Sarah's Guidebook
Natural Springs
If you love to dive, snorkel, or just relax in and around crystal clear water, these are the places for you!
Come and explore this Pre-historic underground cavern full of crystal clear, spring fed water. Visitors can walk down a wooden staircase and swim in the aqua hued water. It is a perfect spot for Snorkelers and Divers alike! It is possible to descend 54 feet down into this water that is always a refreshing 72 degrees.
175 locals recommend
Devil's Den Prehistoric Spring
5390 NE 180th AveCome and explore this Pre-historic underground cavern full of crystal clear, spring fed water. Visitors can walk down a wooden staircase and swim in the aqua hued water. It is a perfect spot for Snorkelers and Divers alike! It is possible to descend 54 feet down into this water that is always a refreshing 72 degrees.
This river is famous with floaters and boaters alike! This is a beautiful Spring fed river that is great anytime of the year! Kayaks, canoes and floats can be rented right on the River!
KP Hole is a great starting point for your Rainbow River tubing adventure. The average float time from the KP Hole to the Exit for tubers, is approximately four hours, but float time may vary based on the weather and water levels. Their website says that, Tubing rentals and shuttle services back to the KP Hole parking lot are available daily from May 1 - September 30. Please note to check their website for all current information.
224 locals recommend
Rainbow Springs State Park
19158 SW 81st Pl RdThis river is famous with floaters and boaters alike! This is a beautiful Spring fed river that is great anytime of the year! Kayaks, canoes and floats can be rented right on the River!
KP Hole is a great starting point for your Rainbow River tubing adventure. The average float time from the KP Hole to the Exit for tubers, is approximately four hours, but float time may vary based on the weather and water levels. Their website says that, Tubing rentals and shuttle services back to the KP Hole parking lot are available daily from May 1 - September 30. Please note to check their website for all current information.
A great place to float between multiple springs along the Santa Fe River. They have campgrounds and beach volleyball courts too!
219 locals recommend
Ginnie Springs
7300 Ginnie Springs RoadA great place to float between multiple springs along the Santa Fe River. They have campgrounds and beach volleyball courts too!
Silver River
Blue Grotto Dive Resort
3852 NE 172 CtFanning Springs State Park
18020 US-19Silver Springs State Park
5656 East Silver Springs BoulevardBlue Springs Park
4550 NE 94 PlA small natural spring that is perfect for an afternoon swim.
On the Gulf of Mexico
Great cities that have direct Gulf access.
Cedar Key
Yankeetown Marina
15 Hickory AveSteinhatchee Falls
Food scene
The Ivy House is a landmark and serves gourmet Southern food. It is in a house that was owned by the first Doctor of Williston and also has a unique gift shop upstairs.
18 locals recommend
The Ivy House Restaurant
106 NW Main StThe Ivy House is a landmark and serves gourmet Southern food. It is in a house that was owned by the first Doctor of Williston and also has a unique gift shop upstairs.
Sister's Place
20 NE 3rd StDelicious Southern food served for Breakfast and Lunch.
The quality and freshness of the food is always spot on! The sushi is delicious, as well as the entrees! I recommend the fried bananas for dessert!
10 locals recommend
SHO GUN Japanese Restaurant
143 W Noble AveThe quality and freshness of the food is always spot on! The sushi is delicious, as well as the entrees! I recommend the fried bananas for dessert!
Great food any time of the day! A favorite spot of locals and good southern food!
9 locals recommend
Melanie's Restaurant
112 E Noble AveGreat food any time of the day! A favorite spot of locals and good southern food!
A great spot to get breakfast and delicious BBQ with all the sauces! They’re open all the way through dinner. P.S. The cheese curds are dynamite!
6 locals recommend
Williston BubbaQue's
143 E Noble AveA great spot to get breakfast and delicious BBQ with all the sauces! They’re open all the way through dinner. P.S. The cheese curds are dynamite!
This is a local institution! If you’re in the mood for some tangy Southern BBQ, then this is your place!
Frogs BBQ Pad
21031 NE US Hwy 27This is a local institution! If you’re in the mood for some tangy Southern BBQ, then this is your place!
If you’re in the mood for some delicious frozen treats, this is your place! The ice cream is so good!
Flamingo Freeze
20 S Main StIf you’re in the mood for some delicious frozen treats, this is your place! The ice cream is so good!
Black Prong Bar & Grill
Sirius Munchies
Sad Donkey Coffee
102 NE 2nd AveGreat place to grab coffee and a sweet treat.
Archie's Woodfire Pizza
A great spot for authentic woodfired pizza with fresh air dining!
Their name says it all! Everything on the menu is yummy yummy! Be sure to bring cash because that’s all they take and you will thank me later!
8 locals recommend
Yum Yum Kitchen
13101 County Rd 326Their name says it all! Everything on the menu is yummy yummy! Be sure to bring cash because that’s all they take and you will thank me later!
It’s a Gainesville Institution! Recreated in a new area of the UF campus. Great for burgers and brews, with some major college town vibes.
24 locals recommend
The Swamp Restaurant
1104 SW 2nd AveIt’s a Gainesville Institution! Recreated in a new area of the UF campus. Great for burgers and brews, with some major college town vibes.
Sightseeing
A beautiful botanical garden with cascading waterfalls, koi ponds, and countless breathtaking views!
41 locals recommend
Cedar Lakes Woods and Gardens
4990 NE 180th AveA beautiful botanical garden with cascading waterfalls, koi ponds, and countless breathtaking views!
They offer private guided tours and are able to interact with these amazing elephants. There are also other exotic animals to see and learn about.
26 locals recommend
Two Tails Ranch
18655 NE 81st StThey offer private guided tours and are able to interact with these amazing elephants. There are also other exotic animals to see and learn about.
Devil's Millhopper Geological State Park
4732 Millhopper RdA wonderful place to have a picnic and meander along the paths full of tropical and native plants.
Kanapaha Botanical Gardens
A wonderful place to have a picnic and meander along the paths full of tropical and native plants.
Entertainment
A great place for food and fun with the whole family. There are also some unique shops.
Homestead Park
A great place for food and fun with the whole family. There are also some unique shops.
Gator Nation!!!!! Nothin’ beats the Swamp for College football at its finest in Gainesville!!
Ben Hill Griffin Stadium
Gator Nation!!!!! Nothin’ beats the Swamp for College football at its finest in Gainesville!!
Shopping
Dixie J's Home Decor
Florida Springs Scuba
Traveler advice
Getting around
Gainesville Gator Games
Avoid I-75 and head up FL-121 North