Best hotels in Gainesville
AC Hotel Gainesville Downtown by Marriott
151 North West 14th Street, FL, 32603
An excellent choice if you want to be located nearby the University of Florida’s main campus and ‘The Swamp’. This modern three-star Marriott hotel offers a rooftop pool and fire pit, a well-equipped fitness center and complimentary WiFi for all guests.
The Laurel Oak Inn
221 South East 7th Street, FL, 32601
This elegant B&B may not be the biggest, but it’s definitely a case of quality, not quantity here. The five guest suites are impeccably restored to match the elegance of a Queen Anne-style mansion. You can enjoy private bathrooms, complimentary parking and take a recline on the outdoor porch at breakfast, which overlooks the carefully pruned gardens.
Sweetwater Branch Inn
625 East University Avenue, FL 32601
The Sweetwater Inn has everything you could ever need or want, with fountains, courtyards, lush gardens, a putt-putt green, salt pool, spa, pond and more. Inside, you’ll find common room parlors, a library and even a gift shop.
Best restaurants in Gainesville
Embers Wood Grill
3545 South West 34th Street A, FL 32608
You’ll struggle to find a better slab of steak in the state than those dished up at this high-quality chophouse. The desserts match the standard of the meat, with artisan cheese plates and banana foster cheesecake among the delicacies.
Amelia's
235 South Main Street Suite 107, FL 32601
An old-school Italian bistro that respects culinary tradition while keeping ingredients, dishes and its approach fresh. It’s hidden behind The Hippodrome Theatre and is worth seeking out for its array of signatures, including sumptuous chicken francese, juicy lamb shank and crème caramel flan for dessert.
Harry’s Seafood Bar & Grille
110 South East 1st Street, Unit A, FL 32601
Established in 1987, Harry’s has been serving tasty Southern and seafood cuisine for over 30 years, using delicious Creole and Cajun flavors. Take a seat in the cozy, atmospheric restaurant and tuck into signature crab cakes, fried chicken, or a key lime pie.
Best attractions in Gainesville
Gainesville Raceway
11211 North County Road 225, FL, 32609
Head to the home of Florida drag racing to experience the phenomenon of American motorsport. First opened in 1969, this track is one of the fastest on the National Hot Rod Association calendar. You’ll be blown away by the sheer speed and noise of the cars and you won’t forget the smell of fuel or the electric atmosphere in a hurry.
Ben Hill Griffin Stadium
157 Gale Lemerand Drive, FL 32611
Its full title is The Ben Hill Griffin Stadium, but you can call it ‘The Swamp’. Home to the University of Florida’s famous college football team, it’s easily the state’s largest stadium. If you can get down there to cheer The Gators on, you can enjoy the atmosphere along with some 88,000 other sports fans.
Sweetwater Wetlands Park
325 South West Williston Road, FL 32601
Ordinarily, no one likes being told to take a hike, but when you're surrounded by 125 acres of wetland full of birds, deer and all sorts of unique and interesting flora and fauna, it's a lot more tempting. The Sweetwater Wetlands Park is also home to a fair few snakes and alligators though, so watch your step.