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Explore Gainesville!

a map shaded in light and mint green tones showing the area of north central florida. bodies of water, including the gulf of mexico and the atlantic ocean are colored blue. a blue circle from north of lake city to cedar key, ocala and palatka is drawn to show the north central florida region.

Gainesville, is the largest city in the region of North Central Florida and home of the University of Florida (UF), the nation’s 9th university campus by enrollment. Each year many new students make Gainesville their new home. Ranked as one of the “best places to live and play” in the US by National Geographic Adventure, Gainesville is a place with art, music, sports, culture and much more. A wonderful place to live, work, and play, Gainesville’s mild winters and warm summers are perfect for outdoor activities throughout the year.

Gainesville is conveniently located near major cities such as Jacksonville, Orlando, Tampa, as well as the Gulf Coast & Atlantic Coast lines. All are within an easy 1.5 to 2 hour drive.

Gainesville’s Hippodrome Theatre and downtown music, art, and dining scene, along with University of Florida’s Performing Arts , Harn Museum of Art, and Museum of Natural History provide a multitude of cultural, educational, and entertainment options.

For collegiate sports enthusiasts, the UF offers 13 nationally competitive varsity sports, including lacrosse, gymnastics, soccer, swimming and diving, football, basketball, baseball, and softball.

Housing in Gainesville

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Nearby Sites

Jacksonville, FL

a group of 3 pictures. downtown view of jacksonville, fl. the sky is a beautiful blue with pink, gray and white clouds. in the background are the buildings that make up the skyline of jacksonville. the buildings range in size from tall and slender to shorter and wider. the st johns river is shown in the forefront of the picture flowing under the st johns river bridge. Under the picture, written in a black type are the words jacksonville, fl. an arial view of the st johns town center outdoor shopping mall. the buildings are in white with green palm trees and grassy areas. Cars are shown driving being parked. Under the picture are the words, written in a black type, are the words St. Johns town Center. The 3rd picture is a tan sand path leading to a Jacksonville beach and the Atlantic ocean. the path is lined with a wooden fence on both side with a grassy sand dune on the left. the sky has light and bright blue shades with large fluffy clouds. the ocean is a dark blue. Under the picture, written in black type are the words Jacksonville Beaches.

Jacksonville offers an array of activities from beaches to cultural attractions, sports, concerts, parks and, of course, fantastic shopping and culinary experiences. As the River City by the Sea, Jacksonville is known for its waterways and the 21 miles of expansive beaches. Check out the Intracoastal Waterway and St. Johns River for kayaking the vistas of the marshes, or head to the lakes of the Timucuan Ecological and Historic Preserve to see the city’s collection of state parks. Cultural opportunities are abound with diverse museums and performing arts centers. Wander through the Museum of Contemporary Art (MOCA) and the Cummer Museum of Art & Gardens, or enjoy a performance from the renowned Jacksonville Symphony Orchestra or historic Florida Theater for some inspiration and creativity. Plan to attend an NFL game at TIAA Bank Field, the home facility of the Jacksonville Jaguars or attend a concert at Daily’s Place, an amphitheater and covered flex field adjacent to TIAA Bank Field. The VyStar Veterans Memorial Arena is home to multiple sporting and concert events. 

Gainesville to Jacksonville | 72 miles
St. Johns Town Center
Jacksonville beaches

Orlando, FL

a group of 3 pictures showing images of orlando, fl, disney world and universal orlando resort. the first picture is a skyline of orlando's downtown buildings. in front is a body of water that is a clear blue with palm trees and green grass. the buildings in the background are different colors of silver and blue hues. the buildings reflections are seen in the water. the sky is cloudless and blue. Under the picture, written in black type are the words Orlando, FL. the second picture is an image representing disney world. in the forefront of the picture there is a bronze statue of walt disney holding mickey mouse's hand. lots of people are milling about the statue. cinderella's castle is in the background. the sky is a blue with white puffy clouds. Under the picture, written in black type are the words Disney World. the last picture represents universal orlando resort. a very large circular globe that is blue and grey. this represents the earth. around the globe is written the world universal in white. a metal type fence surrounds this landmark. in the background there is a water taxi loaded with people. the water is a blueish hue. the sky is blue with white clouds. Under the picture, written in black type are the words Universal Orlando Resort.

It’s true: Orlando is a magical place. And it’s not just because it’s home to Cinderella’s castle at Walt Disney World. There’s an incredible mix of fun things to do in Orlando that make it an ideal vacationing spot for not only families but young singles, baby boomers, foodies, outdoor adventurous types, luxury shoppers and international visitors. While the city was built on theme park fame, the number and variety of Orlando attractions have grown to include world-famous restaurants, high-end outlet shopping centers, theatrical performances, and amazing concert and sporting event venues.

gainesville to Orlando | 112 miles
walt Disney World
Universal Orlando resort

Tampa

a group of 3 pictures. the first picture is of downtown Tampa. The forefront of the picture is the Gulf of Mexico. It is a grayish blue color. The background of the picture is the downtown skyline of Tampa. The buildings range in color from blue, silver, tan and gray. It is a cloudy day with gray skies. Under the picture are the words Tampa, Fl written in black. The second picture represents Busch Gardens. The background of the picture is a bright blue sky and a roller coaster with red, yellow and blue colors. Across the front of the photo are the words Busch Gardens. Under the photo are the words Busch Gardens written in black. The 3rd picture is of the Tampa Riverwalk at night. The skyline is full of bright colors such as pink,white, blue and green. The buildings and lights are reflecting on the water of the Gulf of Mexico. Under the picture are the words Tampa Riverwalk written in black.

Located on Florida’s Gulf Coast, Tampa, FL, is a cultural and family vacation destination where you will find a choice of museums, free attractions, family-friendly activities, restaurants and famous attractions such as Busch Gardens Tampa, Lowry Park Zoo and the historic Ybor City neighborhood. Stroll along Tampa Riverwalk past romantic parks, hotels and romantic restaurants, visit the Tampa Museum of Art, the Tampa Bay History Center, great beaches, and the Florida Museum of Photographic Arts.

gainesville to Tampa | 129 Miles
Busch Gardens
Tampa Riverwalk

St. Pete/Clearwater

a group of pictures. the first is an aerial view of the st pete and clearwater beach area. bright blue sky with fluffy white clouds overlook a blue gulf of mexico and a white sandy beach. multiple buildings of all shapes, sizes an color line the white sandy beach. the second picture is An aerial view of the st pete beach area as the sun rises in the background. the orange sun and greyish clouds look over bridges, water and multiple buildings of many shapes and sizes. the don cesar, the only historic hotel on the gulf of mexico is in the forefront with its bright pink color. the last picture is a bright blue sky with space clouds in the background with wooden buildings, a long wooden walkway over the water in the forefront. the buildings have pointed roofs and multi color signage. John's pass Village and boardwalk offers shopping, fishing, dining and entertainment.

Enjoy a supercharged getaway with a vacation in paradise: the St. Pete/Clearwater area. It’s amazing what an amped-up, blue-sky, sun-drenched getaway on top Florida beaches like Treasure Island and Clearwater Beach can do for you. Mix in world-class arts, like the acclaimed Dalí Museum, and St. Pete’s pulsing downtown nightlife, and every single moment is amplified.

gainesville to St. Pete/Clearwater | 160 MILES
Don CeSar Hotel
jOHN’S pASS vILLAGE & bOARDWALK

Gainesville Regional Airport

the logo for the gainesville regional airport is a circle with a white background. the words gainesville regional is on the first line and airport is centered underneath. there is an airport symbol in the "o" o airport. A blue semi circle forms from the letter “a” in Gainesville to the “r” in regional. Another blue semi circle forms from the letter “I” in airport to the “o” in airport.

Gainesville Regional Airport (GNV) is located on the northeast side of Gainesville at State Roads 222 and 24, five miles from the heart of downtown and 15 minutes away from the University of Florida and UF Health (Shands Hospital.) The primary access to the Airport from the north and south is Interstate 75 (10.6 miles), along with US Routes 441 (5.5 miles) and 301 (10.2 miles.)

Offering non-stop service to Atlanta, GA; Charlotte, NC; Dallas/Fort Worth, TX & Miami, FL.

Gainesville Regional Airport (GNV) quick facts!

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