Location: Alachua
Top Things to do in Alachua
- 1. O'Leno State Park
- 2. Dudley Farm Historic State Park
- 3. Butterfly Rainforest
- 4. Retirement Home For Horses at Mill Creek Farm
- 5. Scuba Monkey Dive Center
- 6. Florida Museum of Natural History
- 7. San Felasco Hammock State Park
- 8. Mill Creek Preserve West
- 9. Deep Spring Farm
- 10. Samuel P. Harn Museum of Art
Top 10 Things to do in Alachua, United States
Alachua (/əˈlætʃu.eɪ/ ə-LATCH-oo-ay) is a city in Alachua County, Florida, United States. According to the 2010 U.S. Census, the city's population was 9,059. The city is part of the Gainesville, Florida Metropolitan Statistical Area, which was home to 264,275 people at the 2010 census.
Restaurants in Alachua
1. O'Leno State Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 166 reviews
Located along the banks of the scenic Santa Fe River, a tributary of the Suwannee River, the park features sinkholes, hardwood hammocks, river swamps, and sandhills. As the river courses through the park, it disappears underground and reemerges over three miles away in the River Rise State Preserve. One of Florida's first state parks, O'Leno was first developed by the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) in the 1930s. The suspension bridge built by the CCC still spans the river. Visitors can picnic at one of the pavilions or fish in the river for their dinner. Canoes and bicycles are available for rent. While hiking the nature trails, visitors can look for wildlife and enjoy the beauty of native plants. The shady, full-facility campground is the perfect place for a relaxing overnight stay. Located on U.S. 441, six miles north of High Springs.
Reviewed By SueFromWinnipeg - Winnipeg, Canada
We love historic sites and, if they have amazing scenery, even better. O'Leno State Park scores above average on both scales.
O'Leno State Park is located on the old town site of Leno, and previous to that, Keno. The history of this little town is surprising but, even more amazing is that disappearing Santa Fe River.
Our walk across the CCC swinging bridge gave us the chance to walk beside this dark, fast moving little river and enjoy the amazing flora and birdlife that abounds here. After a bit of a workout hiking beside the river, we found ourselves back at the townsite ....... but on the opposite side of the Santa Fe? We hadn't crossed any bridges (or so we thought) to get to the opposite side but here we were, definitely on the other bank.
Turns out that this is one of 3 Florida rivers that drop into sink holes and then pop up again as a spring. The Santa Fe choses to run underground about 4 1/2 miles before showing up again to be enjoyed by nature lovers. Our walk had actually taken us on "land bridge" over the river so got us to the other side without realizing it.
There is a small history building with displays about the town, the area, and the CCC work done in this park. Great information in a very neat little building.
Another neat little building is the Nature Center that displays the fascinating wildlife in the area. Part of the fascinating wildlife was the gentleman who seemed to know every historical fact about Florida in general and O'Leno in particular. Truly a wise and knowledgeable person who was eager to share the wonders of his home State with every interested person. Who knew that Florida once raised more cattle than Texas? Well he does and that was just the start of the much appreciated nature hour with him. All State Parks should be so lucky as to have such a gem available to mesmerize visitors.
The camping area is a bit rough. When the pavement stops, the gravel gets pretty sketchy. On our visit, holes had just been filled in with buckets of rough gravel that created hills where the valleys had been so no improvement until things get battered down again.
No Laundry, no wifi, no free pizza & beer but the gravelled sites offer some separation between neighbors. There is a kiddies playground at one end of the campground so choose your site accordingly.
2. Dudley Farm Historic State Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 63 reviews
Dudley Farm near Gainesville is an early pioneer farm established before the Civil War. Currently it covers 325 of the original 640 acres that were operated by the Dudley family for three generations. An authentic working farm, the homestead consists of eighteen buildings. These are restored - NOT recreated - and include the family farmhouse with original furnishings, an 1880's kitchen outbuilding, a general store and post office, and a cane syrup complex. Park staff in period clothing perform daily chores, raising crops, and tending to livestock. The farm features seasonal cane grindings, corn shuckings, and heritage varieties of livestock and plants. Deer, wild turkeys, gopher tortoises, and bluebirds are still seen in the fields. Our hope is that it will become not simply a static historic site, but rather a living laboratory where future Floridians can step back in time to feel what it is like to till the earth, plow a field, plant a crop, bring the harvest in, mark the changes of the seasons, and like the Dudleys, call a place home.
Reviewed By Ann S - Orange Park, Florida
Even though I am a Florida resident, I had not visited this historic state park before. Our time here was wonderful! The farm is beautifully preserved and our docent for our visit, David Ryker, was excellent. He, and his assistant, were extremely knowledgeable and they...MoreWe are glad you were able to come and visit us, and that you found it both wonderful and informative.
3. Butterfly Rainforest
Overall Ratings
5 based on 983 reviews
Reviewed By Linda C - Gainesville, Florida, United States
The university has a terrific place here. I took my sister and husband and we saw some very beautiful butterflies. Took video. I would recommend bringing people here if you are trying to recruit them. They will be totally impressed.Hi Linda C, Thanks for your review, compliment and suggestion. We of course agree, and hope to see you again soon! Kind regards, Paul R.
4. Retirement Home For Horses at Mill Creek Farm
Overall Ratings
5 based on 55 reviews
Reviewed By Nurturinghearts - Gainesville, Florida
beautiful park like area with retired horses and rescued horses that you can hand feed from 11-3 on Saturdays only. You can bring your own carrots, apples or bananas .Or donate a certain amount and they will give you a bag of carrots some of the horses are 40 + years. Very clean well kept farm.
5. Scuba Monkey Dive Center
Overall Ratings
5 based on 29 reviews
Scuba Monkey Dive Center is family owned and operated. Our goal is to provide the best customer service, an excellent line of products and great prices. We take pride in offering not just a variety of dive options but also a fun social experience. At SMDC there's a little something for everyone, whether it's the highest quality equipment or an economical package, something for the active diver or a brand new student. Come check out SMDC and let us help with all of your diving needs.
Reviewed By stoferkt - Gainesville, Florida
What really impressed me most was the shop's commitment to my safety as a diver. They could have taken me on a recertification course without updating my medical history, but insisted that I get doctor's permission. Since I ended up not taking the course, they have been great about using the credit that I had already paid. They are also super fun and are adding a lot to the community. I just wish their shop were closer to where I live!
6. Florida Museum of Natural History
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 793 reviews
Native American and natural history exhibits in this museum at the University of Florida.
Reviewed By corvus0486 - Gainesville, Florida
As a group leader for 14 seniors, I was impressed with the depth of knowledge and passion of the docents interpreting the cultural and natural history of Florida. The exhibits are extraordinarily well designed and appropriately interactive. One needs to visit more than once to...MoreHi corvus0486, Thank you for the review and kind words about our dedicated docents. I have already shared your comments with our Volunteer Coordinator! We're glad you enjoyed your visit and hope to see you again soon. Kind regards, Paul Ramey
7. San Felasco Hammock State Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 20 reviews
Reviewed By cynthia s - high springs fl
Wonderful in the summer time, when the outside is too warm and the sun does not quick lounging its way into your activities.. The trees are picture perfect, the cool breeze which sweeps your face as you stroll along its edges is very refreshing. It puts one in a mood of calmness and completeness inside and out. it is a good family place to go and learn together about nature and its many secrets.
8. Mill Creek Preserve West
Overall Ratings
4 based on 7 reviews
Reviewed By Don P - Dallas, Texas, United States
Great hiking trail through a couple different terrains. The winding trail through the planted Pine forest is nice. The trails are all well maintained with metal bridges over some little creeks. There are even labels on some trees which is Excellent. We got a nice ~5mi hike in but there are shorter paths to take and the trails are nicely marked.
9. Deep Spring Farm
Overall Ratings
5 based on 3 reviews
Alachua Florida’s Deep Spring Farm contributes organic goodness to the community: U Pick We Pick berries | Specialty edibles | Productive plants. DSF intends to produce year round U Pick edibles. Catch up with the farmers and inspect natural farming methods and projects for yourself. Pick berries, picnic under oaks, explore around the 1 ac 35’ deep springfed pond. RSVP by text or email.
Reviewed By Em L
Several of us visited this farm this morning. Well worth the drive from Jacksonville! We were greeted by the owners upon arrival who were very friendly and helpful! The grounds are beautiful and very well taken care of! We came to pick organic blueberries, which...MoreThank you Em! It was delightful to meet you all. We appreciate your support very much and hope you will make it back for food and recreation by next blueberry season June/July 2018, if not before. Leela
10. Samuel P. Harn Museum of Art
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 207 reviews
Reviewed By ARodriguezP - Miami, Florida
After spending time at the Florida Natural History Museum next door our time was a bit limited so we rushed through to at least get a look at their art collection.
For those who like modern art and photography this museum should be most attractive. We found their Asian and African exhibits very interesting though not particularly extensive. One nice touch were the two small gardens,one Zen and the other a more familiar Japanese style garden with plants,artfully arranged stones and a water feature. I would definitely return with a little more time to fully appreciate this somewhat eclectic art collection.
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