This information courtesy visitgainesville.com. For more information of Gainesville and its attractions, go to visitgainesville.com
Location
Gainesville is located in North Central Florida between Interstate 75 and US Highway 441 and is equidistant from the Gulf of Mexico and the Atlantic Ocean. Gainesville is located approximately 129 miles from Tallahassee; 96 miles from Orlando; 118 miles from Tampa and 298 miles from Miami.
Demographically, Gainesville ranks 15th among Florida’s most populous cities; more than 27 percent of its population consists of individuals between the ages of 25 and 44 years.
Recreation
Gainesville is an outdoor enthusiast’s dream destination offering world-class venues for snorkeling, canoeing, and kayaking, incredible hiking and biking and even bird- watching. Paynes Prairie State Park Preserve, located just 20 minutes from historic downtown Gainesville is a 21,000-acre wilderness preserve and home for more than 800 species of plants and 430 species of vertebrates including 271 species of birds. Although an incredible sanctuary for natural Florida wildlife such as alligators and bald eagles year-round, visitors in mid-October to Late November can marvel the annual fall migration of the Sandhill Cranes. Bison and wild Spanish stallions roam freely in this lush natural North Florida sanctuary. Located in northwest Gainesville, the 7,000-acre San Felasco Hammock Preserve State Park is one of the finest examples of climax mesic hammocks remaining in Florida. With rolling hills, short climbs, sinkholes, upland forests, hammock and prairie, San Felasco offers prime hiking, biking trail and the equestrian trails. With the largest number of high-magnitude springs in the world as well as several pristine rivers within less than an hour drive, the Gainesville area offers a wealth of snorkeling, scuba, and kayaking, and rafting adventures. With Gainesville’s seasonal sub- tropical climate coupled the natural springs annual average temperature at 72 Fº, a trip to crystal clear springs is an inviting adventure year-round.
Did you know?
That Gainesville and Alachua County…
- is home to the largest occupied bat house in North America; located at the University of Florida campus is home to 100,000 bats.
- is the home of Gatorade, the world’s first and most popular sports drink, which was invented at the University of Florida in 1965.
- has the largest number of high-magnitude springs in the world.
- is home to the world’s largest butterfly research center and houses the world’s second largest collection of butterflies and moths
- is the birthplace of Tom Petty of Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers.
- was the film locations for Doc Hollywood, The Hawk is Dying, Devil’s Advocate, The Yearling, and Parenthood.
Weather
Gainesville and the surrounding area enjoy a sub-tropical climate year round with mild winter averages in the upper 50’s to mid-60’s while warm, humid summer temperatures hover in the upper 80’s and lower 90’s. Average annual rainfall is approximately 35-40 inches.
Transportation
- The Regional Transit System (RTS) is the bus system operated by the city of Gainesville. You may use the bus system free of charge with a valid Gator1 ID. The GNVRIDERTS app can be useful to track bus timetables.
- Airports – There are several options around Gainesville:
- TPA (Tampa International Airport): Located approximately 130 miles southwest of Gainesville, this major airport offers a wide range of flight options but involves a longer drive.
- MCO (Orlando International Airport): About 115 miles south of Gainesville, this busy airport offers numerous flights and rental car options.
- JAX (Jacksonville International Airport): Situated around 70 miles northeast of Gainesville, this airport provides a closer option with a decent selection of flights.
- GNV (Gainesville Regional Airport): Gainesville’s own airport is the closest, making it incredibly convenient. However, its range of flight options are limited compared to larger airports.