Recreation

Paynes Prairie is unique in many ways. Nowhere else in Florida can visitors experience wild-roaming bison and horses. Nearly 300 species of birds also frequent the park along with alligators, deer and many other animals. The park’s eight trails, including the 16-mile paved Gainesville-Hawthorne State Trail, allow for exploration of the park’s interior and observation of wildlife, while a 50-foot high observation tower provides panoramic views.

In the midst of North Florida’s sandy terrain and pine forests, a bowl-shaped cavity 120 feet deep leads down to a miniature rain forest. Small streams trickle down the steep slopes of the limestone sinkhole, disappearing through crevices in the ground. Lush vegetation thrives in the shade of the walls even in dry summers. Visitors can enjoy picnicking and learn more about the sinkhole through interpretive displays.

Protecting 159 acres of lushly forested bottomland along the confluence of Possum Creek and Hogtown Creek, Loblolly Woods Nature Park is an urban gem. At this park–one of ten that make up the City of Gainesville’s Hogtown Creek Greenway–spring wildflowers carpet the forest floor and the namesake loblolly pines are some of the largest in the region. Bisected by a broad bicycle-friendly path, it’s a place where narrow side trails lead to pretty bluffs above the creeks and sinkholes.

Spending time in nature is proven to benefit your mental and physical health. Enjoy the fresh air, fun activities, and beautiful views with us free of charge! We have two shores with loads to explore! Activities include boating, Sailing, fishing, pavilions and grills, and volleyball. You can borrow equipment such as kayaks (single and double), canoes, stand up paddle boards, pedal boats, Hobie Cats, and Jon Boats.

A 68 acre non profit facility comprised of 24 major collections visually accessible from a 1 ½ mile paved walkway. These include the state’s largest public display of bamboos and the largest herb garden in the Southeast. Some of Kanapaha’s gardens are organized taxonomically; others demonstrate principles of ecology or natural selection.

A paved rail trail protected as a 16-mile long Florida State Park and runs from the City of Gainesville’s Boulware Springs Water Works to the town of Hawthorne. On this historic rail bed turned greenway, you will pass by native plants and wildlife, diverse scenery and backyard Florida culture. The overlooks and stops of interest tie together a rich story of small railroad towns, locomotives and human activity along this corridor. The recreational trail is paved with a grassy equestrian trail running alongside.

Veteran’s Memorial Park offers activities for everyone. Sports facilities include a baskeball court, softball fields, soccer fields, and roller hockey facilities. There are also 2 play areas, a fitness trail, and nature trails to explore. Be sure to visit the veteran’s memorial and police memorial while at the park.

Features mowed recreation fields suitable for ballgames, flying kites, frisbee and other sports. Children of all ages enjoy the playground and the picnic pavilion. A jogging trail encircles the main field and scenic nature trails through the forest and floodplain of Possum Creek provide visitors the opportunity to quietly enjoy the natural world at their own pace. The park also features a contemporary skate park and an off-leash dog area. One of Florida’s premiere skateboarding landscapes, the park features modern plaza elements, a multi-level bowl and obstacles with integrated landscaping.

This is one of the most popular playgrounds in Gainesville. There are three main playground structures; one for toddlers, one for kids 2-5, and one for kids 5-12.  There are two large swing sets; one for babies and toddlers and one for big kids. In addition, there are multiple climbing structures and monkey bars, a voice recorder, some bouncy seats and more.

This large park features a playground & splash pad, lawns, a large pond with a promenade & more. Designed to inspire and encourage creativity, the playground has a little bit of something for everyone.
Splash in the Blue Grotto, inspired by the underwater caverns in Central Florida, stroll on the Promenade, picnic in the Pavilion
and experience the Conservation Area
The southern half of Depot Park is a conservation area filled with various wildlife and a series of wetlands and upland plantings.

Swallowtail Farm is located in southeast Gainesville, in historic Rochelle. The land is nestled under a mossy canopy of ancient live oaks, and buffered on all sides by pasture, prairie and wetlands. There is rich history to the land and homestead alike, and the farm is graced by grazed soils and bountiful native flora and fauna. We have brought our small dairy herd of Jerseys, our flock of laying hens, heritage breed pigs, and our own growing little family to help caretake the land. We believe that we are only visitors here, and are caretaking the land for the living earth.

At Amber Brooke Farms we’ve created a warm atmosphere where holding hands and dancing in the sun is encouraged. Singing off-key is no problem. And running with children makes you a kid again. Amber Brooke is more than a farm, it’s a warm retreat from busyness. A special place where memories are made again and again.
We invite you to enjoy the raw beauty and allure of Amber Brooke Farms where both body and soul are replenished.

In 1984, Peter and Mary Gregory created the Retirement Home For Horses, Inc., a nonprofit sanctuary for old, abused, and abandoned horses in Alachua, in North Central Florida.
The Retirement Home For Horses at Mill Creek Farm is 335 acres of tree-lined, rolling green pastures that is protected by a perpetual conservation easement that prevents the land from being developed, ensuring that the Retirement Home For Horses at Mill Creek Farm will always be a sanctuary for horses in need.

A family owned winery located on the eastside of Gainesville. In the early summer of 2006, as a new energetic couple, Jennifer and Bradley Ferguson starting making wine in their kitchen out of the blueberries produced on the family farm after the commercial harvest was complete. They are so proud to introduce you to the fruits of their labor and welcome you to Bluefield Estate Winery.

The second you step foot in Palm Coast and the Flagler Beaches, the area envelopes you. And the reception continues each step you take along the cinnamon colored sand and pet-friendly beaches.

From innertubes, to kayaks, to paddleboards and canoes there’s many ways to experience Ginnie. Our seven crystal clear springs are 72 degrees year round. Take a dip and explore!

Fed by nine springs, the Ichetucknee River lets visitors experience the natural beauty of its blue-green waterways year-round. Let the gentle current of the bright turquoise river guide you on a relaxing retreat through shaded hammocks and forests of cypress, maple, oak and pine.