Things to Do in Gainesville, FL

From nature trails and museums to coffee shops, wine bars, and local hangouts: Gainesville has something for every kind of visitor.

Local Activities & Attractions

Explore Gainesville

Browse our guides to the best things to do in Gainesville, FL, from outdoor adventures and cultural spots to local businesses and neighbourhood favourites.

Things to Do in Gainesville: The Bull (Bar)

Things to Do in Gainesville: The Bull (Bar)

The Bull Bar is a vibrant downtown Gainesville hub featuring live music, handcrafted cocktails, and a welcoming community of artists, thinkers, and friends.

Kava Gator: A Gateway to Serenity in Gainesville, FL

Kava Gator: A Gateway to Serenity in Gainesville, FL

Discover Kava Gator, a serene kava bar in downtown Gainesville offering traditional Pacific island beverages, wellness, and community in a welcoming atmosphere.

Chain Reaction Bicycles: Gainesville

Chain Reaction Bicycles: Gainesville

Chain Reaction Bicycles is a family-owned bike shop in Gainesville offering bicycles, repairs, accessories, and expert service for all cycling levels.

Barnyard Buddies at Morningside Nature Center: A Farm Adventure

Barnyard Buddies at Morningside Nature Center: A Farm Adventure

Meet and interact with farm animals at this free weekly Wednesday program designed for families to learn about sustainable farming and animal care.

A Cyclist's Paradise: The Hawthorne Trail State Park

A Cyclist's Paradise: The Hawthorne Trail State Park

Explore the scenic 16-mile Hawthorne Trail State Park near Gainesville, Florida. A rails-to-trails gem perfect for cyclists, hikers, and nature lovers seeking outdoor adventure.

Third House Books: A Literary Oasis in Gainesville

Third House Books: A Literary Oasis in Gainesville

Discover Third House Books, an independent bookstore in Gainesville offering new and used books, unique gifts, and a welcoming community gathering space for readers.

Etc Boutique: A Fashion Sanctuary in Gainesville, FL

Etc Boutique: A Fashion Sanctuary in Gainesville, FL

Discover etc Boutique, a curated fashion destination in Gainesville offering designer pieces, quality clothing, and personalized styling for every woman.

Unveiling Inner and Outer Beauty at Pure Aesthetics in GNV

Unveiling Inner and Outer Beauty at Pure Aesthetics in GNV

Discover Pure Aesthetics in Gainesville, a med spa offering CoolSculpting, Botox, dermal fillers, and holistic beauty treatments with personalized care.

Thrive Where You Work: Gainesville's Starter Space

Thrive Where You Work: Gainesville's Starter Space

Discover Starter Space, Gainesville's entrepreneurial co-working hub offering desks, conference rooms, networking events, and mentorship for remote workers and startups.

Things to Do in the Gainesville Area: Beaker & Flask Wine Bar

Things to Do in the Gainesville Area: Beaker & Flask Wine Bar

Discover Beaker & Flask Wine Bar in Alachua, Florida, featuring curated wines, educational tastings, and a welcoming atmosphere for wine enthusiasts.

Laurel Oak Inn: Start Your Culinary School Experience

Laurel Oak Inn: Start Your Culinary School Experience

Explore hands-on cooking classes and culinary retreats at Laurel Oak Inn, a historic Gainesville inn with commercial kitchen and elegant dining spaces.

The 300 Club: Pickle Ball (It's All the Rage!), Tennis & Swim

The 300 Club: Pickle Ball (It's All the Rage!), Tennis & Swim

Experience pickle ball open play, tennis courts, and a heated pool at Gainesville's 300 Club. StayGainesville guests enjoy affordable access and temporary memberships.

Sweetwater Preserve: A Shaded Trail in Gainesville, FL

Sweetwater Preserve: A Shaded Trail in Gainesville, FL

Explore Sweetwater Preserve's network of shaded trails through diverse natural communities, perfect for hiking and birdwatching near Gainesville.

Sun Country Sports Center: Rock Climbing Haven

Sun Country Sports Center: Rock Climbing Haven

Discover rock climbing classes at Sun Country Sports Center in Gainesville, FL. StayGainesville guests receive a complimentary climbing day pass.

Sweat Life Fitness: Art Waters

Sweat Life Fitness: Art Waters

Meet Art Waters, Master Level Trainer and co-owner of Sweat Life Fitness in Jonesville, offering personal training, group classes, massage therapy, and nutrition coaching.

Sparkling Wine Tasting Class at the Camellia Rose Inn- Jan 22

Sparkling Wine Tasting Class at the Camellia Rose Inn- Jan 22

Join sommelier Katherine Haswell for a sparkling wine tasting class exploring production methods, regions, and styles with guided tastings at the Camellia Rose Inn.

Rental Homes for Construction Crews, Contractors, and Big Groups

Rental Homes for Construction Crews, Contractors, and Big Groups

Large vacation rental homes in Gainesville designed for construction crews, contractors, and big groups seeking cost-effective, spacious lodging with full kitchens and multiple bedrooms.

Short-Term Rental Masterclass: Untold Secrets of AirBNB & VRBO

Short-Term Rental Masterclass: Untold Secrets of AirBNB & VRBO

Free masterclass on short-term rental hosting secrets led by an experienced Airbnb Superhost in Gainesville, Florida on January 14, 2025.

Mixologist Class: Old Fashioneds With Rebecca Barbaree

Mixologist Class: Old Fashioneds With Rebecca Barbaree

Learn to craft classic Old Fashioneds from Rebecca Barbaree of Marks Prime Steakhouse during this mixologist class in Gainesville.

Intro to Italy: Wine Tasting Class

Intro to Italy: Wine Tasting Class

Join sommelier Katherine Haswell for an Italian wine tasting class exploring regional styles, flavors, and tasting techniques for all experience levels.

Rosés & Reds

Rosés & Reds

Join sommelier Katherine Haswell for a Rosés and Reds wine tasting class on February 13th at The Camellia Rose Inn in Gainesville, celebrating Valentine's Day.

Discover the Art of Wine: Every Sunday Wine Classes at the Laurel Oak Inn

Discover the Art of Wine: Every Sunday Wine Classes at the Laurel Oak Inn

Join expert sommelier Melody Wilson for weekly Sunday wine classes at The Laurel Oak Inn, exploring global wine regions with tastings and food pairings.

Beaker & Flask Wine Tasting at the Laurel Oak Inn

Beaker & Flask Wine Tasting at the Laurel Oak Inn

Join a guided wine tasting by Beaker & Flask at The Laurel Oak Inn in downtown Gainesville, featuring four summer wines and a tropical cocktail.

Are You Ready for Some Football? Go Gators!! UF

Are You Ready for Some Football? Go Gators!! UF

Experience the electric atmosphere of Florida Gators football at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium, where passionate fans create an unforgettable game-day tradition in Gainesville.

Always Eventful Planning: Supporting Veteran-Owned Businesses

Always Eventful Planning: Supporting Veteran-Owned Businesses

Always Eventful Planning is a Gainesville-based, veteran-owned event planning company offering full-service coordination for weddings, corporate events, and fundraisers.

A Look Inside the 300 Club Shoppe: Tennis, Pickleball & Gifts

A Look Inside the 300 Club Shoppe: Tennis, Pickleball & Gifts

Explore The 300 Club Shoppe in Gainesville, a curated boutique offering tennis and pickleball apparel, equipment, and luxury gifts for active lifestyles.