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Things to Do in Gainesville

Nearby Attractions

Located on the University of Florida campus, near downtown Gainesville, Hotel ELEO is close to the top things to do in Gainesville, like local attractions, museums, and sports venues in North Central Florida. Enjoy a tour of the UF campus and check out the state-of-the-art facilities and inspiring attention to detail that make this one of the top-ranked public research universities in the country.

Catch an exciting game at the Ben Hill Griffin Stadium, also known as "The Swamp," and cheer for the Gators. Get up close and personal with many exotic species of butterflies and a vibrant array of flowering plants at the Butterfly Rainforest. Visit the University of Florida Bat House or have a fun-filled time with your loved ones at Depot Park. Take a step back in time as you see the fascinating exhibits at the Florida Museum of Natural History. Start planning your getaway with us.

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University of Florida

With its Gothic Revival architecture and 20 buildings on the National Register of Historic Places, UF's sprawling campus is a must-see for anyone visiting Gainesville, Florida. Enjoy a tour of this preeminent research institution, and explore all the campus attractions, from the 157-foot-tall Century Tower to the Plaza of the Americas and a lot more.

​ University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32611

​ (352) 392-3261

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Ben Hill Griffin Stadium

Popularly known as "The Swamp," the Ben Hill Griffin Stadium is the home ground of the Florida football team in Gainesville. Originally constructed in 1930, the stadium has had several facelifts over the years, transforming it into the state-of-the-art facility you see today. Cheer for the Gators and catch some exciting college football action at the largest stadium on the UF campus in Florida.

​ 157 Gale Lemerand Dr, Gainesville, FL 32611

​(352) 375-4683

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Butterfly Rainforest

If you love nature, you must include the Butterfly Rainforest on your list of must-see attractions in Gainesville, FL. Discover a vibrant ecosystem showcasing butterflies, birds, turtles, fish, bromeliads, orchids, and hundreds of other exotic flowering plants. And get closer to beautiful tropical butterflies as they feed on fresh-cut fruits.

​ 3215 Hull Rd, Gainesville, FL 32611

​(352) 846-2000

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Florida Museum of Natural History

With over 40 million specimens and cultural artifacts from around the globe, the Florida Museum of Natural History is a treasure trove of knowledge. Located on the sprawling UF campus, this North Central Florida attraction combines research and preservation, focusing on biological diversity and cultural heritage. Check out the fascinating exhibits and make your visit to Gainesville more enlightening.

​3215 Hull Rd, Gainesville, FL 32611

​ (352) 846-2000

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University of Florida Bat House

Discover one of the largest occupied bat colonies in the world. Visiting the University of Florida bat barns and bat house is an experience you will not forget. The best time to visit is about twenty minutes before sunset. Watch as the sun descends below the horizon, and the bats start flying out - just a few at first, then more and more until there's a steady stream of up to 500,000 bats. It is truly a sight to behold.

​ 3215 Hull Road, Gainesville, FL 32611

​ (352) 846-2000

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Depot Park

Slow down and take it easy with a visit to Depot Park in Downtown Gainesville. Enjoy the amazing Florida weather as you stroll through the park or go for a refreshing morning run. Cool off with a visit to the Blue Grotto and check out the waterfall with ground jets and water cannons. And if all the exploring makes you hungry, you can always stop by the General Store at the park to grab a delicious bite.

​874 SE 4th St., Gainesville, FL 32601

​(352) 393-8510

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Thomas Center

Once a private residence and hotel, today, this Mediterranean Revival-style building is the premier hub for cultural events in Gainesville, Florida. With contemporary art exhibitions, multiple restored period rooms, and numerous historical exhibits, the Thomas Center presents a window into the past and is an integral part of Gainesville's cultural, civic, and social life.

​302 NE 6th Ave, Gainesville, FL 32601

​(352) 393-8539

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Hippodrome Theatre

Founded in 1973 by local actors, the Hippodrome is a regional professional theatre in the heart of downtown Gainesville. Collaborating with outstanding artists to create awe-inspiring productions, engaging education programs, and events that capture the imagination, the Hippodrome Theatre offers a one-of-a-kind theatre and arts experience in North Florida.

​ 25 SE 2nd Place, Gainesville, FL 32601

​(352) 375-4477

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Frequently Asked Questions