Gainesville has a long account extending back thousands of years to the hunter-gatherer era.
Visitors come and enjoy many of its wild forests and wetlands.
Many things to do in Gainesville are a true refuge for nature lovers looking to stay away.
There is another side to Gainesville. It is a vibrant college town with lots to see and do for busy visitors.
There are stores, restaurants, malls, museums, nightclubs, and breweries. If you enjoy letting loose, you will have plenty of chances.
Rundown of the 13 best things to do in Gainesville
If you’re wondering how to plan a trip to one of Florida’s most exciting places, here are a few things to do in Gainesville.
1. Devils Millhopper Geological State Park
Devil’s Millhopper Geological State Park is Florida’s only park within a sinkhole.
It is more than 120 feet deep and 500 feet wide, and tourists can descend to the bottom via twisting wooden stairs and boardwalks that lead to an observation deck.
There are various reasons why the sinkhole is a natural wonder. It is not only filled with water and limestone, but it is also large enough to house three unique ecosystems.
A swamp, a forest, and a sand hill are independent due to their different exposure to rain and sun.
Many people joke about Florida being the end of the world, but visiting Devil’s Millhopper Geological State Park may make you feel you’re witnessing doomsday.
Address:4732 Millhopper Rd, Gainesville, FL 32653, United States
Phone:+13529552008
2.Florida Museum of Natural History
The Florida Museum of Natural History is one of the things to do in Gainesville.
It’s a massive, expansive complex with everything from life-sized dinosaur bones to living butterfly jungles, and there’s something for everyone regardless of age, gender, or interests.
If you enjoy fossils, there are numerous exhibitions. You can view ancient animal remains.
If you enjoy history, you will find meticulously preserved artifacts from Florida’s indigenous cultures.
If you enjoy nature, you can explore leafy halls and submerged domes that resemble real-life caverns, cliffs, rivers, bogs, and waterfalls.
Address: 3215 Hull Rd, Gainesville, FL 32611, United States
Phone:+13528462000
3. Gainesville Raceway
Gainesville Raceway is most known for hosting the NHRA GatorNationals, an annual drag racing event that attracts over 135,000 spectators to watch their favorite drivers compete head-to-head.
However, it also offers weekly and monthly races for those without large sponsorships or passionate supporters.
The great thing about Gainesville Raceway is that anyone can build a name for themselves with a fast car and enough nerve.
It is not for the faint of heart. If you’re traveling with little children or anyone easily startled by loud noises.
There isn’t much better than the Gainesville Raceway. It’s life or death on the Florida strip!
Address: 11211 N County Road 225, Gainesville, FL 32609, United States
Phone: +13523770046
4.Downtown Gainesville
There is always something to do in downtown Gainesville.
From old-fashioned movie theatres to cutting-edge shopping malls, you could spend an entire weekend exploring its offerings and still not see everything.
If you prefer eating out, try a burger at the Paramount Grill or a seafood plate at Dragonfly Sushi & Sake Company.
If you enjoy cooking your meals, visit the Union Street Farmer’s Market to get fresh produce.
Is money burning a hole in your pocket? Explore the central plaza’s businesses, cafés, booksellers, bakers, and souvenir shops.
Things to do in Gainesville become even more vibrant after night.
Address: 1000 N Surf Rd, Hollywood, FL 33019, United States
Phone: +19549226020
5. Ichetucknee Springs State Park
Gainesville is a landlocked city, so you can’t visit a local beach as you can in other Florida holiday destinations.
Gainesville is not completely dry. A visit to Ichetucknee Springs State Park will be pretty exciting!
The Ichetucknee River, known for its dazzlingly blue waters, offers a wide range of outdoor activities for a weekend escape.
You can have fun away from the water as well. The Great Florida Birding Trail winds through much of the park, and numerous hiking and picnic areas are there. It’s an excellent location for nature and wildlife viewing.
Address:12087 Southwest, US-27, Fort White, FL 32038, United States
Phone: +13864974690
6.The Oaks Mall
Oaks Mall is one of Gainesville’s main retail centers, and it’s a fantastic spot to pick up some souvenirs before leaving the city.
It has a good mix of high-end merchants and low-cost vendor stalls, so you should have no trouble finding something that fits your budget.
Fashion boutiques, jewelry stores, charming small bookstores, and sweets shops are there.
Everything is on a single floor, with maps printed to assist weekend tourists.
The mall also includes a food court and a small play area for children. You may even come across the life-sized alligator statue.
Address:6419 W Newberry Rd, Gainesville, FL 32605, United States
Phone:+13523310040
7.Alice Lake
It is one of the lesser-known things to do in Gainesville.
Around 1000 AD, it was home to members of the Alachua culture, with nearby burial mounds.
Times have changed, but Lake Alice remains a peaceful and respectful environment. It is also one of the most picturesque locations in the United States.
While you cannot swim in the water, you may watch all the birds, turtles, possums, and alligators that slink along the coast.
Numerous walking routes and viewing decks gain a better perspective.
You can also explore a few sights near the shore.
The Baughman Centre is a lovely chapel made of cypress wood with floor-to-ceiling windows that reflect the lake’s light, and many visitors venture inside for solitary prayer or meditation.
Address: Gainesville, FL, USA
Phone: Not Available
8.Ben Hill Gryphon Stadium
Ben Hill Gryphon Stadium is one of the things to do in Gainesville.
It can seat about 90,000 people and has hosted many events, including games, concerts, ceremonies, championships, and pep rallies.
The Ben Hill Gryphon Stadium is likely best known for its yearly Gator Growl, a massive homecoming celebration for the University of Florida every football season.
People travel around the state to see everything from broadcast skits to live comedy shows.
Celebrity guests frequently make appearances, and it’s a great time that gets people excited about football.
Of course, there are other, less well-known attractions at the stadium.
High school and college bowl games are within its borders. Concerts’ concern over the turf has made them increasingly rare.
Address:157 Gale Lemerand Dr, Gainesville, FL 32611, United States
Phone:+13523754683
9. Sweetwater Wetlands Park
Many parks and reserves are in Florida, but Sweetwater Wetlands Park stands out because it is a wetland region with plants and creatures that cannot be elsewhere in Gainesville.
Have you ever longed to see an alligator snap at a wood stork? Would you like to fill your scrapbook with photos of rare marsh blooms and seeds?
Sweetwater Wetlands Park is so undisturbed that visitors must obey tight procedures.
No cars can get onto the trails, and dogs are not here due to the wildness of birds, snakes, and gators.
Address: 325 SW Williston Rd, Gainesville, FL 32601, United States
Phone:+13525545871
10. Depot Park
Depot Park is one of Gainesville’s most lively attractions.
The playground equipment allows children to run, jump, climb, and slide. Adults can eat in the pavilion or play chess on the lawn.
When you become heated, go to the “blue grotto” to splash around in a small waterfall with water cannons and jets.
When you become tired, escape to one of the shaded recreational spaces and have an afternoon snooze beneath an oak tree.
If you plan it correctly, you might even catch a special event in Depot Park.
Address: 874 SE 4th St, Gainesville, FL 32601, United States
Phone: +13523938510
11.Samuel P Harn Museum of Art
The Samuel P. Harn Museum of Art, also known as “the Harn,” is exceptional in Gainesville.
Not only does it have over 10,000 paintings to appreciate, but it’s completely free.
You can begin your stay by exploring traditional and contemporary art.
Some are on loan or presented in traveling special exhibits throughout Florida.
When you’ve finished with the indoor art, walk across the grounds and gardens to admire a more rugged type of beauty.
Finish your stay by visiting the on-site cafe or gift shop.
Address: 3259 Hull Rd, Gainesville, FL 32608, United States
Phone: +13523929826
12.Morningside Nature Centre of Florida
Take a step back in time with Florida’s Morningside Nature Centre.
Although it has almost 400 acres of hiking paths and picnic spots, its main attraction is a 19th-century “living history” farm.
The property consists of a cabin, barn, and one-room schoolhouse, all surrounded by maize, cotton, and sugarcane fields.
They do all duties hand, and everything has been there or restored to function as it did when the original owners resided in Florida.
Visitors can visit the facility, feed the livestock, and period-appropriate attire.
Address: 3540 E University Ave, Gainesville, FL 32641, United States
Phone: +13523938240
13. Kanapaha Botanical Garden
Escape the city limits with a visit to the Kanapaha Botanical Gardens.
They’re a haven from Gainesville’s loud, hectic crowds, and they can be relaxing if you need a break during an action-packed visit.
What can you do after you arrive?
The Kanapaha Botanical Gardens are, first and foremost, a collection of gardens.
They provide rock, rose, butterfly, and bamboo gardens. They have beautiful fields of flowers for as far as the eye can see.
They even have massive lily pads floating down their streams that a full-sized toddler can ride.
Address: Summer House, 4700 SW 58th Dr, Gainesville, FL 32608, United States
Phone: +13523724981
Final words
If you’re wondering what to do in Gainesville, Florida, here are a few suggestions for an enjoyable and adventurous vacation.
Some of these are spontaneous things to do on a hectic day, while others need rigorous planning and scheduling before you even leave the house.
Gainesville is one of Florida’s top places to have an unforgettable weekend.