Uncover the unexpected in North Central Florida! Gainesville isn’t like any other place in Florida. Our combination of college-town vitality and protected natural beauty makes us one of a kind—a place “where nature and culture meet.”  

 

Gainesville offers 30+ miles of biking and hiking trails where you can spot wildlife like birds, bison, wild horses, or alligators in seven different areas of Florida State Parks. Canoe or paddleboard our scenic rivers, or take a dive into one of our crystal clear freshwater springs. Floating down the spring-fed river at Ichetucknee Springs State Park is a can’t-miss warm-weather tradition.

​

Spend your afternoon antiquing in Gainesville's surrounding small towns, and then grab a bite downtown at some of the best local farm-to-fork dinings around. Wash it all down with a beverage from one of our four local breweries, and catch some theater or local music before calling it a day.

 

A rich melting pot, Gainesville is full of vibrant, college town fun, inexpensive, and often free attractions for the family and peaceful, relaxed outdoor experiences for those seeking a slower pace. Whatever your passion, the nature and culture of Gainesville and Alachua County await.