Paynes Prairie Preserve State Park Tours

Paynes Prairie Preserve State Park
Photo by Sophia Hatchitt
Photo by Alan Sandercock
Photo by Brian Beard
Photo by Maya


A day at Paynes Prairie Preserve State Park is the perfect remedy to busy city life. Slow things right down, lace up your hiking boots and discover this area of natural beauty.

Paynes Prairie Preserve State Park charges admission and is located in Gainesville. Wondering where to go afterward? It's hard to move in this area without stumbling on something fun to do! Micanopy Historical Society Museum also appeals to plenty of curious visitors.

Plan a trip to see Paynes Prairie Preserve State Park

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Palazzo Lakeside Hotel
Westgate Lakes Resort & Spa Universal Studios Area
Westgate Palace Hotel / Universal / I-Drive

Reviews of Paynes Prairie Preserve State Park

4.4
Top Destination
5 - Excellent
90
5 - Excellent 59%
4 - Good
42
4 - Good 27%
3 - Okay
18
3 - Okay 12%
2 - Disappointing
0
2 - Disappointing 0%
1 - Terrible
3
1 - Terrible 2%

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler

Amazing observation tour. The day we were there we saw wild horses, wild turkey, buffalo and deer. Well done nature/visitors center that offers great historical data on the park. Beautiful walking and biking trails too!

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler

Sweetwater Wetlands City Park in Williston. Very nice. Saw lots of nature, water birds and heard several alligator grunts and one visible alligator display and twerking in the water, totally awesome. Great City Park. $5 entry per car fee. about 3.5 miles of trials and boardwalks over marsh and ponds.

Popular places to visit


Best Lodging Options Near Paynes Prairie Preserve State Park

Micanopy Inn

Micanopy Inn

2 out of 5
17110 SE County Road 234, Micanopy, FL
Micanopy Inn
Hotel Eleo at the University of Florida

Hotel Eleo at the University of Florida

3 out of 5
1514 Southwest 14th Street, Gainesville, FL
Hotel Eleo at the University of Florida
Country Inn & Suites by Radisson, Gainesville, FL

Country Inn & Suites by Radisson, Gainesville, FL

3 out of 5
4015 Sw 43rd St, Gainesville, FL
Country Inn & Suites by Radisson, Gainesville, FL
HOM Hotel Gainesville, SureStay Collection by Best Western

HOM Hotel Gainesville, SureStay Collection by Best Western

2.5 out of 5
3905 Sw 43Rd St, Gainesville, FL
HOM Hotel Gainesville, SureStay Collection by Best Western
Sleep Inn & Suites University/Shands

Sleep Inn & Suites University/Shands

2.5 out of 5
4110 SW 40th Boulevard, Gainesville, FL
Sleep Inn & Suites University/Shands
Comfort Suites Gainesville near University

Comfort Suites Gainesville near University

2.5 out of 5
2603 SW 13TH STREET, Gainesville, FL
Comfort Suites Gainesville near University
WoodSpring Suites Gainesville I-75

WoodSpring Suites Gainesville I-75

2.5 out of 5
5505 SW 41st Blvd, Gainesville, FL
WoodSpring Suites Gainesville I-75
Palmetto Cottage-1930’s Florida Cottage

Palmetto Cottage-1930’s Florida Cottage

Micanopy
Palmetto Cottage-1930’s Florida Cottage
Luxurious guesthouse with screened porch, central A/C and lake view

Luxurious guesthouse with screened porch, central A/C and lake view

Micanopy
Luxurious guesthouse with screened porch, central A/C and lake view
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Things to do near Paynes Prairie Preserve State Park

At Paynes Prairie Preserve State Park, enjoy a variety of activities including equestrian trails and bird watching, perfect for nature enthusiasts. Take advantage of the shaded campground for a comfortable stay, and explore the scenic walking paths for a fun outdoor experience. With opportunities for festivals and sports, there's something for everyone to enjoy in this beautiful Florida destination.

Shopping

For a shopping experience near Paynes Prairie Preserve State Park, visit The Orange Shop, located 13 miles away, for unique gifts. If you're up for a drive, check out Oaks Mall, 12 miles away, for a variety of stores and entertainment, or the I-75 Super Flea Market, 21 miles away, for a bustling local vibe.

Recreation

Bivens Arm Nature Park, located 7 miles from Paynes Prairie Preserve State Park, offers a serene environment for relaxation amidst nature. Ironwood Golf Course, 12 miles away, provides an invigorating outdoor experience with its beautiful greens. Meadowbrook Golf Club, 15 miles distant, invites you to enjoy sports in a picturesque setting.

Adventure

Experience the great outdoors at Kate's Fish Camp, a campground 7 miles from Paynes Prairie, perfect for family adventures. Hike along the Florida National Scenic Trail, also 7 miles away, where you can enjoy stunning scenery. For tennis enthusiasts, the Westside Park Tennis Center, located 11 miles away, offers exciting matches.

Nightlife

Your nightlife experience near Paynes Prairie Preserve State Park can include a romantic evening at the Hippodrome State Theatre, just 9 miles away, or catch a movie at Regal Royal Park, 10 miles away. For some adventure, visit the Easy Street Family Fun Center, located 26 miles from the park.

*Distances are measured in a straight line; actual driving distances may vary depending on the route.

Find the best attractions near Paynes Prairie Preserve State Park

At Paynes Prairie Preserve State Park in Micanopy, Florida, visitors can explore historic sites like the University of Florida and unique attractions such as the natural history museum. Outdoor enthusiasts will enjoy the park's stunning prairie views, making it perfect for family outings and cultural experiences. Don't miss the chance to appreciate the diverse wildlife and scenic landscapes that this state park has to offer.

  • University of Florida: This historic university, located 9 miles from Paynes Prairie Preserve, is a vibrant hub of culture and education. Explore its beautiful campus, home to stunning architecture and lush landscapes. Experience the lively atmosphere filled with students and faculty, and consider visiting the museums and galleries on-site.
  • Ben Hill Griffin Stadium: Also 9 miles away, this iconic sports stadium is known for its electric atmosphere during football season. Experience the passion of college sports as you join thousands of fans cheering on the Gators. The stadium also hosts various cultural events, showcasing the community's spirit.
  • Micanopy Historical Society Museum: Just 2 miles from the park, this charming museum offers a glimpse into the rich history of Micanopy. Discover local artifacts and exhibits that celebrate the town's heritage, all within a welcoming atmosphere that highlights the area's cultural significance.

Booking tips and Expedia advantages for Paynes Prairie Preserve State Park

To save money on your trip to Paynes Prairie Preserve State Park, consider visiting during the cheaper months of July and December to January and booking your stay for Monday, the least expensive day. Use Expedia to find budget-friendly accommodations by sorting results from lowest to highest price and filtering for Eco-certified hotels. Enhance savings by bundling your hotel, flights, and activities through Expedia packages. Joining the One Key membership can unlock exclusive discounts and allow you to earn OneKeyCash for future bookings. Keep an eye out for availability alerts to snag the best deals.

  • The most and least expensive months on average to stay in a hotel: The cheapest months to stay around Paynes Prairie Preserve State Park are July and December to January, where the prices are slightly lower. This is in comparison to March and September to October, where prices are slightly higher.
  • The most and least expensive days on average to stay in a hotel: The least expensive day to stay around Paynes Prairie Preserve State Park is Monday. The most expensive day to stay around Paynes Prairie Preserve State Park is Saturday.
  • Find cheap hotels on Expedia: Expedia’s search tool enables you to choose your budget, desired location, and additional preferences. You can organize your results to display prices from lowest to highest, ensuring you find the most affordable hotel options first. Additionally, you can refine your search by hotel type; for instance, selecting the Eco-certified filter will show you sustainable and environmentally-friendly hotels available for booking.
  • Consider bundling your trip: You can save money by booking an Expedia package that combines your hotel stay at Paynes Prairie Preserve State Park with your flights and activities.
  • Become a One Key member: Join Expedia's One Key membership program for exclusive discounts and deals on hotel bookings. You can also earn OneKeyCash to use on future selected hotels.

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