Top 10 Things To Do In Gainesville, FL for First-Time Visitors
Wondering what to do in Gainesville if you only have a few days? Here are our Top 10 suggestions
🌿 First Time in Gainesville, FL? 10 Things You Absolutely Must Do
If you’re visiting Gainesville, Florida for the first time, you’re in for a refreshing surprise. This vibrant North Central Florida city is often best known as the home of the University of Florida, but it’s also a hub for natural beauty, wildlife, culture, and charm. Whether you’re here for a weekend or a few weeks, there are dozens of memorable ways to experience Gainesville—but if you only have time for the highlights, here are the top 10 things first-time visitors should definitely do.
1. 🐊 Explore Paynes Prairie Preserve State Park
No Gainesville visit is complete without a trip to Paynes Prairie, one of Florida’s most unique ecological treasures. This 22,000-acre preserve is home to wild bison, horses, deer, and hundreds of bird species. You can walk or bike the La Chua Trail, climb the observation tower at the visitor center, or simply admire the sweeping prairie views from the US 441 boardwalk.
It’s a photographer’s paradise and one of the few places in the U.S. where you might spot wild bison and alligators in the same afternoon. Bring sunscreen, water, and binoculars.
2. 🖼️ Visit the Museums on UF Campus
Gainesville punches above its weight when it comes to museums—and two of the best are right on the University of Florida campus.
🦋 Florida Museum of Natural History
Home to life-size prehistoric skeletons, stunning Native American exhibits, and the beloved Butterfly Rainforest, this museum is great for all ages. It’s free (except for special exhibits), making it an excellent indoor activity.
🎨 Harn Museum of Art
Located just next door, the Harn features over 11,000 works from around the world, including African, Asian, and contemporary art collections. Admission is free, and the space itself is beautiful—don’t miss the sculpture garden.
3. 🐾 Walk Through Morningside Nature Center
Looking for a peaceful, shaded retreat from the city? Head to Morningside Nature Center, a 278-acre park filled with pine flatwoods, boardwalk trails, and a living history farm.
It’s a great spot for spotting wildlife or taking a quiet morning walk. If you're visiting with kids, check out the Living History Farm, where volunteers recreate a 19th-century Florida homestead with heritage animals and seasonal demonstrations.
4. 🦇 Watch the UF Bat Houses at Sunset
One of Gainesville’s quirkiest and most unforgettable sights happens at sunset near Lake Alice on the UF campus. The University of Florida Bat Houses are home to more than 400,000 bats—and when the sun goes down, they all take flight.
It’s a natural spectacle that lasts just a few minutes, but it’s an experience you won’t forget. Arrive early, bring a blanket or chair, and get ready to watch the sky come alive.
5. 🌸 Stroll Kanapaha Botanical Gardens
Kanapaha Gardens is Gainesville’s best-kept secret for nature lovers and garden wanderers. These 62-acre botanical gardens are home to the state’s largest bamboo display, an herb garden, and a stunning collection of flowering plants.
Follow the winding path around the lake and take your time admiring koi ponds, shady gazebos, and lush tropical foliage. Spring is especially beautiful when everything is in bloom, but the gardens are serene year-round.
6. 🐒 Visit the Santa Fe College Teaching Zoo
Yes, Gainesville has a zoo—and it’s one of the only teaching zoos in the U.S. The Santa Fe College Teaching Zoo is run by students in the college’s zoo animal technology program and features over 75 species including otters, bald eagles, alligators, and monkeys.
It’s a fantastic, affordable outing for families, and the small size means you can see everything in about an hour. The zoo’s shady paths make it a great stop on a hot day, too.
7. 🚲 Spend Time at Depot Park
Located just south of downtown, Depot Park is a popular spot for locals and visitors alike. The park features a central pond, walking trails, a playground, splash pad, picnic areas, and access to the Gainesville-Hawthorne Trail for bikers and joggers.
Depot Park also connects to the Cade Museum for Creativity & Invention, a family-friendly, hands-on museum that blends science, history, and invention. Whether you want a picnic, a morning jog, or a beautiful sunset, Depot Park is the place to be.
8. 🌊 Float Down the Springs (High Springs Area)
Gainesville sits in the heart of Florida’s freshwater springs region, and a visit wouldn’t be complete without dipping into one. Just 30–45 minutes from town, you’ll find some of the clearest, most refreshing natural springs in the state.
Top picks include:
Ginnie Springs – great for tubing, snorkeling, and camping
Ichetucknee Springs – famous for its peaceful tubing float (ideal for families)
Blue Springs (Gilchrist Blue) – perfect for swimming and relaxing
These crystal-clear springs stay 72°F year-round and are a favorite summer escape. Bring a towel, water shoes, and snorkel gear!
9. 🎓 Tour the University of Florida Campus
Whether you’re a future student or just curious, touring the University of Florida campus is a must. It’s not only one of the top-ranked public universities in the nation—it’s also one of the prettiest.
Walk the red-brick pathways through Century Tower, check out the UF Plaza of the Americas, peek into the Reitz Union, or grab a photo in front of Ben Hill Griffin Stadium (a.k.a. The Swamp). During football season, the energy is electric—but even off-season, the campus is impressive and filled with Gator pride.
10. 🛍️ Explore Downtown Gainesville
Downtown Gainesville blends college-town creativity with relaxed Southern charm. You'll find local boutiques, cocktail bars, record shops, art galleries, and cozy cafes all within a few walkable blocks.
Don’t miss:
- Bo Diddley Plaza for free concerts and open-air events
- The Bull for a glass of wine and live jazz
- Afternoon or Maude’s for coffee with a view
- The Top for a memorable dinner with Gainesville vibes
- Union Street Farmers Market every Wednesday evening
Downtown Gainesville is laid-back, walkable, and packed with local flavor—perfect for a slow evening stroll or Saturday brunch.
🏡 Where to Stay in Gainesville, FL
Now that your itinerary is packed, the only thing left is finding the perfect place to stay. That’s where StayGainesville comes in.
We offer a wide variety of vacation rentals, short-term homes, and extended-stay options—each fully furnished and professionally managed by our local team. Whether you want to stay:
🏠 Near UF campus
🐾 In a pet-friendly home
🌿 In a quiet residential neighborhood
📍 Downtown, walking distance to restaurants and parks
🏊 With access to a pool
📆 For a weekend or a few months
…we’ve got the home for you.
With StayGainesville, you get:
- 24/7 local guest support
- Fully stocked kitchens and smart TVs
- Clear check-in instructions and no surprise fees
- The comfort of a home, with the hospitality of a boutique hotel
Ready to Visit Gainesville?
From natural springs and museums to cozy bars and university landmarks, Gainesville has something for everyone. And when it comes to where to stay—skip the generic hotel experience. Book direct with StayGainesville for the local touch, personalized service, and homes that make you feel right at home.
Stay local. Stay comfortable. StayGainesville.
The Benefits of Professional Property Management in Gainesville
For homeowners with a vacation rental property in Gainesville, the dream of earning passive income can quickly turn into a full-time job. Between answering late-night guest inquiries, coordinating cleaners between back-to-back bookings, and making emergency repairs on a tight turnaround, managing a short-term rental is anything but hands-off. That’s where professional property management comes in.
Healing Starts with Home: The Best Medical Housing Options for Healthcare Workers in Gainesville, FL. StayGainesville offers medical housing for your stint in Gainesville, FL. Learn more about our pricing and locations.
