Travel gives me life. It’s my passion and it brings me joy. However, travel doesn’t always mean flying half way across the world. Sometimes travel means taking a car ride an hour way to visit a city in your own backyard.
One of my favorite places to visit Gainesville Florida. Best known for being the home to The University of Florida this city has a lot to offer. It has a rich history dating back thousands of years to the time of hunter-gatherers, and many of its wild forests and wetlands have been carefully preserved to this day.
It also has wonderful museums, nightlife, and my personal favorite food. I want to share some of my favorite places with you. These places are not only enjoyable but they are also perfect if you have a mobility struggle.
5 Best Things to Do in Gainesville Florida
Florida Museum Of Natural History
Home to many exhibits this museum holds something for everyone. It has fossils, history, and even dinosaurs. There is a discovery zone for kids to explore.
Housed inside this museum is a butterfly exhibit that both kids and adults enjoy. Adjacent to the natural history museum is an art museum. It’s like getting 3 attractions in one.
You can learn more HERE.
Depot Park
I love Depot Park because it’s a place the whole family can enjoy and it’s FREE.
Kids can run, jump, climb, and slide on the playground equipment; adults can picnic in the pavilion or play with a game of life-sized chess set in the grass.
When you get hot, visit the “blue grotto” where you can splash around a miniature waterfall primed with water cannons and water jets.
When you get sleepy, retire to one of the shaded recreational areas and enjoy an afternoon nap under the cover of an oak tree.
What I like personally is that I find the perfect spot to just sit and enjoy nature.
Learn more HERE.
Cade Museum For Creativity And Invention
Founded by a real-life inventor Cade Museum is a place of wonder and feeds young minds.
It’s filled with exhibits, displays, and interactive stations where visitors can get hands-on with everything from machine parts to snakes preserved in fluid jars. As a mom of a son who loves Science this place was like taking him to Disney for the day. He was so excited to be so hands-on.
If your family plans on staying in Gainesville for a while, you might also be interested in the museum’s weekend workshops.
All things considered, the Cade Museum for Creativity and Invention is both fun and educational stop in Gainesville, and it might just inspire a future Einstein in your household.
Learn more HERE.
Shopping
Whether you are looking for something trendy or maybe more laid back Gainesville got you covered.
Located near Archer Road is Celebration Pointe. Here you can get all the newest things from great restaurants to trendy boutiques. I enjoy just walking around sightseeing here or enjoying some time sitting on the green listening to music. Celebration Pointe is growing every day and I am excited to watch it grow.
If you are more into the rich history of this beautiful city then Downtown is where you go. Downtown Gainesville as a beautiful architect, restaurants, and shopping. it is also home to The Hippodrome Theater. There is so much rich history here.
Star planning your trip to Gainesville Florida.
Health Update
As I sat at my desk writing this article I had many calls and texts from clients asking me if it was safe to travel. My answer is that is a personal choice. It depends on how you feel. If traveling gives you anxiety don’t go. If you are okay with it then I say go where you can.
For me personally, I am okay with traveling. I wear my mask everywhere, I take hand sanitizer everywhere, I social distance and as an added safety measure I call ahead to ask hotels and attractions there COVID procedures.
If I’m staying in a hotel I wipe things down with sanitizing wipes and limit housekeeping. To be perfectly honest and transparent I don’t know if traveling will ever be the same or 100% safe. What I do know is that I need to have some normal activity in my life and I need to get out because staying in is starting to affect my mental health and physical health. SO I take precautions and I do what feels safe to me.
Are you considering travel? Does Gainesville Florida sound like a place you would enjoy?
As a Qualified Independent Travel Agent Affiliated With Academy Travel And Mickey Vacations. I Specialize In Planning Disney Vacations. Contact Me HERE For Your FREE No-obligation Quote. Plus as a mobility expert who has visited Disney multiple times, I can help you with most questions.
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