Gainesville Florida - Vacation Guide & Things To Do In Gainesville FL

 

One of the top college towns in the country, Gainesville, located in North Central Florida an hour southwest of Jacksonville, is home to the University of Florida and the Florida Gators. In addition to the excitement of college sports, Gainesville offers outstanding art galleries and cultural centers, abundant outdoor recreation opportunities, plenty of places to shop, and a diverse culinary scene sure to please everyone from foodies to young families.

Can’t-miss attractions include the Florida Museum of Natural History, Harn Museum of Art, and Kanapaha Botanical Gardens. Visitors can find special events going on throughout the year with annual festivals including Downtown Festival & Art Show, Hoggetowne Medieval Faire, Spring Arts Festival, and The Fest. Outside of college sports, the Gainesville area is home to a wide variety of other sporting events and venues, including the Alachua County Agriculture and Equestrian Center and the Gainesville Raceway, “Florida’s home for drag racing.”

From hiking and biking to paddling and watersports, outdoor adventures can take many forms in Gainesville’s parks and preserves, including Newnans Lake State Forest, Sweetwater Wetlands Park, and Palm Point Nature Park. O’Leno State Park and River Rise State Park in High Springs are just a 30-minute drive away, and Paynes Prairie Preserve State Park is a quick 10-minute drive south of Gainesville in Micanopy. Gainesville also offers convenient access to the popular springs of nearby communities, including Gilchrist Blue Springs, Poe Springs, Ginnie Springs, Rum Island Spring and Ichetucknee Springs for tubing, diving, snorkeling, and swimming.

When it comes to dining and shopping, visitors can find just about anything they’re looking for at the more than 150 stores and 2 million square feet of retail and restaurant space of the Neighborhoods of Butler. Celebration Pointe and Tioga Town Center offer a blend of retail establishments, eateries, and entertainment within walkable areas, and national chain retailers can be found among the more than 100 stores of The Oaks Mall.

Plan your trip at Visit Gainesville.

 

FAMILY FUN

Visitors of all ages have plenty to do in Gainesville and the surrounding areas.

• Camps
• Fun around town
• Free family fun
• Programs and classes
• Family-friendly shopping and dining
• More family-friendly activities

MUSEUMS, ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT

See the galleries, visit the museums, and catch a live performance.

• Museums
• Performing arts
• Art galleries
• Entertainment
• Historic sites

SPRINGS AND WATERWAYS

Splash in the springs and paddle the Santa Fe River.

• Springs
• Santa Fe River
• Creeks

OUTDOOR ADVENTURES

Paddle the waterways, hike and bike the trails, and explore the parks of Gainesville and the surrounding communities.

• Biking
• Birding
• Canoeing and kayaking
• Fishing
• Hiking
• Parks

ACCESSIBILITY

Visit Gainesville’s accessible attractions and parks.

• Gainesville-Hawthorne State Trail
• Florida Museum of Natural History
• Kiwanis Challenge Park accessible playground

DINING

Gainesville’s culinary scene features fun bars, laid-back breweries, and diverse restaurants.

• Places to eat
• Homegrown in Alachua County
• Breweries and wineries
• Sippin’ Seven Alachua County Ale Trail
• Vegan and Vegetarian

SHOPPING

Browse antique shops and boutique stores, pick up fresh produce from the markets, and check out the malls and shopping centers.

• Antiques
• Boutiques
• Farmers markets
• Flea markets
• Jewelry
• Malls and shopping centers
• Thrift stores and consignment shops

SPORTS

Catch a Florida Gators football game, find excitement on the Gainesville Raceway, and golf all year long.

• Florida Gators football
• More Florida Gators sports
• Golf
• Pickleball

PET-FRIENDLY ADVENTURES

Four-legged family members are welcome at Gainesville's dog-friendly parks, restaurants, businesses, and hotels.

• Squirrel Ridge Park
• Kiwanis Challenge Park
• Dog-friendly hikes
• Pet-friendly hotels

PLACES TO STAY

Choose from a wide variety of accommodations, including charming bed and breakfasts, chain hotels, vacation rentals, and RV campgrounds.

• Bed and breakfasts
• Hotels, motels, and inns
• Vacation rentals
• RV parks and campgrounds