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RT@ SwiftCycle: It is a wonderful day to ride a bike in@ gainesville. Stop by the shop and we will show you are favorite routes! #bikemonth yesterday · reply · retweet · favorite

Get out and have fun today! Here's a look at events in and around Gainesville: http://t.co/wkJUA4l45Z from@ cmcapartments. yesterday · reply · retweet · favorite

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Visit Gainesville, FL
  • Fanfare and Fireworks at UF 2012
  • Visit Gainesville Florida
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  • Micanopy Store
  • Downtown Farmers Market
  • Downtown Farmers Market
  • Downtown Farmers
  • Mosswood Farm Store
  • Harvest at the Downtown Farmers Market
  • Freshly Baked Bread at the Gainesville's Downtown Farmers Market
  • Collection of Seeds at Mosswood Farm Store
  • Mosswood Farm Store
  • Mosswood Farm Store
  • Flowers at the Downtown Farmer's Market
  • Herbs From Mosswood Farm Store
  • Mosswood Farm Store
  • Vintage Dough Bowls at Mosswood Farm Store
  • Mosswood Farm Store
  • Downtown Farmers market
  • Marlene's Shop
  • Mosswood Farm Store
  • Gainesville Gators
  • Gainesville Gators
  • Gourmet Food Vendor at the Downtown Farmer's market
  • Food Vendor at the Downtown Market
  • Downtown Farmer's Market
  • Freshly Picked Flowers From the Downtown Market
View more Gainesville photos on Flickr
  • SAMUAL P. HARN MUSEUM OF ART
    “Terrific university art museum.” - Pennsylvania

  • BUTTERFLY RAINFOREST
    “Beyond expectations.” - Florida

  • PAYNES PRAIRIE
    “A nature-lover's dream!” - North Carolina

  • FLORIDA MUSEUM OF NATURAL HISTORY
    “So much to see!” - Indiana

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  • Get Outdoors
  • Birding
  • Hiking
  • Biking
  • Parks and Places
  • Canoeing & Kayaking
  • Golf
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Herbs at the Kanapaha Garden
Herbs at the Kanapaha Garden
Santa Fe river
Santa Fe river
Florida blue skies wildflower
Florida blue skies wildflower
Santa Fe Zoo School
Santa Fe Zoo School
Bird Trail at Paynes Prairie
Bird Trail at Paynes Prairie
Family visiting the Santa Fe Zoo
Family visiting the Santa Fe Zoo
Birds at Paynes Prairie
Birds at Paynes Prairie
Children at Santa Fe Zoo
Children at Santa Fe Zoo
Santa Fe zoo students with Galop the turtle
Santa Fe zoo students with Galop the turtle
Gainesville alligator
Gainesville alligator
Couple taking in the view at Paynes Prairie
Couple taking in the view at Paynes Prairie
Kanapaha Lilies
Kanapaha Lilies
Greathouse buttlerfly farm
Greathouse buttlerfly farm
Paynes Pairie Observation walk
Paynes Pairie Observation walk
Wild flower field
Wild flower field

The Best Recreational Locations

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  • River Rise Preserve State Park

    373 SW U.S. Hwy. 27 High Springs, FL 32643 386-454-1853

    River Rise Preserve State Park derives its name for the area where the Santa Fe River reemerges after going underground within O’Leno State Park. Surrounded by quiet woods and huge trees visitors can enjoy a day of fishing, hiking, biking or horseback riding. Wildlife viewing is abundant.

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  • O'Leno State Park

    410 SE O'Leno Park Road High Springs, FL 32643 386-454-1853

    One of the original Florida State Parks, O'Leno was built on the banks of the Santa Fe River by the CCC in the 1930's. Enjoy the view of the river from the suspension bridge. Hike along the river bank to the "sink" where the river disappears underground. Wildlife sightings are abundant in the park.

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  • Palm Point Nature Park

    7401 Lakeshore Drive Gainesville, FL 32641

    Reaching out from the surrounding shoreline, Palm Point is a true gem among Gainesville’s Nature Parks.

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  • Fred Cone Park

    2841 E. University Avenue Gainesville, FL 32641

    Featuring an eight-lane, competition-quality, 440-meter rubberized track and interior field, Fred Cone Park is the premier track in Gainesville.

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  • Paynes Prairie - La Chua Trail

    4801 Camp Ranch Rd. Gainesville, FL 32641 352-466-3397

    La Chua Trail leads to Alachua Sink and the center of the prairie marsh and wetlands. Abundant wildlife including alligators and migratory sandhill cranes. Platform at trail’s end provides panoramic views. 3 miles round-trip.

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A place to call home.

Name an outdoor activity, and we'll give you a park to play in. Walk, ride a bike, hike, canoe, swim, picnic, or even camp. All over Alachua County, world-class venues exist big enough to contain even the most enthusiastic outdoor enthusiast. Places like Biven's Arm, Devil's Milhopper and Gum Root are as beautiful as their names are interesting. But the main attraction is definitely Paynes Prairie, Florida's first state preserve park and a true natural wonder. Almost 300 types of animals and birds can be seen here, including bison, wild horses, and alligators. There are also roadways and trails throughout the preserve, commonly used for biking and hiking activities. It's well worth the 20-minute drive from downtown Gainesville. Closer in, there are more parks to enjoy Gainesville's unique mix of nature, culture and leisure.

Additional Resources

  • Yulee Railroad Days
  • Old Florida Heritage Highway Tours
  • Oleno State Park Tour
  • Dudley Farm State Park Tour

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