Gainesville Travel Guide

Tourist 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 Centre 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 kilometres) 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 colourful 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

University Heights might not have many top sights, but Ben Hill Griffin Stadium and Hippodrome State Theatre are two attractions nearby that you can check out.

University Heights
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Haile Plantation

While there might not be top attractions in Haile Plantation, you can explore the larger area and discover places like Kanapaha Botanical Gardens and Oaks Mall.

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

Pleasant Street might not have many top sights, but Thomas Center and Hippodrome State Theatre are two attractions nearby that you can check out.

Pleasant Street
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Sugarfoot

While Sugarfoot may not have many sights to explore, venturing just a little farther will lead you to top things to see and do like Florida Museum of Natural History and Oaks Mall.

Sugarfoot
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Innovation District

While Innovation District may not have many sights to explore, venturing just a little farther will lead you to top things to see and do like Ben Hill Griffin Stadium and Hippodrome State Theatre.

Innovation District
DoubleTree by Hilton Gainesville
DoubleTree by Hilton Gainesville
4 out of 5
3726 Sw 40th Blvd, Gainesville, FL
The price is ₹8,359 per night from 28 Apr to 29 Apr
₹8,359
per night
28 Apr - 29 Apr
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 their 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 26 Mar 2024

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 ₹8,495 per night from 2 Apr to 3 Apr
₹8,495
per night
2 Apr - 3 Apr
Stay at this hotel in Gainesville. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi and free parking. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff in their reviews. ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (1,429 reviews)
"The location was convenient. I misread the time breakfast was over, but the staff cleaning up were incredibly gracious and helped me get some breakfast, which I greatly appreciated. I liked the modernization of the property and cleanliness. The tiled flooring made cleanliness better, however, the ..."

Reviewed on 26 Mar 2024

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
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is ₹14,178 per night from 31 Mar to 1 Apr
₹14,178
per night
31 Mar - 1 Apr
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! (1,261 reviews)
"Great location, clean, quiet, only con is that you have to valet park. Hotel has no self parking."

Reviewed on 27 Mar 2024

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 25 Mar 2024

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 are ...
2/10 (1 review)
"The check in was virtually impossible. Then after i finished the chek in it denied me."

Reviewed on 25 Mar 2024

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 barbecues. Popular attractions Fred Bear Museum and Curtis M. Phillips Center are ...
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 18 Mar 2024

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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