The 28 best walking spots in Gainesville (2025)

7 lists

Wow! Just WOW! A gorgeous park to begin with. Absolutely walkable. The wildlife was unreal! Birds, gators, turtles, fish and butterflies 🦋 i highly recommend! There is a $5 park fee.

Sweetwater is one of my top favorite trails to go to! The environment is very peaceful and there is a ton of space for everyone. It is out in the open so there is not a lot of shade - make sure to bring a hat and wear sun screen! The park is full of wildlife and I have been lucky to see a gator every time I have gone! Other animals I've seen include snakes, turtles, and birds.It costs $5 per vehicle and there's a small parking lot that is easily accessible - I have never had issues with parking here.I highly recommend this park to everyone!

Great place to walk and soak up nature and see native wildlife! Parking is $5. Restrooms are by the parking lot. Several miles of gravel paths to walk with benches and shades spaced around. Great place!

First visit to Sweetwater but not our last. We loved the fact that the wetlands were created to improve the water quality of Paynes Prairie wetlands and the Florida Aquifer. It allows for a variety of short to longer walks. Some areas are paved, others are not, but we loved that there were no real trip hazards (roots, rocks, holes).They only allow for walking, so no biking, horses, etc. they also provide mobility tours upon request with 2 weeks advance notice. The grounds were well maintained. It’s more than worth $5 per vehicle ($2 per pedestrian or bicyclist) there’s very little shade, so be prepared.

Very nice park! It's open and the trails are well maintained, there are facilities at the front and water stations on some of the trails, my only complaint is that there is almost no shade, so it'd be very hot on a sunny day. I saw tons of wildlife though!

Incredible place. I came early morning (7:45am). I counted 21 distinct gators while walking the look. Took me about 90 minutes to do the loops and that’s stopping several times to take pictures and look through binoculars. Can’t miss it.

I love this place! It’s great for nature seeing, walks, runs, etc. It’s also a great place to see gators sometimes as well! There is little to no shade out there so definitely dress appropriately and wear sun protection. Have fun!

Lovely place to walk, with lots of wildlife to see. Access to drinking water and nice toilets at the entrance. Could do with some more seats in the large covered area and some more shady spots around the walks. Visited twice and didn't mind paying the $5 to park.

Perfect for a outdoors walk/workout. Extremely hot no shade, take lots of refreshments. Little upsetting We only saw 1 alligator a couple birds and 1 turtle. I don’t know if it was because of the time we went at 4pm. Lots of bees be careful when you sit under pavilions.

Beautiful trails! I'm trying to conquer my morbid obesity. These trails were easy to hike. They're not paved or boardwalk, but the dirt is well packed and even. There are two benches for resting between the start and marker five (right after the first bridge). There are gators and wildlife when the season is in. We didn't get to see any on this hike, but it's only March.If you're an advanced hiker, this may easy for you. If you're a bit wobbly like I am, or just starting out hiking, this trail is a good one. It is a bit buggy, so bring the bug juice. 🖤💜😸

Sunrise is the most absolute, favorable time to be here. Witnessing the shift change of nature, misty water ways, listening to a myriad of bird songs greeting your every step, seeing marsh rabbits and Red Deer munching on their flora breakfasts. The night excursions are just as delectable!

I recently visited this park while visiting family in the area. It’s a great place to visit especially if you like walking on trails / paths. It’s well maintained and easily accessible for people in wheelchairs. It would also be a great spot for a picnic (if it’s allowed/not sure). My first visit seeing animals in Florida in their natural habitat.

Exploring the Serenity of Sweetwater Wetlands ParkNestled within the heart of Gainesville lies a hidden gem, a sanctuary where nature thrives in harmony with conservation efforts – Sweetwater Wetlands Park. From the moment we stepped foot into this tranquil haven, it was evident that our journey would be nothing short of extraordinary.As we wandered through the expansive 125-acre landscape, encompassing wetlands and ponds, we were enveloped by the soothing embrace of nature. Created with a purpose far greater than mere recreation, Sweetwater Wetlands Park stands as a testament to the commitment to preserving our environment. Its inception aimed not only to provide a natural retreat but also to enhance the water quality of nearby wetlands and the Floridan Aquifer.The park's allure lies not only in its ecological significance but also in its remarkable biodiversity. Along the meandering 3.5 miles of walking trails, every step unveiled a new spectacle. From the majestic American bald eagle soaring gracefully overhead to the elegant sandhill crane wading through the shallow waters, each encounter with wildlife felt like a glimpse into a vibrant tapestry of life.Among the myriad of species that call this wetland sanctuary home, the Sandhill Cranes made a special appearance, adding an air of mystique to our expedition. And of course, no visit to Sweetwater Wetlands would be complete without encountering its most iconic inhabitants – the alligators. These ancient guardians of the wetlands lurked beneath the surface, a reminder of the delicate balance that sustains this ecosystem.As avid birders and photographers, every moment spent in the embrace of Sweetwater Wetlands felt like a reverie. The opportunity to capture the essence of nature in its purest form was a privilege we cherished with each click of the camera shutter. From the tranquil dawn chorus to the mesmerizing dance of light on the water's surface, every frame told a story of resilience and beauty.Our adventure at Sweetwater Wetlands Park was serendipitous, a chance discovery that blossomed into an unforgettable odyssey. Despite our initial plans to witness the spectacle of bats at the University of Florida Bat Houses, fate led us to this sanctuary of serenity. As we basked in the afterglow of a day well spent, surrounded by the symphony of nature, we knew that Sweetwater Wetlands had left an indelible mark on our souls.Amid life's hustle and bustle, Sweetwater Wetlands Park stands as a timeless sanctuary, a testament to the enduring power of nature. And as we bid farewell to this oasis of tranquility, we carry memories that will forever be etched in our hearts.Thomas CorraoStray Compass Life#straycompassphotography

Beautiful area for walking. Tons of wildlife! Bring a hat, water and sunscreen!

Beautiful place to spend an afternoon. Many people were out for afternoon walks, taking pictures and enjoying the weather. There are places to sit along the paths and there are clean restrooms at the entrance. No pets allowed. There is a little open golf cart type of vehicle to take tourists around. You do need to pay by phone to park.

One of our favorite parks. It is always quiet and there are always LOTS of birds. We love the paths and boardwalks around the ponds. There is a $5 charge to park, but it is well worth it.

No words to describe this beautiful property🏞 so well maintained it's handicap friendly. There's a couple of rest areas with water along the trail. You can hike you can stroll and enjoy the colorful view as you walk around The Preserve. We haven't had much rain this year, so everything is dried out, adding color to the edges of the Waterway showing you all the colors as the sun reflects down on top. This is only the beginning of our full season here. As things dry out, they become more beautiful, adding so much color and contrast and text you to the pictures.It was a full day adventure . It took over 3 hours to get there. But it's definitely worth it . Make sure you have plenty of water and sunscreen. Stay alert at all times and look at both sides of the Waterway as you walk through. I saw a couple of gators, but there's a really big one in there that crosses over the Waterway.

Great place for exercising and viewing a plethora of wildlife. We saw a doe and fawn, alligators, turtles, marsh rabbits, fish, and plenty variety of birds. The story of how this place came to be is very touching and moving. We took an early morning and a super quick park ranger guided tour. She was very nice and offered great information. Definitely very little shade and very hot in the warmer months. Wear a hat, good shoes, bring fluids, bug spray, and sunscreen. Beautiful place, well maintained, safe(besides up close and personal gators), and many people using trails. Not a lot of parking for such a big place.

Wonderful location for birders and photographers! Always something to see. If you live in the area, buy the annual pass!

325 SW Williston Rd, Gainesville, FL 32601, USA•https://www.gainesvillefl.gov/Parks/Sweetwater-Wetlands-Park•(352) 554-5871•Tips and more reviews for Sweetwater Wetlands Park