Virtual Tourist

Gainesville Sports & Outdoors

Not Just Any Hotel – Only the Best Gainesville Sports & Outdoors, Selected for You!

Jun 17, 2026 - Jun 18, 2026
2 adults, 1 room
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Kate's Fish Camp
7:00 AM–10:00 PM
Camping
6518 SE Hawthorne Rd
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Kate's Fish Camp offers a unique camping experience in Gainesville, featuring fishing, hiking, and communal facilities amidst natural surroundings.

Duration: 2–4 hours.

Day pass: $10 adult, $5 child; yearly membership available at a discount.

Good (259)

Paynes Prairie Preserve State Park
8:00 AM–7:00 PM
Park
100 Savannah Blvd
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Paynes Prairie Preserve State Park is a 21,000-acre nature area in Gainesville, showcasing diverse wildlife, trails, and an observation tower overlooking the landscape.

Duration: More than 4 hours.

Free. Campsites cost $18 and include water and electricity.

Good (345)

Santa Fe College Teaching Zoo
9:00 AM–2:00 PM
Zoo
3000 Northwest 83rd Street
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Santa Fe Community College Teaching Zoo in Gainesville houses 70 species and 250 animals, offering educational programs and hands-on experience for zoo students.

Duration: Approximately 1-2 hours.

Free. Donations are appreciated for upkeep and programs.

Good (1391)

Kanapaha Botanical Gardens
10:00 AM–5:30 PM
Garden
4700 SW 58th Dr
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Kanaphaha Botanical Gardens in Gainesville, Florida, features a diverse collection of unusual plants from around the world on a 62-acre site, open to all nature enthusiasts.

Duration: More than 2 hours.

Free. Some special exhibitions and events may require a paid ticket.

Good (238)

Alfred A Ring Park
Open 24 hours
Park
1801 NW 23rd Blvd
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Alfred Ring Park in Gainesville, Florida, features a hiking trail through densely forested areas, wildflower gardens, and play zones, ensuring a natural escape from urban life.

Duration: 1-2 hours.

Free. No entry fees for the park.

Good (47)

Kanapaha Park
6:30 AM–8:00 PM
Park
Tower Road SW 41st Place
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Kanapaha Park features extensive trails, diverse wildlife, and botanical gardens in Gainesville, Florida. Ideal for outdoor enthusiasts and families.

Duration: 1-3 hours.

Free. Events may have specific charges.

Good (13)

Palm Point Nature Park
8:00 AM–7:00 PM
Park
7401 Lake Shore Dr
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Palm Point Nature Park offers scenic trails, diverse wildlife, and serene waters in Gainesville, making it an ideal spot for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts.

Duration: 1-2 hours.

Free.

Good (871)

Sweetwater Wetlands Park
8:00 AM–7:00 PM
Park
325 SE Williston Rd
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Sweetwater Wetlands Park in Gainesville, Florida, is a nature preserve with walking trails, wildlife observation decks, and ranger-led tours.

Duration: 2–3 hours.

Free. No cost for entry or activities.

Good (1742)

Depot Park
7:00 AM–9:00 PM
Park
200 SE Depot Ave
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Depot Park in Gainesville, Florida, is a large city park offering a playground, splash pad, and event space, all free of charge, ideal for families and outdoor enthusiasts.

Duration: Approximately 2 hours.

Free. Some events may have charges for food or activities.

Good (80)

Dudley Farm Historic State Park
9:00 AM–5:00 PM
Museum
18730 West Newberry Road
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Dudley Farm Historic State Park in Gainesville, USA, features a pioneer farm with 18 restored buildings including a farmhouse, general store, and authentic working farm.

Duration: More than 2 hours.

Free.

Good (11)

A Nan Buddhist Statue Park
9:00 AM–6:00 PM
Park
2120 SE 15th St Enter from SE 22nd Ave
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A Nan Buddhist Statue Park in Gainesville, United States features an array of intricate Buddhist statues set in serene gardens, ideal for contemplation and exploration.

Duration: 1-2 hours.

Free. Special events may have associated fees.

Good (7)

Loblolly Woods Nature Park
Dawn to Dusk
Park
3315 NW 5th Ave
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Loblolly Woods Nature Park in Gainesville offers 95 acres of wetlands, hiking trails, and wildlife, providing a natural escape near the city.

Duration: 1-2 hours.

Free. No entry fee required.

Good (2)

Meadowbrook Golf Club
7:00 AM–7:00 PM
Golf Course
10530 NW 28th Pl
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Meadowbrook Golf Club in Gainesville, USA, offers a picturesque 18-hole golf course surrounded by lush greenery, ideal for golfers of all skill levels.

Duration: Approximately 4 hours.

Membership-based. Daily rates available for visitors and guests.

Ironwood Golf Course
7:00 AM–6:00 PM
Golf Course
2140 NE 39th Ave
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Ironwood Golf Course in Gainesville offers a 18-hole championship layout, scenic views, and a welcoming atmosphere for golf enthusiasts of all levels.

Duration: Approximately 4 hours.

Paid. Rates vary by time of day and season, discounts available for local residents.

Good (62)

Split Rock Conservation Area
6:00 AM–8:00 PM
Nature reserve
SW 20th Ave
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Split Rock Conservation Area in Gainesville offers vast natural landscapes, historical significance, and various recreational opportunities for outdoor enthusiasts.

Duration: Approximately 2 to 3 hours.

Free. No entry fee required.

Good (98)

Boulware Springs Park
8:00 AM–7:00 PM
Park
3300 SE 15th St
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Boulware Springs Park features picnic facilities, a historic 19th-century waterworks building, and a natural spring in Gainesville, Florida.

Duration: 1-2 hours.

Free.

Good (8)

San Felasco State Hammock Preserve Hiking Trailhead
8:00 AM–sunset
Park
11101 Millhopper Rd
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San Felasco State Hammock Preserve Hiking Trailhead offers diverse hiking trails across a natural hardwood forest in Gainesville, Florida. Ideal for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts.

Duration: 2-4 hours.

Free.

Mark Bostick Golf Course At The University Of Florida
7:00 AM–7:00 PM
Golf Course
University of Florida (2800 SW 2nd Ave.)
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Mark Bostick Golf Course at the University of Florida offers a 6,701-yard, 18-hole course designed by renowned architect Donald Ross. A must-visit for golf enthusiasts in Gainesville.

Duration: 3-4 hours.

Green fees apply. Discounts available for students and seniors.

Paynes Prarie Preserve State Park Campground
8:00 AM–6:00 PM
Camping
Florida
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Paynes Prarie Preserve State Park Campground offers camping amidst diverse wildlife and natural beauty in Gainesville, Florida. Explore trails and wildlife viewing areas.

Duration: Ideally 2-4 hours for camping and exploring.

Entrance fee: $6 per vehicle; camping fees vary by site.

Good (1134)

Butterfly Rainforest
10:00 AM–5:00 PM
Garden
3215 Hull Rd Florida Museum of Natural History
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The Butterfly Rainforest in Gainesville, Florida is a 6400-square-foot living exhibit featuring hundreds of free-flying butterflies, tropical plants, and diverse wildlife.

Duration: 1-2 hours.

Paid. Adults: $10, Children (3-17): $5, Children under 3: Free.