The expression “wake and bake” takes on a whole new meaning when the sun’s prime UV rays are out in a cloudless summer sky.
But when you realize you’re in Gainesville and not anywhere near a coastline, it can put a real damper on your bronzing mission. So, what do you do if you’re smack dab in the center of the state and miles from the beach?
Well, the rays are shining just as bright in good ole’ Hogtown, so grab some cold ones, a couple of friends and hit these spots to maximize your tan and summer fun.
Social 28
Social 28 is a relatively new spot in town where you can expect body jewelry, Instagramming and girls that tan in a one-piece bathing suit that says “DOPE” on the front. If you have a friend (or a friend of a friend of a friend) who lives here, take advantage of it and catch some rays on their almost rooftop lounge. It’s a hopping spot to get your buzz and bronze on.
Wildflower
Managing your way into this spot without the help of a resident is a cinch, it’s definitely a relaxed place to catch some rays and it’s within walking distance of campus and sorority row. The pool is always crisp and the sun hits the lounge area perfectly as it’s the center of the apartment complex. Excellent sunning and no disturbance from rowdy beer pong games. (Looking at you Royal Village.)
Royal Village
Infamous for it’s poolside partying, this is not a place to go if you want to tan in peace. There’s either a lot of rowdy day drinking happening or it’s closed because of too many people shattered glass while day drinking. The pool is of questionable cleanliness so swim at your own risk.
The Continuum
Located downtown-ish right on 2nd Avenue, The Continuum is a big, beautiful apartment complex for UF grad students with a really nice pool. Most times, you can just walk right in and start lounging, but if you’re not feeling adventurous, find a friend in graduate school to let you in. Palm trees are swaying in the little to no summer breeze and you’ll fry before you know it at this ultra-laid back, layout spot.
Lake Wauburg
Don’t forget your Gator1 because kayaking, standup paddle boarding (swim test required) and paddleboats are available at The Burg. The best part of all these fun games: they’re FO FREE and make for a great way to break a sweat and catch some rays at the same time. If tanning and activities don’t mix well for you (a life jacket tan is not very attractive), the dock and grassy areas are perfect for basking in the intense summer heat. The lake is great for cooling off when you’re feeling overheated. If you close your eyes you can almost pretend it’s the ocean.
The Ridge
So, jokes on us with this one. It doesn’t open until this coming fall, but when it does open, I highly recommend checking it out. Not sure if you’ve missed all of the intense publicity The Ridge has done but the hype might possibly be real folks. It has a lazy river and a pool, which honestly sound too good to be true for college apartments. We’ll have to get back to you on this one.
Other Potential Spots
Innovation Square: With great grassy areas and very little foot traffic, it’s a lesser known tanning spot. Bring a big towel and a book about startups and you’ll fit right in.
Holiday Inn pool: It’s a roof top pool, so you can feel ultra swanky for an afternoon. (Jk, it’s a Holiday Inn.) Test it out if you’re feeling confident in your hotel guest skills
Public pools: They’re all over Gainesville and some even have big water slides for your inner 5-year old. You can grab a pass for the whole summer or just pay when you show up. Here’s the schedule and pricing.
Word to the wise: act like you own the place. No one will question what you’re doing if you just plop down on a lounge chair, slather on tanning oil and bask in the hot sun until it starts raining at promptly 3 p.m. Here’s to making your summer in Gainesville a little less drab and a lot more tan.
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