Alachua County - 57 Attractions You Must Visit

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About Alachua County

Gainesville is the chief metropolitan area for Alachua County. It is known for its diverse culture, local music, and artisans.

Types of Attractions in Alachua County

Activities Around

List of Attractions in Alachua County

Poe Springs Park

Poe Springs Park is located about 3 miles west of High Springs, Florida. It is is 202 acres in size.

Possum Creek Park

Possum Creek Park

Outdoors- Other

Parks

Possum Creek Park is a beloved outdoor escape for residents of Gainesville and beyond. With over 400 acres of wilderness and wetlands to explore, the park admirably serves those looking to take advantage of the great outdoors. There are two large lakes that allow boaters to enjoy activities such as fishing, kayaking, and canoeing. If simply walking or jogging is more your speed there are boardwalks and nature trails on offer as well.

Prairie Creek Preserve

Prairie Creek Preserve

Outdoors- Other

Prairie Creek Preserve is a beautiful and diverse swath of land, which covers more than 8,000 acres and is home to a variety of habitats ranging from cypress swamps to wet prairies and mesic flats. Among the many wildlife that call this area home are alligators, white-tailed deer, bald eagles, and threatened species like the gopher tortoise. It offers visitors plenty for exploration with trails for hiking, biking and horseback riding. Fishing is also allowed within certain parts.

Retirement Home for Horses Inc Alachua Fla

Retirement Home for Horses Inc Alachua Fla, works to provide a comfortable and safe lifespan for horses once they retire from their working lives. They rescue horses that are mistreated or unwanted, give them veterinary care, rehabilitate any behavioral issues and socialize them until they can find loving owners. Retirement Home for Horses Inc Alachua Fla provides horse owners with support such as seminars on horse ownership and an auction for those wishing to adopt these retired horses.

San Felasco Hammock Preserve State Park

In the San Felasco Hammock Preserve State Park are feral pigs, bobcats, white-tailed deer, gray foxes, wild turkeys, and several species of songbirds.

San Felasco Hammock Preserve State Park

San Felasco Hammock Preserve State Park

Outdoors- Other

2-5 Day Treks

Forests

National Parks

San Felasco Hammock Preserve State Park is a 6,500-acre expanse of conservation lands. This park offers visitors the opportunity to explore an array of ecosystems, from the rolling hills of sandhill to the shady hammocks and wet prairies. On hikes by way of 14 miles of trails, guests can see live oak trees draped in Spanish moss as well as diverse wildlife including foxes, wild turkeys and most notably, hundreds of species of birds. The park also provides canoe and kayak rentals.

San Felasco Park

San Felasco Park is a 1,169-acre paradise of winding trails, forests and canopies of trees for hikers and bikers. Throughout the park are sinkholes, creeks and springs that attract wildlife like bobcats, hawks and owls. For campers there are primitive campsites with fire rings, picnic tables, and restrooms nearby. Whether you're into adventurous biking or picnicking and camping in one of twenty individual sites near level terrain while enjoying the spectacular scenery of nature at its finest.

Santa Fe College Kika Silva Pla Planetarium

Santa Fe College Kika Silva Pla Planetarium

Iconic Buildings

Palaces

Planetariums

The Santa Fe College Kika Silva Pla Planetarium is a domed theatre with a 34-foot diameter in Gainesville, Florida. It seats 60 people and features two projection systems.

Santa Fe College Teaching Zoo

Santa Fe College Teaching Zoo Guided tours are available at the zoo if scheduled ahead of time, and visitors may also take self-guided tours.

Santa Fe Lake Park

Santa Fe Lake Park

Outdoors- Other

Parks

Santa Fe Lake Park is the perfect sunny escape for locals and visitors alike. The park boasts abundant natural beauty that can be enjoyed from any of the numerous hiking trails, hills, and boardwalks throughout the area. Taking a leisurely stroll around the lake itself is a great way to relax and take it all in, with great fishing spots along the way. A playground provides plenty of fun for kids and families, while birdwatchers are sure to spot a variety of feathered friends.

Santa Fe River Preserve

Santa Fe River Preserve

Lake/ River/ Ponds

The Santa Fe River is typical of many rivers in karst regions in that it disappears underground and then reappears 5 kilometres (3 miles) downstream.

Sweetwater Preserve

Sweetwater Preserve

Outdoors- Other

Sweetwater Preserve is a unique conservation area spanning over 6,800 acres of land, the preserve includes of multiple habitats including pine flatwoods, cypress swamps, sinkholes and sandhills. It is home to an abundance of wildlife species like wild turkeys, sandhill cranes, and owls that benefit from the diversity of habitats found here. Sweetwater Preserve also features trails for exploration and can be used for fishing, hiking, nature viewing and camping.

Sweetwater Wetlands Park

Sweetwater Wetlands Park in Alachua County provides visitors with a unique opportunity to experience the beauty of wetlands and observe wildlife in action. This park is renowned for its array of plants and animals, including rare species of birds, turtles, dragonflies, frogs, and other aquatic life. From the observation tower, you can take in panoramic views of the wetlands and spot various species from all over the world. It also offers plenty of activities for children and families.

UF Bat Houses

UF Bat Houses

Man-made Structures- Other

UF Bat Houses, serves as a haven for over 400 bats from 13 different species. Established by the University of Florida in the summer of 1991 and supported by volunteers, the site is now a successful example of conservation. A nightly monitoring program is responsible for data collection such as birth rates, death rates and population size. UF Bat Houses work to protect and conserve these species for generations to come by providing shelter, food and resources along with professional research.

Veterans Memorial Park

Veterans Memorial Park offers locals and visitors alike a glimpse into the sacrifice of brave servicemen and women from around the country. Covering more than 11 acres, It is home to numerous monuments dedications to honoring those who served in all branches of service; a celebration pavilion which houses programs and events that help bring together veterans and their families; several sports courts, with restrooms and grills; plus walking trails that meander through peaceful wetlands.

Westside Park

Westside Park is a great outdoor escape for anyone looking to explore the beauty of nature and get away from the hustle and bustle of the city. The park offers a variety of activities for visitors to enjoy; whether it's kayaking or biking on one of the many trails, fishing off the dock, playing sports such as football and frisbee in dedicated fields, or simply relaxing under a shady tree amidst the park's lush greenery, also With its playgrounds, picnic areas, sand volleyball court and gazebo.

Wilmot Gardens

Wilmot Gardens

Parks

Forests

Botanical Gardens

Wilmot Gardens is a perfect place for visitors to relax and appreciate nature. Situated on the banks of the Santa Fe River, the lush grounds of Wilmot Gardens boast a variety of native trees and plants, including magnolias, camellias, azaleas, and dogwoods. This peaceful spot offers the opportunity to observe wild animals like whitetail deer, turkeys, and birds in their natural habitats. Stroll along walking trails or take a guided canoe tour along the river to appreciate its unique beauty.

Map of attractions in Alachua County

Comments

For more information about Alachua County, visit: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alachua_County,_Florida