Things to Do
From world-famous springs and Gulf seafood shacks to Gator game days and horse-country culture, this region has more going on than most people realize. Whether you're rooted in Gainesville, exploring Ocala, or out on the coast in Cedar Key, here's what makes life here worth living.
Outdoors & Springs
Devil's Den Spring
Williston / Levy CountyA prehistoric spring inside a dry cave near Williston, popular for scuba and snorkeling year-round in 72° water.
Silver Springs State Park
Ocala / Marion CountyOne of the world's largest freshwater springs with glass-bottom boat tours, kayaking, and crystal-clear water near Ocala.
Paynes Prairie Preserve State Park
GainesvilleA vast wetland prairie just south of Gainesville with wild bison, horses, hiking trails, and an observation tower.
Ginnie Springs
High Springs / Alachua CountyA private park near High Springs with seven crystal-clear springs for swimming, snorkeling, and tubing on the Santa Fe River.
Blue Springs Park
High Springs / Alachua CountyA county-run spring park near High Springs with tubing, swimming, and camping along the Santa Fe River.
Ichetucknee Springs State Park
Fort White / Columbia CountyFlorida's most iconic tubing river: crystal-clear water, manatees in winter, and nine named springs feeding into one unforgettable float.
Arts & Culture
Hippodrome Theatre
GainesvilleGainesville's professional regional theatre, housed in the historic former federal courthouse downtown.
Harn Museum of Art
GainesvilleUF's art museum features rotating exhibits spanning African, Asian, modern, and contemporary art, free admission.
Butterfly Rainforest
GainesvilleA living exhibit at the Florida Museum of Natural History with hundreds of free-flying butterflies from around the world.
Cade Museum for Creativity & Invention
GainesvilleA hands-on museum celebrating Gatorade inventor Dr. Robert Cade and the spirit of Florida innovation, great for families.
Ocala Downtown Historic District
Ocala / Marion CountyA walkable stretch of murals, independent galleries, boutiques, and the restored Marion Theatre in the heart of Ocala.
Appleton Museum of Art
Ocala / Marion CountyA world-class fine art museum in Ocala with over 17,000 objects spanning antiquity to the 21st century, free for Florida students.
Food & Drink
Satchel's Pizza
GainesvilleGainesville's most beloved pizza institution. Long lines, an eccentric outdoor setting, and pies worth every minute of the wait.
Dragonfly Sushi & Sake Co.
GainesvilleUpscale Japanese with creative rolls and an extensive sake menu in downtown Gainesville, a local date-night staple.
Emiliano's Café
GainesvilleA longtime downtown Gainesville favorite with Spanish and Latin-inspired cuisine, tapas, and a romantic atmosphere.
Leonardo's by the Slice
GainesvilleA Gainesville tradition for New York-style pizza by the slice near UF, cheap, filling, and open late.
First Magnitude Brewing Company
GainesvilleA popular Gainesville craft brewery with an outdoor beer garden, regular food trucks, and live music on weekends.
Swamp Head Brewery
GainesvilleA local craft brewery with an outdoor beer garden, regular live music, and food trucks, one of Gainesville's outdoor hangout spots.
UF & Game Days
Ben Hill Griffin Stadium (The Swamp)
GainesvilleHome of Florida Gators football, where game days bring tailgates, traffic, and a true small-city-on-Saturdays energy.
Stephen C. O'Connell Center
GainesvilleUF's arena for basketball, gymnastics, volleyball, and major concerts and events year-round.
Lake Alice & the UF Bat Houses
GainesvilleWatch hundreds of thousands of bats take flight at dusk near Lake Alice on UF's campus, free, and only-in-Gainesville.
University of Florida Campus
GainesvilleBeyond sports, UF brings concerts, lectures, farmers markets, and a constant calendar of community events to the city.
Racing & Attractions
Volusia County's Atlantic coastline, racing heritage, and arts scene make it one of Florida's most distinctive regions. Whether you're drawn to the beach, the track, or a quiet waterfront town, there's something here for every lifestyle.
Daytona International Speedway
Daytona Beach / Volusia CountyHome of the Daytona 500 and NASCAR's most storied track. Guided tours run year-round, even outside race weekends.
One Daytona
Daytona Beach / Volusia CountyA retail, dining, and entertainment district directly across from the Speedway, with shops, restaurants, and a movie theater.
Daytona Beach Boardwalk and Pier
Daytona Beach / Volusia CountyThe classic Daytona beachfront strip, with amusement rides, arcades, a historic pier, and oceanfront people-watching.
Annual Events & Festivals
Hoggetowne Medieval Faire
GainesvilleA two-weekend February tradition in Gainesville with jousting, costumes, food, and crafts at the Alachua County Fairgrounds.
Downtown Festival & Art Show
GainesvilleOne of the Southeast's top-ranked art festivals, held every November in downtown Gainesville.
Cedar Key Seafood Festival
Cedar Key / Levy CountyA beloved annual October festival celebrating Cedar Key's fishing heritage with fresh Gulf seafood, live music, and local art.
Cedar Key Sidewalk Arts Festival
Cedar Key / Levy CountyA springtime arts festival drawing artists and visitors from across Florida to the charming streets of Cedar Key.
Ocala Horse Shows & WEC Events
Ocala / Marion CountyMarion County hosts world-class equestrian competitions throughout the year at HITS and the World Equestrian Center.
High Springs Pioneer Days
High Springs / Alachua CountyAn annual community festival celebrating High Springs' history with arts, food, music, and family activities in the small-town downtown.
This Week
The guide above covers the region's evergreen favorites. For the most up-to-date event listings across Gainesville, Ocala, Cedar Key, and beyond, check these local calendars:
Visit Gainesville Events Calendar
The official tourism board's calendar of local events, festivals, and happenings in Gainesville.
View Calendar →Visit Ocala Events
Marion County's official events calendar covering horse shows, festivals, and things to do in Ocala.
View Calendar →Cedar Key Chamber Events
What's happening on the island, festivals, markets, and community events in Cedar Key.
View Calendar →Visit Jacksonville Events
The official Jacksonville tourism calendar covering festivals, arts, sports, and things to do across Duval County.
View Calendar →Eventbrite: Gainesville & Jacksonville
Browse ticketed events, meetups, and community gatherings happening across North Florida.
View Calendar →Visit Daytona
The official Daytona Beach tourism site, covering events, attractions, and things to do across Volusia County.
View Calendar →Find Your Spot
Let's talk about neighborhoods that fit your lifestyle, whether that's walking to the farmers market, a short drive to the springs, catching live music downtown, or being close enough to tailgate before kickoff.