CITY SPOTLIGHT:

Your Guide to Gainesville, Florida

Know Before You Go: About Gainesville

This college town boasts great weather, university sporting events and plenty of outdoor adventure.

Love the outdoors? You'll be right at home in Gainesville. Warm temperatures encourage you to stroll the downtown core, walk the footpaths at Kanapaha Botanical Gardens or go in search of wild ponies at a nearby state park. The University of Florida adds a youthful vibe to the area, which reaches a fever pitch during Gator football games. It’s easy to get caught up in the excitement of this welcoming Florida locale. You’ll be sure to enjoy its natural beauty and its welcoming vibe as soon as you arrive in Gainesville, Florida.

Short-Sleeve Weather Year-Round

Gainesville is known for its hot, humid summers and mild winters. Between the end of June and the beginning of September, temps often climb into the low-80s, with spikes into the 90s. Combine this with morning humidity averaging 90 percent and average monthly rainfall of nearly 7 inches during the summer, and you get a steamy result. Wear lightweight, breathable clothing to help stay comfortable. If you're looking for long, sunny days, you're in the right place, especially during the spring, when temps are milder and the rain averages 3 to 4 inches a month.

Get Out and Enjoy It

Exploring the great outdoors is what it's all about in Gainesville. Check out Paynes Prairie Preserve State Park, just south of the city, and you might be lucky enough to see wild horses and bison. An observation tower at the visitor center and the famed La Chua Trail give you the best chance of finding them. Just remember, this is Florida, and gators are plentiful. If you prefer your wildlife a little tamer, check out the Florida Museum of Natural History and its nature trails or the Kanapaha Botanical Gardens—its wildlife ponds regularly attract herons and other water birds. Take a stroll downtown and check out the 34th Street Wall, a local landmark with ever-changing graffiti. For something a little more fast-paced, head to the Auto Plus Raceway almost any weekend to see live drag racing.

Education, Tourism and Technology

Gainesville is a college town, home to the University of Florida and Santa Fe Community College, making education a top industry for the local economy. Attend a Gator game at the university's Ben Hill Griffin Stadium and you're contributing to both the education and tourism sectors. Technology also plays a big part in the city’s economy, largely due to the research programs at the university. The Gainesville Chamber of Commerce developed a special task force to increase local technological output.

Flying, Driving or Busing

If you're flying into town, you'll most likely arrive at the Gainesville Regional Airport. Carriers such as Delta and American Airlines provide service from nearby Atlanta and Charlotte. To get the most out of your trip, you’ll want to rent a car, especially if you're planning on visiting one of the state parks. Gainesville's Regional Transit Service (RTS) provides transport to the university area and connects to other routes. You could also hop on the Hall Area Transit Bus, the city's public transportation system.

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Things to Do in Gainesville

Love the outdoors? You'll be right at home in Gainesville. Warm temperatures encourage you to spend some time outside.