the main entrance to Paynes Prairie Preserve. Right off the interstate and US 441, make sure to hit this up on your way in to or out of town!
54 locals recommend
Micanopy
Beautiful historic little town 20 min away, with a ton of charm. Little ice cream and coffee shops, lots of antiquing, cultural history/museums, and the main entrance to Paynes Prairie Preserve. Right off the interstate and US 441, make sure to hit this up on your way in to or out of town!
Oldest city in the USA! 1.5 hours away. Amazing walking town, fun museums, great attractions like the Alligator Farm, Forts, Fountain of Youth, and many other unique attractions!
821 locals recommend
St. Augustine
Oldest city in the USA! 1.5 hours away. Amazing walking town, fun museums, great attractions like the Alligator Farm, Forts, Fountain of Youth, and many other unique attractions!
Gorgeous beaches, dog friendly, state park, city park, walk to amazing seafood restaurants and great scenery! 1.5 hours away.
203 locals recommend
St. Augustine Beach
1 15th StreetGorgeous beaches, dog friendly, state park, city park, walk to amazing seafood restaurants and great scenery! 1.5 hours away.
Hub of 4 different "first-magnitude" natural springs, 0.5 his away. These are amazing and beautiful spri gs, swimable, and a blast to hang out at. Grab a bite to eat in town, do some shopping, stop at the Great Outdoors restaurant, on your way back from the river tubing!
50 locals recommend
High Springs
Hub of 4 different "first-magnitude" natural springs, 0.5 his away. These are amazing and beautiful spri gs, swimable, and a blast to hang out at. Grab a bite to eat in town, do some shopping, stop at the Great Outdoors restaurant, on your way back from the river tubing!
Amazing place to cut loose and have some fun, but make sure to get there early as the place fills up! 0.75 hours away!
219 locals recommend
Ginnie Springs
7300 Ginnie Springs RoadAmazing place to cut loose and have some fun, but make sure to get there early as the place fills up! 0.75 hours away!
Great for $5/car, local spot along the Santa Fe River. Has fun spring and boat launch, loads of places to picnic, 0.75 hours away.
6 locals recommend
Rum Island
Great for $5/car, local spot along the Santa Fe River. Has fun spring and boat launch, loads of places to picnic, 0.75 hours away.
Best park, use to be private but is now a state park. easy access to and from the river, camping, day fun, rentals, great spot, $5/car. 0.75 hours away.
124 locals recommend
Gilchrist Blue Springs State Park
7450 NE 60th StBest park, use to be private but is now a state park. easy access to and from the river, camping, day fun, rentals, great spot, $5/car. 0.75 hours away.
Local springs, great for a picnic and lazy days along the river, $5/car. 0.75 hours away.
64 locals recommend
Poe Springs Park
28800 NW 182nd AveLocal springs, great for a picnic and lazy days along the river, $5/car. 0.75 hours away.
An amazing crystal clear river fed by dozens of springs 1 hour away, tubes, kayak, and float down this at the 4 or 6 hour start points. Get there early to ensure a tube!
179 locals recommend
Ichetucknee Springs State Park - Southern Entrance
U.S. 27An amazing crystal clear river fed by dozens of springs 1 hour away, tubes, kayak, and float down this at the 4 or 6 hour start points. Get there early to ensure a tube!
Amazing place to visit 0.5 hours away! Make sure you check for availability and schedule. Check out the great gardens while you're there. You can even get dive certified right down the street at the Grotto!
175 locals recommend
Devil's Den Prehistoric Spring
5390 NE 180th AveAmazing place to visit 0.5 hours away! Make sure you check for availability and schedule. Check out the great gardens while you're there. You can even get dive certified right down the street at the Grotto!
Another beautiful way to enjoy the nature of Florida 1 hour away, from canoe or floats, swimming or just sightseeing, it's gorgeous crystal clear waters of the Rainbow River.
39 locals recommend
Rainbow Springs Swimming Hole
19158 SW 81st Pl RdAnother beautiful way to enjoy the nature of Florida 1 hour away, from canoe or floats, swimming or just sightseeing, it's gorgeous crystal clear waters of the Rainbow River.
Very cool spot, once private is now state park with kayaking, amazing spring, glass bottom boats, river, shops, wild monkeys, and a fun place ~0.75 hour away!
218 locals recommend
Silver Springs State Park
5656 East Silver Springs BoulevardVery cool spot, once private is now state park with kayaking, amazing spring, glass bottom boats, river, shops, wild monkeys, and a fun place ~0.75 hour away!
Beautiful and in the Ocala National Forest 1.25 hours away, this is also a historic site build around a mill will old water wheel and nice boardwalk trails.
82 locals recommend
Juniper Springs
Beautiful and in the Ocala National Forest 1.25 hours away, this is also a historic site build around a mill will old water wheel and nice boardwalk trails.
Food scene
Local brewery next door to the Depot Park, accessible from the Hawthorne Bike Trail. Always an event, band, game, or trivia. Locals fav!
82 locals recommend
First Magnitude Brewing Company
1220 SE Veitch StLocal brewery next door to the Depot Park, accessible from the Hawthorne Bike Trail. Always an event, band, game, or trivia. Locals fav!
La Tienda
2204 SW 13th StThe best Mexican in town!
Amazing atmosphere and always something going on. Locals LOVE this place.
135 locals recommend
Satchel's Pizza
1800 NE 23rd AveAmazing atmosphere and always something going on. Locals LOVE this place.
The best food in town. Amazing atmosphere for a night on the town, or a Sunday brunch. Full kitchen and Full bar. Archade games, back porch for pool, just the Top!
175 locals recommend
The Top
30 North Main StreetThe best food in town. Amazing atmosphere for a night on the town, or a Sunday brunch. Full kitchen and Full bar. Archade games, back porch for pool, just the Top!
Great general store at Depot Park, local coffee, fresh food, and beer and wine selections, not to mention all the sodas!
Pop-a-Top: General Store
201 SE Depot AveGreat general store at Depot Park, local coffee, fresh food, and beer and wine selections, not to mention all the sodas!
Downtown is a great spot for drink, food, and fun. At the corner of University Ave and Main St, there are loads of restaurants and pubs, there is also the theater and Bo Diddley Plaza for lots of entertainment. Park and enjoy a walk through our cute downtown area! Midtown has more of the college vibe if you want to head west on University Ave.
59 locals recommend
Gainesville
Downtown is a great spot for drink, food, and fun. At the corner of University Ave and Main St, there are loads of restaurants and pubs, there is also the theater and Bo Diddley Plaza for lots of entertainment. Park and enjoy a walk through our cute downtown area! Midtown has more of the college vibe if you want to head west on University Ave.
Great place to grab a quick pizza and a beer and enjoy Depot Park!
9 locals recommend
Boxcar Beer and Wine Garden
201 SE Depot AveGreat place to grab a quick pizza and a beer and enjoy Depot Park!
THE BEST BBQ in town, not to mention all the whiskeys!
20 locals recommend
MOJO Hogtown Bar-B-Que, Smoked Meats Whiskey Bar
12 SE 2nd AveTHE BEST BBQ in town, not to mention all the whiskeys!
Great food and atmosphere, just like you are on the bayou.
34 locals recommend
Harry's Seafood Bar & Grille
110 SE 1 StGreat food and atmosphere, just like you are on the bayou.
Amazing food and hip atmosphere, inside or out, at the sushi bar or a table.
111 locals recommend
Dragonfly Sushi & Sake Company
201 SE 2nd AveAmazing food and hip atmosphere, inside or out, at the sushi bar or a table.
Great brunch, awesome tacos, and drinks, and the back patio is a whole other experience with trivia, pop up markets, karaoke, drinks, and dancing!
31 locals recommend
Boca Fiesta
232 SE 1st StGreat brunch, awesome tacos, and drinks, and the back patio is a whole other experience with trivia, pop up markets, karaoke, drinks, and dancing!
This is in the middle of the downtown food hub! Tons of great food and coffee here all within a block! Awesome spot to grab a bite and see local flair!
Dick Mondell's Burgers & Fries
412 SW 4th AveThis is in the middle of the downtown food hub! Tons of great food and coffee here all within a block! Awesome spot to grab a bite and see local flair!
IHOP
3625 SW 13th StWaffle House
3919 SW 40th BlvdGreat Thai food, Korean, Japanese and Chinese. Also great view of the lake before sunset!
25 locals recommend
Chopstix Cafe
3500 SW 13th StGreat Thai food, Korean, Japanese and Chinese. Also great view of the lake before sunset!
Domino's Pizza
1112 FL-20Big Lou's NY Style Pizzeria
5 SE 2nd AveReggae Shack Cafe
619 W University AveJust ask any local, this is a Must.
Karma Cream
607 W University AveOrganic and vegan yogurts 😲. Made from coconut milks, who knew?!
When the light is on, you're going to have to wait in line, but OMG is it worth the wait in this historic donut shop!
Krispy Kreme
306 NW 13th StWhen the light is on, you're going to have to wait in line, but OMG is it worth the wait in this historic donut shop!
The Diner
19726 US-441Neighborhoods
Quiet neighborhood built in the 70s from old historical home site on Calf Pond, use to be a cattle ranch. The original white "Cracker House" is still occupied at the front of the neighborhood. Private dirt roads along the lake with tons of wildlife and quaint neighbors.
Lakeview Estates
Quiet neighborhood built in the 70s from old historical home site on Calf Pond, use to be a cattle ranch. The original white "Cracker House" is still occupied at the front of the neighborhood. Private dirt roads along the lake with tons of wildlife and quaint neighbors.
Historic homes near downtown, and real history with the old railway and cute actual pond with ducks.
18 locals recommend
Duckpond
Historic homes near downtown, and real history with the old railway and cute actual pond with ducks.