About Gainesville

Gainesville, Florida: #1 City in America, as chosen by “Cities Ranked and Rated“. (click here to compare Gainesville to Top 10 Best Places).

According to the book, Gainesville has “gained popularity among northern migrants seeking a Florida climate and intellectual stimulation without the high prices, tourist bustle, and stigma most commonly associated with the state.” The book also highlights Gainesville’s recreational opportunities, arts venues, opportunities for small businesses, and small-town Southern feel. Culturally, the city is enriched by the influence of the University of Florida. The population of Gainesville is approximately 140,000 with a surrounding population of 270,000. The city offers a diverse cultural environment and a low cost of living.

Arts and Entertainment

Overview of Arts and Cultural Activities

Visual Arts

This Month Entertainment Activities

Dining Guide

The Phillips Center for Performing Arts

Hippodrome Theatre

University of Florida Players

Gainesville Community Playhouse

Acrosstown Repertory Theater

The Baughman Center

UF athletic events

National Recognition Highlights

Gainesville Awards and Recognition AARP Ranks Gainesville a top place to live, Gainesville Sun, 2003
#1 City in America, as chosen by “Cities Ranked and Rated, 2007 “
Downtown Festival & Art Show ranked #40 in nation by Greg Lawler’s Art Fair Sourcebook, 2005
Gainesville’s Eastside High School Ranks Top Six in the Nation, Newsweek’s Best High Schools rankings, 2006
Tree City USA and Tree City USA Growth Award, National Arbor Day Foundation, 2005
1st Place media awards for its annual Hoggetowne Medieval Faire, 2005
Silver-Level Bicycle-Friendly Community Award, League of American Bicyclists, 2004 and 2005

“Windows” to Gainesville

City of Gainesville

Chamber of Commerce, Gainesville

Chamber of Commerce, Alachua County

Gainesville Sun newspaper

Alachua County

Outdoor Activities

Sweetwater Wetlands Park — Sweetwater Wetlands Park is a man-made wetland habitat of more than 125 acres. Shaped like the head of an alligator, the park has several miles of trails and is teeming with plants and animals.

Devils Millhopper State Park — discover an unexpected rainforest with this remarkable geological wonderland

San Felasco Hammock Preserve State Park — explore one of the finest and largest remaining mature hardwood forests in Florida

Kanapaha Botanical Garden — 68 acre nonprofit botanical garden

Itchetucknee Springs State Park — spring fed rivers, lush canopies, and cool swimming holes

Gainesville-Hawthorne State Trail — travel this meandering 16 mile trail for scenic vistas, wildlife sightings and glimpses of railroad history

Paynes Prairie Preserve State Park — Florida’s first state preserve is biologically, historically, and geologically unique

Adventure Outpost — guided canoeing and kayaking

Cedar Key / Gulf coast — Welcome to Cedar Key, a place where time stands still and allows you to enjoy the unique qualities of our coastal environment.

Anastasia State Park /Atlantic Ocean — pristine white sand beaches and vibrant history

Florida Springs — a complete list of Florida’s springs

State Parks, “the real Florida” — a complete list of 175 Florida State parks