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

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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
Red Roof Inn PLUS+ Gainesville
Red Roof Inn PLUS+ Gainesville
2.5 out of 5
3500 Southwest 42nd St, Gainesville, FL
The price is NT$2,248 per night from Mar 25 to Mar 26
NT$2,248
per night
Mar 25 - Mar 26
Stay at this hotel in Gainesville. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a 24-hour front desk. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms in our reviews. ...
7.4/10 Good! (1,006 reviews)
A good night at Red Roof.
"The check in was a little bit slow, but not annoying. Morning desk agent was friendly and informative. Forgot my hanging clothes in the room, when I called to pick them up after my doctor's appointment... they were already aware and had them at the front desk."

Reviewed on 2024/3/18

Red Roof Inn PLUS+ 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$2,822 per night from Mar 24 to Mar 25
NT$2,822
per night
Mar 24 - Mar 25
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! (1,421 reviews)
"First time at this hotel brand. Friendly staff."

Reviewed on 2024/3/18

hom hotel + suites, Trademark Collection by Wyndham
Comfort Inn University
Comfort Inn University
2.5 out of 5
3440 SW 40th Blvd, Gainesville, FL
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is NT$2,677 per night from Apr 14 to Apr 15
NT$2,677
per night
Apr 14 - Apr 15
Stay at this business-friendly hotel in Gainesville. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff ...
8/10 Very Good! (1,003 reviews)
"The room was very clean. Beds very comfortable! The breakfast was great!!"

Reviewed on 2024/3/17

Comfort Inn University
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 condo in Gainesville. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a kitchen. Popular attractions Fred Bear Museum and Curtis M. Phillips Center ...
7.4/10 Good! (19 reviews)
Speechless!
"Wow! This place has left me speechless, it provided towels, clean sheets, shampoo and conditioner, access to the amenities, cookware and a clean and friendly environment. Matthew was responsive and kind. We will definitely be coming back here!"

Reviewed on 2024/3/17

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 apartment in Gainesville. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a TV. Popular attractions Fred Bear Museum and Curtis M. Phillips Center are ...
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.

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