Top 16 Best Things To Do In Gainesville

By Juliet D'cruz

There are so many things to do in Gainesville. So what are you waiting for? plan a trip to Gainesville as soon as possible. This city is famous for the oldest and largest Florida University. Not only this there is so much to explore and do in Gainesville which is among the best cities in Florida. There are many wonderful parks, historic museums, and favorite tourist sites here to visit. I can assure you that you will enjoy yourself a lot in this city. Keep reading the article to know about the activities and amazing things to do in Gainesville.

List Of Things To Do In Gainesville

Now, I will give a brief overview of things to do in Gainesville that you will enjoy. I am sure that you will have a lot of fun and pleasure time by doing these wonderful things to do in Gainesville.

  1. Visit The Florida Museum Of Natural History
  2. Explore The Universe At Kika Silva Pla Planetarium
  3. Uncover The Past At Matheson History Museum 
  4. See The Devil’s Millhoper Geological State Park
  5. Trip To Kanapaha Botanical Gardens
  6. Breathe Fresh Air At Morningside Nature Center
  7. Embrace The Art At Samuel P. Harn Museum Of Art
  8. View The Ichetucknee Springs State Park
  9. Enjoy A Drink At Bluefield Estate Winery
  10. Observe The Wildlife At Carson Springs Wildlife Conservation
  11. Admire The Depot Park
  12. Visit The Sweetwater Wetlands Park
  13. Checkout The Lubee Bat Conservancy
  14. Admire The Cade Museum For Creativity And Invention
  15. Shopping At Oaks Mall 
  16. Tour To 34th Street Wall

Top 16 Things To Do In Gainesville

In this section, you will get to know more information about the things to do in Gainesville. I am sure that you will take some time out for these exciting things to do in Gainesville.

  1. Visit The Florida Museum Of Natural History

Visit The Florida Museum Of Natural History

One of the first things to do in Gainesville is to visit the Florida Museum of Natural history. There you will get to see an amazingly large collection of exhibits of the Florida fossils. Another popular exhibit within the museum is the Butterfly rainforest.

You can easily go to this museum and you don’t have to pay any fees for it. If you have never seen the fossils of dinosaurs then you should not miss going to this museum.

There are many interactive and informative areas in the museum where you can get information on the displayed items. You will get a great knowledgeable session and a fun time with your kids here.

  • Name: Florida Museum of Natural History
  • Type of Museum: Natural History
  • Visitors: 2,00,000 approximately
  • Address: Florida Museum of Natural History, 3215 Hull Road, Gainesville

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  1. Explore The Universe at Kika Silva Pla Planetarium

Explore The Universe at Kika Silva Pla Planetarium

You can go to the Kika Silva Pla Planetarium which is among the best things to do in Gainesville. Here, you can watch an amazing show of display of stars, planets, and galaxies. There are also unique rides that give you a breathtaking experience of traveling in the cosmos.

Apart from this, there are many shows such as the Music 360 show with Pink Floyd and Led Zepplin. You will get the mind-blowing experience of an astronaut and space traveler. You can go with your kids and family and get a feel of watching a Sci-fi space movie.

  • Name: Kika Silva Pla Planetarium
  • Type of Museum: Science Museum
  • Address: X-129, 3000 NW 83 St, Gainesville
  1. Uncover The Past At Matheson History Museum 

Uncover The Past At Matheson History Museum

To learn and know more about the history of Gainesville you should not miss going to the Matheson History Museum. This museum was established in 1994 in the same building which was earlier the American Legion Hall.

There you can unveil the facts and information related to Gainesville and the history of America. You will get to see a large collection of thousands of exhibits, photographs, postcards, and gazettes there.

If you love books then you can explore the huge collection of interesting historic books of Gainesville there. The Matheson history museum is a must-see site and is included in the things to do in Gainesville.

  • Name: Matheson History Museum
  • Type of Museum: History Museum
  • Address: 513 East University Avenue, Gainesville
  1. See The Devil’s Millhoper Geological State Park

See The Devil’s Millhoper Geological State Park

Seeing the Devil’s Millhoper Geological State park is surely listed is in the things to do in Gainesville, Va. Do you know that this wonderful park is in a sinkhole? Sounds interesting right then you should take a trip to the Devil’s Millhoper Geological State Park.

This astounding park is estimated to be more than 120 feet deep and 500 feet wide. One of the reasons that it is so famous is that the sinkhole is not only filled with water but with limestones as well.

I am sure that you will be amazed to see three different types of ecosystems in this one park.

  • Name: Devil’s Millhopper Geological State Park
  • Area: 67 Acres
  • Location: 4732 Millhopper Road, Gainesville
  1. Trip To Kanapaha Botanical Gardens

Trip To Kanapaha Botanical Gardens

The trip to the awesome Kanapaha Botanical gardens is obviously on the index of things to do in Gainesville fl. Away from the hustle of the city, you can visit the Kanpaha botanical gardens.

As the name suggests it a large botanical garden with an impressive collection of lovely roses, cute lilies, and much more. You can even see the Spring garden festival that is held every year in the month of May. I am sure that you will enjoy yourself a lot with your family in the Kanapaha botanical gardens.

  • Name: Kanapaha Botanical Gardens
  • Location: 4700 SW 58th Dr, Gainesville
  1. Breathe Fresh Air At Morningside Nature Center

Breathe Fresh Air At Morningside Nature Center

One of the things to do in Gainesville for free is to go to the Morningside Nature Center to have a peaceful time. It has a wide area of approximately 278 acres which makes it good for hiking, walking, and breathing in some fresh air.

You can go to the Environmental education center here to learn and know more about the environment. There is also a living history farm in this center where you can check out many historical farm buildings and animals. If you feel confused you can also hire a guide to show you the entire Morningside Nature Center.

  • Name:  Morningside Nature Center
  • Area: 278 acres 
  • Address: 3540 E University Ave, Gainesville
  1. Embrace The Art At Samuel P. Harn Museum Of Art

Embrace The Art At Samuel P. Harn Museum Of Art

If you are an art buff then visiting the Samuel P. Harn Museum of Art is among the things to do in Gainesville for you. You can go and have a look at more than 10,000 magnificent art nice crafts. Not only this there are many galleries ranging from traditional to contemporary art.

This Museum of art even has beautiful gardens outside it so when you feel tired you can relax in them. I recommend you to take some time out and visit the Samuel P. Harn Museum of Art to see the fantastic art collections.

  • Name: Samuel P. Harn Museum of Art
  • Type of Museum: Art Museum
  • Address: 3259 Hull Road, Gainesville
  1. View The Ichetucknee Springs State Park

View The Ichetucknee Springs State Park

Going to the Ichetucknee Springs State Park is included in the fun things to do in Gainesville. You must visit the Ichetucknee Springs state park to see the stunning views and the gleaming blue river.

There you can do so many fun activities such as swimming, scuba diving, and Kayaking, etc. You can even observe the local flora and distinctive fauna.

The place is perfect for picnicking and having some crazy fun adventures with the family. I encourage you to go to Ichetcuknee Springs State park as you can do many outdoor recreational activities there.

  • Name: Ichetucknee Springs State Park
  • Area: 2,241 acres
  • Address: 12087 SW U.S. Highway 27 Fort White
  1. Enjoy A Drink At Bluefield Estate Winery

Enjoy A Drink At Bluefield Estate Winery

Tasting a fine premium wine at the Bluefield Estate Winery is on the list of things to do in Gainesville at night. This family house winery was started just to make some home wine. Later when the taste of the wine came out to be heavenly it turned into a huge business.

Now, there are acres of grapes and blueberries vineyards that you can go and have a look at.

If you are a keen wine lover then you should surely not miss out on trying the handmade and custom premium wines here.

  • Name: Bluefield Estate Winery
  • Address: Bluefield Estate Winery, 22 NE CR 234, Gainesville
  1. Observe The Wildlife At Carson Springs Wildlife Conservation

Observe The Wildlife At Carson Springs Wildlife Conservation

Observing the wildlife at Carson springs wildlife conservation park is indexed in the teenage things to do in Gainesville, fl. You should take a tour of the Carson springs wildlife conservation to have a look at the conserved wild animals. There are many animals that you can see there such as tigers, cheetahs, Hyenas, and giraffes, etc.

The main purpose of this conservatory is to rescue, save animals and provide them a good healthy life. The authorities of this conservation center also aid some special educational tours to schools and children.

However, to the visit to the Carson Springs Wildlife conservation you have to pay some fees which go for the welfare of the animals kept there.

  • Name: Carson Springs Wildlife Conservation
  • Address: 8528 E, County Road 225, Gainesville
  1. Admire The Depot Park

Admire The Depot Park

Do you want to have some refreshing time? Then, visiting the depot park is one of the things to do in Gainesville for you. You can have so much fun with your kids here as there are many slides and rides. Another amazing thing here is the life-sized chess board which you can actually play.

You and your kids can also go to the blue grotto and play around in the water and splash it.  There are many recreational shade areas also where you can go and rest whenever you want to. The other important fact is that to enjoy all this you don’t have to invest any money.

  • Name: The Depot Park
  • Address: 874 SE 4 St, Gainesville
  1. Visit The Sweetwater Wetlands Park

Visit The Sweetwater Wetlands Park

Have you ever seen alligators? If not then going to the Sweetwater Wetlands park is among the things to do in Gainesville for you. The park is set up in the wetland area which has diverse plants and a variety of animals.

In this park, there are quite strict rules that you have to follow as you enter the park. The other thing that you have to keep in mind is not to harm the local wildlife animals like snakes and alligators, and plants, etc.

You can also get to see many different cute marsh flowers and seeds that you can collect and take home.

  • Name: The Sweetwater Wetlands Park
  • Area: 125 acres
  • Address:  325 SW Williston Rd, Gainesville
  1. Checkout The Lubee Bat Conservancy

Checkout The Lubee Bat Conservancy

Visiting the Lubee bat conservancy is included in the thrilling things to do in Gainesville. There you will get to see a variety of bat species that are on the verge of extinction.

You can also take the guided educational tour that is offered by the conservancy to know more information. You can even consider visiting it during the annual Bat festival of Florida which is held in the month of October.

  • Name: Lubee Bat Conservancy
  • Area: 110 acres
  • Address: Lubee Bat Conservancy, 1309+ NW 192nd Ave, Gainesville
  1. Admire The Cade Museum For Creativity And Invention

Admire The Cade Museum For Creativity And Invention

For the lovers of Science and technology visiting the Cade museum for creativity and invention is listed in the things to do in Gainesville, ga. You can also get your hands on various invention stations which are interactive.

I am sure that you will have a lot of fun there with your kids. The other interesting thing is that they take classes with children where your little ones can learn how to make slimes and how to identify the different parts of the brain.

The Cade Museum is not just for creativity and fun but to learn more about science and technology.

  • Name: Cade Museum For Creativity And Invention
  • Address: 811 S Main St, Gainesville
  1. Shopping At Oaks Mall 

Shopping At Oaks Mall

Are you a shopping buff? Then, going to the Oaks Mall is the best thing to do in Gainesville fl for you. You can grab many local items and showpieces to take along with you when you leave this city.

There you will find good quality products both of high and low prices. You can also explore the nice little boutique shops and buy some sweet candies from there. If you feel hungry while roaming around the mall you can go to the food court and have some delicious snacks.

  • Name: The Oaks Mall
  • Address: 6419 W Newberry Rd, Gainesville

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  1. Tour To 34th Street Wall

Tour To 34th Street Wall

Another thing that is on the list of things to do in Gainesville ga is a tour of the 34th Street wall. There you will get to see mind-blowing graffiti which is made on the wall up to 1120 feet long.

This huge graffiti was made to prevent the corrosion of the wall by the nearby golf course. The wall has many nice messages, beautiful drawings, and good prayers. There you will also get to see the portraits of celebrities and many murder victims. The unique and vibrant wall art and paintings are a must-see in Gainesville.

  • Name: 34th Street Wall

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FAQ

What Is There To Do In Gainesville Today?

The things to do in Gainesville today are mentioned below.

  • Visit the Florida Museum of Natural History
  • Explore the Universe at Kika Silva Pla Planetarium
  • To Uncover Past visit Matheson History Museum 
  • See the Devil’s Millhoper Geological State Park
  • Trip to Kanapaha Botanical Gardens
  • Breathe Fresh Air at Morningside Nature Center
  • Embrace the Art at Samuel P. Harn Museum of Art
  • View the Ichetucknee Springs State Park
  • Enjoy a drink at Bluefield Estate Winery
  • Observe the Wildlife at Carson Springs Wildlife Conservation
  • Admire the Depot Park
  • Going to the Sweetwater Wetlands Park
  • Checkout the Lubee Bat Conservancy
  • Admire the Cade Museum For Creativity And Invention
  • Shopping at Oaks Mall 
  • Tour to 34th Street Wall

What Can You Do In Gainesville For Free?

Things to do in Florida, Gainesville for free are mentioned below.

  •  Visit the Florida Museum of Natural History
  • View the Ichetucknee Springs State Park
  • Admire the Depot Park
  • Going to the Sweetwater Wetlands Park
  • Checkout the Lubee Bat Conservancy
  • Admire the Cade Museum For Creativity And Invention
  • To Uncover Past visit Matheson History Museum 
  • See the Devil’s Millhoper Geological State Park
  • Trip to Kanapaha Botanical Gardens
  • Breathe Fresh Air at Morningside Nature Center
  • Embrace the Art at Samuel P. Harn Museum of Art
  • Shopping at Oaks Mall 
  • Tour to 34th Street Wall

Is Gainesville Worth Visiting?

Yes, Gainesville is worth visiting as there are so many things and activities to do in Gainesville. You can explore and visit many tourist spots here such as the Florida Museum of the natural history, Sweetwater Wetlands Park and the Lubee Bat conservancy, etc.  

What Is There To Do In Gainesville This Weekend?

The list of the things that you can do this weekend in Gainesville is given below.

  • Admire the Depot Park
  • Going to the Sweetwater Wetlands Park
  • Checkout the Lubee Bat Conservancy
  • Admire the Cade Museum For Creativity And Invention
  • Shopping at Oaks Mall 
  • Tour to 34th Street Wall
  • Trip to Kanapaha Botanical Gardens
  • Breathe Fresh Air at Morningside Nature Center
  • Embrace the Art at Samuel P. Harn Museum of Art
  • View the Ichetucknee Springs State Park
  • Enjoy a drink at Bluefield Estate Winery
  • Observe the Wildlife at Carson Springs Wildlife Conservation
  • Visit the Florida Museum of Natural History
  • Explore the Universe at Kika Silva Pla Planetarium
  • To Uncover Past visit Matheson History Museum 
  • See the Devil’s Millhoper Geological State Park

Is Gainesville FL A Nice Town?

Gainesville is in Alachua County and is one of the best places to live in Florida. Living in Gainesville offers residents an urban suburban mix feel and most residents rent their homes. In Gainesville there are a lot of bars and parks. Many young professionals live in Gainesville and residents tend to lean liberal.

Is Gainesville A Walkable City?

Gainesville is designated a Bronze-level community due to its outstanding enforcement practices, complete streets implementation, and land development ordinances that support walking. Walking in the City of Gainesville is also supported by good transit and parking policies.

What Is A Good Salary In Gainesville Florida?

Most salaries in Gainesville range between $33,962 (25th percentile) to $60,083 (75th percentile) annually. Of course, salaries will vary depending on your occupation, experience, and many other factors.

How Far From Gainesville Is The Closest Beach?

Flagler Beach is about an hour and forty-five minutes away from Gainesville. The seven-mile stretch of beach means that there is more than enough room for locals and visitors to spread out.

What Is Gainesville Florida Best Known For?

Though it’s best known as the location of the University of Florida, there’s a lot more to Gainesville than a college campus. It has a rich history dating back thousands of years to the time of hunter-gatherers, and many of its wild forests and wetlands have been carefully preserved to this day.

What Are The Pros And Cons Of Gainesville FL?

The pros to living in Gainesville are the city’s affordable cost of living, nationally recognized healthcare facilities, stellar education systems and endless things to do. The cons to living in Gainesville are the city’s higher than average crime rating and uncomfortable humidity.

Is Gainesville A Great Place To Live?

Gainesville is a city in Florida with a population of 138,741. Gainesville is in Alachua County and is one of the best places to live in Florida. Living in Gainesville offers residents an urban suburban mix feel and most residents rent their homes. In Gainesville there are a lot of bars and parks.

Is Gainesville FL Family Friendly?

Gainesville and all of Alachua County have plenty to offer in the way of Family-Friendly fun! Gainesville is a hub of activities for visitors of all ages!

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Conclusion

Gainesville is one of the tourist best cities in Florida with so many places to visit and explore. If you are wondering what to do in Gainesville? Then, in the above article, I have mentioned all the fun and exciting things to do in Gainesville. You will get detailed information and facts about all the places that you can take a trip to and travel around. You will also get aware of details and the vast history of Gainesville. So, what are you waiting for? Grab your bags and book your tickets to Gainesville soon. I am sure that you will have a great time while doing all these activities and things to do in Gainesville.