13 Best Things To Do In Alachua, Florida

things to do in Alachua FL
Louise
Louise 
Updated
| 5 min read

Nesting in the Alachua Country, Alachua is a fascinating city with a vibrant culture, lots of marvelous landmarks, breathtaking natural wonders, excellent hiking trails, and more. It is a fantastic paradise for people who like exploring nature and being one with it. While in the city, you might like to take a hike and marvel at the beauty of nature in Devil’s Milhopper Geological State Park. If you are fascinated with wildlife, come over to San Felasco Hammock Preserve State Park and watch them in their natural habitat. For a fun and exciting day with your family, especially the kids, bring them to the Santa Fe College Teaching Zoo. If you are planning to visit soon, here is a list of exciting things to do in Alachua that you might like to try for your vacation.

1. Have a fun day out at Alachua Splash Park

Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account

Posted by City of Alachua on Friday, April 5, 2019

Kids adore waterparks. At Alachua Splash Park, there are different splash pads suitable for kids of all ages, including gated play areas. Besides frolicking around water fountains, your youngsters won’t get bored as they have other activity venues such as skate parks, basketball courts, and grassy fields, to name a few. Parents can watch their kids play under the shade with picnic tables and clean up their kids after play using the park’s shower rooms. Indeed, you have the right facilities you need for you and your kids to enjoy a fun and comfortable playtime at Alachua Splash Park.

Alachua Splash Park

Address: 14300 NW 146 Terrace, Alachua, FL 32615, United States

Website: Alachua Splash Park

Opening hours: 11am - 6pm (daily)

Price: Free

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2. Explore Mill Creek Preserve

Mill Creek Nature Preserve Trail
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Wsu.sman used under CC BY-SA 4.0

Alachua is a town with breathtaking natural wonders and gorgeous landscapes. It also has excellent hiking routes that tourists who are fond of physical activities and exploring nature will surely love. One of them is the Mill Creek Preserve in NW Country Road. This vast lands of gorgeous lush greens of mostly pine trees and chestnut oaks, and stunning sinkholes and streams, you will marvel at the beauty of nature and enjoy a wonderful adventure in Alachua.

Mill Creek Preserve

Address: Parking lot off 241, NW County Road 236, and 241, Alachua, FL 32615, United States

Website: Mill Creek Preserve

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3. Marvel at the beauty of nature in San Felasco State Park

San Felasco Hammock entr01
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Ebyabe used under CC BY 2.5

Another breathtaking paradise that you should visit while in Alachua is the San Felasco State Park in Progress Boulevard. It is considered one of the few remaining forestries of hardwood characteristics in Florida. In here, you can find the Yellow Trail which is an excellent route for hikers and off-road bikers. It also is a fantastic place to enjoy birdwatching with your friends or a romantic partner as it has rich wildlife inside the wilderness.

San Felasco State Park

Address: 13201 Progress Blvd, Alachua, FL 32615, USA

Website: San Felasco State Park

Opening hours: 8am - 8pm (daily)

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4. Spend some time at Alan Hitchcock Theatre Park

Site of 517 High Road Leytonstone London E11 3EE (Birthplace of Alfred Hitchcock)
Source: Photo by user Spudgun67 used under CC BY-SA 4.0

Alan Hitchcock Theatre Park is a lovely public park that welcomes people from dust to dow, every day of the week. It got its name in dedication to Alan Hitchcock who was a community leader and a businessman. It features several sports such as a basketball court, a Skinner field, tennis courts, and more. It also has a fantastic playground where kids can run around, play, swing, and slide to their hearts’ content.

Alan Hitchcock Theatre Park

Address: 14900 Main St, Alachua, FL 32615, USA

Website: Alan Hitchcock Theatre Park

Opening hours: 24 hours (daily)

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5. Pet a horse at Retirement Home For Horses Inc

Horse Farm Pony
Source: Pixabay

Located in the peaceful and quiet area in Alachua, the Retirement Home For Horses Inc is a fantastic non-profit organization that takes utmost care of retired, abused, and abandoned horses. Considered noble animals, horses are given a lovely home where they can run freely and have the best time of their life. In total, the farm takes care of roughly 140 horses. Visit this beautiful paradise with friendly fellows and donate in this heartwarming cause.

Retirement Home For Horses Inc

Address: 20307 N.W, Co Rd 235A, Alachua, FL 32615, United States

Website: Retirement Home For Horses Inc

Opening hours: Sat: 11am - 3pm (closed from Sun - Fri)

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6. Head to Maude Lewis Park with the kids for a fun evening

FL235nRoadSign-Alachua (40466479545)
Source: Photo by user formulanone used under CC BY-SA 2.0

If you are feeling bored while in the peaceful and charming city of Alachua, you might like to visit Maude Lewis Park and spend some quality time in it. It is a lovely public park with lots of shady trees and seating areas. It also features a basketball court where you and your friends can enjoy this fun-filled team sport. It also has a large field where people do their routinary cardio. In addition, it features a playground for the kids and the kids at heart to enjoy.

Maude Lewis Park

Address: 15731 NW 141 St, Alachua, FL 32615, USA

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7. Harvest ripe grapes at Deep Spring Farm

Grapes Fruit Ripe
Source: Pixabay

Deep Spring Farm is a beautiful paradise that will make you feel like you’re inside a page of a storybook called Alice in Wonderland. This gorgeous attraction features a waterfront ecosystem adorned with stunning flowers and breathtaking views. It is a popular place for weddings, birthdays, and other fun-filled occasions. While in Deep Spring Farm, you may enjoy harvesting some ripe grapes, blueberries, and some lovely flowers. You will also get to know the tips and tricks of gardening.

Deep Spring Farm

Address: 16419 W County Rd 1491, Alachua, FL 32615, USA

Website: Deep Spring Farm

Opening hours: 9am - 5pm (daily)

Price: From 10 USD

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8. Get your much-needed cardio done at Skinner Field

Poe Spring (Alachua County, FL)
Source: Photo by user Paul Clark used under CC BY 2.0

Located in NW 142 Terrace, the Skinner Field is a vast public park that is open 24 hours. It features some sports courts that is everyone is free to take advantage of, a track field, and a playground for the kids and kids at heart. Also, it has a lovely space where you can enjoy some picnic with your family or friends. Occasional movie viewing events also take place in the Skinner Field. If you want to breath fresh air or have your daily cardio, visit the Skinner Field.

Skinner Field

Address: 15100 NW 142 Terrace, Alachua, FL 32615, USADummy address

Website: Skinner Field

Opening hours: 24 hours (daily)

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9. Enjoy water activities at Scuba Monkey Dive Center LLC

Divers Scuba Diving
Source: Pixabay

If you’ve been thinking of a delightful place to bring your kids for an afternoon of fun, you might want to check out the Scuba Monkey Dive Center LLC in N West 101 Drive. It bills itself as an aquatic superstore with lots of water activities that everyone will enjoy from the Mermaid University program to the scuba and free diving lessons to aerobics and wellness to basic swimming lessons, and more. Some people even celebrate their birthdays and important occasions in Scuba Monkey Dive Center LLC.

Scuba Monkey Dive Center LLC

Address: 13585 N West 101 Dr #700, Alachua, FL 32615, USA

Website: Scuba Monkey Dive Center LLC

Opening hours: 8am - 7pm (daily)

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10. Play a game of badminton at Legacy Park Multipurpose Center

Badminton Bat Activity
Source: Pixabay

The Legacy Park Multipurpose Center is another excellent recreational area in Alachua. It nests in the semi-busy neighborhood of Peggy Road and features a lot of delightful amenities. It has a tennis court, a basketball court, a gym, and more. Lots of sports events are held in this multipurpose center. Also, it features a wonderful amphitheater that serves as a venue for other outdoor events and live performances in the city.

Legacy Park Multipurpose Center

Address: 15400 Peggy Rd, Alachua, FL 32615, USA

Website: Legacy Park Multipurpose Center

Opening hours: 9am - 9pm (daily)

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11. Grab some beer and burger at Alachua Sports Pub

Burger Food Hamburger
Source: Pixabay

Are you feeling a little blue and in dire need of some relaxing time? You might want to spend some quality time at Alachua Sports Pub. It is a laid back pub with simple interiors and a friendly vibe. You may choose to enjoy your drinks inside the pub or opt to seat at the relaxing patio seating area and watch people come and go. This place is known for fantastic burgers and the coldest beers. Not to mention, the staff is warm, friendly, and will make you feel right at home.

Alachua Sports Pub

Address: 14003 NW 150th Ave, Alachua, FL 32615, USA

Website: Alachua Sports Pub

Opening hours: 11am - 11pm (daily)

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12. Enjoy a family meal at Conestogas Restaurant

Steak Beef Fillet
Source: Pixabay

If you are done with the landmark visits and picture takings as well as exploring the hiking trails and natural wonders of Alachua, you might like to pause for a while and try its excellent restaurants. For starters, you might head over the Conestogas Restaurant located on Main Street. It is a casual restaurant with a family-friendly ambiance. Since 1988, they have been providing the families of Alachua a venue where they can bond while enjoying delicious food in a homey setting. While in Conestogas Restaurant, be sure to try some of their specialties such as the Conestogas Sirloin, the Tenderfoot Steak, the Trailbuster, and more.

Conestogas Restaurant

Address: 14920 N Main St, Alachua, FL 32615, USA

Website: Conestogas Restaurant

Opening hours: Mon - Sat: 11am - 9pm

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13. Gorge on delicious Italian food at Tony and Al's Deli

Pizza with tomatoes
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user jeffreyw used under CC BY 2.0

Another fantastic restaurant that you should definitely try while in Alachua is Tony and Al’s Deli, also on Main Street. It is a lovely Italian restaurant that features a simple interior design with a homey ambiance. Its seatings are comfortable and spacious for everyone. It guarantees that its delicious food offerings are made from the freshest ingredients and served in generous portions. While in Tony and Al’s Deli, your heart will surely cry happy tears with the delicious pizza, pasta, and cold drinks.

Tony and Al's Deli

Address: 14960 Main St, Alachua, FL 32615, USA

Website: Tony and Al’s Deli

Opening hours: Sun - Thu: 11am - 9pm; Fri - Sat: 11:10pm

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Beautiful Alachua

Alachua is a marvelous city with a peaceful vibe, warm, friendly people, lots of natural wonders, picturesque views, and excellent restaurants. While in the city, be sure to immerse in its vibrant culture and try to know more about its fascinating history and heritage. Also, be sure to take advantage of the hiking trails, the breathtaking water forms, and recreational areas. If you are planning to come over Alachua any time soon, use this list of the best things to in the city as your guide in organizing an itinerary. May you have a memorable time in the city when you visit.

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Any must-sees we missed? Tell us about them in the comments section or write a post here to help out fellow travelers!
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She is a lover of life and a very optimistic person. She thinks of herself as a vessel of a billion possibilities, which can harness limitless potential. Trying new experiences, going places she's...Read more

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