For most people all they know of the area of Gainesville is that it is home to the University of Florida. However, as you take a deep dive into this souther travel destination, you will see there is more than meets the eye!
The area holds a rich history from early hunter-gathering tribes as well as a rich natural wonderland just waiting to be explored.
The area is perfect for nature lovers looking to get away and still have an exciting vacation.
For those of you looking to have fun outside of the natural woodlands, Gainesville holds the distinction of being an active college town with an abundence of activities and destinations.
There are a number of museums, shops, restaurants, nightclubs, and local breweries. If you are looking for a city to let loose and have fun, Gainesville is perfect.
However, we understand how overwhelming it can be to find the best attractions and destiantions. We have a few tips and hacks we are going to share about exploring Gainesville that will ensure you have an absolutely great time!
Best Things To Do While Vacationing In Gainesville
34th Street Wall
The 34th Street Wall is something you are only going to find in Gainesville and it is going to knock your socks off. This is an impressive wall stretching 1,120 feet with just about every square inch covered in graffiti.
The structure was built several decades ago in order to prevent erosion on a nearby golf course.
The wall was originally the pride of the area and any graffiti would be covered up with a fresh coat of pain as soon as possible.
However, area artists would not give up using the wall as a unique canvas.
Over time they began to add various messages, drawing, prayers and words. They also painted beautiful tributes to those lost to local murders. A number of celebrities posed with the wall for a number of awareness campaigns.
There are laws in Gainesville that make the practice of graffiti illegal, however, no one enforces the law on the 34th Street Wall. It is now considered a unique part of Gainesville that brings in a number of tourists.
There is paint on the wall that is an outstanding 250 layers thick and it continues to stack.
Florida is one of those states that is known for its odd and unique roadside attraction and the 34th Street wall is a welcome addition to that list
Ben Hill Griffin Stadium
Many of the locals call this stadium “The Swamp”, and it is one of the largest you are going to find in the state of Florida.
It has the ability to hold over 90.000 people and holds a number of events throughout the area including concerts, games, and pep rallies.
The stadium is perhaps best known as being the location of the annual Gator Bowl, the massive homecoming event for the University of Florida during the football season.
During this time of the year, people come from all over the state to enjoy a variety of comedy performances and televised programs.
Various celebrity guests will arrive on the scene to help whip the crowd into an absolute fever for the football season.
Of course, there are a number of events throughout the year that are not a famous as the football season.
There are numerous high school and college bowls that occur at the stadium. There was a time when concerts we rather popular, but the turf has made them difficult to promote.
If you love your football, you will not want to miss a day at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium.
If you should happen to visit during the off-season, there is still a chance there will be something happening in this huge stadium.
Address: 157 Gale Lemerand Dr, Gainesville, FL 32611, USA
Bluefield Estate Winery
Just out of the Gainesville area, you will find the Bluefield Estate Winery, a family-run business that began in their kitchen.
The whole operation started when the couple began to experiment with some local grapes and blueberries and found that they had a knack for making some truly great wine.
From this point on the Bluefield Estate Winery was moving onto bigger things.
Today, the Bluefield Estate Winery is a popular destination that is just off the beaten path a hop and skip from the Gainesville area.
This is not a fancy, suit and tie type of place either.
Feel free to walk the vineyards and take in the rows of grapes and blueberries and relax among the gorgeous scenary.
When it is time to harvest, you are free to pick your own berries and have a custom made wine created.
If you want a unique Gainesville experience, consider an afternoon at the Bluefield Estate Winery.
This is a great detour on the typical destination and you will leave with one of hte best local wines you have ever had.
Address: 22 Co Rd 234, Gainesville, FL 32641, USA
Cade Museum Of Creativity And Innovation
Cade Museum was founded by a real-life inventor and is one of the best places in Florida for young inventors to visit for inspiration.
The museum is filled with a number of unique exhibits and interactive stations that allow visitors to get their hands dirty with preserved snakes to machinery.
It is quite possible for you and your family to get lost through the hallways of exhibits, but there are more than enough helping hands to help you find your way to the next awesome exhibit.
If you plan on being in the Gainesville area for a week or more, you may want to consider the museum’s weekend workshops for the family.
They host a number of various classes in which the children get the opportunity to make slime,
The Cade Museum for Creativity and Invention is a fun and innovative stop while in Gainesville and is sure to get young minds considering options they never had.
It is well worth the price of admission.
Address: 811 S Main St, Gainesville, FL 32601, USA
Carson Springs Wildlife Conservation Foundation
If you are looking for a fun day trip just outside of Gainesville, Carson Springs Wildlife Conservation Foundation is a great area to get off the beaten path of paved roads and traffic.
The area was founded by two animal lovers, the area is a haven for animals with over 25 exotic species found here.
Throughout the park, you can come face to face with giraffes, lemurs, pumas, cheetahs, hyenas, and tortoises.
The animals in this park are treated like royalty while visitors can gain close access and watch a variety of feeding exhibits.
There are a number of friendly cats here that will walk right up to the fence and stretch and sit for a spell and shoot the breeze with you.
Sadly, Carson Springs Wildlife Conservation Foundation is not open for the general public all of the time.
In order to visit, you will need to schedule a tour in advance. However, it is well worth it! I can see a better way of spending an afternoon than with Henry the rhino and Leo the lion.
Address: 8528 E, County Rd 225, Gainesville, FL 32609, United States
Depot Park
Depot Park is one of the most happening spots in Gainesville and is open from dawn to dusk.
This is a great area for the kids to get out and stretch their legs on a wide variety of playground equipment. Adults will love the life-size chess set or simply relaxing in the pavilion.
If the Florida weather get a bit too hot, take a splash in the “blue grotto” under the cool waterfall and water jets.
If playing in the sun starts to get tiresome, why not retreat to one of the many shaded recreational areas and read a book under one of the old oak trees.
If your planning is right on the mark, you may be able to catch one of the many special events at Depot Park.
They have a number of events year round including live bands and fireworks, it is just a matter of watching their schedule and scheduling your vacation at an appropriate time.
Additionally, this is another one of those budget-friendly vacation destinations in the Gainesville area.
This is another great free destination in the Gainesville area, all you need is a few dollars for snacks in the park.
Address: 874 SE 4 St, Gainesville, FL 32601, USA
Devil’s Millhopper Geological State Park
When was the last time you got an itch to explore a gigantic sinkhole? OK, more than ,ikely you never had that feeling, but here is your chance!
Devil’s Millhopper Geological State Park is one of the only parks that yuou will find that is located within a genuine sinkhole!
The hole is huge, spanning 500 feet wide and 120 feet deep, it allows visitors to decend to the very bottom through a series of boardwalks and steps onto a grand observation deck.
There are a number of reasons why this sinkhole is such a marvel of nature. While it is filled with water and limestone, it also contains a number of v arious ecosystems within it.
Within the sinkhole, you will find a sand hill, forest, and swanp that have all developed independently due to their specific amount of water and sunlight they have received
You may have heard that Florida is considered to be the end of the world, however, taking a journey into this sinkhole may make you think differently!
Keep in mind that the sinkhole received its name from the fact that there are so many animal bones scattered throughout the bottom. Many have said this is their final destination before entering into the depths of hell….now that is a cherry thought!
Are you able to follow them to the center of the earth?
Address: 4732 Millhopper Rd, Gainesville, FL 32653, USA
Downtown Gainesville
Gainesville is one of those areas that always has something fun and interesting going on.
You can check out one of the many shopping centers in the area or hang out at an old-fashioned movie theater if you like for the weekend.
There is nothing quite like walking the streets of Gainesville during an early morning as the sun just begins to kiss the sidewalk.
There is nothing quite like a fresh and juicy hamburger from the Paramount Gril or perhaps some fresh seafood at the Dragonfly Sushi & Sake Company.
If you are staying somewhere with your own kitchen, be sure to stop in the Union Street Farmer’s market for fresh wholesome goodness.
If you have the urge to shop, you are in luck! The area features a host of unique and local bakeries, bookshops, cafes, and other treasures!
For a great evening, downtown Gainesville truly comes alive.
Throughout the week, there are unique shows at the Hippodrome Theater, and the Swamphead Brewery serves some of the coldest beer in town from their signature thick-bottom mugs.
If you want to go somewhere off the beaten path in Gainesville, try Rockey’s Dueling Piano Bar, with weekly pianist competitions and an all around great time!
It is quite easy to get lost in all of the activities in the downtown Gainesville area. Just remember there is a host of other activities throughout the rest of the city.
However, to get your vacation rocking in the right way, Gainesville is an excellent starting location.
Florida Museum Of Natural History
Quite possibly one of the most popular destinations in the Gainesville area is the Floirda Museum of Natural History
This is huge complex that offers everything from life-size skeletons of dinosaurs to majestic rainforests filled with colorful butterflys. In fact, this is one of those destinations that truly holds something for everyone to enjoy.
If you are a fossil hunter, you will want to explore the many displays filled with the ancient remains of animals long gone from the planet.
For history buff, there are a number of preserved artifacts dating the incredible past of Florida’s indigenous tribes.
For nature buffs, the museum has done an incredible job of creating a wide variety of natural ecosystems throughout that allow you to explore your world..
For children, there are a number of “Discovery Zones” that will allow children to enjoy a number of fun and education activities and games. The nearby information stations will help parents understand fun facts about the various zones and help to strike up educational conversations.
And believe it or not, this entire experience is free for all. There are just a number of exhibits that a ticket will need to be purchased.
Hoever, everything else within the great Florida Museum of Natural History is offered at no charge, making this one of the best free destinations in Gainesville!
If you are visiting Gainesville on a budget, this is a great place to visit!
Address: 3215 Hull Rd, Gainesville, FL 32611, USA
Gainesville Raceway
Does the sound of squealing brakes and the scent of gasoline make you want to stand up and cheer?
If so, you need to set the GPS to the Gainesville Raceway, Florida’s best dragstrip that allows for both professionals and amateurs to engage in high octane races.
In addition, they also offer weekly and monthly races for us normal folk who do not have legions of fans and sponsorships from race tire manufacturers.
One of the best things about the Gainesville Racetrack is anyone with a fast enough car and nerves of steel can make a name for themselves in the local race track circuit.
This is not a destiantion that is designed for the faint of heart. In fact, it is really not the best place to visit with small children or individuals who are not fond of loud noise. Becasue I will tell you that this race track is deafening!
However, if you are a thrillseeker, there are few better place than the Gainesville Raceway to catch your need for speed. This is the fast and the furious right here in Florida!
Address: 11211 N, N County Road 225, Gainesville, FL 32609, United States
Historic Haile Homestead
This area is also known as the Haile Plantation House and was built in the 1850’s for an area white family and their slaves.
As you look at it from the outside, it tends to look like any other older Florida home. However, as you step inside, the walls begin to tell a different story.
And we are talking in the literal sense.
For reasons unknow, the Haile family began to write on the walls.
There are an estimated 12,500 words writen throughout the home.
There are signatures, stories, blessings, lists, Bible verses, and just general thoughts. As you wander the home, you will even find drawings throughout the home.
One of the more interesting tidbits about the walls that talk is the fact that they also document the lives of the slaves that the family owned.
This first person history of the home is what takes it from being another oddball roadside oddity to an extraordinary historical document.
The area has been recognized by the United States National Register of Historic Places for its significance to local history.
However, it should be noted that the Haile Homestead is not the best Gainesville destination for everyone. It is a stark and bleak reminder that slavery exhisted in Florida.
However, if you are a history buff or you just want to connect to the past, this talking plantation house is an excellent stop.
Address: 8500 SW Archer Rd, Gainesville, FL 32608, USA
Ichetucknee Springs State Park
Unlike many other Florida destinations, Gainesville does not have gorgeous white sand beaches
With that being said, do not think that new bathing suit is going to have to stay tucked in the bottom of your suitcase! If you are looking to make a splash, you need to visit Ichetucknee Springs State Park.
The area is well-known for offering visitors gorgeous crystal clear waters that are perfect for a fun water filled weekend.
Take the day and enjoy snorkeling, swimming, or scuba diving. Or if you prefer hop on board a kayak, canoe, or tube and explore your world!
Of course, there is more than just water activities to enjoy at the park. One of the most popular activities is the Great Florida Birding Trails which traverses a great part of the park.
It is a great excursion to enjoy the natural wonders of Florida.
Address: 12087 SW U.S. Highway 27 Fort White FL 32038, USA
Kanapaha Botanical Gardens
If you have had enough of the city life during your vacation, now might be the time to check out Kanapaha Botanical Gardens.
This is a perfect area to get away from the hustle and bustle of a busy Gainesville vacation and enjoy a little bit of serenity during your vacation.
Kanapaha Botanical Gardens is a actually a collection of a number of different gardens.
They have butterfly gardens, rock gardens, bamboo gardens and of course, rose gardens. There is a wonderful arboretum and a field offlowers that just seems to go on for as long as the eye can see.
For the adventurous toddler, there are gigantic lily pads available for rides down a gentle flowing brook.
One of the special things about Kanapaha Botanical Gardens is their annual calender of special events.
The month of March features the Spring garden Festival, while May brings the Moonlight Walk when the gardens come alive at night with lanterns and lights.
These special events make a visit to the Kanapaha Botanical Gardens spectacular and should not be missed if possible.
Address: 4700 SW 58th Dr, Gainesville, FL 32608, USA
Kika Silva Pla Planetarium
Found upon the gorgeous campus of Santa Fe College, the Kika Silva Pla Planetarium is prepared to take you on a journey to the stars.
While they offer some extraordinary regular star shows, they can take you anywhere without having to lave your seat, plus they use a variety of lasers and music
Once such show is an incredible roller coaster road through the inner sanctums of space on the SpacePark Show.
Our listen to rock classics from Pink Floyd and Led Zepplin as you charge your way through the galaxy in the Music 360 show.
You do not even need a degree or love of astronomy to enjoy the Kika Silva Pla Planetarium.
In fact, a number of families and kids simply visit to sit back and relax on a journey far from home.
If you have never experienced a show at a planeterium, you need to let yourself float away with the stars.
Address: X-129, 3000 NW 83 St, Gainesville, FL 32606, USA
Lake Alice
Lake Alice is not as well known as some other historical sites that are found throughout Florida.
This was called home to members of the Alachua culture around 1000 A.D., and it is believed that they created a number of burial sites nearby.
While times have changed quite a bit from then and now, the area is still a quiet place to relax. Additionally, this is one of the most gorgeous locations in Florida, if not the United States.
Sadly, swimming in the lake is a forbiden activity, however, you are more than welcome to observe the large amount of wildlife and natural beauty.
There are a number of viewing decks and walking trails available throughout the park that will bring you closer to nature.
There are a number of attraction that can be visited for an additional fee.
One of the most beautiful chapels in the area is the Baughman Center, featuring cypress wood and floor to ceiling windows that reflect the beauty of the lake. This is truly a perfect setting for prayer and meditation while in Gainesville.
Additionally, there is the Bat House and Barn that allows visitors the opportunity to watch more than 300,000 bats swoop in and out of their home as the sun sets on the area.
Florida is an exciting vacation destination, but you need to rmember to slow things down and rest as well. This is the perfect area to rest and allow your batteries the opportunity to recharge while taking in the natural beauty.
An afternoon at Lake Alice is the perfect stop during an often hectic and exciting Florida vacation.
Lubee Bat Conservancy
Let’s be honest for a moment, bats are not considered to be one of the cutest or must cuddly animals in the world. In fact, they are generally hated and misunderstood. However, the Lubee bat Conservancy is trying to change the world’s view on bats on person at a time.
Located dead center in Gainesville, the Lubee bat Conservancy is home to a number of species of bats including several that are endangered.
The overall goal of the Conservancy is to help educate the general public on these often misunderstood creatures as well as care for ones that need to be rehabilitated.
Do keep in mind that you will need to schedule an appointment beforehand if you plan to visit the Lubee Bat Conservancy.
It may seem like a bit of work to see some bats. But I promise you, it is well worth the trouble of making an appointment. You will get a private tour, the opportunity to feed, and have the best observations possible.
What I am about to tell you may seem hard to beleive. But there are bats on the property that have been trained to paint. You just might get lucky and be able to leave with your own original bat painting!
How many of your friends have a painting by a bat? That alone is more than enough of a reason to visit Gainesville!
Address: 1309 NW 192nd Ave, Gainesville, FL 32609, US
Morningside Nature Center Of Florida
Are you ready to take a step back in time at the Morningside Nature Center Of Florida?
The area features 400 acres of gorgeous trails and picnic areas and a 19th century hiving history farm.
The farm features a barn, one-room schoolhouse and cabin surrounded by fields of cotton, sugarcane, and corn.
All of the farm chores are still done by hand and the area has remained authentic to the time when the original owners lived here and farmed the land.
Visitors have the opportunity to try on period style clothing, take part in farm chores, or simply take a tour of the property.
There is no fee for entry, however, they will gladly accept donation of fruits and vegetables for the farm animals.
If you have ever wanted to live as a pioneer in the state of Florida, take your opportunity at Morningside Nature Center Of Florida.
Address: 3540 E University Ave, Gainesville, FL 32641, USA
The Oaks Mall
While this is most cetainley not the largest mall you are going to find in Florida, it is one of the biggest in the Gainesville area and it is a great place to relax and do some shopping for yourself and loved ones.
They have a wide variety of stores, from your high-end shops to local vendors offering things you would not find anywhere but in Gainesville.
As you stroll from shop to shop you will come across bookstores, candy shops, jewelers, and cute fashion boutiques.
The shopping center is all on a single floor and large maps will help you find your way around.
Of course, there is a large food court and area playground for the little one. We all know Florida is famous for alligators, and if you walk the right corridor in the center, you might come across a life-sized alligator statue.
The Oaks is not one of the super-sized shopping centers that are far too easy to get lost in, but it is a nice area for a quick evening shopping trip.
Additionally, it is a great location to run to if you happened to forget that bathing suit or last minute gift for the lady who picked up your mail while you were on vacation!
Address: 6419 W Newberry Rd, Gainesville, FL 32605, USA
Samuel P. Harn Museum Of Art
The Samuel P. Harn Museum Of Art in Gainesville is also known as “the Harn” to many locals.
It features an outstanding 10,000 works of art and it is completely free to enjoy.
You can take a tour through the museum and enjoy a vast number of galleries that include contemporary and traditional art.
There are a number of pieces that are on loan to the museum that move about Florida and several that belong exclusively to the Harn.
Once you have enjoyed the gorgeous pieces of art take the time to walk the grounds and gardens for full appreciation of the harn.
Before you leave for the evening, take a walk through the gift shop or gran a quick bite to eat at the on-site cafe.
There is a reason you will always see the Harn at the top of the list of best Gainesville destinations.
We hope that these few tips will help you have a fun and memorable vacation in Gainesville!
Some of these destinations are great for a rainy afternoon, while some will require that you plan your vacation carefully to enjoy a special event in Gainesville.
If you are searching for an area in Florida that is going to deliver a great weekend or week-long vacation, Gainesville is the number one destination in Florida.
There are few places in Florida that are able to offer so much beauty and history for free.
Address: 3259 Hull Rd, Gainesville, FL 32611, USA
Sweetwater Wetlands Park
There are many parks and wildlife reserves scattered throughout Florida, however, Sweetwater Wetlands Park has set itself apart by filling the area with wildlife that can be only found in Gainesville.
aybe your vacation just would not be complete without an alligator stalking some prey. Or perhaps you just have to get the perfect shot of a rare marsh flower.
Sweetwater Wetlands Park prides itself on remaining an untouched treasure in Florida, that you must adhere to several strict rules before you even enter the park.
The park prefers that dogs are not brought into the park due the abundence of wildlife and vehicles are not allowed on the trails.
Simply put, bring your camera and prepare for a relaxing and beautiful day!
Address: 325 SW Williston Rd, Gainesville, FL 32601, USA
West University Avenue
West University Avenue might not be considered a true vacation destination by travel enthusiasts, but there is always something going on.
It is packed to the brim with a wide variety of shops, clubs, bars, movie theaters and if you are so inclined, gyms. It is a vibrant and energetic part of the city.
This is also perhaps one of the best areas of Gainesville for a night out on the town. If you love to light up the night with drinks and dancing, West University Ave, is the place to be.
In addition, this is a great jump-off location to explore some of the other local Florida attractions in the area.
You can head to the museums to the south or the nature reserves which are situated in the north from this central location.