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.
Gainesville in 60 Seconds
Gainesville is full of fun and often free activities for singles and families. Whatever your passion, the nature and culture of Gainesville and Alachua County await.
Guide to Greater Gainesville
Sunny weather, subtropical landscapes and a small town feel within a large university collide in the most wonderful ways in Gainesville.
Housing in Gainesville
Other Destinations
Jacksonville
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.
Orlando
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.
Tampa
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.
St. Pete/Clearwater
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 downtown nightlife.
Gainesville Regional 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.
