Gainesville - Florida - United States. Guide & Hotel Reservations from Cheap Hotels

Located just off I-75, Gainesville, Florida is a fascinating town for your next vacation. Ranked as one of the best places to live in the United States, this city is home to the largest university in the state and is one of the state centers for education, medicine, athletics and culture.

Stay at a bed and breakfast establishment set in beautiful surroundings, where you can also rent a private or honeymoon cottage or choose one of the many elegant hotels and motels in the city. The Suwannee River Cottage overlooks the scenery of the river and amenities include a hammock, two canoes, a fully equipped kitchen and wood for the fireplace. Kate's Restaurant and Fish Camp provides 25 fully equipped campsites and four sites for RV parking.

The Children's Museum of the South focuses on educational activities for children under 12 and all the parks in the city have many opportunities for recreational activities. See the largest display of bamboos in Florida at the Kanapaha Botanical Gardens, a living history museum at the Morningside Nature Center, a hardwood swamp at Poe Springs Park amid spectacular scenic settings with miles of walking trails.

For the history buff, many historic centers and museums await you. The Historic Haile Homestead at Kanapaha Plantation will give you a glimpse into the lives of the former slaves and the Historic Center is housed in what was once a Mediterranean style hotel. The Fred Bear Museum showcases a collection of big game from all over the world as well as the traditional weapons used for hunting. The natural history of the area is on display at the Matheson Museum, four sites that contain many artifacts from the past.

Experience the talent of Gainesville every Friday night at the Lets Go Downtown Plaza or take in musicals, plays and other productions at one of the many cultural venues in town. The avid golfer will be right at home with the collection of golf courses to choose from. Two state parks provide ample opportunities for outdoor adventure or you can charter a fishing boat where you are sure to have the fishing experience of a lifetime.

The Oaks Mall has over 140 stores for your shopping enjoyment, but there are also smaller stores and boutiques scattered throughout the city. Every Saturday and Sunday, the Waldo Farmer's and Flea Market offers over 1000 booths where you can purchase many unique gift items.

American, seafood or steak - the menu choices in the local restaurants have to be seen to be believed. You can have a meal dressed in t-shirt and jeans or choose a fine dining establishment where coat and tie is the norm. The historic downtown with its stores and restaurants is also the center of nightlife. There are dozens of bars and clubs featuring live entertainment from Irish music to rock and roll.