Alachua County - 57 Attractions You Must Visit

James Douglas Matheson and Augusta Florida Steele Matheson, the daughter of Florida pioneer Augustus Steele, who founded Hillsborough County and Cedar Key, lived at Matheson House.

Kanapaha Botanical Gardens are Florida's largest public bamboo gardens and the Southeast's largest herb garden as of 2005.

On the University of Florida campus, there is a small lake called Lake Alice. Gainesville's lake is a wildlife area and one of the few places in the city where one can see live alligators.

Lake Alto, is breathtaking for both locals and tourists alike with its calm, crystal-clear water surrounded by lush vegetation. It is a popular destination for kayaking, canoeing and fishing. It also makes for a nice peaceful walk or jog around the shore. Those looking to take advantage of the natural beauty can take part in boating tours available from local businesses which give access to smaller lakes connected to Lake Alto as well as some notable landmarks located on its shore.

Lake Santa Fe,is a breathtaking sight to behold. It has an area of around 4,048 acres, plenty of room for boating, fishing and swimming - although no swimming is allowed. A popular destination for nature enthusiasts and birdwatchers, the lake's surroundings are a mix of cypress swamps, marshes and freshwater wetlands that provide a habitat for various species of plants and animals. Thanks to its unique beauty and diverse wildlife, it was declared part of the Florida Lake Protection Act in 2003.

Lake Wauburg provides an enjoyable outdoor recreational area for the University of Florida community and other visitors. The crystal clear waters are great for swimming, fishing, and boating. There are five miles of trails along shoreline with ample wildlife like raccoons and turtles. Visitors can enjoy canoe rentals, beach volleyball courts, disc golf, picnic shelters, a playground, as well as basketball and tennis courts. It also offers musical events throughout the year.

Loblolly Woods Nature Park covers 48 acres of lush nature preserve, providing a tranquil respite from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. Featuring a variety of walking trails and boardwalks, a scenic lake with observation deck, the park is popular with both locals and tourists alike. Visitors have the opportunity to observe wildlife in its natural habitat - or take part in educational programs such as bird-watching or native plant walks.

Lochloosa Lake is an oasis of natural beauty and endless recreation opportunities. Home to many types of wildlife, as well as multiple species of native fish, Lochloosa Lake covers a total area of approximately 140 square miles, located just north of Gainesville and east of Orange Lake. With its sprawling crystal clear waters, vast stretches of lily pads and lagoons, this glimmering gem is truly a paradise for not only those looking to explore the outdoors and partake in some waterfront fun.

The Lochloosa Wildlife Management Area is a remarkable example of wildlife conservation and preservation. Spanning over 4436 acres, It is home to a variety of habitats that support various species of animals including alligators, deer, turkeys, quail. Within the area are two nature trails, with interpretive kiosks along each trail that provide information on native plants and how they serve as habitat for the creatures that live there. Hunting is also allowed in specific parts of the area.

The Lubee Bat Conservancy is devoted to protecting bats and their habitats, both domestically and internationally. The conservancy has significantly grown over the decades, now containing more than 40 acres of lush tropical forest and meadows. The site serves as a research lab and educational center that educates visitors about the importance of bats to our ecosystem. Through rehabilitating injured and orphaned bats as well as breeding endangered species, they strive to protect these animals.

The Marjorie Kinnan Rawlings Historic State Park lies on the east shore of Orange Lake, just south of the village of Cross Creek.

This is a historic residence of Marjorie-Kinnan Rawlings, an award-winning author. Built in 1926, the home was featured prominently in Rawling's writings and continues to be open for public tours. It consists of five rooms—a living room, dining room, kitchen, bedroom and sun porch—that capture the style of northeast Florida during the early 20th century. It features original period furnishings that belonged to Rawlings, including artifacts from her Pulitzer Prize-winning book 'The Yearling.'

Matheson History Museum building, formerly an American Legion hall, opened in 1994 as a museum

Micanopy Historical Society was founded in 1983 after the Micanopy Historic District was nominated to the National Register of Historic Places by its nomination committee.

Morningside Nature Center occupies a 416-acre park. Along with the farm and nature centre, Morningside Nature Center's hiking trails explore sandhill ecosystems, pine Flatwoods, bayhead swamps, and cypress domes.

Newnans Lake is a gorgeous natural paradise. Its crystal-clear waters span 1520 acres, with 13 miles of shoreline fringed by lush vegetation and flourishing wildlife. Home to bass, bream and catfish, it's the perfect spot for keen anglers. Within this picturesque setting lies Paynes Prairie Preserve State Park. Poised on the edge of the lake, visitors can enjoy a range of activities from bird watching to horseback trails. Primitive campsites are also available.

Newnans Lake State Forest is an outdoor recreation paradise. Known for its gorgeous scenery, excellent swimming and boating opportunities, and dense native forests, it provides a wide variety of experiences that can be enjoyed year round. The lake's varied wildlife attracts dedicated viewers and birdwatchers alike while its thick forests offer the perfect location to embark on a guided hike or find ample places to set up camp. Additionally, the park offers access to nearby springs.

Orange Lake is a recreational paradise located in Alachua County, Florida. With its crystal clear waterfront access, Orange Lake is a great place for swimming, kayaking, fishing and more. The many nearby parks provide plentiful opportunities for exploration and relaxation. Orange Lake also features an extensive nature center with live exhibits of local fish and other wildlife. Altogether, Orange Lake provides a perfect respite from the hustle and bustle of city life.

Paynes Prairie, is an incredibly unique and lush landscape. Spanning 18 sq miles, the prairie harbours a variety of plants and wildlife and has rare bird sightings. As it offers fantastic wildlife-spotting opportunities, Paynes Prairie boasts activities such as canoeing, boating, camping and much more. Indeed, avid hikers can take on the South Rim’s 22-mile long trail with its 10 overlooks. Home to gators and other reptilian lifeforms, exploring the area is truly a good experience.

Paynes Prairie Preserve State Park is a Florida State Park. The area is crossed by both I-75 and U.S. 441 (which has a scenic outlook ramp).