13+ Best Things To Do in Gainesville, Fl
Gainesville, Florida is known by many as the home of the Florida Gators, the athletes of the University of Florida. Every year, hundreds of thousands of people visit Gainesville to attend a football game at “the Swamp'' (Ben Hill Griffin Stadium), a basketball game at the “O Dome” (O'Connell Center), or any of the other popular athletics events at UF.
While the university is definitely one of the top reasons to visit Gainesville, there are actually tons of other great things to do in Gainesville Fl and the surrounding areas. When I visited Gainesville, I was surprised at how much fun you can have in this small college town! Whether you are in town for a weekend to see the Gators play or a full time student/resident living in Gainesville, we have some great ideas on how to spend your time in Gator land.
The Best and Fun Things To Do in Gainesville
Downtown Gainesville
Just a short drive from the University of Florida campus, you’ll find the downtown area of Gainesville. Here, it’s a great mix of modern restaurants, charming boutiques, and even a little bit of history. While you can simply walk around and enjoy the tree-lined streets, one of the best places to enjoy the outdoors is the new Depot Park!
This well designed area is a perfect blend of urban and nature, with a wildlife conservative focus, natural trails to walk, and a handful of businesses. Pop into the General Store and check out some of the food trucks that frequent the area. While at Depot Park, make sure to stop by the Cade Museum of Creativity.
This museum focuses on innovation and science, and creativity and invention. It is named for the inventor of Gatorade Dr. Robert Cade (a UF professor and physician). Once you’ve explored Depot Park, you can stop by one of the fun breweries and restaurants in downtown Gainesville to relax and enjoy a meal. I always recommend Big Lou’s Pizza when you’re in the area!
Ben Hill Griffin Stadium
The home of the Florida Gators football team, Ben Hill Griffin Stadium is an awesome place to visit. Whether you’re there for a football game, or just stopping by on an off day to explore, the stadium is an amazing building and perfectly represents college football in the South. You can stop by to run the stairs, which is a very popular way to get exercise for locals and visitors alike.
Make sure to see the statues of local sports heroes Steve Spurrier, Danny Wuerffel and Tim Tebow, three Heisman Trophy winning quarterbacks who played for the Gators. The stadium holds over 80,000 people on a big game day, so it’s a sight to see if you get tickets for a game!
Ichetucknee Springs State Park
One of the best natural wonders of Florida are the springs! There are dozens of natural springs all over the state, where many gallons of fresh, clear, cold water comes up from the ground every day. One of the largest and most well known of these is the Ichetucknee Springs, which happens to be one of the best things to do in Gainesville, FL!
The state park is located a short drive from the city, and it’s easily reachable for a day trip if you rent a car (or just have your own!). If you’re visiting in the summer months, when the weather is normally in the 90s or higher, the cool waters of the spring and the river are a welcome escape for both locals and tourists.
There are a number of activities, but arguably the best is go float down the river on large innertubes (inflatable rings) that are rentable at the park.
As you float down the river, you’ll be treated to views of the beautiful trees and have the chance to spot cool animals like deer, wild turkeys, river otters, and even alligators! This is one of the most unique and cool things to do in Gainesville, so if you have the time I highly recommend making a trip to the Ichetucknee springs!
Haile Homestead
For the lovers of history and local culture, look no further than the charming Haile Homestead! This house and land dates back to the 1850s, when the Haile family had a cotton plantation in the Gainesville area. The house is open for public tours on Saturdays and Sundays, so check it out if you get the chance. Make sure to look for the unique “talking walls” which are covered in thousands of handwritten messages from various family members over time.
Bluefield Estate Winery
While wine definitely isn’t something that most people would associate with Florida, visitors who appreciate a good glass of vino will be pleased to hear that there’s actually a small winery located in town! A visit to the Bluefield Estate Winery is one of the best things to do in Gainesville, Florida, and it’s the perfect weekend escape for those in town visiting.
The winery grows several varieties of grapes, as well as other seasonal produce such as blueberries! You can go and pick your own grapes and berries, which the farm then sells by the pound for very reasonable prices. They also offer wine tastings and (of course) bottles of their wine. It’s such an unexpected place to find in Florida, but definitely make sure you go!
Visit Kika Silva Pla Planetarium
The Kika Silva Pla Planetarium is located on the campus of Santa Fe College, a smaller school also found in Gainesville, Florida. The planetarium uses some impressive technology to put on visually stunning shows. It’s open to the public on Fridays and Saturdays, and tickets are sold at the door before shows. There are always fun and entertaining events, showcasing Florida’s natural beauty as well as celebrated music and visuals for bands such as Pink Floyd.
Gainesville Raceway
For fans of the fast and the loud, the Gainesville Raceway will be one of the funnest things to do in Gainesville, FL. This venue features a classic quarter mile drag strip, and hosts National Hot Rod Association circuit events such as the prestigious Gatornationals race. It’s considered one of the fastest tracks in the country, so if you’re in town during an event and you want to see some seriously quick cars, make sure you head over to the Raceway!
Haile Farmers Market
The Haile farmers market is a weekly event that’s been held since 1998. It’s a venue where independent farmers, artisans, and chefs offer everything from fresh produce to stock your kitchen to yummy ready to eat meals. There’s also a plant nursery on site, so you can stop by and pick up your new favorite garden addition!
There are tons of delicious and unique local fruits and vegetables, as well as other staples such as eggs and meat. Almost everything is locally sourced, so it’s the perfect way to support the local economy while having a great time!
Experience Gainesville Festivals & Events
Hoggetowne Medieval Faire: If you’re lucky enough to be visiting Gainesville when the Hoggetowne Medieval Faire is happening, make sure you take a trip to visit! Normally taking place over several weekends, this seriously impressive fair let’s you step back in time and experience life in the medieval ages. You’ll get to see everything from knights in full armor jousting on horseback to the famous living chess board match. There are also tons of vendors selling handcrafted wares and delicious foods.
Visitors can also have the opportunity to try out some fun sports activities such as archery and juggling. If you’re traveling with younger kids, this is something you definitely won’t want to miss!
Hogtown Craft Beer Festival: Craft beer is one of the most diverse and interesting industries, and there’s plenty of it to be found in Florida! Every year, local and regional craft beer breweries join forces to create the Hogtown Craft Beer Festival, one of the highlights on anyone’s list of things to do in Gainesville, Florida.
With the purchase of a ticket, you’ll get to sample dozens of unique beers, meads, and ciders from 30+ small manufacturers in the area. There will also be food options from some of the city's most popular restaurants, so it’s a great way to try a bit of the tastes of Gainesville too!
Downtown Festival and Art Show: The acclaimed Downtown Festival and Art Show is a multi-day event that brings over 200 artists from across the country to show and sell their artwork. The festival is held in the downtown area of Gainesville, where the streets are filled with paintings, sculptures, jewelry, ceramics, and more.
It’s an awesome experience to walk around, meet some of the talented artists, and purchase a piece or two to take home! There’s a huge range of art and items for sale, so you’ll definitely find something that appeals to your personal style.
Santa Fe Spring Arts Festival: If unique handmade artwork and jewelry is right up your alley, make sure to visit the Santa Fe Spring Arts Festival while you’re in town! This yearly celebration of the arts is put on by Santa Fe College, and brings more than 200 artists and vendors as well as tens of thousands of attendees.
Musicians, artists, artisans, chefs, and more all come from around the country to participate in this event, giving visitors an almost unlimited variety of things to see, buy, and do. The Festival has been happening for more than 50 years, and everyone from well known established artists to young up and comers can be found here. It’s a special event that anyone visiting Gainesville, Florida won’t want to miss!
Visit the University of Florida
UF and its sports teams are a huge reason for traveling to Gainesville. During football season in the Fall, it seems like the whole town revolves around the Gators. While I’m not a huge fan of college football, I can’t deny that the festive atmosphere and hype surrounding a big game is truly unique.
While you’re in Gainesville, be sure to also take the time to visit the UF campus when the games aren’t going on. The crowds and the merchandise vendors can be overwhelming and take away from the historic campus itself, which is consistently voted as one of the most beautiful in the nation.
When I had a chance to walk around and see the old red brick buildings, huge oak trees, and picturesque green lawns, I could tell why! There’s a peaceful academic vibe to the campus, but also an unmistakable energy coming from the students and visitors. Walking past the classrooms and libraries made me a bit nostalgic for my own college years at the University of Havana, and I highly recommend getting a feel for the UF campus to bring back your own memories!
Explore Kanapaha Botanical Gardens
One of the hidden treasures of Gainesville is Kanapaha Botanical Gardens. Here you’ll find a great collection of peaceful outdoor spaces, including a cool bamboo forest and a hummingbird garden! Best of all, the gardens are an easy way to visit nature even if you don’t feel like going on a hike (let’s be honest… some days we don’t want to go deep into the forest!).
I saw some adorable hummingbirds and tons of gorgeous butterflies when we visited. It was great to relax in a natural yet curated outdoor space, but I recommend going early in the morning as Gainesville can be HOT during the day!
Visit Florida Museum of Natural History and the Harn Art Museum
Located on the UF campus, the natural history museum is a surprisingly great way to spend an afternoon in Gainesville, especially if it’s a hot summer day and you just want some air conditioning! Some of the highlights for me were the giant mastodon (like a wooly mammoth) skeletons in the entrance hall and the permanent exhibits on one of Florida’s native tribes, the Calusa.
Admission to the main museum is free(!) but I recommend paying the fee to visit the Butterfly Rainforest, an enclosed outdoor space that houses thousands of beautiful and rare butterflies.
Right next door to the natural history museum is the Samuel P. Harn Museum of Art, making it the perfect complement to your museum day. The Harn has a great collection of modern and classic art, featuring everything from emerging Florida artists to a gorgeous Claude Monet painting. For those art lovers, this is definitely one of the most fun things to do in Gainesville!
Relax at Lake Wauberg
One of the best-kept secrets in Gainesville is Lake Wauberg. Owned by the University of Florida, the lake is maintained as a student retreat and has an impressive array of outdoor activities including canoes, kayaks, a rock climbing wall, and even a ropes course. The only downside is that you’ll need a UF Gator1 card to get in, so either go with a student/faculty friend or make a new one while visiting the campus!
Cool Off in the Devil’s Den Spring
When the temperature in Gainesville, Florida reaches its peak in the summer months, you’ll be looking everywhere for a place to cool off! While there aren’t many waterfalls in Florida, there are tons of amazing natural springs to visit and swim in! One of the most unique springs in Florida is the Devil’s Den spring in the Millhopper Geological State Park.
Located just outside of Gainesville (about a 30 minute drive), the Devil’s Den is a unique underground spring that offers visitors an incredible snorkeling and SCUBA diving experience. Snorkeling in Florida is a must-do, so don’t miss the chance to explore this one-of-a-kind attraction.
You can rent all equipment on site and spend an afternoon away from the sun in the cool waters of the shaded spring. This was definitely one of the highlights of my trip to Gainesville!
Gainesville Coffee Shops
One of the best things to do in Gainesville is to relax in a coffee shop while working, journaling or planning a trip. Even while away from home, it’s important for some to keep focused on their goals and stay organized for the upcoming weeks. While others just want to relax and have fun.
Luckily, there are a number of awesome Gainesville coffee shops that offer that and so much more. Here are some of the best ones I found:
CYM Coffee: This cafe offers a great indoor-outdoor experience with a wide range of seating options. You can sit inside at a table to do serious work, or choose a sofa or outdoor seat (I grabbed a seat on the front porch!) depending on the weather. Try the lavender white chocolate latte!
Curia On The Drag: This coffee shop/wine bar has a cool artsy vibe and offers some great coffee options (cafe con leche!) along with a large outdoor space that’s perfect if you have a furry four-legged friend with you. Curia has some of the best coffee Gainesville has to offer!
Pascal’s Coffee House: Right next to the UF campus, Pascals is definitely one of the best places to study in Gainesville. You’ll always find a number of UF students working there, and you can sit by the fireplace on those chilly winter mornings. It’s the perfect spot to sit down after touring the UF campus!
Peach Valley Cafe: One of the best cafes/restaurants to have brunch in Gainesville. The pancakes are a must try!
Best Restaurants in Gainesville
The Gainesville food scene is always improving, and there are a number of great options to try out while you’re here. Check out the list of my favorite places to eat in Gainesville:
Manuel’s Vintage Room: In the middle of downtown Gainesville, Manuel’s Vintage Room is the perfect place for lovers of Italian food and good wine. The restaurant has a fantastic selection of wines, and you’ll easily be able to find the perfect bottle to pair with your favorite pasta. Definitely one of the best downtown Gainesville restaurants!
Flaco’s Cuban Bakery: As a Cuban, I’m always on the lookout for authentic Cuban food wherever I go. Flaco’s Cuban Bakery caught my eye while looking for some late night food In Gainesville, and it turned out to be a great choice! Try the classic Cuban sandwich (of course!).
Leonardo’s 706: A locally beloved Gainesville restaurant, Leonardo’s 706 might have the best breakfast in Gainesville. If you’re looking for a great weekend (or week day!) brunch in Gainesville, Fl, stop by Leonardo’s 706 and try the Fabulous French Toast or unique Cajun Omelette.
The Top: If you’re looking for vegan food in Gainesville, you’re in luck! There’s a large vegetarian community in the city, so there are a number of great vegan restaurants in Gainesville. The Top was my favorite, and is one of the most popular places to eat in Gainesville (expect a wait!). Try the delicious black bean burger, or design your own custom grilled cheese!
Take A Day Trip
There are plenty of interesting and cool places to visit while in Gainesville!
One of the funnest things to do while in the area is going on an airboat tour. The tour will take around some well-known swamplands of Florida in these flat-bottomed boats. The flat-bottoms have a big fan set up on the back that propels the boat over water.
There are several small businesses and large companies offering some amazing tours, which will almost definitely give you the chance to see some alligators in their natural habitat as well as other endemic species of the area.
Morningside Nature Center is a great destination to go on a day trip. The park is located in Gainesville and covers many trails, a living history farm, and many wildflower fields.
There are also plenty of oceanside towns and cities near Gainesville. All of them have a unique appeal and many of them have their own share of history. If you love the ocean and learning about the past, St. Augustine is a great destination all year round.
You can find some really nice beaches and the Castillo de San Marcos (San Marcus fortress) all less than 2 hours from Gainesville.
There are also plenty of things to do for everyone, even if you don’t like the beach. Some things we love to do in St Augustine include taking a tour of the fort, walking down St George St and visiting the Memorial Presbyterian Church (where the famous Henry Flagler is buried).
For a truly cool experience, visit Amelia Island to go horseback riding on the beach. This is one of the most popular things to do in the area, and a super romantic experience to have while watching the sun set at Peters Point Beach Front Park. Definitely worth the drive!
A Few More Tips On Things To Do In Gainesville
Whether you go to Gainesville to visit the University of Florida, to see a Gator game, or just to experience the unique and artistic community, you’ll find plenty of awesome opportunities in the city if you know where to look. As such, I hope this article of the best things to do in Gainesville has made you as excited about exploring the city as I was. As a bonus I’m also sharing some extra tips and recommendations to facilitate your visit to The Sunshine State!
Best Time To Visit
Some say Winter is the best time to visit Gainesville, as weather and the temperatures are mild and very pleasant. The average temperatures are between 75 and 68 F. I think there's no bad time to visit the city, though Spring is my absolute favorite with its flowers and nature blooms.
Fall is the perfect season to celebrate some of Gainesvilles most popular festivals, and check some of the area's hiking trails. Summer is quite hot and humid, but it is perfect for going to the Springs and on a day trip to the beach.
The main UF academic calendar runs from mid-August through May, and these months will be much busier due to the majority of students being in town. This gives the city a livelier vibe, but if you prefer a quieter time I recommend visiting during the summer months or during the UF spring break (normally in March).
Transportation Tips
Although Gainesville has an airport, it is a small regional one. Most visitors flying into the area are better off heading to any larger international airport nearby. The closest airports to Gainesville are: Jacksonville International Airport , Orlando International Airport and Tampa International Airport.
I definitely recommend renting a car, as Gainesville is an hour and a half drive from the Jacksonville International Airport and two hours drive from Orlando International Airport . While in the city you can uber to places but most people drive, especially if you want to partake in some of the outdoor activities like Lake Wauberg or the Devil’s Den spring.
The only place you might have trouble parking is on the UF campus itself, so either arrive early to park in the Reitz Union parking garage or find a spot nearby and walk onto the campus.
Hotel Recommendations
Choosing the right place to stay in Gainesville is important to experiencing the best of the area, so here are some recommendations to help you decide which hotels are best for you!
Hilton University of Florida Conference Center Gainesville
General Travel Tips
Looking to explore other American cities in the south or the northeast after Gainesville, Florida? We have travel guides for for popular destinations in the United States like New Orleans and New York!
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Go Gators!
Besitos from the Sunshine State,
Laura
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