20 Parks to Explore in Alachua County
Checkout places to visit in Alachua County
Alachua CountyGainesville is the chief metropolitan area for Alachua County. It is known for its diverse culture, local music, and artisans.
Popular Activities And Trips in Alachua County
Filter By Date
//
Sort By
Parks to Explore in Alachua County
Alachua Splash ParkAlachua Splash Park is a wonderful way to beat the Florida heat while having some family-friendly fun. It features an extensive water play area, with slides, fountains, and interactive water games. There is also plenty of green space for picnicking, running around, and setting up sprinklers. There are even grills and picnic tables available for barbecuing. Whether it’s a sunny afternoon or an evening under stars, Alachua Splash Park provides a unique and enjoyable water experience.
Alfred A. Ring ParkAlfred A. Ring Park is a 77-acre paradise of natural beauty featuring open fields, grassy meadows, large shade trees, and a 5-acre lake. Visitors to the park can partake in activities such as canoeing on the lake, walking/cycling along 1.7 miles of trails within the park, fishing for largemouth bass & bluegill, or birdwatching within the diverse environment. Other facilities include picnic areas, playgrounds with swings and slides, a public restroom and an outdoor theater stage area.
Boulware Springs ParkAs well as picnic facilities, there is an area to park and unload horses to ride along the state trail at Bolware Springs Park.
Depot ParkDepot park is a vibrant and colorful place to explore. Located in the heart of Gainesville, the park offers something for everyone – from scenic jogging trails and picnic areas to kayaking on a sparkling lake. It also features an amphitheater used for outdoor concerts and a “Sprayground” with interactive water features perfect for cooling off on hot summer days. Depot Park encourages exploration, exercise, learning and connection while respecting nature preservation.
Devil's Millhopper Geological State ParkDevil's Millhopper Geological State Park is only 71 acres (29 ha), but three distinct ecological environments exist in the park, depending on the amount of sun, fire, and water it receives.
Dudley Farm Historic State ParkThe Dudley Farm Historic State Park (Florida) is a U.S. historic district and museum park in Newberry, Florida.
Gainesville-Hawthorne State TrailThe Gainesville-Hawthorne State Trail is a protected state park with a length of 16 miles (26 km) running from the Boulware Springs Water Works in Gainesville to Hawthorne.
Lake WauburgLake 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.
Marjorie Kinnan Rawlings Historic State ParkThe Marjorie Kinnan Rawlings Historic State Park lies on the east shore of Orange Lake, just south of the village of Cross Creek.
Morningside Nature CenterMorningside 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 State ForestNewnans 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.
Paynes Prairie Preserve State ParkPaynes 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).
Poe Springs ParkPoe Springs Park is located about 3 miles west of High Springs, Florida. It is is 202 acres in size.
Possum Creek ParkPossum 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.
San Felasco Hammock Preserve State ParkIn 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 ParkSan 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 Lake ParkSanta 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.
Veterans Memorial ParkVeterans 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.