Gainesville vacation rentals
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Top-rated vacation rentals in Gainesville
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Guest suite in Gainesville
4.97 out of 5 average rating, 410 reviewsPrivate guest suite in a quiet modern farmhouse
This is an elegant and newly renovated private guest suite with its own separate entrance and private bathroom located in a 1950s single family residential home. Most of the furnishings are custom made! This is an ideal place to stay for visiting parents, traveling professional students, business travelers, general visitors to Gainesville, or anyone looking for a quiet place to stay. It is NOT a location to host parties, gatherings, or to hang out in groups. Please, NO SMOKING in our suite.
Oct 8 – 15
Guesthouse in Gainesville
4.98 out of 5 average rating, 634 reviewsUnique Container "Caja Verde" 1 Mile UF & Downtown
Our home is less than a mile to UFHealth at Shands and the Malcom Randall Veterans Medical Center. We are a mile to the University of Florida campus. Amazingly, also a short bike ride (1-2 miles) to Downtown Gainesville. Close to Depot Park, art studios, restaurants, music venues, and theater. Nature parks close too. The bonus is we live on 2 acres, tucked back in a quiet neighborhood. Our pool is deep & cool; we have bikes to borrow. The container is perfect for a solo traveler, or a couple.
Jun 15 – 22
Tiny home in Gainesville
4.92 out of 5 average rating, 99 reviewsHarmony Tiny House-NO Cleaning Fee
Beautifully built and decorated, Harmony Tiny house is located close to Newnan’s Lake but only a 10 minute drive to downtown. Surrounded by woods on 3 sides, it sits behind the main home on an acre of land with a small creek in the back. You have access to the back yard with an outdoor table and chairs and also a key to the utility room if you need to do a load of laundry. The sliding glass door entry faces the backyard. Please note that pets are allowed and there is a $30 pet fee.
Apr 22 – 29
Vacation rentals for every style
Get the amount of space that is right for you
Popular amenities for Gainesville vacation rentals
Gainesville home rentals
Home in Gainesville
4.93 out of 5 average rating, 238 reviewsCasa De Arte - Close to UF/Downtown/Tom Petty Park
Dec 30 – Jan 6
Home in Gainesville
5.0 out of 5 average rating, 102 reviewsWalk to UF Stadium! Fabulous Chic Historic Home
Aug 2 – 9
Home in Gainesville
4.95 out of 5 average rating, 114 reviewsCozy Gem, minutes from UF & Celebration Pointe
Aug 9 – 16
Home in Gainesville
4.93 out of 5 average rating, 104 reviewsFunky MINI GOLF Home filled with Amenities
Apr 17 – 24
Home in Gainesville
4.9 out of 5 average rating, 227 reviewsGorgeous Downtown Home from 1930s in Heart of UF!
Apr 23 – 30
Home in Gainesville
4.97 out of 5 average rating, 279 reviewsClose to UF/Stadium & Downtown, PETS welcome!
Aug 11 – 18
Home in Gainesville
4.96 out of 5 average rating, 139 reviewsCozy Gainesville Getaway 1.7 miles from Stadium
Sep 15 – 22
Home in Hawthorne
4.97 out of 5 average rating, 147 reviewsHarmony Oaks Guesthouse on Lake McMeekin
Jun 20 – 27
Home in Gainesville
5.0 out of 5 average rating, 252 reviewsThe Floridian. Newly Built Dreamhome, Central
Apr 23 – 30
Home in Alachua
4.92 out of 5 average rating, 177 reviewsPeaceful Cottage in Alachua Florida
Aug 6 – 13
Home in Micanopy
4.97 out of 5 average rating, 219 reviewsBeautiful House, Historic District, Micanopy
Jul 24 – 31
Home in Gainesville
4.9 out of 5 average rating, 194 reviewsDowntown home w/ large yard by UF
Other great vacation rentals in Gainesville
Guesthouse in Gainesville
4.99 out of 5 average rating, 191 reviewsBeautiful Cottage 10 Minute Walk from UF & Stadium
Aug 10 – 17
Cabin in High Springs
4.94 out of 5 average rating, 337 reviewsGetaway Gilchrist Springs - Orlando
Apr 10 – 17
Condo in Gainesville
4.99 out of 5 average rating, 333 reviewsCondo in the Heart of Haile Village-Great Location
Jul 22 – 29
Apartment in Gainesville
4.9 out of 5 average rating, 225 reviewsMid-Century near Depot Park & Historic Downtown
Jul 22 – 29
Shipping container in Gainesville
4.84 out of 5 average rating, 127 reviewsCute Tiny Shipping Container Studio - Unit A
Jun 21 – 28
Bungalow in Gainesville
4.98 out of 5 average rating, 124 reviewsVintage Cottage within walking distance to UF
Jun 5 – 12
Guesthouse in Gainesville
4.95 out of 5 average rating, 112 reviewsBy I-75 Clean Private Safe! Laundry & Kitchenette!
Jun 5 – 12
Guest suite in Gainesville
4.85 out of 5 average rating, 291 reviewsKensington: fast wifi workdesk, premium tv+streams
Apr 11 – 18
Cottage in Hawthorne
4.86 out of 5 average rating, 105 reviewsLive Oak Oasis on Morris Lake
Dec 3 – 10
Townhouse in Gainesville
4.97 out of 5 average rating, 157 reviewsLike NEW: 2/2 Townhome close to UF Clean, Comfy
Jun 9 – 16
Condo in Gainesville
4.98 out of 5 average rating, 121 reviewsHogtown Haven-Dog friendly, 2 Bed 2 Bath condo.
Jan 25 – Feb 1
Guest suite in Alachua
4.99 out of 5 average rating, 336 reviewsHanes Haus Historic Main St. Private Clean & Quiet
Apr 17 – 24
Quick stats about vacation rentals in Gainesville
Total rentals | 1.2K properties |
---|---|
Rentals with dedicated workspaces | 690 properties have a dedicated workspace |
Rentals with a pool | 360 properties have a pool |
Pet-friendly rentals | 380 properties allow pets |
Family-friendly rentals | 620 properties are a good fit for families |
Total number of reviews | 48K reviews |
Your guide to Gainesville
All About Gainesville
With a state park home to wild bison and alligators, a natural history museum with an internationally-acclaimed fossil collection, and a 125-acre wetland park located right downtown, Gainesville, Florida offers more than your typical college town. One hour from Jacksonville, Gainesville is the biggest city in Alachua County, located in north central Florida. The region is best known for its natural areas, which are perfect for outdoor recreation such as biking, swimming, and boating.
However, Gainesville is also home to well-preserved historic buildings, the oldest of which dates back to 1884. For a small city, Gainesville is a lively place with many festivals scheduled throughout the year, as well as a strong arts scene intertwined in the city’s culture. Street art and full wall murals showcase local talent all over Gainesville. A noteworthy spot to visit is the ever-changing Gainesville Graffiti Wall, a 1,120-foot wall that receives new art added nearly every day.
The best time to stay in a vacation rental in Gainesville
Many of Gainesville’s most popular attractions are outdoors and best explored in the springtime. Warm Florida weather brings life to an array of wildflowers, including the roadside phlox, which blooms from April to June each year. Spring also gets significantly less rainfall than the summer months, making it a good time to plan outdoor picnics and hiking excursions. Spring is also when the Santa Fe Spring Arts Festival takes place, showcasing local art and live music.
Summer is rainy season in Gainesville, and the days are often warm and muggy. The precipitation eases every October, and the weather becomes more comfortable for spending time outdoors. Winter is brief, mild, and dry and worth a trip for the Hoggetowne Medieval Faire that turns the Alachua County Fairgrounds into a medieval marketplace for two weeks every January.
Top things to do in Gainesville
Paynes Prairie Preserve State Park
Just south of Gainesville is the Paynes Prairie Preserve, a state park that protects the habitat of a wide variety of native animals and birds. You may come across wild horses, deer, and bison when walking in the prairie, or alligators in the park’s marshes. A 16-mile paved path makes it possible to bike through the park for a close up view of Floridian nature. For a panoramic view, a 50-foot-high observation tower is open to the public.
Kanapaha Botanical Garden
The city’s 64-acre botanical garden has 24 collections, including the largest public bamboo forest display and the largest herb garden in Florida. With a map in hand, you can wander through gardens that specialize in botanical varieties, such as the Bromeliad Garden, Fern Cobble, Bamboo Garden, Woodland Trail, and more. Three different waterfalls link up the water gardens to the west of the park.
Florida Museum of Natural History
Learn about the last 65 million years on earth as you progress through five geologic periods in the Florida Museum of Natural History’s permanent Florida Fossils exhibit. Many of the fossils here were discovered within a 100-mile radius of Gainesville. Right at the exhibit’s entrance are several sets of shark jaws, including the nine-foot-wide jaws of the extinct Megalodon. Another permanent exhibit encourages children to learn through interactive activity stations and is open weekdays.
Frequently Asked Questions
How is the weather in Gainesville?
Gainesville has a humid subtropical climate with long hot summers (around 90°F or 32°C) and mild winters (around 42°F to 65°F, or 5°C to 18°C). Rain is common, especially in summer.
What are some of the best things to do in Gainesville?
Visitors often explore the Butterfly Rainforest at the Florida Museum of Natural History, cheer on the Gators at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium, or take a stroll in Kanapaha Botanical Gardens.
What is the best time of year to visit Gainesville?
The most popular time to visit Gainesville is from March to May when the weather is comfortable. Events like the Spring Garden Festival in Kanapaha Botanical Gardens and the Downtown Festival & Art Show happen during this period.
What are the best places to stay in Gainesville?
Explore diverse neighborhoods in Gainesville such as Downtown, known for its historic charm, the University Heights for its university vibe, and the Millhopper district for a more peaceful residential setting.
What are the best places to visit in Gainesville?
Frequently suggested places are the Florida Museum of Natural History, the Harn Museum of Art, and the historic Thomas Center.
What are some hiking trails in Gainesville?
Gainesville has Paynes Prairie Preserve State Park featuring many trails, the La Chua Trail known for its wildlife sightings, and the Hogtown Creek Greenway, a canopy road with walking paths.
What are some family activities to do in Gainesville?
Families often explore educational venues like the Santa Fe College Teaching Zoo, engage in outdoor adventures at Morningside Nature Center, or spend the day at the Depot Park.
What are some of the best day trip ideas in Gainesville?
Day trip ideas include visiting the historic town of Micanopy, exploring the O'Leno State Park, or heading to the coastal city of Cedar Key.
Are there vacation rentals with a dedicated workspace in Gainesville?
Yes! Work meets play with ease at over 690 vacation rentals in Gainesville featuring dedicated workspaces. Stay connected and productive in your home away from home.
Are there pet-friendly vacation rentals in Gainesville?
Four-legged friends are welcome in Gainesville. Choose from more than 380 vacation rentals for guests traveling with pets.
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