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 Ben Hill Griffin Stadium and Hippodrome State Theatre are two attractions nearby that you can check out.

University Heights
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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
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 Thomas Center and Hippodrome State Theatre.

Downtown Gainesville
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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 Stephen C. O'Connell Center.

Innovation District
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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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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
DoubleTree by Hilton Gainesville

DoubleTree by Hilton Gainesville

4 out of 5
3726 Sw 40th Blvd, Gainesville, FL
The price is AU$151 per night from 21 Aug to 22 Aug
AU$151
21 Aug - 22 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star hotel in Gainesville. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms in ...
7.6/10 Good! (1,001 reviews)
"Rooms were clean & beds so comfortable! Staff all so friendly, I would definitely stay here again. Good chocolate cookies!"

Reviewed on 1 Aug. 2025

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
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! (1,706 reviews)
"Staff were all wonderful. Anything we needed they got on right away."

Reviewed on 2 Aug. 2025

hom hotel + suites, Trademark Collection by Wyndham
Hyatt Place Gainesville Downtown

Hyatt Place Gainesville Downtown

3 out of 5
212 SE 1ST STREET,, Gainesville, FL
The price is AU$197 per night from 24 Aug to 25 Aug
AU$197
24 Aug - 25 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3-star business-friendly hotel in Gainesville. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and room service. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful ...
9/10 Wonderful! (1,035 reviews)
"This hotel is awesome. From the moment you step in the hotel to when you exit. Everyone is courteous , all the hotel is super clean and the vibe is above extraordinary. The breakfast is abundant and delicious. I highly recommend it. It won’t disappoint you."

Reviewed on 5 Aug. 2025

Hyatt Place Gainesville Downtown
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.
CHOMP HOUSE - 0.8m to Stadium, Pool, Sleeps 16, Mini Golf, Huge TV

CHOMP HOUSE - 0.8m to Stadium, Pool, Sleeps 16, Mini Golf, Huge TV

Gainesville
Stay at this vacation home in Gainesville. Enjoy private pools, a garden, and laundry facilities. Popular attractions Ben Hill Griffin Stadium and Stephen C. ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (10 reviews)
Nice relaxing Visit to Gainesville
"Nice location and quiet neighborhood. Property manager has great communication and was quick to respond to questions"

Reviewed on 22 Jun. 2025

CHOMP HOUSE - 0.8m to Stadium, Pool, Sleeps 16, Mini Golf, Huge TV
Cozy, Comfortable, & Convenient

Cozy, Comfortable, & Convenient

Gainesville
Stay at this apartment in Gainesville. Enjoy free WiFi, a garden, and laundry facilities. Popular attractions Ben Hill Griffin Stadium and Tower Road Library ...
Convenient to our event
"Property was clean. Smelled good. Very convenient to our plans."

Reviewed on 24 Nov. 2024

Cozy, Comfortable, & Convenient
 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 WiFi, laundry facilities, and balconies or patios. Popular attractions Ben Hill Griffin Stadium and ...
7.6/10 Good! (5 reviews)
"We stayed for 3 days and the condo was super nice, when arrived the first thing we noticed was how clean the place was. Someone had taken our parking space but the owner or person in charged helped us even though it was super late. The response was fast and efficient. The condo was super cold so ..."

Reviewed on 12 Jul. 2025

Grand Two Bedroom Two Bathroom Apartment with Balcony by The Scholar
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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