It's no secret that Florida residents enjoy gorgeous beach days and strolls along the shore. However, Gainesville apartments have many great local spots for fun on the water. While many apartments near Gainesville have swimming pools and waterfront views, you'll only need to hop in the car for a few miles to enjoy crystalline springs, lake recreation activities, river tubing, water parks and much more. Living in this area can be a good way to experience more than just Florida beaches!
Where I can go near Gainesville apartments to enjoy recreational lake activities?
One of the most well-known spots for recreational lake activities is Lake Wauburg, located just eight miles south of the University of Florida campus. This is the best option for students since it is open to current UF Students, Faculty, Staff and Affiliates with active Gator 1 Cards. If you don't plan on attending UF, you can still participate with a friend - Lake Wauburg allows four guests per card. Things to do on the water include sailing, swimming, paddleboarding, water skiing, wakeboarding and boating. You can even rent equipment for a great price if you don't have your own.
In addition, Lake Alice on UF campus is a fantastic spot for nature watching. The University of Florida Bat Barn and Bat House, located on the north side of Museum Road across from Lake Alice, is a must-see for both residents and visitors.
What freshwater springs are closest to Gainesville apartments?
Weekend outings will be a blast as you explore all the freshwater spring locations near Gainesville. Ginnie Springs is a popular location, especially among college students, for tubing down the river and enjoying a cold drink, as Ginne Springs is one of the few parks that allows alcohol consumption. However, it is also a diver's paradise with shallow spring, river and cave diving.
For days when you're really missing the beach, you can head over to Blue Springs which features 50 yards of white-sand beach and a winding boardwalk along the water. While several activities are available on the water, you can also enjoy a game of volleyball or experience scenic Florida nature on the hiking trail. Other notable springs include Poe Springs, Ichetucknee Springs and Alexander Springs.
For a truly unique experience, visit Blue Grotto, a cavern dive park which includes the largest clear water cavern in North Florida. Divers can reach a depth of 100 feet in a water temperate of 72 degrees Fahrenheit all year round.
What can I expect from communities with swimming pools and other similar amenities?
If you move into apartments in Gainesville with swimming pools, you'll have easy access to water activities just a few feet away from home. Many apartments include one swimming pool for residents to share, but you can find other communities with two or three pools. Additionally, some luxury apartments include massive hot tubs, spas, beach areas with sand volleyball and novel amenities like this lazy river at The Ridge!