Your Perfect Weekend itinerary in Gainesville, FL- 3 Days of Fun!
Your 3-Day Weekend Itinerary for Gainesville, FL
Your Perfect Weekend Itinerary in Gainesville, FL
Where to Stay, Eat, and Explore — Featuring StayGainesville Vacation Rentals
Planning a trip to Gainesville, Florida? Whether you’re visiting the University of Florida, exploring Florida’s natural springs, or just looking for a relaxing getaway, Gainesville has it all — and StayGainesville offers the perfect place to stay.
Here’s your curated 3-day itinerary filled with local favorites, outdoor adventures, and must-see attractions — all while staying in comfort and style.
Day 1: Welcome to Gainesville
Morning:
Wake up in your StayGainesville vacation rental — whether it’s a charming historic home near downtown, a pet-friendly bungalow, or a spacious house perfect for families or friend groups. You’ll enjoy the convenience of free parking, fully stocked kitchens, and walkable locations near Gainesville’s best spots.
Afternoon:
Explore Depot Park, a scenic green space just minutes from downtown. Grab a snack at the park’s food trucks or the nearby Hippodrome Theater café.
Evening:
Enjoy dinner at The Top — a funky, locally loved restaurant with vegetarian options and craft cocktails. Then take a stroll down South Main Street, packed with restaurants, bars and concerts (South Main Station).
Day 2: Springs, Stadiums & Shopping
Morning:
Take a short drive to Ichetucknee Springs or Ginnie Springs for a refreshing tubing, kayaking, or swimming adventure. Pack a cooler (your StayGainesville rental has a full kitchen!) and soak up the natural beauty Florida is famous for.
Afternoon:
Head back to Gainesville and grab lunch at Satchel’s Pizza — a Gainesville institution with eclectic art, a VW van dining table, and a quirky gift shop.
Evening:
Catch a game or concert at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium or Stephen C. O’Connell Center. If it’s a Gator game weekend, you’ll be glad you booked with StayGainesville — many of our homes are walking distance to UF!
Pro tip: Our “Gator Game Getaway” homes are in high demand — book early!
Day 3: Local Flavor & Relaxation
Morning:
Grab a coffee from Cymplify or Wyatt’s Coffee, then stroll through the Harn Museum of Art with its famous Asian Wing.
Afternoon:
Wind down with a visit to Sweetwater Wetlands Park — perfect for birdwatching and photography. Then enjoy a leisurely lunch at Superette or Public & General, two local favorites for farm-to-table fare.
Evening:
Return to your StayGainesville rental for one last relaxing night — maybe with wine on the porch, a backyard fire pit, or a soak in a clawfoot tub, depending on the home you choose.
Where to Stay: Your Home Base with StayGainesville
From solo travelers to families, event planners to medical professionals, StayGainesville has the ideal short-term rental for your needs. Options include:
Historic Estates near Downtown
Spacious, elegant homes perfect for retreats, reunions, or game weekends
Pet-Friendly Rentals
Fenced yards, walkable neighborhoods, and nearby parks
Extended Stay Options
Ideal for medical travel, relocations, or month-long visits
Event-Friendly Spaces
Host dinners, meetings, or private gatherings in homes with gourmet kitchens and outdoor space
Book directly at StayGainesville.com to save 10% with code DIRECT10. Or call us to plan your perfect stay.
Final Tips
Need group lodging for a wedding or corporate event? Ask about our large estate rentals.
Bringing kids? We offer homes near Skate Station Funworks, parks, and playgrounds.
Want to travel sustainably? Many StayGainesville homes feature energy-efficient appliances and walkable locations.
Stay smart. Stay local. StayGainesville.
Frequently Asked Questions About Visiting Gainesville, FL
FAQs
Where should I stay in Gainesville for a weekend getaway?
StayGainesville offers stylish, fully furnished vacation rentals near downtown Gainesville, the University of Florida, and local springs. With options ranging from cozy bungalows to large historic homes, it’s the perfect home base for any type of traveler.
What’s the best place to stay near the University of Florida?
Many StayGainesville homes are walking distance to UF’s campus and Ben Hill Griffin Stadium — ideal for football weekends, campus visits, and events.
Is Gainesville family-friendly?
Yes!
Gainesville is filled with parks, museums, and nature trails perfect for families. StayGainesville offers family-sized rentals with multiple bedrooms, fenced yards, and kid-friendly amenities.
Are there pet-friendly vacation rentals in Gainesville?
Absolutely. StayGainesville has several pet-friendly homes with fenced yards and nearby parks so your furry friends can come along too.
What are the must-see attractions in Gainesville?
Top spots include Depot Park, the Harn Museum of Art, Sweetwater Wetlands, Satchel’s Pizza, and nearby springs like Ichetucknee and Ginnie Springs.
Can I host a small event at a StayGainesville property?
Yes! Many of our homes have spacious backyards, porches, and gourmet kitchens ideal for retreats, reunions, and private dinners. Contact us to find the right event-friendly space.
StayGainesville Guide to Gainesville - Gainesville, FL is full of fantastic things to do: from museums, to parks, to restaurants, to bars, to sports- we have it all! Book one of our properties for your Gainesville stay.
If you're managing a construction project in Gainesville, FL—or anywhere in Alachua County—you know that coordinating where your crew stays can be just as important as scheduling subcontractors or pouring concrete on time - your team needs reliable, comfortable, and group-friendly housing.
