Sweetwater Wetlands Park, Gainesville: Address, Phone Number, Sweetwater Wetlands Park Reviews: 4.5/5
Sweetwater Wetlands Park
Sweetwater Wetlands Park
4.5
About
Suggested duration
1-2 hours
Features animals
Learn more about animal welfare in tourismSuggest edits to improve what we show.
Improve this listingFull view
Top ways to experience nearby attractions
The area
Address
Best nearby
Restaurants
204 within 3 miles

Chopstix Cafe
186
1 mi$$ - $$$ • Sushi • Asian • Thai

IHOP
77
1 mi$$ - $$$ • American

Lakeside Bar & Grill
72
1.1 mi$$ - $$$ • American • Bar • Grill
Seoul Pocha Korean Pub/grill
1
1.1 miJapanese • Asian • Korean • Street Food

La Tienda Latina
273
1.4 mi$ • Quick Bites • Mexican • Latin

Zeezenia Kitchen
26
1.3 mi$ • Mediterranean • Middle Eastern • Egyptian

Gyro Plus
2
1.3 miMediterranean • Greek

ADAM'S RIB CO.
184
1.7 mi$$ - $$$ • American • Barbecue

Halo Potato Donuts
1
1.4 miBakeries • American

Wah Ha Ha Thai Food!
54
1.5 mi$$ - $$$ • Asian • Thai • Vegetarian Friendly
Attractions
47 within 6 miles

Paynes Prairie
477
1.6 miState Parks

University of Florida
343
2.5 miUniversities & Schools

Butterfly Rainforest
1,212
Nature & Wildlife Areas • Gardens

Florida Museum of Natural History
986
Natural History Museums

Samuel P. Harn Museum of Art
254
Art Museums

University of Florida Bat House
432
3 miNature & Wildlife Areas

Bivens Arm Nature Park
14
0.6 miNature & Wildlife Areas • Parks

Depot Park
91
1.9 miParks

Gainesville-Hawthorne State Trail
49
1.1 miBiking Trails • Hiking Trails

Kanapaha Botanical Gardens
467
Gardens
Contribute
Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
Popular mentions
4.5
217 reviews
Excellent
164
Very good
46
Average
6
Poor
1
Terrible
0
Photo guy
3 contributions
Apr 2021
I bought a season pass in April 2021, area has more wildlife viewable from up close than any other park I have been to in last 20 years. Sand Hill cranes with 2 youngster don't seem concerned with humans and their cameras. One old timer said there used to be more birds, but they stopped migrating here because the open water has filled in with plants, so they don't see the open water from the air and pass by and go somewhere else. Vegetation needs to be removed. Maybe with some kind of boat using underwater cutters and conveyor system to help dig it up the choking vegetation. April is a good time to visit, still cool in the AM and mostly not super humid as during the summer tropical sweatbox months. Don't move off the gravel walkway to get close up alligator photos with your normal camera or wide angle cell phone camera lens, they move fast when hunting animals.
Written April 27, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Susan G
Sebastian, FL114 contributions
Jun 2020
Stopped in for a short hike on a sweltering afternoon. Due to Covid19 some of the trail paths are blocked off. We got to walk down to the pond where street garbage is collected and kept out of the water that feeds into Payne's Prairie. Surprisingly we saw several baby gators, cormorant, herons, stilts, and ducks.
Unfortunately, a major electrical storm rolled in and we couldn't go further. Only problem was the admission fee. I don't mind the $5 fee but I did not like the idea of having to download an app just for that. There has got to be a better way. The system is off putting.
Unfortunately, a major electrical storm rolled in and we couldn't go further. Only problem was the admission fee. I don't mind the $5 fee but I did not like the idea of having to download an app just for that. There has got to be a better way. The system is off putting.
Written July 2, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
runner24
Orlando, FL1,121 contributions
Feb 2020
We are photographers and travel around the state on shoots. We've been to Payne's Prairie in the past but this was our first time at Sweetwater Wetlands. There is a self pay terminal and they ask for $5 for admittance. It's worth it. The trails around the area are very well maintained so no issues. We shoot at similar areas in Florida (water plant discharges at Orlando Wetlands and Viera) and this is right up there. You never know what you'll find when you visit any wetlands. Today the place was loaded with Black-bellied Whistling Ducks, which we love. Bring the camera. Enjoy.
Written February 16, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Chris H
Frederick, MD396 contributions
Jan 2020
Three adults visited this park on a sunny Sunday morning and afternoon in early January. Cost was $5 for the car. Note the parking lots are small and you may have to wait for a spot on busy days. We were there early enough to get one of the few spots left in the overflow lot. Flush toilets are available at the trailhead. Some days have ranger guided walks. We did both the one mile loop and the 1.6 mile loop plus the 0.4 mile boardwalk. Lots of birds there and also saw four alligators. YMMV.
Nice place.
Nice place.
Written January 15, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
SueBee46530
GRANGER296 contributions
Mar 2021
We really enjoyed the two times we visited here and appreciated the openness compared with the boardwalk at La Chua which had too many obnoxious people talking loudly. Less people = more enjoyable. Purple Gallinules were a highlight as was the gift sighting of an American Bittern.
Written March 12, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Wandering963
Saint Paul, MN1,154 contributions
Jan 2020 • Couples
Wow! This man made wetland is bursting with wildlife - especially birds. The walking paths are extensive and comfortable - either gravel, packed dirt, or boardwalks. In our 2+ hours of walking we saw 25-30 species of birds including one we had never seen Before which is a relatively rare but happy occurrence
Written January 24, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
tiltedaxis
Jacksonville, FL372 contributions
May 2020 • Couples
We make the drive from Jacksonville multiple times each year just to go to this park. It has amazing wildlife and is very well maintained and clean. The app to pay for parking now is efficient and easy. I will definitely be back again soon.
Written May 27, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
MissMem
Memphis, TN1,160 contributions
Dec 2020
There's a $5 parking fee and that's money very well spent. The trails and boardwalk lead to marvelous plants and birds. We saw many birds that were familiar to us, but then there were several new and wonderful ones that added to making this visit a wonderful experience.
Written December 17, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Ivy-Ripley
Riverview, FL320 contributions
May 2021
Very clean restrooms here. Please bring sunscreen and a hat as there is little to no shade. Had we been more prepared, we would have stayed longer.
However, in the hour we were there, we saw two gators and plenty of birds. Very clean and people were respectful of social distancing.
However, in the hour we were there, we saw two gators and plenty of birds. Very clean and people were respectful of social distancing.
Written May 4, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Tiedyesunflower
37 contributions
Jan 2020
Disappointed that I have lived in town for 10 years and hadn't gone here before. This park is STUNNING! You walk through an entry hut with maps, then an approach trail, then wetlands bliss.
There are multiple loops of varying lengths for walkers of all ability. The smaller loop has boardwalks across the water and there are many little bench areas with covers for observing.
Whether you are birding, walking, or just exploring this park is so worth the trip!
There are multiple loops of varying lengths for walkers of all ability. The smaller loop has boardwalks across the water and there are many little bench areas with covers for observing.
Whether you are birding, walking, or just exploring this park is so worth the trip!
Written January 19, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
BexNunez
Huddersfield, UK9 contributions
Can you fish here?
Patricia K
Lutz, FL13 contributions
No I don’t think so. Have never seen anyone fishing.
suzannebrownprop2018
St. Augustine, FL2 contributions
Is it dog friendly?
Radiohutch
Safety Harbor, FL1,899 contributions
Nope, no dogs allowed in this park.
Wanda M
2 contributions
What is the cost?
Radiohutch
Safety Harbor, FL1,899 contributions
$5.00 per vehicle
Is the park open on Christmas Eve?
Thank you.
GayeofPA
western PA43 contributions
Their website says it is open Monday through Sundays, including holidays.
Is it open on Christmas Eve?
Theresa A
Gainesville, FL3 contributions
Yes, the park is open on holidays. There's a gate that opens and closes at posted hours and a pay station as you pull in, otherwise it's open access.
Elaine C
Fairfax, VA43 contributions
Is this wheelchair accessible?
Moses_Bazlet
Gainesville, FL27 contributions
Yes. The entire park is technically wheelchair accessible with ramps. Much of the paths are made with crushed rock and I (25 male) find it a bit difficult to walk on that crushed rock, but there is also a nice and long boardwalk area right in the center of the park, if you can bear the crushed rock for a short distance until you get to the boardwalk then I think you would really enjoy this park. I prefer to walk on the grass on the sides of the paths rather than directly on the rocks.
Frequently Asked Questions about Sweetwater Wetlands Park
- Hotels near Sweetwater Wetlands Park:
- (2.23 mi) The Laurel Oak Inn
- (2.27 mi) Camellia Rose Inn
- (2.18 mi) The Magnolia Plantation Bed and Breakfast Inn
- (1.39 mi) Home2 Suites By Hilton Gainesville
- (2.38 mi) Sweetwater Branch Inn Lodging & Events
- Restaurants near Sweetwater Wetlands Park:
- (2.34 mi) Paramount Grill
- (2.27 mi) Dragonfly Sushi & Sake Co Incorporated
- (2.93 mi) Embers Wood Grill
- (1.66 mi) ADAM'S RIB CO.
- (3.27 mi) Blaze Pizza