About Gainesville
Gainesville is a city in and the county seat of Alachua County, Florida, United States. It is the most populous city in North Central Florida with a population of 141,085 at the 2020 census, while the Gainesville metropolitan area has an estimated 360,000 residents. Gainesville is home to the University of Florida, the third-largest public university campus by enrollment in the United States as of the 2023–2024 academic year. The university is represented by the Florida Gators sports teams in NCAA competitions.
Places to visit in Gainesville
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Florida Museum of Natural History
Museum · 3 mi from centreOn the University of Florida campus, the museum features fossils, Florida ecosystems and the Butterfly Rainforest, a screened enclosure with hundreds of free-flying butterflies. Allow at least two hours.
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Paynes Prairie Preserve State Park
Nature · 6 mi from centreA wide savanna just south of town where wild horses, bison and alligators can be seen from an observation tower and the La Chua Trail.
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Devil's Millhopper Geological State Park
Nature · 5 mi from centreA deep limestone sinkhole with a lush, cool mini rainforest inside. A wooden staircase descends to the bottom past small trickling waterfalls and ferns. The loop takes under an hour.
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Kanapaha Botanical Gardens
Park · 6 mi from centreGardens featuring large bamboo groves, giant water lilies, herb and butterfly gardens and shaded walking paths around a lake, with seasonal plant sales and festivals.
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Harn Museum of Art
Museum · 3 mi from centreA university art museum with Asian, African, modern and contemporary collections, plus outdoor Asian-style gardens, located next to the natural history museum for an easy combined visit.
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Ichetucknee Springs State Park
Nature · 34 mi from centreNorthwest of Gainesville, crystal-clear springs feed a slow river that is popular for tubing and paddling in warm months, with swimming at the head spring.
Where to stay in Gainesville
Popular hotels in Gainesville, out of 96 properties you can book.
Hampton Inn & Suites Flowery Branch Lake Lanier
From $158 per night
Chateau Elan
From $430 per night
Holiday Inn Express and Suites Helen an IHG Hotel
From $142 per night
Hampton Inn Helen
From $156 per night
Bw Plus Lake Lanier Gainesville Hotel & Suites
From $136 per night
Baymont by Wyndham Braselton
From $110 per night
Country Inn & Suites By Radisson, Braselton
From $111 per night
Best Western Braselton Inn
From $127 per night
La Quinta Inn Suites By Wyndham Braselton
From $120 per night
Quality Inn Downtown Helen
From $90 per night
Courtyard By Marriott Atlanta Budorf Mall
From $154 per night
Country Inn Suites By Radisson Helen Ga
From $121 per night
Best time to visit Gainesville
Based on recent weather records, the most comfortable time to visit Gainesville is February, April and November to December, when average daytime highs are around 69–83°F and rain falls on about 5 days a month.
Average daily low and high temperatures and days with at least 1 mm of rain, from recent weather records. Highlighted months are the most comfortable for sightseeing.
Gainesville weather forecast
- Wed 21 Oct 78° 53° 0%
- Thu 22 Oct 79° 58° 0%
- Fri 23 Oct 81° 59° 0%
- Sat 24 Oct 74° 62° 15%
- Sun 25 Oct 82° 62° 8%
- Mon 26 Oct 80° 64° 7%
Know before you go
- Currency
- United States dollar (USD)
- Language
- English
- Calling code
- +1
- Driving
- On the right
- Time zone
- America/New_YorkUTC−4
- Capital
- Washington, D.C.
Upcoming public holidays in United States
- Veterans Day
- Thanksgiving Day
- Christmas Day
- New Year's Day
- Martin Luther King, Jr. Day
- Presidents DayWashington's Birthday
Banks, offices and some attractions may close on public holidays, and flights and hotels often fill up early around them.
Getting to Gainesville
These are the airports closest to central Gainesville. Compare fares into each one, as a slightly longer transfer can sometimes mean a much cheaper flight.
- GNV Gainesville Regional Airport4 mi (7 km) from the city centre
Getting around Gainesville
Bus service is provided on more than 35 routes. Some bus lines provide service until 2AM on weeknights. Late night service, referred to as the Later Gator, is provided on some lines, Wednesday through Saturday from 8PM to 3AM.
Gainesville travel FAQ
When is the best time to visit Gainesville?
Based on recent weather records, the most comfortable time to visit Gainesville is February, April and November to December, when average daytime highs are around 69–83°F and rain falls on about 5 days a month.
What is the weather like in Gainesville?
June is usually the warmest month in Gainesville, with average highs of 93°F (34°C). January is the coolest, with average lows of 43°F (6°C). The wettest month is typically July, with about 197 mm of rain.
Which airport is closest to Gainesville?
Gainesville Regional Airport (GNV) is the closest airport, about 4 miles (7 km) from the centre of Gainesville.
What time zone is Gainesville in?
Gainesville uses the America/New_York time zone (currently UTC−4). Remember to check for daylight saving changes when planning connecting flights.
How do I get around Gainesville?
Bus service is provided on more than 35 routes. Some bus lines provide service until 2AM on weeknights. Late night service, referred to as the Later Gator, is provided on some lines, Wednesday through Saturday from 8PM to 3AM.
What are the best places to visit in Gainesville?
Top sights in Gainesville include Florida Museum of Natural History, Paynes Prairie Preserve State Park, Devil's Millhopper Geological State Park and Kanapaha Botanical Gardens. On the University of Florida campus, the museum features fossils, Florida ecosystems and the Butterfly Rainforest, a screened enclosure with hundreds of free-flying butterflies. Allow at least two hours.
Where should I stay in Gainesville?
Popular areas for hotels in Gainesville include Gainesville Area, Braselton Area and Helen Area. Well-reviewed options include Hampton Inn & Suites Flowery Branch Lake Lanier and Chateau Elan.
How many hotels can I book in Gainesville?
Destina Holidays currently lists 96 properties in and around Gainesville, from budget stays to luxury hotels. Search your dates to see live prices and availability.
