Depot Park
Depot Park things to do, attractions, restaurants, events info and trip planning
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My husband and I have always visited Depot Park when we're in the area. It has a fenced in playground and splash pad for kids. The climbing areas in that spot are where we actually enjoy going despite not having any actual monkey bars or a jungle gym for larger sized playground visitors. We have fun anyway! We also jog around the pathways and grassy areas. It's also nice to see the chalk art designs when they have them (before the rain washes out most of it). It was our first time visiting the bathrooms today (11/1/22) and that's what the -1 ☆ was for. My husband said the men's room was really gross since there is no actual flush for the urinals, only gravity towards the urinal cake at the bottom and the hope that the fluid eventually goes into the drain. The women's bathroom was OK and had tp. The sink had soap, but the sink was definitely not clean. Didn't have high expectations since it IS a public park where there's a 50/50 chance of having homeless people around (and at least they don't pandhandle and keep to themselves). The toilets were clean enough, but I did hover and not sit since it's a public toilet🤷♀️. Make sure if you can, go use the bathroom at home or elsewhere since these are not the bathrooms you'd ever want go if it's urgent. Despite the bathrooms, we'd still go to this park again for the walking space and the open air. There's a pizza spot and little restaurant at one end of it as well, but we have not tried it yet. Maybe another day!
L PL P
10
One of the best places to people-watch I've found so far in Gainesville. It's a mix of modern concrete-jungle with super wide sidewalks, a large pond, manicured lawn, some impressive gardens around the Cade Museum, a restaurant, childrens play-area, a gorgeous Metalwork I-beam gazebo, and some nice street art; and it's filled with people of all ages walking, sitting on the grass, skateboarding, dogs running around, and people riding bikes. Last week there was a whole group of students doing martial arts. It also seems to be a popular spot to do group pics. The vibe is always chill, and I love the lights at night...not sure if they stay on all year? The late-night skateboarders tear it up when the park is almost empty. Can't speak for the restaurant or food trucks, haven't tried them but they seem busy. 4 stars only though because garbage is always in the pond...and I mean a lot. Enough that everybody walking by are like EW. Between Cade, the City, and the Restaurant, someone needs to get that sh*t under control because there's wildlife in there 🦤
Rad ChickRad Chick
00
This park was beautiful and had something for everyone to enjoy! The playground was so unique and very well maintained. The play structures were creative, colorful, and offered the ability to climb and play with curiosity. There is also a small splash area to cool off on the hot days. The playground was accommodating for all ages, even tiny tots. The walking trails were clean and well maintained. We were able to see a snake (no worries, not on the path, on the side in the brush), and some pretty birds. There was also a sidewalk with nice art to enjoy, for kids. If you get hungry, there are a few places to eat as well, and of course the option to get ice cream bars! There is also a lot of space for picnics! My only complaint would be the bathrooms, but only because they weren't very clean. I assume it's just because the park was really busy, we were there on a Sunday afternoon.
Maria AndrewsMaria Andrews
30
What a great little park! It's the perfect place for a morning walk or bike ride, to take your kids to the playground, a picnic by the water, or an evening out for pizza and beer. The walking path is paved and well landscaped, though there's no shade, and it connects to a larger system of bike trails. There are lawns and wide pathways near the little lake and you can often see a line of turtles along the edges. It's a perfect area for small concerts and events. There's a large playground on the north side near a general store and the pizza & bar area, which is only open in the evenings, I think. The Cade Museum for Creativity is here and there's some nice artwork surrounding it. There is some parking near the museum and a tiny bit near the playground, but I think it's mostly area street and paid parking.
Sara Beth WadeSara Beth Wade
00
We had an amazing tour and Conor was an excellent tour guide! The band playing was great at the stand and the place was packed. ---update--- I've been using depot park as a running spot for many years. It's an easy 0.8 mile course ( a little farther if you don't stick to the exact trail ), but it is usually busy in the evenings with walkers, dog owners also walking and families. Probably best in the AM for running but the evenings are pretty inspiring around the backend of the park, a great place for the casual runner, like me. Google will tell you there won't be many people around but that's pretty old info. Parking in the main parking lot is going to be a challenge any day. Evenings around sunset aren't bad for parking if you don't mind running between sunset and dusk.
Jason ButnorJason Butnor
00
What a delightful place for all ages. In just 15 minutes I observed a hip family. Dad on skated, mom in flowing skirt and classy boots on skateboard. Baby being pushed in stroller by dad. Then a young man on a skateboard being pulled by two gorgeous huskies. All shapes and sizes and colors of people playing and loving each other and their children. It doesn't get any better than that. Lunch and drinks at the restored depot with original train rails outlined with plants. A play park any kid would relish. Food wagon and outdoor tables for picnicking. At the western edge is the Cade Museum. In the center a large lake for an assortment if birds to enjoy. This begins the rail to trail from zero at Gainesville to Hawthorne. What an incredible town.
Maggi Smith HallMaggi Smith Hall
00
Nearby Attractions Of Depot Park
Cade Museum for Creativity & Invention
Heartwood Soundstage
Havana's Wine & Cigar Lounge
Hyatt Place Gainesville Downtown
Gainesville Escape Game
Depot Village
GRU
The Backyard at Boca Fiesta & Palomino
Vivid Music Hall
Matheson History Museum

Cade Museum for Creativity & Invention
4.6
(362)Click for details

Heartwood Soundstage
4.8
(244)Click for details

Havana's Wine & Cigar Lounge
4.6
(151)Click for details

Hyatt Place Gainesville Downtown
4.0
(150)Click for details
Nearby Restaurants Of Depot Park
Tinker Latin Restaurant - Main St.
Harry's Seafood Bar & Grille
The TOP
Dragonfly Sushi & Sake Company
Mojo Hogtown Bar-B-Que
Flaco's
Loosey's Downtown Gainesville
Boca Fiesta
V Pizza & SideCar - Gainesville
Original American Kitchen (OAK)

Tinker Latin Restaurant - Main St.
4.8
(1.3K)Click for details

Harry's Seafood Bar & Grille
4.4
(1.4K)Click for details

The TOP
4.5
(1.3K)Click for details

Dragonfly Sushi & Sake Company
4.5
(882)Click for details
Basic Info
Address
874 SE 4th St, Gainesville, FL 32601
Map
Phone
(352) 393-8510
Call
Website
depotpark.org
Visit
Reviews
Overview
4.8
(2.1K reviews)
Ratings & Description
outdoor
family friendly
pet friendly
attractions: Cade Museum for Creativity & Invention, Heartwood Soundstage, Havana's Wine & Cigar Lounge, Hyatt Place Gainesville Downtown, Gainesville Escape Game, Depot Village, GRU, The Backyard at Boca Fiesta & Palomino, Vivid Music Hall, Matheson History Museum, restaurants: Tinker Latin Restaurant - Main St., Harry's Seafood Bar & Grille, The TOP, Dragonfly Sushi & Sake Company, Mojo Hogtown Bar-B-Que, Flaco's, Loosey's Downtown Gainesville, Boca Fiesta, V Pizza & SideCar - Gainesville, Original American Kitchen (OAK)
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