Hotels in Gainesville, Florida

A little about Gainesville...

Gainesville is the largest city and county seat of Alachua County, Florida. Gainesville is primarily known for being home to the University of Florida, the flagship university of the State University System of Florida and the third-largest university in the United States. Santa Fe Community College, one of the nation's largest community colleges, is also located in Gainesville.

The 2000 Census reported the population of Gainesville to be 95,447. Following a successful annexation in 2002, the U.S. Census Bureau estimated a 2004 population of 108,856. However, the City of Gainesville estimates the 2003 population at 117,182. The Gainesville Metropolitan Statistical Area (MSA), which includes Alachua and Gilchrist counties, has a population of 239,114 as of 2005 Census Bureau estimates.

Gainesville is also home to the University of Florida and Santa Fe Community College. The University of Florida is a major financial boost to the community, and hundreds of thousands of dollars in additional revenues are created by the athletic events that occur at UF, including SEC football games.

Points of interest:

Florida Museum of Natural History (including the Butterfly Rainforest exhibit)
Harn Museum of Art
Hippodrome State Theatre
Kanapaha Botanical Gardens
University of Florida
Haile Plantation
The Devil's Millhopper
Payne's Prairie
Civic Media Center
Lake Alice
Ben Hill Griffin Stadium
Newnan's Lake
Palms Point Park

Gainesville is just a short drive from both the Gulf of Mexico and the Atlantic Ocean, offering a wealth of fun and opportunity to get the most from Florida's tourism industry. Additionally, the Gainesville area offers unique opportunities to visit and interact with natural, historical, and entertaining areas of Florida. Learn all about Gainesville's attractions, including city parks, area freshwater activities, nature trails, and other sites of interest within short driving distance from Gainesville.