Things to do in Gainesville

Activities, attractions and tours

Gainesville
Gainesville
Gainesville
Gainesville
Gainesville
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What to do in Gainesville

Popular places to visit

A distant view of The University of Florida in the morning

University of Florida

Take a campus tour or just explore the area around University of Florida, a top college in Gainesville. Stroll along the lakeside or attend a sporting event in the area.

University of Florida
Ben Hill Griffin Stadium

Ben Hill Griffin Stadium

Catch an event at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium during your trip to Gainesville. Stroll along the lakeside or attend a sporting event in the area.

Ben Hill Griffin Stadium
Peleides blue morpho butterfly

Florida Museum of Natural History

You can spend an afternoon exploring the galleries in Florida Museum of Natural History during your trip to Gainesville. You can attend a sporting event while in the area.

Florida Museum of Natural History

Sante Fe College

Explore the campus of Sante Fe College, during your trip to Gainesville. You can attend a sporting event while in the area.

Sante Fe College

Oaks Mall

You can browse for the perfect souvenirs at Oaks Mall during your stay in Gainesville. You can attend a sporting event while in the area.

Oaks Mall

Gainesville Raceway

Catch an event at Gainesville Raceway during your trip to Gainesville. Amble around the area's lakeside or attend a sporting event.

Gainesville Raceway

Kanapaha Botanical Gardens

Explore the great outdoors at Kanapaha Botanical Gardens, a lovely green space in Gainesville. You can attend a sporting event while in the area.

Kanapaha Botanical Gardens

Devil's Milhopper Geological State Park

You can take time to visit Devil's Milhopper Geological State Park during your travels to Gainesville. You can attend a sporting event while in the area.

Devil's Milhopper Geological State Park

Stephen C. O'Connell Center

Catch an event at Stephen C. O'Connell Center during your trip to Gainesville. Attend a sporting event or simply enjoy the top-notch restaurants while you're in the area.

Stephen C. O'Connell Center

Where to stay in Gainesville

Find the best Gainesville areas and neighborhoods for the activities you enjoy most. Learn more about Gainesville
Learn more about Gainesville
Gainesville, Florida, USA Skyline

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.

Closeup of alligator back lying inside marsh swamp in Paynes Prairie Preserve State Park in Gainesville, Florida in sunlight

University Heights

While University Heights isn't home to many top sights, Ben Hill Griffin Stadium and Cade Museum for Creativity and Invention are some notable places to visit nearby.

Photo of Lake Alice and a portion of the Baughman Center on the campus of the University of Florida in Gainesville

Duckpond

If you're looking for some top things to see and do in Duckpond and surrounding area, you can visit Thomas Center and Ben Hill Griffin Stadium.

College Park

While College Park isn't home to many top sights, Ben Hill Griffin Stadium and Stephen C. O'Connell Center are some notable places to visit nearby.

Southern live oak tree branches with sunburst through hanging Spanish moss in Paynes Prairie Preserve State Park in Florida and sunlight in background

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.

Early Winter Morning at Ginnie Springs on the Santa Fe River, Florida

Waldo

Frequently asked questions

Is Gainesville worth visiting?
Renowned for its golfing and walking trails, finding fun things to do in Gainesville is a cinch. Make sure to add Florida Museum of Natural History to your itinerary when here.
How do I spend a day in Gainesville?
Florida Museum of Natural History and University of Florida Bat Houses are two excellent places to start your adventures. Be sure to explore the shopping and dining options in Gainesville while you're in town too.
What is the top tourist attraction in Gainesville?
Florida Museum of Natural History is one of the top tourist attractions in Gainesville and should feature high on every to-do list of the area.
Is three days enough to stay in Gainesville?
Three days in Gainesville is more than enough to visit the city's major attractions. Many guests stay for two days on average. Florida Museum of Natural History, University of Florida Bat Houses and Samuel P. Harn Museum of Art are among the most popular sights. Want to discover more? Stick around a while longer to visit nearby hotspots like Alachua.
Is Gainesville a walkable city?
That comes down to what you'd like to see and do in Gainesville. Several sights, like Florida Museum of Natural History and University of Florida Bat Houses, are reachable on foot. If you're up for a stroll around some of Gainesville's neighborhoods, University Heights is 2 kilometers away from downtown, while Pleasant Street is 0.64 kilometers away from the center and also within walking distance.
What are some activities to do in Gainesville with kids?
If you are after attractions and activities for all ages, have a look at these excellent ideas for what to do in Gainesville with kids.
What to do in Gainesville for adults?
Micanopy Cemetery is one of the top things to do in Gainesville. With lots of activities available, there's something here for everyone.
Are there free things to do in Gainesville?
One of the easiest ways to learn about free things to do in Gainesville is to speak with a local tour guide. You'll get insider views on vibrant neighborhoods, parks and other top attractions you can visit without reaching into your pocket. Florida Museum of Natural History is one spot that doesn't have an admission fee.

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