
Vacation rentals in Gainesville
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Top-rated vacation rentals in Gainesville
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Condo in the Heart of Haile Village-Great Location
Stay in the heart of award-winning Haile Village, located within the community of Haile Plantation. Condo balcony overlooks a popular tranquil park. Enjoy relaxing sounds from the large fountain and twinkling lights at night. Walk to restaurants, coffee & dessert shop, plus wine & gift shopping. Condo is the perfect location for Village Hall weddings & events! Saturday morning Farmers Market, spa and kids play space are just feet away! Enjoy Haile's nature trails, Turtle Pond and nature views.

Unique Container "Caja Verde" 1 Mile UF & Downtown
Our home is less than a mile to UFHealth at Shands and the Malcom Randall Veterans Medical Center. We are a mile to the University of Florida campus. Amazingly, also a short bike ride (1-2 miles) to Downtown Gainesville. Close to Depot Park, art studios, restaurants, music venues, and theater. Nature parks close too. The bonus is we live on 2 acres, tucked back in a quiet neighborhood. Our pool is deep & cool; we have bikes to borrow. The container is perfect for a solo traveler, or a couple.

Luxury Apartment in Historic Downtown Duck Pond
Welcome to luxury, light and spacious living! This newly redecorated space was created with your comfort in mind. Beautiful furniture, artwork, superior quality king mattress and linens will allow you to completely relax and rejuvenate. Enjoy meals in the well equipped, large kitchen with inside or private patio dining. With the washer & dryer, you have everything you need to make your stay easy, convenient and luxurious! Free ample "guest only" parking and Tesla 44 mile per hour charging.

Modern Cottage on Private Spring Fed Lake
Nestled on a gorgeous spring-fed private lake in the woods, our charming cottage is your ideal retreat. Whether you're dreaming of peace and quiet, a romantic getaway, or fun with your kids, this is the place to be! Kayak around the serene lake as you witness breathtaking sunsets, take a dip in the cool water or simply unwind amidst the beautiful surroundings. As night falls, gather around a fire and gaze up at the many stars lighting the sky. Come and create many cherished memories ☀️

Cozy Cottage. Near Downtown & UF.
Welcome to The Cozy Cottage, where you'll experience the charm of a 1950's home infused with the essence of Hygge. Embrace the bright and cozy vibes, and delight in the simple pleasures of life. Nestled on a corner quarter acre lot, our lovely house is conveniently close to the University of Florida and downtown 5min Curia on the drag 6 min from Downtown 10 min from UF 12 min from Shands hospital 30 min to Ginnie springs 20 min from Gainesville airport 20 min from Gainesville raceway

Walk to UF! Historic King Bed Loft w/ Private Deck
If you are visiting Gainesville, look no further than Camellia Loft. This historic gem was built in 1924 and has been freshly renovated to bring it into the modern era. Enjoy the birdsong and majestic trees from your private deck overlooking the backyard—or relax inside as light streams through the loft's massive skylights. Only 0.5 miles to UF campus and exactly 1 mile to the stadium, you can easily walk to campus or games. Unwind by the shared fire pit or enjoy cooking on the grill

Renovated Private Studio - Walking Distance to UF
NEWLY RENOVATED - Enjoy your Gainesville stay in this mid-century modern studio 0.5 miles from UF and 2 miles from UF and HCA hospitals. No detail was overlooked in this beautifully designed detached guest house with an abundance of natural light, upscale finishes, and endless amenities - kitchenette, mini fridge/freezer, smart TV, and more! This conveniently located private and quiet space in the heart of Gainesville is perfect for anyone visiting for just one night or a few weeks.

Harmony Tiny House-10 min to UF & Airport
Beautifully built and decorated, Harmony Tiny house is located close to Newnan’s Lake but only a 10 minute drive to downtown. Surrounded by woods on 3 sides, it sits behind the main home on an acre of land with a small creek in the back. You have access to the back yard with an outdoor table and chairs and also a key to the utility room if you need to do a load of laundry. The sliding glass door entry faces the backyard. Please note that pets are allowed and there is a $30 pet fee.

Azalea Guesthouse - Close to UF and downtown
Lots of character in this brand-new guest house located in the heart of town on a quiet canopied neighborhood and walking distance to UF, stores and coffee shops. Wake up in the morning to birds singing in the lush backyard, enjoy your coffee on the deck, or an evening stroll around the quiet neighborhood. Just a few blocks from UF and downtown, this retreat is perfect for your next Gator game weekend or to enjoy the nature, art and culture Gainesville has to offer!

Private In-Law Suite - 1 mile from UF Campus
This suite is just over one mile from the University of Florida campus as well as Downtown. Shands and the VA hospitals are approximately 2 miles away. The unit has just been completely refurbished and offers a private bedroom, bathroom, guest entrance, A/C and parking. The unit is located in a peaceful residential neighborhood and is within easy access to local grocery stores, pharmacies and other amenities.

The Mangrove Suite. Newly Built, Upscale, Central
The Mangrove Suite | Newly built, unique upscale stay in the heart of GNV! ▻ Includes all amenities you could ever need! ▻ Walk to University of Florida & Downtown G'ville ▻ 3 bdrms & 2 baths ▻ 7 beds for up to 10 guests (incl. 2 Kings) ▻ Fully equipped & family-friendly (incl. Pack n' Play) ▻ Spacious Upstairs Suite in a Duplex with your own Entrance and 2 Private Balconies

1st Floor Peaceful Property near UF/Downtown
Welcome to our hidden treasure! Five minutes to UF, Shands and downtown. Perfect for business travelers, hospital or university visitors, and game day. Enjoy wandering our three acres of beautiful live oak hammock or visit adjacent Paynes Prairie State Preserve or Biven's Arm Nature Park for hiking and wildlife photography.
Popular amenities for Gainesville vacation rentals
Gainesville home rentals

Hidden Retreat Near UF & Springs | Yard+Patio+BBQ

Casa Springs / Home in High Springs

Modern & Peaceful Home

Northwood Estate, 15min from UF *Newly Renovated!*

Cozy Hideaway in the Duck Pond area of Gainesville

Cozy Gainesville Getaway 1.7 miles from Stadium

Remodeled 2 bedroom/1 bath HOUSE close to downtown

Gville and Chill House
Other great vacation rentals in Gainesville

Ela's Tiny House: Springs, Trails & Disc Golf

La Palma - Walk to Ben Hill / UF / Midtown

All About Horses

Guest suite/Studio

Garden Cottage Sanctuary

Garden Room- Private Entrance-w bath & kitchenette

Little Love Shack

Lovely Studio Apt, Walk to UF
Quick stats about vacation rentals in Gainesville
Total rentals
1.4K properties
Total number of reviews
68K reviews
Family-friendly rentals
720 properties are a good fit for families
Pet-friendly rentals
490 properties allow pets
Rentals with a pool
400 properties have a pool
Rentals with dedicated workspaces
820 properties have a dedicated workspace
Your guide to Gainesville
All About Gainesville
With a state park home to wild bison and alligators, a natural history museum with an internationally-acclaimed fossil collection, and a 125-acre wetland park located right downtown, Gainesville, Florida offers more than your typical college town. One hour from Jacksonville, Gainesville is the biggest city in Alachua County, located in north central Florida. The region is best known for its natural areas, which are perfect for outdoor recreation such as biking, swimming, and boating.
However, Gainesville is also home to well-preserved historic buildings, the oldest of which dates back to 1884. For a small city, Gainesville is a lively place with many festivals scheduled throughout the year, as well as a strong arts scene intertwined in the city’s culture. Street art and full wall murals showcase local talent all over Gainesville. A noteworthy spot to visit is the ever-changing Gainesville Graffiti Wall, a 1,120-foot wall that receives new art added nearly every day.
The best time to stay in a vacation rental in Gainesville
Many of Gainesville’s most popular attractions are outdoors and best explored in the springtime. Warm Florida weather brings life to an array of wildflowers, including the roadside phlox, which blooms from April to June each year. Spring also gets significantly less rainfall than the summer months, making it a good time to plan outdoor picnics and hiking excursions. Spring is also when the Santa Fe Spring Arts Festival takes place, showcasing local art and live music.
Summer is rainy season in Gainesville, and the days are often warm and muggy. The precipitation eases every October, and the weather becomes more comfortable for spending time outdoors. Winter is brief, mild, and dry and worth a trip for the Hoggetowne Medieval Faire that turns the Alachua County Fairgrounds into a medieval marketplace for two weeks every January.
Top things to do in Gainesville
Paynes Prairie Preserve State Park
Just south of Gainesville is the Paynes Prairie Preserve, a state park that protects the habitat of a wide variety of native animals and birds. You may come across wild horses, deer, and bison when walking in the prairie, or alligators in the park’s marshes. A 16-mile paved path makes it possible to bike through the park for a close up view of Floridian nature. For a panoramic view, a 50-foot-high observation tower is open to the public.
Kanapaha Botanical Garden
The city’s 64-acre botanical garden has 24 collections, including the largest public bamboo forest display and the largest herb garden in Florida. With a map in hand, you can wander through gardens that specialize in botanical varieties, such as the Bromeliad Garden, Fern Cobble, Bamboo Garden, Woodland Trail, and more. Three different waterfalls link up the water gardens to the west of the park.
Florida Museum of Natural History
Learn about the last 65 million years on earth as you progress through five geologic periods in the Florida Museum of Natural History’s permanent Florida Fossils exhibit. Many of the fossils here were discovered within a 100-mile radius of Gainesville. Right at the exhibit’s entrance are several sets of shark jaws, including the nine-foot-wide jaws of the extinct Megalodon. Another permanent exhibit encourages children to learn through interactive activity stations and is open weekdays.
Frequently Asked Questions
How is the weather in Gainesville?
Gainesville has a humid subtropical climate with long hot summers (around 90°F or 32°C) and mild winters (around 42°F to 65°F, or 5°C to 18°C). Rain is common, especially in summer.
What are some of the best things to do in Gainesville?
Visitors often explore the Butterfly Rainforest at the Florida Museum of Natural History, cheer on the Gators at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium, or take a stroll in Kanapaha Botanical Gardens.
What is the best time of year to visit Gainesville?
The most popular time to visit Gainesville is from March to May when the weather is comfortable. Events like the Spring Garden Festival in Kanapaha Botanical Gardens and the Downtown Festival & Art Show happen during this period.
What are the best places to stay in Gainesville?
Explore diverse neighborhoods in Gainesville such as Downtown, known for its historic charm, the University Heights for its university vibe, and the Millhopper district for a more peaceful residential setting.
What are the best places to visit in Gainesville?
Frequently suggested places are the Florida Museum of Natural History, the Harn Museum of Art, and the historic Thomas Center.
What are some hiking trails in Gainesville?
Gainesville has Paynes Prairie Preserve State Park featuring many trails, the La Chua Trail known for its wildlife sightings, and the Hogtown Creek Greenway, a canopy road with walking paths.
What are some family activities to do in Gainesville?
Families often explore educational venues like the Santa Fe College Teaching Zoo, engage in outdoor adventures at Morningside Nature Center, or spend the day at the Depot Park.
What are some of the best day trip ideas in Gainesville?
Day trip ideas include visiting the historic town of Micanopy, exploring the O'Leno State Park, or heading to the coastal city of Cedar Key.
Are there vacation rentals with a dedicated workspace in Gainesville?
Yes! Work meets play with ease at over 780 vacation rentals in Gainesville featuring dedicated workspaces. Stay connected and productive in your home away from home.
Are there pet-friendly vacation rentals in Gainesville?
Four-legged friends are welcome in Gainesville. Choose from more than 460 vacation rentals for guests traveling with pets.
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- Ginnie Springs
- Rainbow Springs State Park
- Ichetucknee Springs State Park
- Gilchrist Blue Springs State Park
- Manatee Springs State Park
- Paynes Prairie Preserve State Park
- Eagle Landing Golf Club
- Ironwood Golf Course
- Depot Park
- Fanning Springs State Park
- Ocala Golf Club
- Ravine Gardens State Park
- Florida Museum of Natural History
- Ocala National Golf Club
- The Preserve Golf Club
- Citrus Springs Golf & Country Club