Awesome Things To Do In Gainesville, Florida Beyond Gator Football

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If you’re a fan of America's southern football, you may know Gainesville as home to the University of Florida and the Florida Gators, but there are so many more things to do in Gainesville Florida than just football!

Gainesville is truly one of those must-see places in Florida, a southern university town with a lot of cool things to offer.

Gainesville is fun to explore and a creative and diverse place because of its university setting. This is reflected in everything from the community arts, events, parks, museums, and most especially the food!

There’s a lot going on no matter what your taste, budget, or affinity to football. Whether you’re planning an epic Florida road trip or coming for the big game, stay longer and check out this exciting town.

Where is Gainesville Florida?

Located in the northern part of the Sunshine State, the city of Gainesville has a small town, vintage look about it often seen in southern Georgia and north Florida. Period bungalows and stately Victorian homes sit along quiet streets lined with live oak trees draped with Spanish moss.

Outside of town, there's the natural world of Alachua County with dozens of pristine areas and crystal blue warm springs to explore that are teeming with wildlife and beautiful scenery.

If you’re visiting Orlando, it’s also a great day trip if you tire of thrill rides and long for some peace and quiet.

We think it’s one of the best food cities in the country where you'll find amazing cuisine, hand-crafted beer and spirits, and food truck rallies to help get your feet wet.

So what else is there to see and do in Gainesville and Alachua County? There’s a lot in store.

Getting to Gainesville

FLY

Fly into Gainesville Regional Airport in Alachua County (GNV)

DRIVE

Interstate 75 runs from Michigan's Upper Peninsula south through Florida's west coast, right to Gainesville.

View fullsize The Cade Museum, Gainesville FL View fullsize

Things to do in Gainesville, FL

The Cade Museum

What else would you expect as a posthumous encore inspired by the inventor of Gatorade than a museum that celebrates innovation? The Cade Museum for Creativity and Invention should be your first stop in town.

Built in honor of Dr. Robert Cade, this modern, organic structure made from steel and concrete sits at the edge of Depot Park, and is meant to inspire kids of all ages with classes, history, and labs that foster creativity.

Even the building design is inspiring and mimics the spiral of the "Golden Mean" or Fibonacci sequence.

Bring the Kids to Depot Park

Steps from the Cade Museum is the coolest playground I've ever seen. Seriously, Gainesville's Depot Park is as much fun for you as it is for your kids.

Spend the afternoon running around with your kids and explore the fun structures like big kid-sized trains, jungle gyms, forts, walls, and slides - it's one of the best things to do in Gainesville with kids!

Hoggetowne Medieval Fair

Twice a year, the Alachua County Fairground welcomes the bustling Hoggetowne Medieval Faire, which is fun for the whole family.

You can cheer on jousting knights, wander through the medieval marketplace where hundreds of artisans sell their wares, witness a battle on the living chess board, and feast on food fit for a king.

Though it may not be an authentic Renaissance Faire, the mix of funhouse, Harry Potter, Star Wars, Lord of the Rings, and Game of Thrones is still fun and a hoot to watch!

Sweetwater Wetlands Park

This manmade wetlands habitat not far from town feels like a world away. Stroll more than 3.5 miles of crushed gravel trails and boardwalks and you'll see native bird species, alligators, even Florida cracker horses.

Go on your own or take a ranger-led tour.

Stroll Downtown Gainesville

You could easily spend the better part of a day strolling the historic downtown and taking in the history and architecture in between bites to eat.

There's a lot of interesting and colorful murals throughout town, which could be a self-guided tour all it's own.

Visit 352walls for more info on the Gainesville Urban Art Initiative.

Hippodrome Theater

Take in a show at the Hippodrome Theater when you're in town. The play we saw here may very well be one of the best I've ever seen. Housed inside a former Federal Building,

The Hipp is Gainesville's cultural centerpiece offering live theatre, films, gallery exhibits, classes, and special events over 340 days a year.

Where to Eat and Drink in Gainesville

Swamphead Brewery

The handcrafted beer at this Gainesville brewery is "Inherently Floridian" and brewed in Florida’s only solar powered brewery. I love that sustainability has been key to their mission for over 10 years, and that they source local ingredients.

But what I love even more is their really good beer! Visit the brewery and relax with friends over a pint and a game of foosball.

High Dive Food Truck Rally

Some of the most fun you 'll have in Gainesville, these local food truck rallies combine awesome gourmet food with live music at the High Dive featuring some of the areas best local music. An excellent time!

Check out upcoming events and food truck rallies!

Fish Hawk Spirits

Stop in the tasting room of Fish Hawk Spirits while you're in town to sample their handcrafted infused whiskeys, vodkas, and even an absinthe made from hibiscus at their distillery in Ocala. I loved their Blueberry Vodka!

Best Restaurants in Gainesville

Sachels Gainesville

For yummy pizza, sandwiches, salads, and homemade sodas (try the soda flight and definitely try the Ginger Ale). Satchel's is fun!

The Top Gainesville

Smack dab in the center of the action is The Top, the hip place to eat downtown. Their eclectic menu offers a variety of choices for any palate, from hearty vegetarian dishes and homemade Thai noodles, to mouth-watering burgers and scrumptious desserts.

Loosey's, Gainesville

Loosey's is a local joint that serves simple food and makes it look so easy. Try their Baconator sliders and authentically twice-fried French Fries.

View fullsize Camellia Rose Inn, Gainesville, Florida View fullsize Front porch of the Camellia Rose Inn

Where to Stay in Gainesville, Florida

Camellia Rose Inn

The lovely Camellia Rose Inn is a grand old Victorian home that's been lovingly restored and updated with modern amenities. I loved staying in the Lady Clare room, which was fully accessible and had a huge step-in shower.

The room was spacious, filled with charming antique furniture, and a high bed that was so comfy I would have never noticed if I did fall out of it! The Inn dates to 1903 and is ideally located on a quiet street just a few blocks from the historic downtown.

Oh, and the breakfasts here are to die for!

North AmericaLori SorrentinoDecember 22, 2023Florida, Old Florida, Central Florida, things to do, USA4 Comments Facebook0 LinkedIn0 Reddit Pinterest0 0 Likes Previous

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