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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Alachua County offers a refreshing break from typical Florida tourist attractions. Trade the long lines for stunning outdoor landscapes, a thriving music and performing arts scene, world-renowned museums, and unique shopping and dining. Nowhere else in Florida can you observe wild bison and free-roaming horses on a prairie or visit the world’s largest collection of Florida-themed art all in one day. With so many fun places to visit and things to do, your only decision will be choosing what to do first!
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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!
