North Central Florida Travel Guide
Explore the cultural and natural attractions, food and drink scene, accommodations, and transportation options of North Central Florida in this comprehensive travel guide.
- Introduction to North Central Florida
- List of Places to Visit in North Central Florida
- Hiking/Biking Routes of North Central Florida
- Best Things to Do in North Central Florida: Activities and Tours
- Week-Long Itinerary for North Central Florida
- Food and Drink Scene of North Central Florida
- Where to Stay in North Central Florida: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses
- What to Buy in North Central Florida: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home
- Local Culture and Customs of North Central Florida
- Best Time to Visit North Central Florida
- Do’s and Don’ts of North Central Florida
- Safety and Health
- Getting to North Central Florida: Transportation Options and Logistics
- How to Get Around in North Central Florida
- Where to Go Next from North Central Florida: Nearby Destinations and Excursions
- Conclusion
Introduction to North Central Florida
North Central Florida is nestled in the heart of Florida and is known for its historic, cultural, and natural attractions. This region extends from the Gulf of Mexico to the Atlantic Ocean, covering cities such as Gainesville, Ocala, and Lake City. Whether you’re a history buff, outdoor enthusiast, foodie, or looking for a peaceful escape, North Central Florida has something for everyone.
List of Places to Visit in North Central Florida
Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places
- Florida Museum of Natural History: Located on the University of Florida campus, this museum offers exhibits on Florida’s geology, flora, and fauna.
- Marjorie Kinnan Rawlings Historic State Park: A National Historic Landmark, this park houses the former home of the Pulitzer Prize-winning author of “The Yearling.”
- Olustee Battlefield Historic State Park: Commemorating the largest Civil War battle in Florida, this park has a museum and self-guided tour of the battlefield.
- Cummer Museum of Art and Gardens: This museum in Jacksonville boasts an impressive collection of artwork from across the world, as well as beautiful gardens.
Natural Attractions of North Central Florida: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views
- Ichetucknee Springs State Park: A popular tubing spot, this park also offers hiking trails and wildlife viewing.
- Devil’s Millhopper Geological State Park: This state park features a unique sinkhole that has been designated a National Natural Landmark.
- Paynes Prairie Preserve State Park: A National Natural Landmark, this preserve offers hiking, biking, and wildlife viewing, including bison, wild horses, and alligators.
- Suwannee River Wilderness Trail: This trail runs 170 miles along the Suwannee River, offering opportunities for kayaking and canoeing.
Hiking/Biking Routes of North Central Florida
- Micanopy Trailhead: This trail offers 16 miles of scenic biking with views of Paynes Prairie.
- LaChua Trail: A 3-mile loop trail in Paynes Prairie Preserve State Park, this trail leads to an observation tower with panoramic views of the prairie.
- Devil’s Millhopper Trail: This 0.5-mile trail leads down into the sinkhole at Devil’s Millhopper Geological State Park.
- San Felasco Hammock Preserve State Park: This park offers over 30 miles of hiking and biking trails through different natural habitats.
Best Things to Do in North Central Florida: Activities and Tours
- Gainesville Food Tour: This tour takes you to some of the best restaurants in Gainesville while also providing historical and cultural information about the city.
- Canoe Outpost and Silver Springs State Park: Rent a canoe or kayak and explore the crystal clear waters of Silver Springs State Park.
- Florida’s Horse Country Tour: Take a guided tour of Ocala’s horse farms and learn about the history of thoroughbred breeding in Florida.
- Hippodrome Theatre: Located in downtown Gainesville, this theatre offers a variety of plays and performances throughout the year.
Week-Long Itinerary for North Central Florida
| Day | Activity |
|---|---|
| 1 | Visit the Florida Museum of Natural History and explore the University of Florida campus. |
| 2 | Spend the day tubing down the Ichetucknee River and hiking in Ichetucknee Springs State Park. |
| 3 | Take a guided tour of Ocala’s horse country and visit Silver Springs State Park. |
| 4 | Explore Gainesville’s history and food on a walking tour. |
| 5 | Go hiking in Paynes Prairie Preserve State Park and visit the nearby town of Micanopy. |
| 6 | Visit the Marjorie Kinnan Rawlings Historic State Park and enjoy a picnic lunch. |
| 7 | Spend the day at the beach in St. Augustine and visit the Castillo de San Marcos National Monument. |
Food and Drink Scene of North Central Florida
Must-Try Dishes
- Gator Bites: Fried bites of alligator, often served with a spicy dipping sauce.
- Shrimp and Grits: A Southern classic, this dish features sautéed shrimp served over creamy grits.
- Cuban Sandwich: A pressed sandwich featuring ham, roasted pork, Swiss cheese, pickles, and mustard on Cuban bread.
- Biscuits and Gravy: A hearty breakfast dish featuring fluffy biscuits smothered in sausage gravy.
Local Beverages
- Swamp Head Brewery: This Gainesville brewery offers a variety of craft beers.
- First Magnitude Brewing Company: Another Gainesville brewery, this one is known for their seasonal and limited edition brews.
- Sweetwater Organic Coffee: Based in Gainesville, this coffee company offers fair-trade and organic blends.
Where to Stay in North Central Florida: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses
- Hilton University of Florida Conference Center Gainesville: A high-end hotel located on the University of Florida campus.
- Hampton Inn & Suites Ocala - Belleview: A budget-friendly hotel located between Ocala and Belleview.
- Gainesville Lodge: A cozy bed and breakfast located in downtown Gainesville.
- St. Francis Inn: A charming guesthouse located in St. Augustine’s historic district.
What to Buy in North Central Florida: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home
- Orange Blossom Honey: This sweet honey is produced by bees that feed on orange blossoms.
- Cedar Key Clams: Known for their sweetness and texture, these clams are a staple of North Central Florida cuisine.
- Florida Gator Gear: Whether it’s clothing, hats, or other merchandise, a trip to Gainesville isn’t complete without showing some love for the Florida Gators.
Local Culture and Customs of North Central Florida
- Hospitality: Southerners are known for their hospitality, and North Central Florida is no exception. Expect warm welcomes and friendly conversations.
- Gator Nation: The University of Florida’s athletic teams, particularly football, are a significant part of the local culture.
- Barbecue: Barbecue is a staple of Southern cuisine, and North Central Florida is no exception. Expect to find great barbecue joints throughout the region.
Best Time to Visit North Central Florida
The best time to visit North Central Florida is during the spring (February to May) or fall (September to November) when temperatures are mild and crowds are smaller. Summer temperatures can be sweltering, but visitors can still enjoy the region’s natural attractions if they plan outdoor activities in the early morning or late afternoon.
Do’s and Don’ts of North Central Florida
Do:
- Try the local cuisine: With its mix of Southern and seafood influences, North Central Florida’s food scene is a must-try.
- Explore the natural attractions: From springs to forests to beaches, North Central Florida has a variety of outdoor activities to enjoy.
- Learn about the region’s history: With multiple national and state parks and historic sites, there are plenty of opportunities to learn about the region’s heritage.
Don’t:
- Underestimate the humidity: North Central Florida can be humid, so make sure to bring plenty of water and wear appropriate clothing.
- Assume everyone is the same: While many locals share a similar culture and history, it’s important to remember that North Central Florida is not a monolith. Take the time to learn about the specifics of each area you visit.
- Litter or harm the environment: With its scenic natural beauty, it’s important to respect and protect North Central Florida’s environment.
Safety and Health
Safety in North Central Florida
North Central Florida is a safe region for visitors, but travelers should still take common-sense precautions such as locking their cars and securing their valuables. Wildlife such as alligators and snakes are present in the region’s natural areas, so visitors should exercise caution and follow park guidelines.
Health in North Central Florida
Visitors to North Central Florida should take precautions against mosquito-borne illnesses such as Zika and West Nile virus. Sunscreen and insect repellent are also important items to bring, as temperatures can be high and mosquitoes are prevalent in the region’s natural areas.
Getting to North Central Florida: Transportation Options and Logistics
Airports Near North Central Florida
- Gainesville Regional Airport: Served by Delta, American, and Silver Airways.
- Jacksonville International Airport: About 1.5 hours from Gainesville, this airport is served by multiple major airlines.
- Orlando International Airport: About 2 hours from North Central Florida, this airport is a major transportation hub.
Bus Stations Near North Central Florida
- Gainesville Regional Transit System: Provides local bus service around Gainesville.
- Greyhound Lines: Offers long-distance bus service to Gainesville, Ocala, and Lake City.
Other Options
Renting a car is the easiest way to get around North Central Florida, but visitors without a car can also use services such as Uber and Lyft or join a guided tour.
How to Get Around in North Central Florida
While driving is the easiest way to get around North Central Florida, visitors can also explore the region by bike, foot, or kayak. Gainesville and other cities have bike-share programs, and many state parks offer rental bikes and kayaks.
Where to Go Next from North Central Florida: Nearby Destinations and Excursions
- St. Augustine: This historic coastal town is about 2 hours east of Gainesville and is known for its colonial architecture and beautiful beaches.
- Crystal River: This Gulf Coast town is about 1.5 hours west of Gainesville and is a popular spot for manatee viewing and snorkeling.
- Tallahassee: Florida’s capital city is about 2 hours northwest of Gainesville and offers museums, historic sites, and a thriving food and drink scene.
Conclusion
North Central Florida offers a unique blend of history, culture, and natural beauty, making it an excellent destination for travelers of all interests. Whether you’re looking for outdoor adventures, cultural experiences, or just a relaxing getaway, this region has something for everyone. Plan your trip today and discover all that North Central Florida has to offer.