Vacation Rentals Near The University of Florida: Walk to UF
Stay close to the action with the comfort and charm of a vacation rental
Vacation Rentals Near the University of Florida – Walk to UF & The Swamp
Stay close to the action with the comfort and charm of a vacation rental
Whether you’re visiting Gainesville for a football game, college tour, graduation weekend, or a special event at the University of Florida, location matters. And if you’ve ever stayed in a crowded hotel miles away from campus, you already know how frustrating it can be to deal with traffic, expensive parking, or sold-out rooms during peak weekends.
That’s where StayGainesville comes in. We offer a curated collection of vacation rentals just minutes from UF, including some within walking distance to Ben Hill Griffin Stadium (aka "The Swamp"), the Stephen C. O'Connell Center, and the heart of campus life.
In this guide, we’ll break down why staying near the university makes your trip smoother, and which vacation rentals offer the best access to UF, all while giving you more space, comfort, and value than a hotel.
🎓 Why Stay Near the University of Florida?
With a sprawling campus and over 50,000 students, UF is one of the largest and most vibrant universities in the U.S. Whether you’re a parent, alumnus, sports fan, or prospective student, you’ll find yourself attending events at places like:
Ben Hill Griffin Stadium (Gator football games)
O’Connell Center (basketball, gymnastics, concerts, graduations)
Reitz Union (campus center for tours, dining, and activities)
UF Health Shands Hospital (for medical travel or training)
Staying within walking or biking distance saves time, avoids parking chaos, and lets you enjoy Gainesville like a local.
🏡 Benefits of a Vacation Rental Near UF
Choosing a vacation rental over a hotel offers many advantages, especially if you want convenience, flexibility, and comfort:
✅ Walkability
No more fighting for campus parking or sitting in post-game traffic. StayGainesville offers homes and condos within walking distance to stadiums, arenas, and campus buildings.
✅ Room for Everyone
Many of our homes offer multiple bedrooms, full kitchens, and private yards — ideal for families, friend groups, or alumni reunions.
✅ Pet-Friendly Options
Bringing your pup for the weekend? Several StayGainesville properties are pet-friendly with fenced yards and pet-safe flooring.
✅ Local Charm
Skip the cookie-cutter hotel room. Enjoy historic homes, cozy bungalows, or stylish downtown condos full of Gainesville character.
✅ Cost-Effective
Split the cost of a home with friends or family and save big compared to booking multiple hotel rooms — especially during big event weekends.
🐊 Top Occasions to Book a UF Vacation Rental
🏈 Gator Game Weekends
Ben Hill Griffin Stadium seats nearly 90,000 fans — and hotels book out months in advance. StayGainesville vacation rentals are ideal for tailgating, walking to the game, and hosting post-game dinners with your group.
🎓 UF Graduation
Accommodate the whole family under one roof with space to relax and celebrate. Many of our properties are less than 2 miles from the Exactech Arena, where most graduation ceremonies are held.
🩺 Medical Travel to UF Health
If you or a loved one is visiting UF Health Shands for treatment, training, or rotations, a furnished vacation rental offers comfort, peace, and a kitchen — which can make all the difference for longer stays.
🧭 Campus Tours and Move-In Weekends
Touring campus with your high school student? Coming to drop off your freshman? Make it a special weekend with a comfortable stay in a downtown home or walkable condo.
🏠 Featured Vacation Rentals Near UF
🏡 The Laurel Oak Mansion (7BR, 7.5BA)
Sleeps up to 16
Walkable to downtown and less than 1 mile to UF
King beds, fireplaces in every room, chef’s kitchen, event-ready backyard
Great for large families, reunions, alumni groups
🏡 Camellia Rose Inn (6BR, 6BA)
Historic charm with modern comfort
Less than 1.5 miles to campus
Beautiful porches and shared garden space
Ideal for multi-family travel or small events
🏙 Urban Loft Condo
2BR, 2BA condo in the heart of downtown
Walk to campus and the Hippodrome
Includes private parking and Wi-Fi
Great for parents, visiting professors, or couples
🐶 Pet-Friendly Cottage Near UF
3BR, fenced yard, updated kitchen
Close to midtown dining and UF
Perfect for families bringing pets and kids
💻 Book Direct for the Best Rates
All of our properties are available on Airbnb and VRBO — but you’ll get the lowest prices and best service when you book directly at StayGainesville.com.
Use code DIRECT10 for 10% off your booking
Plus, no service fees or hidden charges like on third-party sites
⭐ Guest Testimonials
“We stayed for a Gator game weekend and couldn’t believe how close we were to the stadium. So much better than a hotel!”
— Matt D., Orlando
“Brought my family for my daughter’s graduation. We walked to the ceremony and hosted a small dinner in the backyard. Perfect stay!”
— Latoya G., Atlanta
“Needed a place near UF Health for my wife’s surgery. The house was quiet, spotless, and felt like home.”
— David R., Tampa
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How close are StayGainesville rentals to the University of Florida?
Many of our properties are within 1–2 miles of UF, with several walkable to campus, Ben Hill Griffin Stadium, and the O’Connell Center.
Is parking available at vacation rentals near UF?
Yes! Most StayGainesville homes and condos include free, off-street parking, so you won’t need to stress about event-day traffic.
Are vacation rentals better than hotels for Gator games?
Absolutely. You’ll have more space, privacy, and walkability — plus you can tailgate at home, cook meals, or host a post-game hangout.
Can I bring my dog to a StayGainesville rental?
Yes! We have pet-friendly homes with fenced yards and nearby parks — just filter by "pet-friendly" when booking.
Is there a minimum stay required?
Some weekends and events require a 2-night minimum, especially during football season or graduation. Contact us for flexibility or extended stays.
Do vacation rentals near UF come with kitchens and laundry?
Yes. All StayGainesville homes and condos include fully equipped kitchens, laundry machines, fast Wi-Fi, and smart TVs.
📍 Stay Close, Stay Local, StayGainesville
There’s no better way to experience the energy and excitement of the University of Florida than staying close by. Whether you’re cheering on the Gators, celebrating a graduate, or visiting for medical reasons, StayGainesville vacation rentals give you comfort, convenience, and a true Gainesville experience.
➡️ View our properties at StayGainesville.com
📞 Need help? Call us for personalized recommendations based on your trip
Looking for a comfortable, stylish, and well-located place to stay in Gainesville, Florida? Whether you're in town for a medical appointment, a University of Florida event, or a relaxing getaway, StayGainesville offers over 40 fully furnished short-term rentals in Gainesville, FL that feel like home.
🌿 Ultimate Guide to Nature Attractions Near Gainesville, FL Gainesville and its surrounding areas are rich in natural beauty, offering a diverse array of parks, springs, gardens, and waterways to explore. Whether you're interested in hiking, kayaking, birdwatching, or simply enjoying the outdoors, there's something for everyone. 🌳 City Parks in Gainesville 1. Alfred A. Ring Park * 📍 Address: 1801 NW 23rd Blvd, Gainesville, FL 32605 * 🌐 Website: City of Gainesville Parks * 📝 Features: Over a mile of trails through upland mixed forest and slope forest, tracing the course of Hogtown Creek. 2. Depot Park * 📍 Address: 874 SE 4th St, Gainesville, FL 32601 * 🌐 Website: Depot Park * 📝 Features: A vibrant community park with playgrounds, splash pads, and a lakefront boardwalk. 3. Sweetwater Wetlands Park * 📍 Address: 325 SW Williston Rd, Gainesville, FL 32601 * 🌐 Website: Sweetwater Wetlands Park * 📝 Features: A constructed wetland with boardwalks, birdwatching opportunities, and native plant species. 4. Morningside Nature Center * 📍 Address: 3540 E University Ave, Gainesville, FL 32641 * 🌐 Website: Morningside Nature Center * 📝 Features: A living history farm with heritage livestock, period gardens, and interpretive programs. 🌿 State Parks & Nature Preserves 5. Devil's Millhopper Geological State Park * 📍 Address: 4732 Millhopper Road, Gainesville, FL 32653 * 🌐 Website: Florida State Parks * 📝 Features: A 120-foot deep sinkhole with a 132-step staircase leading to the bottom, showcasing unique geological formations. 6. Paynes Prairie Preserve State Park * 📍 Address: 100 Savannah Blvd, Micanopy, FL 32667 * 🌐 Website: Paynes Prairie Preserve State Park * 📝 Features: A vast wetland preserve with bison, wild horses, hiking trails, and birdwatching spots. 7. San Felasco Hammock Preserve State Park * 📍 Address: 13201 San Felasco Parkway, Alachua, FL 32615 * 🌐 Website: San Felasco Hammock Preserve State Park * 📝 Features: A forested park with trails for hiking, biking, and horseback riding. 8. Ichetucknee Springs State Park * 📍 Address: 12087 SW U.S. Highway 27, Fort White, FL 32038 * 🌐 Website: Ichetucknee Springs State Park * 📝 Features: A 6-mile river fed by nine springs, offering tubing, kayaking, snorkeling, and hiking through shaded hammocks. 9. O'Leno State Park * 📍 Address: 410 SE O'Leno Park Rd, High Springs, FL 32643 * 🌐 Website: O'Leno State Park * 📝 Features: Historic park with hiking trails, picnicking areas, and the scenic Santa Fe River. 10. Marjorie Kinnan Rawlings Historic State Park * 📍 Address: 18700 S County Rd 325, Cross Creek, FL 32640 * 🌐 Website: Marjorie Kinnan Rawlings Historic State Park * 📝 Features: The former home of Pulitzer Prize-winning author Marjorie Kinnan Rawlings, with gardens and historic buildings. 11. Dudley Farm Historic State Park * 📍 Address: 18730 W Newberry Rd, Newberry, FL 32669 * 🌐 Website: Dudley Farm Historic State Park * 📝 Features: A preserved 19th-century farm with historic buildings, gardens, and interpretive programs. 💧 Springs & Water Features 12. Poe Springs Park * 📍 Address: 28800 NW 182nd Ave, High Springs, FL 32643 * 🌐 Website: Poe Springs Park * 📝 Features: A spring with a 45-foot deep vent, offering swimming and snorkeling opportunities. 13. Ginnie Springs * 📍 Address: 5000 NE 60th Ave, High Springs, FL 32643 * 🌐 Website: Ginnie Springs * 📝 Features: A popular spot for tubing, snorkeling, and scuba diving in crystal-clear waters. 14. Blue Springs Park * 📍 Address: 7450 NE 60th St, High Springs, FL 32643 * 🌐 Website: Blue Springs Park * 📝 Features: A spring known for its vibrant blue waters and opportunities for swimming and picnicking. 🌸 Botanical Gardens 15. Kanapaha Botanical Gardens * 📍 Address: 4700 SW 58th Dr, Gainesville, FL 32608 * 🌐 Website: Kanapaha Botanical Gardens * 📝 Features: 24 major collections, including the state's largest public bamboo garden and a butterfly garden. 16. Cedar Lakes Woods & Gardens * 📍 Address: 4990 NE 180th Ave, Williston, FL 32696 * 🌐 Website: Cedar Lakes Woods & Gardens * 📝 Features: A 20-acre botanical garden set in a century-old limestone quarry, featuring waterfalls, koi ponds, and tropical plant displays. 🛶 Public Boat Ramps & River Launch Points 17. Lake Santa Fe Boat Ramp * 📍 Address: 2308 SE 30th St, Melrose, FL 32666 * 🌐 Website: Lake Santa Fe Boat Ramp * 📝 Features: A concrete boat ramp providing access to Lake Santa Fe for various watercraft. 18. Jill McGuire Santa Fe Lake Park * 📍 Address: 24500 NE SR 26, Melrose, FL 32666 * 🌐 Website: Jill McGuire Santa Fe Lake Park * 📝 Features: A park with a boat ramp, shelter, and play area, offering access to Santa Fe Lake. 21. Ellie Ray's Resort Boat Ramp * 📍 Address: Ellie Ray's Resort, High Springs, FL 32643 * 🌐 Website: Ellie Ray's Resort * 📝 Features: A private resort with a boat ramp providing access to the Santa Fe River. 22. Sandy Point Campground * 📍 Address: Sandy Point Campground, High Springs, FL 32643 * 🌐 Website: Sandy Point Campground * 📝 Features: A campground with a boat ramp offering access to the Santa Fe River. 🌲 Nature Preserves & Additional Parks 23. Barr Hammock Preserve * 📍 Address: Located near Gainesville, FL * 🌐 Website: Barr Hammock Preserve * 📝 Features: A preserve with hiking trails through pine flatwoods and cypress swamps. 24. Buck Bay Flatwoods Preserve * 📍 Address: Located near Gainesville, FL * 🌐 Website: Buck Bay Flatwoods Preserve * 📝 Features: A preserve with hiking trails through flatwoods and wetlands. 25. Four Creeks Preserve * 📍 Address: Located near Gainesville, FL * 🌐 Website: Four Creeks Preserve * 📝 Features: A preserve protecting the headwaters of four local creeks, with seasonal trails. 26. Lake Alto Preserve * 📍 Address: Located near Gainesville, FL * 🌐 Website: Lake Alto Preserve * 📝 Features: A preserve with trails through pine flatwoods and lake shore hardwood forest. 27. Longleaf Flatwoods Reserve * 📍 Address: Located near Gainesville, FL * 🌐 Website: Longleaf Flatwoods Reserve * 📝 Features: A reserve with trails through longleaf pine forests and wetlands. 28. Mill Creek Nature Preserve * 📍 Address: Located near Gainesville, FL * 🌐 Website: Mill Creek Nature Preserve * 📝 Features: A preserve with hiking trails through hardwood forests and wetlands. 29. Newnans Lake Conservation Area * 📍 Address: Located near Gainesville, FL * 🌐 Website: Newnans Lake Conservation Area * 📝 Features: A conservation area with trails and birdwatching opportunities. 🏞️ Other Notable Natural Attractions 30. The Bluffs at Paynes Prairie * 📍 Address: Located at Paynes Prairie Preserve State Park, Micanopy, FL 32667 * 🌐 Website: Paynes Prairie Preserve * 📝 Features: Scenic lookout points offering panoramic views of the prairie, ideal for wildlife watching and photography. 31. Lookout Points at Paynes Prairie * 📍 Address: Located at Paynes Prairie Preserve State Park, Micanopy, FL 32667 * 🌐 Website: Paynes Prairie Preserve * 📝 Features: Stunning views over the prairie from observation points, popular for birdwatching and hiking. 🛶 Kayaking, Canoeing, and Tubing Spots 32. Santa Fe River (Canoe and Kayak Launch) * 📍 Address: Various Launch Points (including near High Springs) * 🌐 Website: Santa Fe Canoe Outpost * 📝 Features: Enjoy paddling down the scenic Santa Fe River, a popular spot for kayaking and canoeing. 33. Suwannee River (Canoe and Kayak Launch) * 📍 Address: Various Launch Points (High Springs, Micanopy) * 🌐 Website: Suwannee River * 📝 Features: A popular river for long canoe trips with beautiful landscapes and opportunities for wildlife viewing. Gainesville, Florida, and its surrounding areas are a paradise for nature lovers, offering a rich variety of outdoor experiences from hiking and birdwatching to kayaking and tubing. Whether you prefer the tranquility of a botanical garden, the adventure of a hike through a state park, or the excitement of a spring-fed river, there's no shortage of beautiful places to explore. Each of these locations provides a unique opportunity to experience the natural wonders of North Central Florida. Feel free to visit any of these parks, preserves, and waterways and immerse yourself in the incredible nature surrounding Gainesville! While visiting Gainesville, be sure to stay in one of StayGainesville's comfortable homes and condos. We have a large variety of sizes, locations, prices and more! Stay local. Stay Comfortable. StayGainesville. 352-519-3994 info@staygainesville.com
