Things to do in Gainesville

Activities, attractions and tours

Gainesville featuring interior views
Gainesville featuring interior views
Gainesville which includes night scenes
Gainesville which includes kayaking or canoeing and a river or creek as well as an individual male
Gainesville which includes art, a statue or sculpture and interior views
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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

Explore the campus of University of Florida, a top university in Gainesville. Stroll along the lakeside or attend a sporting event in the area.

University of Florida
At the Gators home opener with 90,000 of my closest friends. A football game at Florida Field is an incredible experience. Energy not to be missed. This is probably one of the greatest stadiums in college football.

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 browsing the exhibits at Florida Museum of Natural History during your travels in Gainesville. You can attend a sporting event while in the area.

Florida Museum of Natural History
2nd Place street with the Hippodrome State Theatre and businesses in downtown Gainesville, Florida, USA

Hippodrome State Theatre

You can enjoy a show at Hippodrome State Theatre during your trip to Gainesville. You can attend a sporting event while in the area.

Hippodrome State Theatre

Shands at the University of Florida

If Shands at the University of Florida is what brings you to town, hopefully you'll have a chance to explore more of Gainesville.

Shands at the University of Florida

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

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

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You can do some window-shopping at Oaks Mall during your visit to Gainesville. You can attend a sporting event while in the area.

Oaks Mall

North Florida Regional Medical Center

If North Florida Regional Medical Center is what brings you to town, hopefully you'll have a chance to explore more of Gainesville.

North Florida Regional Medical Center

Areas of 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 Hippodrome State Theatre and Thomas Center.

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

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
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 Village Center and Haile Plantation Golf and Country Club 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
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 Hippodrome State Theatre.

Duckpond
Drone photo University of Florida Gainesville

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
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 neighbourhoods, University Heights is 2 kilometres away from downtown, while Pleasant Street is 0.64 kilometres away from the centre 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 neighbourhoods, 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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