Gainesville, FL

Travel Guide
Gainesville featuring night scenes
Equal parts scenic oasis and cultural hub, this vibrant college town is one of the gems of sunny northern Florida.

The home of the University of Florida is one of the region’s most popular destinations. Gainesville has outdoor attractions, cultural offerings and a lovely tropical climate.

Many of Gainesville’s attractions are located at the University of Florida, which occupies the town’s southwestern corner. Admire a selection of the 6,000 pieces of artwork at the Samuel P. Harn Museum of Art or watch a dance performance at Phillips Center for the Performing Arts. Cheer on the Gators football team at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium or stroll around the campus and admire the historic buildings.

In the downtown area, browse through shops and galleries or enjoy a leisurely lunch at one of the bistros or restaurants. Stop by the Bo Diddley Community Plaza, which hosts live music and the weekly Union Street Farmer’s Market. When the sun goes down, join locals enjoying the nightlife in bars and clubs or catch a musical at the Hippodrome State Theatre.

Within a 20-minute drive from downtown are plenty of opportunites for outdoor recreation. At Paynes Prairie Preserve State Park, see bison, alligators and hundreds of bird species thriving in their natural environment. Climb the observation tower to enjoy panoramic views of the wilderness.

Spend the day swimming or fishing in the warm waters of Lake Wauberg. If you’re a cycling enthusiast, head to San Felasco Hammock Preserve State Park, where you can bike along 30 miles (48.3 kilometers) of trails. Stroll through rainforest at Devil’s Millhopper Geological State Park.

See fossils and interactive exhibits at the Florida Museum of Natural History. Walk through the Butterfly Rainforest exhibit and find yourself surrounded by more than 70 colorful species. Head to the Santa Fe College Teaching Zoo to learn how keepers interact with the animals.

Gainesville Regional Airport is a 15-minute drive from downtown. The nearest Amtrak station is in Waldo, a 20-minute drive from Gainesville. Enjoy Gainesville’s sunny days and warm weather all year-round. Head to “Gator Country” for outdoor fun and cultural activities in a friendly, college-town atmosphere.

Where to stay in Gainesville

Default Image

University Heights

4/5(31 area reviews)

While University Heights isn't home to many top sights, Ben Hill Griffin Stadium and Hippodrome State Theatre are some notable places to visit nearby.

University Heights
Default Image

Haile Plantation

While Haile Plantation isn't home to many top sights, Kanapaha Botanical Gardens and Oaks Mall are some notable places to visit nearby.

Haile Plantation
Default Image

Duckpond

If you're looking for some top things to see and do in Duckpond and surrounding area, you can visit Thomas Center and Hippodrome State Theatre.

Duckpond
Default Image

Pleasant Street

Though Pleasant Street might not have many top sights, you can venture to the surrounding area to see attractions like Thomas Center and Hippodrome State Theatre.

Pleasant Street
Default Image

Sugarfoot

While Sugarfoot isn't home to many top sights, Florida Museum of Natural History and Oaks Mall are some notable places to visit nearby.

Sugarfoot
Default Image

Hazel Heights

When in Hazel Heights, you can plan a visit to Ben Hill Griffin Stadium and Florida Museum of Natural History, some noteworthy sights in the nearby area.

Hazel Heights
DoubleTree by Hilton Gainesville
DoubleTree by Hilton Gainesville
4 out of 5
3726 Sw 40th Blvd, Gainesville, FL
The price is NT$3,182 per night from Apr 28 to Apr 29
NT$3,182
per night
Apr 28 - Apr 29
Stay at this 4-star hotel in Gainesville. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and breakfast. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms in our reviews. ...
8/10 Very Good! (1,007 reviews)
"I was in Gainesville for a medical procedure. It was the perfect environment for pre and post surgical procedure. The staff was friendly, breakfast buffet offered a wide selection (fresh hot and cold options), and the rooms were clean and comfortable."

Reviewed on 2024/3/26

DoubleTree by Hilton Gainesville
hom hotel + suites, Trademark Collection by Wyndham
hom hotel + suites, Trademark Collection by Wyndham
2.5 out of 5
3905 Sw 43rd St, Gainesville, FL
The price is NT$3,255 per night from Apr 10 to Apr 11
NT$3,255
per night
Apr 10 - Apr 11
Stay at this hotel in Gainesville. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (1,437 reviews)
"Bathroom exhaust fan was noisy"

Reviewed on 2024/3/27

hom hotel + suites, Trademark Collection by Wyndham
Hotel Eleo at the University of Florida
Hotel Eleo at the University of Florida
3.5 out of 5
1514 Southwest 14th Street, Gainesville, FL
The price is NT$5,445 per night from Mar 31 to Apr 1
NT$5,445
per night
Mar 31 - Apr 1
Stay at this 3.5-star business-friendly hotel in Gainesville. Enjoy free WiFi, free valet parking, and breakfast. Our guests praise the restaurant and the helpful ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (1,256 reviews)
"Wonderful helpful staff! The room was clean and comfortable. Nice amenities."

Reviewed on 2024/3/25

Hotel Eleo at the University of Florida
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.
Barsala At Thirty Fourth
Barsala At Thirty Fourth
3.5 out of 5
3701 SW 34th St, Gainesville, FL
Stay at this 3.5-star aparthotel in Gainesville. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a kitchen. Popular attractions Fred Bear Museum and Curtis M. Phillips Center ...
7.6/10 Good! (23 reviews)
"Brand New units. Very nice and quite. We stayed there for 6 nights. First night when we checked in, as it was brand new unit and was rented first time, Hot water tank somehow was not hooked up and small spiders were in unit but management allow us an access to another unit to take a shower untill ..."

Reviewed on 2024/3/25

Barsala At Thirty Fourth
Barsala Near University Of Florida
Barsala Near University Of Florida
3.5 out of 5
3701 SW 34th St, Gainesville, FL
Stay at this 3.5-star aparthotel in Gainesville. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a TV. Popular attractions Fred Bear Museum and Curtis M. Phillips Center ...
2/10 (1 review)
"The check in was virtually impossible. Then after i finished the chek in it denied me."

Reviewed on 2024/3/25

Barsala Near University Of Florida
Quiet Convenient and Modern Haven
Quiet Convenient and Modern Haven
4 out of 5
3803 SW 28th Terrace, Gainesville, FL
Stay at this 4-star condo in Gainesville. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and barbecue grills. Popular attractions Fred Bear Museum and Curtis M. Phillips Center ...
10/10 Exceptional! (4 reviews)
"Super cozy, clean, and close to UF. This place exceeded our expectations. Thank you Kate for all Your attention to detail to make our stay at your place a great experience."

Reviewed on 2024/3/18

Quiet Convenient and Modern Haven
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.

Popular places to visit

Cities near Gainesville