Gainesville Travel Guide

Tourist 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

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University Heights

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

University Heights
Gainesville showing modern architecture

Downtown Gainesville

If you're looking for some top things to see and do in Downtown Gainesville and surrounding area, you can visit Hippodrome State Theatre and Thomas Center.

Downtown Gainesville
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Haile Plantation

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

Haile Plantation
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College Park

If you're looking for some top things to see and do in College Park and surrounding area, you can visit Ben Hill Griffin Stadium and Stephen C. O'Connell Center.

College Park
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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 Hippodrome State Theatre and Thomas Center.

Duckpond
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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 Hippodrome State Theatre and Ben Hill Griffin Stadium.

Innovation District
Hotel Eleo at the University of Florida
Hotel Eleo at the University of Florida
3 out of 5
1514 Southwest 14th Street, Gainesville, FL
The price is Rp2.770.114 per night from 22 Jun to 23 Jun
Rp2.770.114
Rp3.116.379 total
22 Jun - 23 Jun
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3-star business-friendly hotel in Gainesville. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free valet parking and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the restaurant ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (1,229 reviews)
"Modern design. Interesting room lay out. Able to adjust air conditioning to our liking. Very clean."

Reviewed on 17 Jun 2025

Hotel Eleo at the University of Florida
Hotel Indigo Gainesville-Celebration Pointe by IHG
Hotel Indigo Gainesville-Celebration Pointe by IHG
3.5 out of 5
5020 SW 30th Lane, Gainesville, FL
The price is Rp1.629.000 per night from 6 Jul to 7 Jul
Rp1.629.000
Rp1.832.626 total
6 Jul - 7 Jul
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3.5-star business-friendly hotel in Gainesville. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and an outdoor pool. Our guests praise the helpful staff in their ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (1,000 reviews)
"Clean comfortable room, hotel staff was friendly, & even the restaurant food was great. Highly recommend this hotel."

Reviewed on 14 Jun 2025

Hotel Indigo Gainesville-Celebration Pointe by IHG
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 Rp1.273.878 per night from 22 Jun to 23 Jun
Rp1.273.878
Rp1.433.112 total
22 Jun - 23 Jun
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this business-friendly hotel in Gainesville. Enjoy free breakfast, free Wi-Fi and free parking. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (1,643 reviews)
"Lovely room with Kuerig coffee maker in the room. Breakfast was delicious. Staff were friendly."

Reviewed on 16 Jun 2025

hom hotel + suites, Trademark Collection by Wyndham
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.
 Grand Two Bedroom Two Bathroom Apartment with Balcony by The Scholar
Grand Two Bedroom Two Bathroom Apartment with Balcony by The Scholar
4 out of 5
2548 SW 13th St, Gainesville, FL
Stay at this 4-star apartment in Gainesville. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, laundry facilities and balconies or patios. Popular attractions Ben Hill Griffin Stadium and ...
9/10 Wonderful! (2 reviews)
"The unit was located in the perfect are, there was so much to do around within 10 minutes driving distance. The unit was was spacious and comfortable we felt like home."

Reviewed on 20 Apr 2025

Grand Two Bedroom Two Bathroom Apartment with Balcony by The Scholar
Gainesville Home w/ Fire Pit, 4 Mi to UF Campus!
Gainesville Home w/ Fire Pit, 4 Mi to UF Campus!
3 out of 5
Gainesville
Stay at this 3-star cottage in Gainesville. Enjoy free parking and air conditioning. Popular attractions Ben Hill Griffin Stadium and Regal Royal Park are located ...
"Staying here was a lovely experience; the house was clean, and having such a beautiful backyard in a quiet neighborhood was great. Was also in a very convenient area, close to lots of amenities and close to UF. Would absolute recommend this gem of a place."

Reviewed on 20 Aug 2024

Gainesville Home w/ Fire Pit, 4 Mi to UF Campus!
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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