Ravine Gardens State Park in Palatka, FL feels like stepping into another state. On the trails you’ll encounter elevation changes, two suspension bridges, stone stairs, roots, observation platforms, and more. But what the park is best-known for is the spectacular azalea bloom each February. Azaleas line the entire ravine, blanketing the trails with pink blossoms. …
Gainesville is a city in North Central Florida best known as the home of the Florida Gators at University of Florida. But Gainesville is also a nature hotspot with some amazing parks. Gainesville has four completely distinct Florida State Parks within the city limit, a State Trail, and several other county parks, gardens, and even …
O’Leno State Park is a beautiful park in North Florida, but it also has a very unique feature – the Santa Fe River flows completely underground in a sink and then reappears above ground three miles away in River Rise Preserve State Park. O’Leno was one of Florida’s first state parks. It opened in 1940, …
Paynes Prairie Preserve State Park is a unique Florida state park just outside of Gainesville. The park encompasses over 21,000 acres of Florida wetlands and prairie, miles of hiking trails and a campground. This park has three entrances: the main entrance with the majority of trails and activities, the La Chua Trail & Alachua Sink …
Tallahassee is the capital of Florida, located in the panhandle. From springs and rivers to museums and architecture, Tallahassee has a lot to do! While it may not be the first destination you think of for a day trip or weekend getaway, you’ll be sure to enjoy strolling through downtown, exploring nature, and learning a …
Gilchrist Blue Springs State Park is one of North Florida’s many pristine natural springs. The crystal clear, 72-degree fresh water is perfect for swimming, snorkeling and paddling. And it’s the newest Florida State Park!
Head to Red, White and Blues Farm in Williston, FL for U-Pick blueberries, peaches, sunflowers and more during the Spring season. The farm is less than 30 minutes outside of Gainesville and Ocala. **Update: U-Pick blueberries are open for the 2022 season! Check the Red, White, and Blues Farm Facebook page for the most recent …
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This historic hidden gem just outside Gainesville, FL is an authentic working Florida farm that showcases what life was like on a 19th century farm. At Dudley Farm Historic State Park you can enjoy walking through nature or immerse yourself in the history of the 18 original buildings on the property built between the 1880s …
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Enjoy the peace and quiet of one of Florida’s largest mature hardwood forests on the trails of San Felasco Hammock Preserve State Park. The 7,360-acre preserve provides plenty of opportunities for hiking, biking and horseback riding. San Felasco Hammock Preserve State Park is divided into two sections. The southern entrance to the park (located four miles …
Sweetwater Wetlands Park offers a unique way to experience nature in Gainesville, FL, but is also important to the health of Florida’s water and other ecosystems. The park was created in 2015 to improve the water quality of wetlands in Paynes Prairie and the Floridan Aquifer. It consists of more than 125 acres of wetlands …