My Favorite Places in Gainesville, FL

My Favorite Places in Gainesville, FL

Updated ago
Save
Share

If I were to revisit college, these are the places I would go back to. 

Really though, college aside, I think Gainesville is pretty underrated. People who have been to cities like Austin and Portland (I haven't) tell me that it's similar to Gainesville in a lot of ways... it's super green, definitely very hipster, largely run by small businesses, and very community-oriented. And the food there is some of my favorite (at least the good ones). 

There's still not very much going on unless you're in school or visiting someone in school, but if you're passing through and have a day I would recommend it!! You'll eat well and vibe in some cool shops and see pretty things. At least you will if you take my recommendations. 

Neighborhoods, Parks, and Nature

Depot Park
@sarahpollock
I know everyone goes here, but it's the best place! Walkable from campus and close to downtown and so peaceful. I used to take a walk there and back to my apartment at sunset every single day.
Add to
Details
Duckpond
@sarahpollock
Gorgeous neighborhood not far from downtown. Worth driving through or staying in if you can find an Airbnb in this area!
Add to
Details
Paynes Prairie Preserve State Park
@sarahpollock
Best less-walkable nature option (as in you need to drive at least 15 minute to get there if not more). It's gorgeous and incredibly serene. Perfect afternoon activity.
Add to
Details
Haile Farmers Market
@sarahpollock
On the outskirts of town, but worth it for the best farmers market in Gainesville
Add to
Details

Coffee Shops and Cafes

Karma Cream
@sarahpollock
My favorite coffee shop in Gainesville. And my favorite matcha latte in the world. Everything they have/make is vegan but you'd never know.
Add to
Details
Wyatt's Coffee
@sarahpollock
One of my most frequented coffee shops throughout all of undergrad. I personally have never had a bad thing here. Try the breakfast sandwich if you go.
Add to
Details
Uppercrust
@sarahpollock
Add to
Details
Vine Sourdough Bakery
@sarahpollock
Awesome bread and sandwiches if you appreciate sourdough, but even if you don't honestly. They also sell at the local farmer's markets
Add to
Details
Maude's Cafe
@sarahpollock
Definitely an interesting eclectic/musty vibe inside, but I prefer it for desserts! Come at night when all the lights are on outside, sit on the patio and get the chocolate chip cookie (insane).
Add to
Details

Casual and Daytime Food

Luke's New York Bagel Shop
@sarahpollock
best bagels in maybe all of Florida
Add to
Details
La Tienda
@sarahpollock
to this say some of the best Mexican I've ever had. Make sure you get the queso/guacamole/salsa trio to start.
Add to
Details
Satchel's Pizza
@sarahpollock
really good pizza, and even better vibe. Try to eat in the bus if you can! And try their signature salad.
Add to
Details
Tup Tim Thai Restaurant and Sushi Bar
@sarahpollock
My favorite sushi take-out, not far from university/downtown. Super fresh and fantastic value for money.
Add to
Details
4th Ave Food Park
@sarahpollock
A conglomeration of restaurants with a strip of outdoor seating. I prefer it for Humble bagels and Opus airstream coffee in the mornings, or Sublime tacos for dinner. The place itself is also just really cute.
Add to
Details

Nicer Food and Restaurants 

Afternoon
@sarahpollock
Probably my favorite restaurant in Gainesville. I like everything on the menu, genuinely. Plus and drinks and pastries are great and the vibe is perfect
Add to
Details
Public & General Restaurant
@sarahpollock
Super casual and unassuming-looking but great food. Everything is farm to table.
Add to
Details

Bars and Nightlife

Cry Baby’s
@sarahpollock
One of my favorite bars. The ambiance inside is perfect and the menu is awesome. I think they still have the fried chicken deal on Wednesdays, but if they don't just get the fried chicken.
Add to
Details
Baby J’s Bar
@sarahpollock
A newer bar that I've only been to once, but the cocktails were great and the jazz was awesome. Would definitely go back
Add to
Details
Loosey's Downtown Gainesville
@sarahpollock
fun dive bar for live music, that also happens to have great burgers!!
Add to
Details
Arcade Bar
@sarahpollock
Filled with college kids but so much fun. It's across the street from Crybaby's on one side and the Top on the other. Go once you've had enough drinks in you to finish the night.
Add to
Details

Stores, Small Businesses, and Misc Things to See/Do

Serpentine Plants + Provisions
@sarahpollock
Great store for gifts (they carry Baggu, HAY, etc) and tons of really beautiful plants. A few doors down from Afternoon
Add to
Details
Harn Museum of Art
@sarahpollock
Surprisingly good art museum!! I especially appreciate the rotating collections of smaller artists featured here.
Add to
Details
How Bazar
@sarahpollock
Good thrifting! This one is more curated (and the selection shows) but I've still found great deals.
Add to
Details
Life Unplastic
@sarahpollock
Awesome plastic free store with all of the sustainable options and bulk ingredients you could need. Great local business to support. I'd usually come in before I'd travel to pick up useful non-liquid things
Add to
Details
Flashbacks Recycled Fashions
@sarahpollock
One of the best thriftstores in Gainesville! Can be hit or miss like all of them but I've found some GREAT things here.
Add to
Details
Hear Again Records
@sarahpollock
Great locally owned record store with a great selection. I have a poster of theirs hanging up in my room at home :)
Add to
Details
House Of Waking Life - HOWL
@sarahpollock
A spiritual center downtown with classes, workshops, tea offerings, and a few wholesome things that they sell. Really cute, meaningful space.
Add to
Details

* * *
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Sarah Pollock is a twenty-something-year-old traveler, creative, and spiritualist. She graduated with a degree in Business Information Systems (although she did not enjoy it) and a minor in Sustainability from the University of Florida. Since embarking on her first trip abroad to Australia and New Zealand at 15 years old, she has since visited 25 countries and counting- most of them solo. She is also an avid foodie, reader, concert-goer, sitter at coffee shops, introspective thinker, and champion of small businesses. She prides herself on her romantic and nostalgic approach to seeing the world, which is reflected in the hidden gem-filled and slightly sentimental tone of her writing and recommendations. She recently spent this past school year splitting time between Tel Aviv and Be’er Sheva, Israel; teaching English to underrepresented and underprivileged children in both Hebrew and Arabic-speaking schools. She is currently continuing this work in Madrid. For more personal thoughts and musings and present updates on where she is in the world and how she’s feeling about it, consider subscribing to her bi-weekly travel newsletter, Postcards. Other subject matters, though all undoubtedly influenced by her experience living abroad, are explored through her primary publication, Older Sister (both linked in bio).
Send A Tip
Support Sarah Pollock’s work.
Select your tip amount
$5
$10
$20
$50
Or type in other amount
Explore related destinations
Powered by Thatch
The home for unique & authentic travel
Powered by Thatch: Where great trips are made.
© Sarah Pollock 2024 Help Privacy Terms Copyright Become a Seller Seller Academy About Careers Blog Explore Places