Gainesville

Travel Guide

Photo provided by Visit Gainesville
Photo provided by Visit Gainesville
Photo provided by Visit Gainesville
Photo provided by Visit Gainesville
Photo provided by Visit Gainesville
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

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

University Heights
Default Image

Haile Plantation

If you're spending some time in Haile Plantation, Haile Village Center and Haile Plantation Golf and Country Club are top sights worth seeing.

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

Innovation District

While there might not be top attractions in Innovation District, you can explore the larger area and discover places like Hippodrome State Theatre and Ben Hill Griffin Stadium.

Innovation District
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, Regal Cinemas Royal Park Stadium 16 and Florida Museum of Natural History are some notable places to visit nearby.

Sugarfoot
Red Roof Inn PLUS+ Gainesville
Red Roof Inn PLUS+ Gainesville
2.5 out of 5
3500 Southwest 42nd St, Gainesville, FL
The price is P3,905 per night from 16 Mar to 17 Mar
P3,905
P4,393 total
includes taxes & fees
Mar 16 - Mar 17
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. ...
7.2/10 Good! (1,033 reviews)
The Great Stay
"Red roof is usually where I book at and the only problem I have with it is finding something decent to watch on tv other than that I’m always grateful for the service and stay… but they can have some breakfast sometimes it would be great not to go to McDonald’s"

Reviewed on Mar 10, 2025

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
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is P4,632 per night from 13 Apr to 14 Apr
P4,632
P5,211 total
includes taxes & fees
Apr 13 - Apr 14
Book a stay at this business-friendly hotel in Gainesville. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (1,546 reviews)
"."

Reviewed on Mar 12, 2025

hom hotel + suites, Trademark Collection by Wyndham
Country Inn & Suites by Radisson, Gainesville, FL
Country Inn & Suites by Radisson, Gainesville, FL
3 out of 5
4015 Sw 43rd St, Gainesville, FL
Fully refundable
The price is P5,168 per night from 13 Apr to 14 Apr
P5,168
P5,814 total
includes taxes & fees
Apr 13 - Apr 14
Stay at this 3-star business-friendly hotel in Gainesville. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (1,264 reviews)
"Love this place friendly staff, clean and safe"

Reviewed on Mar 11, 2025

Country Inn & Suites by Radisson, Gainesville, FL
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.
Vacation Village at Parkway
Vacation Village at Parkway
3 out of 5
2975 Arabian Nights Blvd, Kissimmee, FL
Stay at this 3-star family-friendly condo in Kissimmee. Enjoy free WiFi, 7 outdoor pools, and 7 hot tubs. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (1,723 reviews)
"The unit was very clean and updated. very quiet and close to many dining options and entertainment"

Reviewed on Mar 12, 2025

Vacation Village at Parkway
Lake Buena Vista Resort Village & Spa
Lake Buena Vista Resort Village & Spa
4 out of 5
8113 Resort Village Drive, Orlando, FL
Stay at this 4-star spa condo in Orlando. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and 2 outdoor pools. Our guests praise the pool and the helpful staff in our reviews. ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (8,414 reviews)
"Property was nice and clean, staff was welcoming and friendly. Location was really close to Disney and Universal studios. The only complain would be the people staying next to us were heavily smoking pot what seemed like day and night! Even though our room was a smoke free area. So we avoided letting ..."

Reviewed on Mar 12, 2025

Lake Buena Vista Resort Village & Spa
Margaritaville Resort Orlando Cottages by Rentyl
Margaritaville Resort Orlando Cottages by Rentyl
4 out of 5
8000 Fins Up Circle, Kissimmee, FL
Stay at this 4-star spa aparthotel in Kissimmee. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a full-service spa. Our guests praise the pool and the helpful staff in our ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (1,219 reviews)
"We loved our stay!"

Reviewed on Mar 9, 2025

Margaritaville Resort Orlando Cottages by Rentyl
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

Things to do

Other places like Gainesville