Location: Gainesville
Top Things to do in Gainesville
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8 Hidden Gems Things to do in Gainesville That You Shouldn't Miss
Home to the University of Florida, the largest and oldest university in the state, as well as the Santa Fe Community College, Gainesville is a hub of education and culture. Perhaps due to its strong student population, the city is also at the heart of independent music in Florida, having produced numerous musical acts from a variety of genres. The natural surroundings, including parks, lakes and the adjacent Paynes Prairie State Reserve provide a green getaway from the bustle of city life.
Restaurants in Gainesville
1. Butterfly Rainforest
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 1,195 reviews
**The Butterfly Rainforest exhibit is open to the public. To ensure a safe environment for all visitors, the exhibit has limited entry, a mask requirement and follows a one-way path. Daily Butterfly Spotlights are temporarily paused. For more information, visit www.floridamuseum.ufl.edu/museum-blog/covid-19-update.** The Butterfly Rainforest is a 6,400-square-foot screened exhibit exposed to typical Florida weather conditions, resulting in a more natural environment for the butterflies and plants. This living exhibit features hundreds of free-flying butterflies, typically more than 50 species at any given time, birds from around the world and an assortment of other animals including turtles and fish to experience firsthand. The lush landscape is planted in tropical trees and colorful flowering plants amid waterfalls and a walking path. Skilled interpretive staff are available to help answer questions and provide visitors with a personal and highly engaging experience.
Reviewed By colleenj935 - New Albany, United States
Tropical paradise in an enclosure! Meandering path leads you through lush jungle filled with beautiful butterflies and little birds! There is even a waterfall! Nicely done!
2. Carson Springs Wildlife Conservation Foundation
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 212 reviews
Not for profit exotic animal rescue and endangered species animal park and breeding center. Large beautiful nature park with 28 species, over 75 animals including big cat feeding demonstrations.
Reviewed By wmidd0707 - Amelia Island, United States
My wife and I booked a private tour of the large variety of exotic animals at the non-profit Carson Springs Wildlife Conservation Foundation. Along with a variety of cat species from very large to very small, we visited Lemurs, Hyenas, Bat-eared Foxes, Jackals, and more. A highlight of the visit was a very old and friendly hippo who loves for guests to feed him veggies. The animals were in large, safe, and very clean enclosures. They were obviously loved by the staff and volunteers. Great outing for a couple or family!
3. Lubee Bat Conservancy
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 36 reviews
Reviewed By stevekirn - Gainesville, United States
The Lubee Bat Conservancy is an internationally renowned -- and utilized -- haven for a number of different bat species, with a focus (for now) on large fruit bats (i.e., they are fruit-eaters -- not mosquito eaters). These are often referred to as "flying foxes". As you may know, they are mammals, with furry bodies and faces that to my eye are sort of a cross between a fox and a dog. The amazing thing is their wingspan -- up to 5 or 6 feet! I mean these are BIG bats! But mostly, they just hang around - literally -- upside-down, of course, and occasionally walk across the top of their enclosures to mun on some of the fruit shish-ka-bobs prepared by the staff. They are quite docile and, I think, very cute, and not scary at all. Access to the Conservancy is limited, though there is a big bat festival each Fall, open to the public, held in October, with boooths selling lots of bat stuffed animals, decorations, costumes and other things, plus a wide array of ecology-minded, conservation and various animal protection groups. There is a beer garden, and food trucks. But kids -- and adults -- are truly mesmerized by the bats. It is possible to arrange special tours by conacting the Conservancy office, but I don't have details on that. Loyts of volunteer workers. My advice: check it out on festival day, adversized on the website. There is nothing else like this place!
4. Kanapaha Botanical Gardens
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 452 reviews
Herb and botanical garden displaying unusual plants from around the world.
Reviewed By EALGator - Gainesville, United States
This place is tucked away, but is world class! It has everything you can imagine, including a big lake, bamboo stands, little waterfalls, kids play area and, of course, alligators and gift shop! But all tastefully done.
5. Paynes Prairie
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 474 reviews
Nature area with woods and swamp as well as an information center describing the wildlife in the area.
Reviewed By corvus0486 - Gainesville, United States
The Payne’s Prairie State Preserve is one of the most outstanding natural areas of north Florida. It is known for its massive flicks of migratory Sandhill Cranes, loafing American Alligators, small herds of Wood Buffalo and wild horses all reminiscent of the period of William Bartram’s journey through north Florida. The State Park is also the site of Alachua Sink, a portal the region’s prime ground water and valued source of water supply. The Prairie is an outstanding resource for birdwatching and general nature enjoyment from dawn to dusk. Highly recommended.
6. University of Florida Bat House
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 429 reviews
The University of Florida Bat Houses are the world's largest occupied bat houses with an estimated population of 500,000. The structures are located on the north side of Museum Road between Village Drive and Radio Road across from Lake Alice on the UF campus. Parking is available in a lot just west of the houses near Radio Road or across Museum Road near the Baughman Center. A UF parking decal is required Monday-Friday from 7:30 a.m to 4:30 p.m. Parking is free after 4:30 p.m. weekdays, and on weekends and state holidays. The bats normally emerge 10 to 15 minutes after sunset before total darkness when temperatures are 65 F or higher. High winds, heavy rain or cold temperatures will keep the bats inside for the evening. On warm winter evenings, the bats may come out for a drink of water at the lake and exercise; however they can eat only when bugs are flying.
Reviewed By EALGator - Gainesville, United States
Daily, year-round, sometimes hundreds of people gather to watch hundreds of thousands of bats take off for their nightly excursions! Great fun and great people gather together and see raw nature up close... And I do mean close.... Bats flying just a couple feet above your head... It's an awesome experience, something kids and young at heart will love!
7. Sweetwater Wetlands Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 215 reviews
Reviewed By SueBee46530
We really enjoyed the two times we visited here and appreciated the openness compared with the boardwalk at La Chua which had too many obnoxious people talking loudly. Less people = more enjoyable. Purple Gallinules were a highlight as was the gift sighting of an American Bittern.
8. Blackadder Brewing Company
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 16 reviews
Blackadder Brewing Company is a 3.5BBL microbrewery in Gainesville Florida providing 40 taps in a cozy pub atmosphere. We have our own beer and top notch guest beer along with two ciders, two wines, and two natural sodas on tap. There's something for everyone!
Reviewed By johnbZ595SC
The staff is exceptionally friendly and helpful. I sampled a flight of the Blackadder brews. They were well done and quite enjoyable. My wife enjoyed the house brewed sodas. "DB's Rolling Dough" food truck was there on Saturday night and the Gluten free crust was a pleasant surprise. I would say that if you are looking for a casual pub with great brews the Blackadder would be well worth visiting. We enjoyed our evening here.
