Things To Do

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Things To Do

Get ready to update your bucket list with one of kind free experiences. Read below for the shortlist or scroll on down for the longer read with photos.

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Make cool escapes in Gainesville and Alachua County at local museums and gallery exhibits.

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Alachua County bustles with creativity and a vibrant arts community. Make a weekend your way with local flavor from innovative experiences and a unique collection of crafters, curators, artists and makers.

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A band of three play for a crowd in Alachua County, Florida.

Experience the creative pulse of a community that music legends Tom Petty, Stephen Stills and Bo Diddley have called home. Gainesville is a haven for music and performing arts enthusiasts of all genres. Plan a night on the town with Dance Alive National Ballet or the Gainesville Orchestra, or bring the family out for live music at the Free Friday concert series at Bo Diddley Plaza. Alachua County’s dynamic live entertainment and arts scene offers unforgettable shows for any taste.

Two young ladies laugh as they hula hoop outside in Alachua County, Florida.

From toddlers to teens, our family-friendly attractions are perfect for your next family vacation. Discover museums with hands-on experiences, sporting activities for the whole family, kid-friendly art exhibits, splash playgrounds, gardens, multiple zoos and animal sanctuaries, family-friendly trails for hiking and biking, arcades, parks galore, and more! Alachua County offers endless opportunities for memorable family activities.

Front view of a circular brick and glass building in Alachua County, Florida.

Discover captivating art exhibitions and see history come to life in the fantastic museums and galleries in Alachua County. Bring the entire family to the inspiring exhibits at the Cade Museum for Creativity and Invention, the Florida Museum of Natural History, and the unforgettable Butterfly Rainforest, or take in special collections at the Harn Museum of Art or the Cotton Club Museum and Cultural Center. Mark your calendar for the annual Downtown Festival and Art Show, or enhance your stay with Artwalk Gainesville, where the streets of downtown Gainesville come alive with creativity on the last Friday of each month.

A welcome sign at the entrance of Kanapaha Botanical Gardens in Alachua County, Florida.

Exciting sightseeing tours await you on water or land. Whether you prefer self-guided, docent-guided, or outfitter-guided tours, there truly is something for everyone. Create your own itinerary or use our travel guides to find the perfect experience for your family or group. Enjoy peaceful garden strolls, educational animal encounters, explorations of art, or exhilarating adventures in nature; Alachua County has it all. Mobility aids are offered at many locations including Kanapaha Botanical Gardens, the Harn Museum of Art, or the electric tram nature tour of Sweetwater Wetlands Park – just to name a few. Start planning your unforgettable tour today.

Two young girls browse for books in a bookstore in Alachua County, Florida.

One of the best things about shopping in Alachua County is deciding whether you want a big-city or small-town retail experience – or both! Discover all your favorite retail brands and get to know our small business owners, makers, and artisans as you shop our irresistible galleries, farmers markets, boutiques, antique stores, and more. Whether you’re hunting for the current fashion or unique gifts, our diverse shopping scene has something for everyone on your list, especially you.

A historical marker stands in front of the home of A. Quinn Jones, Sr. in Alachua County, Florida.

Founded on December 29, 1824, Alachua County boasts a rich history, offering numerous historic sites and tours. Discover significant historical sites at the Marjorie Kinnan Rawlings Historic State Park, the homestead of the Pulitzer Prize-winning author. Experience living history at Dudley Farm Historic State Park, Morningside Nature Center and Living History Farm, and the Historic Haile Homestead. The A. Quinn Jones Museum and Cotton Club Museum and Cultural Center offer visitors exhibits and performances on an ongoing basis. Visit the Florida Museum of Natural History to learn about Alachua County’s first inhabitants, including the Seminole, Calusa, and Timucua people. There’s so much to explore – discover historic tours, reenactments, and museums that commemorate the past and immerse yourself in the unique history of Alachua County.

A green and white cottage welcomes visitors with on open front porch in Alachua County, Florida.

With so much to see and do, we have got you covered with complete travel information in Alachua County. Here, you’ll find comprehensive travel plans, creative travel ideas, and essential trip-planning resources. Whether you’re seeking adventure, culture, or relaxation, our curated itineraries provide the perfect guide for your visit. Let us help you create unforgettable experiences with our expert travel resources and planning tools.

Things To Do

Embrace your true colors in Gainesville, Alachua County—a place that prioritizes making visitors and residents feel respected and safe. Discover all this creative and vibrant area has to offer. Join friends at a Drag Brunch at First Magnitude Brewing Company or celebrate at one of the many Pride events throughout the year. Whether you’re a family exploring the museums and parks, floating down the springs on a couple’s get-away weekend, or here for an event—all are welcome here!

Things To Do
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