Best hotels in Gainesville
AC Hotel Gainesville Downtown
151 NW 14th Street, FL, 32603
Stay smack in the center of Downtown at this modern Marriott hotel. Take in the views of the university campus and Ben Hill Griffin Stadium from the rooftop pool, before retreating to your stylish room which features a smart TV, free Wi-Fi and local artwork.
Hotel Eleo at the University of Florida
1514 SW 14th Street, FL, 32608
This contemporary hotel is on the edge of UF campus, making it a prime spot for students and families visiting the university. Suites are spacious and sleek, with hypo-allergenic pillows, satin linens and a coffee maker. After a busy day exploring, head to the on-site restaurant for southern hospitality and Floridian food.
Herlong Mansion
402 NE Cholokka Boulevard, FL, 32667
Set just south of Gainesville, between two serene parks, this 19th-century bed and breakfast exudes character and charm. Each room is uniquely designed, with many featuring four-poster beds and fireplaces. Meanwhile, the veranda on the second floor has a swing bed perfect for soaking up the Florida sun.
Best restaurants in Gainesville
The Top
30 N Main Street, FL, 32601
This Downtown restaurant is a favorite among students and locals alike, and it’s not hard to see why with a flavorsome menu of vegan, vegetarian and southern American fare. Sit indoors or outside and revel in the lively atmosphere as you work your way through Angus beef burgers, roasted eggplant and fresh gnocchi.
Dragonfly Sushi & Sake Company
201 SE 2nd Avenue #104, FL, 32601
This contemporary restaurant combines a southern welcome with Japanese traditions for a truly unique dining experience. Take a seat and watch the chefs creating magic as they serve up a colorful array of tapas-style food, such as their short rib miso ramen and raw tuna tataki.
Satchel's Pizza
1800 NE 23rd Avenue, FL, 32609
Art meets pizza at this creative eatery featuring local crafts, live music and quirky stained-glass windows. Choose your seating – perhaps inside the iconic blue van, under a plane or in the greenhouse – and enjoy fresh pizzas, calzones and salads alongside their homemade sodas.
What to do in Gainesville
Florida Museum of Natural History
3215 Hull Rd, FL, 32611
This state-sponsored museum is conveniently located on the UF campus and is a must-visit when in the city. Wander through the butterfly rainforest to see a kaleidoscope of colors created by the hundreds of free-flying butterflies and other creatures. Look out too for the internationally acclaimed fossil collections showcasing 65 million years of history.
Ichetucknee Springs State Park
12087 Southwest, FL, 32038
You don’t need to travel to the coast to find aquatic fun at this sprawling state park. With a collection of spring-fed rivers and swimming holes, you can cool off in the water or take to the rivers in a canoe. If you’re here in summer, try warm weather tubing – the natural lazy rivers are ideal for family fun in the sun.
Kika Silva Pla Planetarium
3000 NW 83 Street Building X, FL, 32606
Another campus offering, this time at Santa Fe College, spend a day exploring outer space at this fun-filled planetarium. Check the calendar to see when the next public performance is showing and sit back as the speakers take you on a journey to the unknown. There are also several shows and music experiences available for all ages.