Gainesville, FL is the ultimate playground for outdoor enthusiasts with an abundance of fun recreational activities. Hotel ELEO puts you within minutes of the best activities and adventures in and around Gainesville, Florida. Simply follow our guide to experience the best of what Gainesville has to offer.
Breathtaking Hiking Trails
Situated amid North Florida's sandy terrain, Devil's Millhopper Geological State Park is a bowl-shaped cavity that leads you down to a miniature rain forest. The mini rainforest thrives due to the water cascading down the steep slopes of the limestone sinkhole, disappearing through crevices in the ground.
The 3.1-mile La Chua Trail offers you incredible wildlife experiences. See freely roaming alligators in their natural habitat. Watch bison, deer, wild hogs, and Spanish horses while hiking through the trail. La Chua hiking path leads to Alachua Sink and the center of the prairie marsh and wetlands. When you reach the end, climb a few steps up to savor the panoramic views of the entire wetland.
Located less than 5 minutes from our Gainesville hotel, Sweetwater Preserve (125-acre) is split into two distinct sections by a waterway. The western half is a popular spot for mountain biking through the deeply shaded forest along the creek. On the eastern side, the 1.2-mile loop trail inside the preserve is a wonderland for hikers.
Exhilarating Zip Line Experiences
Do you miss the thrill of stepping off the platform and immersing yourself in nature? With Canyons Zip Line and Canopy Tours, make all your zip line dreams come true. With two spectacular canyons and four picturesque lakes, the area is well-prepared to offer you a thrilling zip-line adventure like no other. Get ready for a 1,100 ft Big Cliff Canyon Zip Tour across Lost Spring Lake. Experience Treetop Express Zip Tour or Sky High Zip Tour through Sky High Canyon and over Gator Lake.
Explore the Springs by Kayaks or SUPs
Rent a canoe, kayak, or stand-up paddleboard and navigate the waters of breathtaking North Florida springs. Swim, tube, or paddle the waters of Ginnie Springs (on the Santa Fe River), Gilchrist Blue Springs, or Rainbow Springs. Dive into the underground Devil's Den Prehistoric Spring to see the ancient rock formations and fossils that are millions of years old.
Are you in a mood to drive a little further? Great! Stunning natural springs like Wes Skiles Peacock Springs, Ichetucknee Springs State Park, and Silver Springs are ready to entertain you with crystal clear waters and endless recreational activities, such as canoeing and kayaking, scuba diving, snorkeling, tubing, swimming, and wildlife viewing.
There you have it, a compiled list of the most exciting outdoor adventures in and around Gainesville, FL. Wondering where to stay? Hotel ELEO invites you with beautifully designed rooms and suites, modern amenities, and proximity to the best of what Gainesville, FL has to offer. Book your stay at Hotel ELEO for 2 nights with the Spring into Summer package and save up to 20% of our best available rate.