Location: Gainesville
Top Things to do in Gainesville
Top 10 Free Things to do in Gainesville, Florida (FL)
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. Depot Park
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 89 reviews
Depot Park is a signature city park in downtown Gainesville providing a space for unique public outdoor enjoyment. Depot features a children's adventure play area with a custom splash pad of waterfalls, water soakers, and ground jets. A water's edge promenade hosts special events like food truck rallies, art festivals, and musical performances. The park is fully staffed and free of charge.
Reviewed By joshs895 - Bangkok, Thailand
The park is lit up at night and makes for a very nice walk. During the day you can stop by the train car for refreshments. It’s a nice place just to spend sometime out of the house.
2. Florida National Scenic Trail
3. Samuel P. Harn Museum of Art
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 249 reviews
Reviewed By FLGatorJTK - Lake Placid, United States
We hadn’t been to the Harn in years but visited this weekend because of their new “A Florida Legacy” exhibit. I am so glad we did! The Vickers family donated over 1,200 works of art depicting Florida scenes and they currently have nearly 170 paintings, watercolors, and drawings on display. Works include 125 artists, including several works by Thomas Moran, and were created in the 19th & 20th centuries. It’s a lovely collection that has found an appropriate home at the Harn. While you’re at the Harn, don’t miss a beautiful Monet in the gallery next to the Florida exhibit. The Harn is home to a variety of other exhibits, including photography and ceramics, but the Florida exhibit had me lingering to appreciate the beauty and changes over time captured in these works.
4. Thomas Center
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 66 reviews
Enjoy a delightful and free of charge visit to The Historic Thomas Center. Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, the building is a beautifully restored Mediterranean Revival-style hotel. Stroll through the lovely gardens and view the art in one of our two galleries. You can experience the past through the 1920's period rooms and local history exhibits. Listen to the interesting history of the property and the Thomas Family with a free cell phone tour. FREE OF CHARGE/FREE PARKING/HANDICAP ACCESSIBLE
Reviewed By Wanda1960 - Gainesville, United States
I went to a wedding there and it was very nice. I have no idea the price or who catered but everything was presented beautifully.
5. University of Florida
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 341 reviews
The University of Florida is THE Flagship Institution in Florida’s large system of #HigherEducation.
Reviewed By O3450RLlauras
Beautiful campus, very organized tour, excellent information shared about the university. We scheduled an advising appointment, toured, and then explored the dining hall for lunch. Great experience for our rising senior son.
6. University of Florida Bat House
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 429 reviews
The University of Florida Bat Houses are the world's largest occupied bat houses with an estimated population of 500,000. The structures are located on the north side of Museum Road between Village Drive and Radio Road across from Lake Alice on the UF campus. Parking is available in a lot just west of the houses near Radio Road or across Museum Road near the Baughman Center. A UF parking decal is required Monday-Friday from 7:30 a.m to 4:30 p.m. Parking is free after 4:30 p.m. weekdays, and on weekends and state holidays. The bats normally emerge 10 to 15 minutes after sunset before total darkness when temperatures are 65 F or higher. High winds, heavy rain or cold temperatures will keep the bats inside for the evening. On warm winter evenings, the bats may come out for a drink of water at the lake and exercise; however they can eat only when bugs are flying.
Reviewed By EALGator - Gainesville, United States
Daily, year-round, sometimes hundreds of people gather to watch hundreds of thousands of bats take off for their nightly excursions! Great fun and great people gather together and see raw nature up close... And I do mean close.... Bats flying just a couple feet above your head... It's an awesome experience, something kids and young at heart will love!
7. Swamp Head Brewery
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 152 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.
8. Kanapaha Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 52 reviews
Reviewed By Flamingojan - Waynesville, United States
Beautiful park even in December. Lots of plants and trees still blooming. The bamboo gardens were surreal. Windy day so we just sat and listened. Clean and well maintained. Love that there were lots of well behaved pups in the park. Someone was even using the park to train a service dog. Highly recommend seeing it especially in the spring . I assume the flowered are spectacular. Saw a beautiful hawk also
9. Bluefield Estate Winery
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 24 reviews
We are a small family owned winery/vineyard just east of Gainesville. We grown blueberries and muscadine grapes that we use in our wine production. We also open a u-pick of our crops during certain times of the year. Please be advised that while our address states 234, one must actually turn off of 234 onto NE 1st place to gain access to the property. We do not have any roadway frontage at this time. There is a mailbox at NE 1st place that states "winery" on it to mark the turn. We look forward to obtaining better signage and are currently working with the county to obtain the same. We hope to see you at the winery.
Reviewed By WeldonAdventure
A friend and I had a great time doing a wine tasting here! The staff is wonderful and it was such a fun afternoon. They allowed us to bring a little cheeseboard to enjoy while we tried different wines, and the selection is fantastic. Definitely recommend!
