Your UF Summer Visit Itinerary: Where to Stay, Eat & Explore

Your UF Summer Visit Itinerary: Where to Stay, Eat & Explore in Gainesville

Whether you're heading to Gainesville for UF Preview, a summer campus tour, orientation, or just to visit your Gator, summer is a perfect time to experience all that the University of Florida and its vibrant hometown have to offer. While classes may slow down, the city still buzzes with culture, outdoor beauty, and local flavor. We've put together the ultimate itinerary for your UF summer visit, including where to stay, what to eat, and the best ways to explore Gainesville in the sunshine.

Where to Stay: Your Home Base with StayGainesville

Skip the cramped hotel rooms and impersonal service. StayGainesville offers a curated collection of beautifully maintained homes, condos, and historic inns located minutes from campus. Whether you're looking for:

• A luxury home with a pool for the whole family
• A quaint downtown apartment for a quick weekend
• A historic inn in the charming Duckpond District

StayGainesville gives you room to relax, cook, spread out, and truly enjoy your time in Gainesville. With direct booking, you also skip service fees and gain access to local perks and personalized recommendations.

Popular picks for UF summer visits:

• Camellia Rose Inn – a beautifully restored Victorian home near downtown
• 3BR Home with Pool & Hot Tub – perfect for families looking to cool off
• Downtown Condos – walkable to UF and filled with charm

Visit StayGainesville.com to browse available properties for your visit.

Day 1: Settle In & Get to Know the Neighborhood

Afternoon Check-In: Arrive at your StayGainesville rental and unwind. Take a moment to enjoy the shaded porches, updated amenities, or maybe even a quick dip in the pool.

Evening:

• Dinner at The Top – This beloved downtown eatery is great for families and foodies alike. With vegan, vegetarian, and carnivore-friendly options, there's something for everyone.
• Evening Walk Through the Duckpond – Stroll through Gainesville's historic district, full of beautiful homes, quiet streets, and shady trees.

Day 2: UF Campus + Local Eats + Natural Beauty

Morning: UF Tour or Preview Session

• If you're here for UF Preview or a guided campus tour, be sure to bring water, sunscreen, and comfortable shoes. UF's campus is big, beautiful, and walkable.
• Stop by the Reitz Union, the campus hub, for Gator gear or a quick snack.

Lunch:

• Swamp Boil or Blue Gill Quality Foods – Both are local favorites near campus, known for fresh seafood, burgers, and Southern-style dishes.

Afternoon:

• Visit the Harn Museum of Art next door if you have extra time and want a cool, calm, and air-conditioned break.

Evening:

• Dinner at Superette Wine + Provisions – A relaxed but upscale spot in the Pleasant Street neighborhood offering small plates, natural wines, and local flair.
• Optional: Catch a show at the Hippodrome Theatre downtown, known for independent films and local performances.

Day 3: Outdoor Adventure + Campus Sights + Brunch

Morning:

• Start the day with brunch at Afternoon, a bright and trendy spot offering delicious egg dishes, coffee, and fresh-baked pastries.
• Explore Lake Alice and the Baughman Center, a serene spot on campus known for its architecture and natural beauty. You might even spot an alligator!

Midday:

• Take a short drive to Sweetwater Wetlands Park or Depot Park, both great for walking trails, birdwatching, and soaking up the Florida sun.
• If you need to cool off, visit Ichetucknee Springs (about 45 minutes away) for tubing and crystal-clear water—a true North Florida summer experience.

Lunch (if you're still in town):

• Satchel’s Pizza – A Gainesville institution. Quirky, colorful, and packed with personality (and delicious pies).

Wrap-Up:

• Before heading home, swing by Wards Supermarket or Cymplify to grab local snacks, coffee, or UF-themed souvenirs.

Bonus Tips for Your UF Summer Visit:

• Parking: StayGainesville homes offer on-site parking, which is especially helpful during busy campus events.
• Book Early: Summer housing fills fast for orientation weekends and Gator events. Booking direct through StayGainesville ensures you get the best selection and price.
• Pack for Heat: Gainesville summers are hot and humid. Pack breathable clothes, sandals, sunscreen, and refillable water bottles.
• Local Events: Check local calendars for farmers markets, art walks, and concerts in Depot Park or Bo Diddley Plaza.

Why StayGainesville is the Best Choice for Your UF Summer Visit

Your time in Gainesville is about more than just checking into a hotel. With StayGainesville, you’ll get:

• A home with personality and comfort
• Room for your whole family (or just you and your student!)
• Proximity to UF and downtown
• Thoughtful amenities like full kitchens, laundry, and private outdoor space
• Local insight and responsive support from a team that knows Gainesville inside and out

From move-in to graduation, StayGainesville is proud to be part of your UF journey. 💙

Ready to plan your summer visit? Check availability and book direct today.

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