Known as the home of the University of Florida Gators, Gainesville is also a unique town in North Central Florida because of its lush foliage and wonderful culture. Full of unexpected adventure, this college town has something fun for everyone whether you love the great outdoors or prefer the concrete jungle.

Outdoor Adventures in Gainesville

Ichetucknee Springs

Become one with nature (literally) and take a dip in the crystal blue waters of Ichetucknee Springs, crisp and cool all year long. Fortunately, you can take a swim in the springs almost everyday of the year here in the Sunshine State!

Kanapaha Botanical Gardens

Take a walk through this beautiful botanical garden known for its large bamboo collection, herb garden, and over two dozen collections of flora. Kanapaha Botanical Gardens is so picturesque it's a popular wedding venue in Gainesville, so be sure to check their website for non-event days.

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Morningside Nature Center  

Grab your walking stick and journey through seven miles of trails and dense woodland at Morningside Nature Center in Gaineseville. Make sure to pack a picnic, but don't feed the wildlife! You may be lucky enough to see animals like deer on the trails.

Adventures in the City of Gainesville

Hippodrome Cinema

If you love the theatre, you'll enjoy seeing the plays and musicals at Gainesville's renown Hippodrome Theatre. Visit their website to see all of the productions this current season.

Harn Museum of Art 

Artsy types will definitely appreciate seeing the eclectic collection of modern art and photography at Harn Museum of Art, one of the largest university-affiliated art museums in the country. Another great thing about the museum: admission is free!

Downtown Gainesville

Urbanites, check out Downtown Gainseville for a quaint walk through shopping plazas like Union Street Station Pedestrian Mall and eateries sprinkled throughout the area. You can also see the large street art murals on 34th Street, which provides a cool backdrop for a selfie!

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These are just a few of the many unexpected adventures waiting to be discovered in Gainesville. Do you know of any more fun things to do in the area? Let us know by commenting below!

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Photo courtesy of Visit Gainesville website