Gainesville is located in lush, semi-tropical North Central Florida midway between the Atlantic coast and the Gulf of Mexico.
A wonderful place to live, work, and play, Gainesville’s mild winters and warm summers are perfect for outdoor activities throughout the year. Our many parks and lakes make it a great spot for swimming, boating, fishing, bicycling, and camping.
Snorkelers and divers will enjoy the abundance of freshwater springs within easy reach, and the Atlantic and Gulf coasts – not to mention Disney World – are just a couple of hours away.
Because of our commitment to historic preservation, Gainesville was named a Preserve America Community in 2008, and is home to several museums and a lively performing arts community.
Youth sports, arts, and cultural programs abound here.
Gainesville’s Hippodrome Theatre and downtown music, art, and dining scene, along with University of Florida’s Performing Arts , Harn Museum of Art, and Museum of Natural History provide a multitude of cultural, educational, and entertainment options.
For collegiate sports enthusiasts, the university offers 13 nationally competitive varsity sports, including lacrosse, gymnastics, soccer, swimming and diving, football, basketball, baseball, and softball.
Traveling to Orlando or Jacksonville attractions, the beach, or to professional sports venues makes a nice day trip.
Although Gainesville’s population tops 125,000, it has a friendly, small town feel.
The city offers a thriving, diverse cultural environment, excellent public schools, and a low cost of living, making it an attractive and affordable place to live.
Learn more about Gainesville at the links below.
- Tripadvisor Gainesville
- City of Gainesville
- US Airways Magazine, Gainesville FL
- VisitGainesville.com
Housing
Things to Do
Great for Families
- Depot Park
- Santa Fe College Teaching Zoo
- Ichetucknee Springs State Park
- Butterfly Rainforest
- University of Florida Bat Houses
- Fun 4 Gator Kids
Dance, Music and Theater
Restaurants
Museums
Athletics
Outdoors
- Florida Springs
- Florida State Parks
- Paynes Prairie Preserve
- Devil’s Millhopper Geological State Park
- San Felasco State Park
- Kanapaha Botanical Garden
- Gainesville-Hawthorne Bike Trail
- Santa Fe River – Kayak/Canoe
- Farmer’s Markets
- U-Pick Farms
- Alachua County Parks and Preserves
Day Trips
- Walt Disney World in Orlando
- Universal Studios Orlando
- St. Augustine, Florida
- Cumberland Island National Seashore
- Orlando Magic (professional basketball)
- Tampa Bay Buccaneers (professional football)
- Jacksonville Jaguars (professional football)
- Tampa Bay Rays (professional baseball)