Gainesville: A Day and a Half Getaway

Day 1 Morning: University of Florida Museums Parking: $4 🚗 Harn Museum of Art : Free entry 🆓. A compact but diverse collection—something for everyone! 🖼️✨ Florida Museum of Natural History (P4-6): Also free! The butterfly exhibit costs extra (we skipped it 🦋). The free galleries feature a mix of natural and cultural exhibits, including butterfly specimens and fossils. Fun fact: the museum holds over 400,000 fossils, with only a small fraction on display! 🦴🔬 The interactive zone is great for kids but can get crowded. ⚠️ Note: Closed for renovations from March 25 until 2026. Day 1 Afternoon: Ginnie Springs Peak season admission: $25 per person 💧 Visited on a chilly day, so crowds were light ❄️👥. Equipment rentals available for tubing, kayaking, and paddleboarding—or bring your own! Recommended springs: Ginnie Spring, Dogwood Spring, and Devil’s Spring System. Crystal-clear waters perfect for snorkeling 🤿💎. Devil’s Eye and Devil’s Ear are popular for cave diving. Two downstream springs looked murky, so we skipped those 🚫🌊. Our take: No need for river floating or paddling—just enjoy the springs! The prettiest ones are close together and accessible by foot 🚶‍♂️🌿. Day 2 Morning: Devil’s Den Prehistoric Spring & Campground Requires online booking with a deposit ahead of time 📅💻. Time slots: 1.5 hours per window. Bring your own gear or rent onsite—admission is $25 per person. The day was cool, but the cave was warm and cozy 🥶➡️😌. Fins are a must for snorkeling; life vests and floaties aren’t allowed 🛟❌. If nervous, stay near the platform edges for safety. Lots of scuba divers exploring below! 🤿🪸 Food Highlights Sohao Cafe: Limited Chinese options nearby—ate here two days in a row. Solid choice! 🥡👍 Mr.J Hand-Pulled Noodle (Lanzhou Beef Noodles): Stopped on the way back to Orlando—delicious and satisfying! 🍜😋 A short but refreshing nature-and-culture escape! #US #Florida #Jacksonville