North central Florida and metro Gainesville are renowned as special places to live, work and thrive, highlighted by Oakmont, the region’s top master-planned community.

Prospective and current residents alike know they’ll find versatile new custom Florida homes and top-shelf resident amenities when they choose Gainesville’s best address, but that’s not all!

Nestled on the city’s west side, Oakmont is mere minutes from many of the region’s most unique experiences. Read on for a sample of these one-of-a-kind interactions.

Key takeaways

Oakmont residents are close to some of Gainesville’s most unique attractions, blending nature, science, and local culture.
Nearby experiences include the Butterfly Rainforest, the Cade Museum, Devil’s Millhopper, and other destinations that make Gainesville feel distinctly different.
These one-of-a-kind spots offer fun, educational, and outdoor adventures for all ages just minutes from home.
Living at Oakmont means enjoying not only a beautiful community, but also easy access to the experiences that make Gainesville special.

Butterfly Rainforest

A quick drive east from Oakmont, the Butterfly Rainforest at the Florida Museum of Natural History offers an amazing environment complete with waterfalls and colorful butterflies of innumerable shapes and sizes — all without barriers.

But, patience is required. The museum is closed for an expansion project at its University of Florida location and is forecasted to reopen in 2026. Until then, catch its pop-up exhibits and experiences around town here.

Located at 3215 Hull Road in Gainesville.

Cade Museum for Creativity & Invention

It doesn’t get more “Gainesville” than this: Dr. James Robert Cade led the research team that formulated the Gatorade sports drink in 1965. A UF kidney specialist, Dr. Cade and his family established a foundation in 2004 as the first step in bringing the namesake museum to life.

Today, the 26,000-square-foot facility buzzes with exhibits, experiences, summer camps and many other interactive and hands-on activities to foster discovery in youngsters of all ages.

Located at 811 South Main Street in Gainesville.

Cellon Oak Park

Majestic live oaks rule many Florida forests (check out Oakmont’s 46-acre Gopher Tortoise Reserve as homegrown proof), but the Cellon Oak is a jaw dropper.

It resides in its own Alachua County park and needs every bit of that protective space. Named for the property’s former owner, Ralph W. Cellon, the Cellon live oak is a state co-champion live oak with a 30-foot circumference, 85-foot height, and 160-foot crown spread that is must-see.

Located at 4100 Northwest 169th Place in Gainesville.

Devil’s Millhopper Geological State Park

Yet another natural wonder, this 120-foot-deep sinkhole in Florida limestone hides a rain forest at its depths. Trickling water and cool, moist air help create the geological phenomenon, which has been visited since the late 1800s and is a National Natural Landmark.

Boardwalks descend to the sinkhole’s depths. A half-mile trail meanders around the top of it. Ranger-led walks happen on Saturdays at 10 a.m.

Located at 4732 Millhopper Road in Gainesville.

Lubee Bat Conservancy

Not something you can see everywhere, but only a half hour from Oakmont, on 110 acres north of Gainesville.

The Lubee Bat Conservancy is a non-profit that protects bats and habitats via conservation, education and research. The organization welcomes community involvement and visitation, offering scheduled tours and special events, plus a conservation and education center and viewing opportunities. More than 200 bats spanning 10 species reside here.

Located at 1309 Northwest 192nd Avenue in Gainesville.

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