Location: Gainesville
Top Things to do in Gainesville
10 Things to Do in Gainesville That You Shouldn't Miss
Home to the University of Florida, the largest and oldest university in the state, as well as the Santa Fe Community College, Gainesville is a hub of education and culture. Perhaps due to its strong student population, the city is also at the heart of independent music in Florida, having produced numerous musical acts from a variety of genres. The natural surroundings, including parks, lakes and the adjacent Paynes Prairie State Reserve provide a green getaway from the bustle of city life.
Restaurants in Gainesville
1. Butterfly Rainforest
Overall Ratings
5 based on 983 reviews
Reviewed By Linda C - Gainesville, Florida, United States
The university has a terrific place here. I took my sister and husband and we saw some very beautiful butterflies. Took video. I would recommend bringing people here if you are trying to recruit them. They will be totally impressed.Hi Linda C, Thanks for your review, compliment and suggestion. We of course agree, and hope to see you again soon! Kind regards, Paul R.
2. Carson Springs Wildlife Conservation Foundation
Overall Ratings
5 based on 134 reviews
Not for profit exotic animal rescue and endangered species animal park and breeding center. Large beautiful nature park with 28 species, over 75 animals including big cat feeding demonstrations.
Reviewed By Gary U - Ocala, Florida, United States
Took the OTOW ShutterBug's Photography Club here to see the Big Cats. A wonderful Docent led tour lasting about two hours plus. Every question answered, Our guide - Hannah - was delightful the entire time. Saw lots of animals, along with birds, a rhino leopards, warthogs, etc. Well worth the price of admission.
3. Florida Museum of Natural History
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 793 reviews
Native American and natural history exhibits in this museum at the University of Florida.
Reviewed By corvus0486 - Gainesville, Florida
As a group leader for 14 seniors, I was impressed with the depth of knowledge and passion of the docents interpreting the cultural and natural history of Florida. The exhibits are extraordinarily well designed and appropriately interactive. One needs to visit more than once to...MoreHi corvus0486, Thank you for the review and kind words about our dedicated docents. I have already shared your comments with our Volunteer Coordinator! We're glad you enjoyed your visit and hope to see you again soon. Kind regards, Paul Ramey
4. Sweetwater Wetlands Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 114 reviews
Reviewed By YetiStuff - Jacksonville, Florida
This is a great place to see a lot of wildlife! We saw gators, birds, turtles, fish, and even a snake down in the water. The boardwalks and gravel trails are well kept. A perfect place to see a lot of Florida’s wildlife in one convenient place. We would definitely go back.
5. Paynes Prairie
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 394 reviews
Nature area with woods and swamp as well as an information center describing the wildlife in the area.
Reviewed By corvus0486 - Gainesville, Florida
The Payne’s Prairie State Preserve is one of the most outstanding natural areas of north Florida. It is known for its massive flicks of migratory Sandhill Cranes, loafing American Alligators, small herds of Wood Buffalo and wild horses all reminiscent of the period of William Bartram’s journey through north Florida. The State Park is also the site of Alachua Sink, a portal the region’s prime ground water and valued source of water supply.
The Prairie is an outstanding resource for birdwatching and general nature enjoyment from dawn to dusk. Highly recommended.
6. Samuel P. Harn Museum of Art
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 207 reviews
Reviewed By ARodriguezP - Miami, Florida
After spending time at the Florida Natural History Museum next door our time was a bit limited so we rushed through to at least get a look at their art collection.
For those who like modern art and photography this museum should be most attractive. We found their Asian and African exhibits very interesting though not particularly extensive. One nice touch were the two small gardens,one Zen and the other a more familiar Japanese style garden with plants,artfully arranged stones and a water feature. I would definitely return with a little more time to fully appreciate this somewhat eclectic art collection.
7. Swamp Head Brewery
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 127 reviews
Founded in 2008, upon the foundation of our great state, we raised our roof to brew world-class beers and establish ourselves as Florida’s brewery. Having travelled through lands far and close, and finding inspiration along the way, we are proud to be here, proud to be Inherently Floridian.
Reviewed By travelmakesUrich - Rocky Mount, North Carolina
Standing room only when the weather's not nice, too - again, because of the crowds. Beer drinkers and their kids, their dogs - they're all here! As you turn into the street where the brewery's on your right, if you turn left instead there's a parking lot for assorted businesses over there, and that parking lot's much bigger and will accommodate those of you (like us) who couldn't find parking in the brewery's lot.
8. University of Florida
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 299 reviews
The University of Florida is THE Flagship Institution in Florida’s large system of #HigherEducation.
Reviewed By nabeab - Miami
Everytime I vidit Gainsville I am amazed at the beauty of this campus, huge place with beautiful walking trails and nice spots to sit and enjoy. This time we enjoyed lake Lucy, beautiful! Wevwalked around for about 45 minutes.
9. Ben Hill Griffin Stadium
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 227 reviews
Reviewed By mealybug - Wilmington, Delaware
Tim Tebow, Steve Spurrier and Danny Wuerffel , Heisman trophy winners and Spurrier most winningest coach of all time!
Enter the swamp by the bull gator entrance.
During a game, 91,000+ produces such energy. Nothing like it.
Obviously, I ❤️ the Florida Gators especially Tim Tebow and Steve Spurrier.
Walk around the campus.
Students are friendly and beautiful campus.
10. Santa Fe College Teaching Zoo
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 199 reviews
The Santa Fe College Teaching Zoo houses 70 species, and 250 individual animals in its collection, including white handed gibbons, red ruffed lemurs, ocelots, bald eagles, Galapagos tortoises, African grey parrots, and Matschie’s tree kangaroo. Days Open: Monday - Sunday 9am – 2pm. The Santa Fe College Teaching Zoo is Gainesville’s community zoo and the training facility for the Zoo Animal Technology Program. Situated on 10 forested acres, students in the Zoo Animal Technology Program provide daily care for the animals as well as tours of the zoo grounds. The personalized tours are designed to give visitors a more educational and enjoyable experience and to give zoo students more experience working with guests.
Reviewed By acphifer - Athens, Pennsylvania
We visited this zoo last month. It is small and well shaded. There are not a lot of animals, but seems perfect for smaller children. Nice place to spend a quiet hour.
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