Gainesville Florida

We are picking up a second house in Gainesville ,Florida , our daughter her family are going to stay there while she going to nursing school . This is going to mean road trips to see them and the grand baby, driving from Missouri to Florida , a new yard to detect and I think the ocean is about 1 hour on either side. I have not researched the area yet waiting for the deal to be completed . Does any one have any good places in the area they would like to suggest. While winter is hanging around Missouri ,I will start doing one line research on the area and learning the history. I am sure Florida already has a abundance of detectors there. Will also be looking for some dog friendly areas so I can bring my best friend along.