As temperatures reach 90 degrees, we know as Floridians that summer is upon on us and many of us start spending our days looking for a place to cool off.
A lot of the best apartments in Gainesville offer beautiful pools and outdoor spaces and what better way to cool off than right in your own backyard. But in times of COVID-19 and social distancing this may feel difficult at your
Gainesville apartment pool and if this has left you searching for other places to cool off this summer so here is a list of options for you.
Make a Day Trip to The Coast
One of my favorite things about living in Gainesville is the central location and the ease of trips to either coast of Florida in less than two hours. You can head to the west coast for a glimpse of old Florida with visits to Cedar Key and Crystal River. Both areas offer a small beach area with water access and fun restaurants with local flair. Another great water option around the Crystal River area is Hunter Springs Park, a natural Florida spring with beach access and canoe/kayak launch.
If you are looking for a wider, bigger beach complete with waves head east to Saint Augustine or Crescent Beach. Both beaches are a popular choice for Gainesville residents but big enough for room to keep your social distance of 6 feet. Saint Augustine is also a great place to explore after the beach for a history lesson with a good bite to eat.
Visit A Natural Florida Spring
The most popular attraction of north central Florida though has to be our natural Florida springs. Springs are a natural freshwater source that remains a constant 72-degrees year-round and offers the perfect choice to cool off during the hot days of summer.
Just a quick trip north on I-75 can take you to High Springs you can find options like Ichetucknee
SpringsState Park, Gilchrist Blue Springs State Park, Alachua County Poe Springs Park, and privately owned Ginnie Springs. After a springs trip the Great Outdoors Restaurant in downtown High Springs is a popular dining destination that includes outdoor tables and live music.
Another fun outing is to take a canoe or kayak trip down the Santa Fe River and stop along the way to jump in the springs along the river to cool off. West of Gainesville offers popular attractions like
Manatee Springs State Park and Fanning Springs State Park both with views of the historic Suwannee River. You can also head south to tube or canoe down the Rainbow River in Dunnellon or Silver Springs in Ocala where you can board a glass-bottom boat or explore on your own with a canoe or kayak trip.
Know Before You Go
Restrictions and guidelines in times of COVID-19 are changing rapidly. All options listed above have their own occupancy guidelines and local restrictions. It is best to call for details before you venture out for a trip outside your apartment in Gainesville. And as of now it looks like the city pools in Gainesville remain closed but our city has three great city pool options to keep in mind as you try to find ways to cool off and beat the heat this summer. Have fun and be safe!