Gainesville Travel Guide, Florida

Gainesville serves as a county-seat for Alachua County in the north-central part of the US state of Florida. Gainesville is a significant economic centre in the region and the most important academic centre in Florida. With a population of approximately 114.000, Gainesville is less than two hours drive from Jacksonville, Ocala or Orlando.

Gainesville Travel Guide – Geography and Climate

Gainesville is located close to the continental part of Florida, therefore it has no access to the Atlantic or the Gulf of Mexico. Gainesville is located at the edge of Paynes Prairie and its flora is characterized by the presence of numerous species of trees. The climate consists in dry, war summers and wet, mild winters. The average temperatures in summer months oscillate between 27-33˚C, while in winter they sometimes go under the freezing limit.

Gainesville Travel Guide – Transportation

Gainesville is situated on the I-75 highway, that links Atlanta to Miami and it is served by Gainesville Regional Airport. International travelers will most probably arrive at Atlanta or Charlotte International Airports, and then take a local flight. The public transportation system is provided by the Gainesville Regional Transit System. Any Gainesville travel guide will proudly announce you that Gainesville is one of the few cities in the state that are biker-friendly.

Gainesville Travel Guide – Economy

Gainesville economy is focused around agriculture, academic research, health care and the small business sector. With a median household income of 31,426 $, the city is acknowledged for its low cost of living.

Gainesville Travel Guide – Relevant Facts and Figures

Gainesville is the first town in Florida to have a higher education institution. Today, the University of Florida represents the largest university in the state and biggest employer in Gainesville. The popular sports drink ‘Gatorade’ was created in Gainesville by researchers working for the University of Florida.

Gainesville music scene has gained national acclamation, as the starting point for numerous rock, punk and ska bands. In 2008, Blender Magazine considered that Gainesville is ‘the best place to start a band in the US’. Some of Gainesville’s most famous past and present residents include: Tom Petty, Malcolm Gets, Peter Taylor, River Phoenix or Maya Rudolph. Some of the legendary bands that started in Gainesville are: Sister Hazel, The Roach Motel, Hot Water Music, I hate myself, CYNE and Aleka’s Attic. Many Gainesville travel guides will list some of the close-by attractions, like Disney World, Universal Studios and Busch Gardens theme parks.