• January 2, 2025 - Updated with new information since originally published.
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  • Our editors recommend these diverse local experiences.

1. Cade Museum for Creativity and Invention

Category: Museums & Culture for Couples
© Cade Museum for Creativity and Invention

2. Carson Springs Wildlife Conservation Foundation

Category: Weekend Activities & Fun Outdoors
© Courtesy of anathel - Fotolia.com

3. Devil's Millhopper Geological State Park

Category: Weekend Activities & Fun Outdoors
© Courtesy of Bill Ragan - Fotolia.com

4. Florida Museum of Natural History

Category: Museums & Culture for Couples
© Courtesy of Irina Burakova - Fotolia.com

5. Haile Homestead

6. Ichetucknee Springs State Park

Category: Weekend Activities & Fun Outdoors
© Courtesy of Georgia - Fotolia.com

7. Kanapaha Botanical Gardens

Category: Weekend Activities & Fun Outdoors
© Courtesy of Earl Robbins - Fotolia.com

8. Lubee Bat Conservancy

© Courtesy of susan flashman - Fotolia.com

9. Matheson History Museum

Category: Museums & Culture for Couples
© Matheson History Museum

10. Morningside Nature Center

Category: Weekend Activities & Fun Outdoors
© Courtesy of Earl Robbins - Fotolia.com

11. Paynes Prairie

© Courtesy of Bill Ragan - Fotolia.com

12. Samuel P. Harn Museum of Art (The Harn)

Category: Museums & Culture for Couples
© Samuel P. Harn Museum of Art (The Harn)

13. Santa Fe College Teaching Zoo

Category: Kids & Family Fun
© Courtesy of Sagar - Fotolia.com

14. The Thomas Center

Category: Affordable Local Attractions

15. University of Florida Bat Houses (at the Florida Museum of Natural History)

Category: Museums & Culture for Couples
© Courtesy of JuergenL - Fotolia.com

16. Swamp Head Brewery

Category: Nearby Food & Drink
© Swamp Head Brewery

17. Bluefield Estate Winery

Category: Nearby Food & Drink
© Bluefield Estate Winery

18. Curia on the Drag

19. Sweetwater Wetlands Park

Category: Weekend Activities & Fun Outdoors
© Jaimie Tuchman/stock.adobe.com

20. Depot Park

Category: Weekend Activities & Fun Outdoors
© Felix Mizioznikov/stock.adobe.com

21. Splitz Bowling Alley

Category: Entertainment Near Me
© Splitz Bowling Alley

22. Harry’s Seafood Bar and Grill

Category: Nearby Food & Drink
© Harry’s Seafood Bar and Grill

23. Mi Apa Latin Cafe

Category: Nearby Food & Drink
© lizaelesina/stock.adobe.com

Summary and Frequenly Asked Questions:

Located in northern Florida, Gainesville is known as the home of the University of Florida, which occupies a sprawling campus in the center of the town. You can visit the fascinating Florida Museum of Natural History, the Bat Houses, and the Harn Museum of Art. A host of outdoor attractions, such as Devil's Millhopper State Park and the Morningside Nature Center, can be easily accessed just outside the city.

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