Gainesville is home to the Gator nation and well known for the big and vibrant campus of the University of Florida. However, the city has more to offer than the beautiful orange buildings and gator sculptures. Surrounded by nature and local businesses, Gainesville has a lot of fun places to visit.

In this blog, you are gonna find out more about the following places

1. Ginnie Springs
2. The Hippodrome
3. The Matheson Museum of History
4. Midpoint Park and Eatery

Ginnie Springs

Just a 30-minute drive from Gainesville, Ginnie Springs is the perfect destination for those looking for nature and fun.

Florida has a lot of public, breathtaking springs like the Silver, Ichetucknee, and Rainbow Springs. Despite being a private park, Ginnie Spring also enters the list of spectacular natural places to visit. Entrance is $25, but it is worth to enjoy pristine water, great facilities and restaurants around. Guests are welcome to bring their own tubes to float down the river or rent the charming blue and pink tubes available on site.

While enjoying the flow in river, guest can opt for a chill, relaxing course surrounded by wildlife. Turtles, birds and even alligators (if lucky) can join guests in the borders of the river. In addition, there is also an option for those who like an adventure. Along the river, a rope hanging off a big tree allows for a Tarzan moment.

Gabriel Pacchiele and his friends enjoyed every minute. Pacchiele is a senior studying Computer Science at UF, who visits Ginnie Springs religiously every semester, he said. He was practicing a variety of dive poses as swinging on the rope.

“I just love being around nature,” Pacchiele said. “It is so easy to get stressed with school work, but when I come here I can take a break and recharge.”

Like Pacchiele, many UF students like to go to Ginnie during Summer and Fall hot weather. The natural park can get busy especially for holidays and weekends during those periods. To have a more relaxed experience, visiting Ginnie at the end of Spring is a great alternative to enjoy both warmer temperatures and less crowded waters.

The Hippodrome

A landmark in Gainesville, this federal theater is located in the heart of downtown. It is a great weekend plan for culture and art lovers.

Hippodrome has been serving Gainesville and adjacent cities for over 300 years. Visitors can enjoy not only plays but also a historic building tour, film showcases and dance classes.. For the 24-25 season, plays include A Christmas Carol, Perfect Arrangement and Clyde’s.

For Maria Fossati, visiting the state theater for the first time was like a discovery.

“I went there for the first time this semester because it was required for a theater class,” she said. “It definitely surprised me: I had no idea the acting and structure were that good.”

The Greek-like building is open for events for over 340 days a year. Visitors can check the website for upcoming programs.

The Matheson History Museum

Another option to explore culture and history is the Matheson Museum on East University Avenue.

With permanent and temporary exhibits, the museum tells the history of Florida and Alachua County. This year, it celebrates 30 years with the exhibition: Weaving a Community. Executive director Kaitlyn Hof-Mahoney said the museum is not as popular as Harn Museum or the Florida Museum of Natural History, but definitely a hidden treasure in the city of Gainesville. Admissions to Matheson are free, but donations are encouraged. Visitors are welcomed Wednesday through Saturday from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. and can learn more about events and exhibitions on their website.

Midpoint Park and Eatery

This food park located on Second Avenue offers vegan, Latin and signature American dishes. With its food trucks and rest hammocks, Midpoint sounds like a chill and delicious Sunday afternoon.

Differently from the Mathesom Museum of History, this food park is located in a strategic area in the city. It is close to UF Dorms, the Innovation Hub and the business district and welcomes all groups of people.

Prices are welcoming and the environment allows for either a small, quick bite or hang out with friends. The best part: there’s something from everyone. Groups are not limited to getting their food from the same food truck and can then enjoy an even more diverse experience.

To conclude, Gainesville is an eccentric city with a lot potential to be explored. It is a hub for culture, arts and nature. For more fun places to visit in the city and upcoming events, visit the website Visit Gainesville, keep an eye on The Alligator and just go for a tour around exploring!