Beaches Near the University of Florida: A Guide for New Students
The University of Florida (UF) in Gainesville welcomes over 15,000 new students each fall, with a significant portion coming from outside of Florida. Adjusting to a new environment, especially in the heat of August, can be challenging. Fortunately, Gainesville offers numerous opportunities for off-campus exploration, including nearby beaches, springs, and museums. For those longing for the coast, several beaches are within a reasonable driving distance, offering a refreshing escape from campus life. The fall semester at UF starts on August 22, presenting the perfect opportunity to explore these destinations.
Closest Beaches to Gainesville
While UF isn't located directly on the coast, several beaches are easily accessible by car. Here's a look at some of the closest and most popular options:
Crescent Beach: Located approximately one and a half hours from Gainesville, near St. Augustine, Crescent Beach is the closest beach to UF’s campus. At the southern tip of Crescent Beach, you’ll find Point of Rocks. Many come here to snorkel through the plentiful coral and colorful marine life! The white sands are also perfect for relaxing and working on your tan. Currently, you are allowed to have your 4-wheel drive vehicle on the beach so you don’t have to lug all your items back and forth.
Jacksonville Beach: Less than two hours away from Gainesville, Jacksonville Beach is a popular destination for UF students. The famous fishing pier stretches out a quarter of a mile from the shore, the boardwalk is a favorite spot to explore after a day at the beach, and the sand is soft. Whether you are looking to surf, swim, or stroll, there is plenty to enjoy about this beach! If you are looking for beaches near Gainesville, FL, to fish at, this is the one of the best.
St. Augustine Beach: Situated just under two hours from Gainesville. St. Augustine Beach has everything you need for the ideal beach vacation - sunny accommodations, tropical seaside restaurants, a beachfront park with an impressive fishing pier, a large beachside pavilion, a splash park and sand volleyball court. Time spent in St.
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Flagler Beach: About an hour and forty-five minutes from Gainesville, Flagler Beach offers a more laid-back atmosphere. The seven-mile stretch of beach means that there is more than enough room for locals and visitors to spread out. The fishing pier found here is almost 100 years old; you can purchase fishing supplies and fish off of it from 6 AM to midnight. Just keep in mind that there is no swimming allowed within 150 feet of the pier for your own safety!
Neptune Beach: A little further up the Florida coast than Jacksonville Beach. If you are looking for quiet beaches near Gainesville, FL, this is the beach to come to. This coastal community takes good care of their beachfront and offers a laid-back atmosphere for your trip.
Amelia Island State Park: Approximately two hours from Gainesville, Amelia Island State Park offers a unique experience. It is the only state park in Florida that allows horseback riding on the beach! Plus, because it is a state park, this gorgeous area is protected. Stroll the beach to pick up shells and shark teeth or fish from the shore.
Other Activities Near Gainesville
Gainesville and its surrounding areas offer a variety of activities beyond the beach. Here are a few options for students looking to explore:
Freshwater Springs
Florida is known for its natural springs, which provide a refreshing escape from the heat. Here are some popular springs near Gainesville:
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Ginnie Springs: A privately owned park in Gilchrist County, about 40 minutes from Gainesville. Ginnie Springs is a nationally renowned diving spot is popular both with divers and those just looking for a relaxing swim in pretty, cool water. Most people take rafts to float along the Santa Fe River, which feeds into the springs, but some choose to swim, snorkel or dive around the springs’ limestone caverns. Admission costs range from $15-$20 for adults, depending on the time of year, and $5 for children ages 5-12.
Devil’s Den: An underground spring in a dry cave, about 30 minutes south of Gainesville. To swim in the spring, you have to walk down through a hole in the ground (by staircase, of course). The prehistoric spring’s crystal clear waters stay at 72 degrees year-round and it boasts ancient rock formations with stalactites and fossil beds dating back around 33 million years. Admission requires an online reservation and costs $18 per person from Monday through Friday and $25 on weekends and holidays. Snorkeling gear is required to explore the spring.
Crystal River: A spring-fed river known for its clear waters. “As one of the few places where visitors can snorkel with manatees, water and boating activities abound. Fish from a charter boat off the Gulf, a kayak on Kings Bay, or the pier at Fort Island Gulf Beach.
Museums in Gainesville
Gainesville boasts a surprising number of museums, offering a diverse range of exhibits and experiences.
Florida Museum of Natural History: Located on the UF campus, this museum features exhibits on Florida's natural history, including a butterfly rainforest and a simulated glass-bottom boat tour through Florida springs. The museum is free to visit for UF students
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Cade Museum: A museum of “creativity and invention,” named for Dr. James Robert Cade, the lead inventor of Gatorade. The museum currently has an exhibit that “explores the joys, pains, and creative awakenings that Gainesville native Tom Petty experienced while pouring his soul into his second solo studio album, Wildflowers.” Tickets to this exhibit and the museum are $12.50 with a student ID. The “Among the Wildflowers” exhibit will be at the Cade from now through October 20.
Harn Museum of Art: One of the largest university-affiliated art museums in the United States.
Other Beaches Near the University of South Florida (USF)
Caladesi Island State Park: USF). Island. the Caladesi Island State Park.
Clearwater Beach: Causeway Blvd, Clearwater, FL (50-60 minute drive, 34.5 miles west, from USF).Voted the "Best Beach Town in Florida" by USA Today readers. jet-skiing, parasailing, and stand-up paddle boarding. promenade lined with causal seafood restaurants and cafes. festival with street performers and craft vendors. Clearwater, FL. (50-60 minute drive, 38 miles from USF).Experience this three mile expanse of white, sandy beaches. for kite flyers. At the north end of the mile long paved trail, is St.
St. Pete Beach: St. Petersburg, Pinellas County (50-60 minute drive, 38 miles from USF)Voted TripAdvisor's No. and No. sunsets, and lots of restaurants and shopping opportunities.
Bringing a Car to Campus
Students who have a car can bring it to the UF campus, but a parking permit is required. Permits cost around $160 annually and are available on a first-come, first-served basis. However, purchasing a permit does not guarantee a parking space.
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