Location: Gainesville
Top Things to do in Gainesville
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What to do and see in Gainesville, Florida (FL): The Best Outdoor Activities
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. Canopy Climbers
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 134 reviews
Before you contact us, please visit our website to learn about our tree-climbing events and instructional courses. After you have read over the information, you can book a climbing event by clicking any "BOOK NOW" button on the website. Please choose any available date and time slot. If the system does not let you book a particular date and time slot, that simply means it is already booked and/or not available. Please choose any other available date and time slot. Our minimum requirement is a 4-person event. Sorry, we cannot make any exceptions to this minimum requirement. You must pay the full amount upon booking an event. Booking an event is the only way to guarantee a date and time slot. Please note, Canopy Climbers is required to give our local municipalities (the owners of the beautiful local parks in which we climb) at least five (5) days notice to climb trees on premises. We cannot book a climb any sooner than that. We regret any inconvenience this may cause, but we must respectfully follow their rules. Please be advised that we cannot book events over the phone. However, feel free to email us with any other questions you may have. ABOUT US: Canopy Climbers is an award-winning, tree-climbing adventure and education company located in Gainesville, Florida. We guide people into the treetops using safe and sustainable arborist rope and saddle methods. We also provide tree-climbing courses, instruction and education for those who wish to safely climb trees on their own. Thank you for choosing Canopy Climbers for your next adventure.
2. 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!
3. Active in Paradise
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 9 reviews
Fuel your passion for fitness with a dream getaway to a tropical location with Active in Paradise! Train, sweat, eat, swim and experience new environments with likeminded people who all share a passion to travel and adventure. Ideal for men and women who want to hit the reset button or challenge their fitness in a whole new way.
4. Master Switch Freediving
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 5 reviews
Master Switch freediving courses are led by Freediving Instructor David Cobiella. David has been a certified diver since he was 12 years old and has received 8 different diving certifications. David is also a co-founder of Kings of the Springs, a non-profit community that actively works to preserve and protect the Florida Springs. Through his instruction, you will learn how to boldly, yet safely, explore the world in a way most people only dream of.
5. Florida National Scenic Trail
6. Santa Fe College Teaching Zoo
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 230 reviews
The Santa Fe College Teaching Zoo houses 70 species, and over 200 individual animals in its collection, including white handed gibbons, red ruffed lemurs, ocelots, bald eagles, Galapagos tortoises, American alligators, and Matschie’s tree kangaroo. The Santa Fe College Teaching Zoo is Gainesville’s community zoo and the training facility for the Zoo Animal Technology Program. Situated on 10 forested acres, students in the Zoo Animal Technology Program provide daily care for the animals as well as tours of the zoo grounds.
Reviewed By jenbabe7 - Alachua, United States
This is such a quality zoo- it’s very manageable for kids to walk, the exhibits are great, and the little park is so great for a quick play if you have your kids. Everyone here is helpful and friendly and they do different types of teaching moments which is fantastic.
7. Ironwood Golf Course
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 4 reviews
8. Gainesville-Hawthorne State Trail
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 49 reviews
Reviewed By GeneM357 - Tampa, United States
This is a great trail and offers a few fun elevation changes. We started at Depot Park and rode the trail with friends. Everyone enjoyed this trail.
9. La Chua Trail
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 108 reviews
Reviewed By YahooAsFtd
We took our out of town friends there to see some alligators; however, it was chilly and gloomy, so we didn't see any. Gators like the sun. There were a number of snail kites plus numerous other birds. Great place.
