Birdwatching sites in Gainesville, Florida

Squirrel Ridge Park is a charming and picturesque park located at 1603 Southwest Williston Road in Gainesville, Florida. This popular tourist attraction offers a tranquil escape from the hustle and bustle of city life, with lush greenery, winding paths, and a serene pond. Visitors can enjoy a leisurely stroll, have a picnic, or simply relax and take in the natural beauty of the surroundings. The park is also home to a variety of wildlife, including playful squirrels that can be spotted darting across the grounds. Whether you're looking for a peaceful retreat or a fun outing with family and friends, Squirrel Ridge Park is the perfect destination for nature lovers of all ages.

Newnans Lake Conservation Area, located at 8635 Northeast 69th Avenue in Gainesville, Florida, is a beautiful park and tourist attraction that is part of a larger group of publicly owned conservation lands in the Orange Creek Basin. This area includes Austin Cary Memorial State Forest, Paynes Prairie Preserve State Park, Lochloosa Wildlife Conservation Area, Orange Creek Restoration Area, and other natural areas owned by the city of Gainesville. These lands protect a variety of upland and wetland natural communities, serving as important wildlife corridors and contributing to the protection and improvement of water quality in the Orange Creek and Ocklawaha River basins, and ultimately the St. Johns River. Newnans Lake Conservation Area features nearly 2 miles of shoreline along Newnans Lake, as well as parts of its major tributaries, Hatchet Creek and Little Hatchet Creek. The area includes a variety of wetlands, such as depression marshes, dome swamps, and the locally known Gum Root Swamp. Visitors can explore the property and enjoy the meandering creeks, as well as spot bald eagle nests and tall pine trees on the Hatchet Creek Tract.

Payne’s Prairie, located in Gainesville, Florida, is a unique and diverse preserve where visitors can witness wild roaming bison and horses, along with nearly 300 species of birds. This institution offers eight trails for hiking, horseback riding, and bicycling, including the popular 16-mile paved Gainesville-Hawthorne State Trail. The park also features a 50-foot high observation tower for panoramic views, fishing and canoeing on Lake Wauburg, and a shaded campground for overnight stays. With over 20 distinct biological communities, Paynes Prairie provides a rich array of habitats for wildlife and livestock, making it a must-visit destination for nature enthusiasts.