Gainesville event weekends: what to do between sessions
The University of Florida's town of springs, prairies and alligators.
Events we cover in Gainesville
Arriving
Gainesville (GNV) has flights to Atlanta and Charlotte; Orlando and Jacksonville are 2 hours.
Where to stay
| Budget | Where | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Budget | Archer Road chains | Near campus. |
| Mid-range | Midtown | Near the stadium. |
| Splurge | Hilton UF Conference Center | On campus. |
Three hotels we would book
- Budget: Hampton Inn and Suites Gainesville-Downtown
- Mid-range: Hyatt Place Gainesville Downtown
- Splurge: Hilton University of Florida Conference Center
Tours
Where to eat
With kids
- Florida Museum of Natural History butterfly rainforest.
Rainy-day backups
- Harn Museum of Art (free).
Free things to do
- Lake Alice alligators.
- Devil's Millhopper sinkhole.
Getting around
- RTS buses; a car for the springs. Hotels for commencement weekend often sell out a year ahead and require two- or three-night minimums. Book as soon as the date is posted.