Gainesville vacation rentals

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Top-rated vacation rentals in Gainesville

Guests agree: these vacation rentals are highly rated for location, cleanliness, and more.

Guest favorite

Guesthouse in Gainesville

4.98 out of 5 average rating, 634 reviews

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.

Jun 5 – 12

€ 87 per night
Guest favorite

Guest suite in Gainesville

4.97 out of 5 average rating, 410 reviews

Private guest suite in a quiet modern farmhouse

This is an elegant and newly renovated private guest suite with its own separate entrance and private bathroom located in a 1950s single family residential home. Most of the furnishings are custom made! This is an ideal place to stay for visiting parents, traveling professional students, business travelers, general visitors to Gainesville, or anyone looking for a quiet place to stay. It is NOT a location to host parties, gatherings, or to hang out in groups. Please, NO SMOKING in our suite.

Oct 18 – 25

€ 107 per night
Guest favorite

Guesthouse in Gainesville

4.9 out of 5 average rating, 360 reviews

B&B's Downtown Steampunk

Grab a slice of Wow in this turn-of-the century Steampunk design carriage house in Gainesville’s picturesque Bed and Breakfast District. It’s a stone’s throw from downtown’s fine dining, coffeehouses, craft beer breweries, and the famous Bo Diddly Square’s music venue. Check out plays and movies the historic Hippodrome . . . all this is within a walking radius of a few short blocks. Enjoy your restful retreat’s unique style that combines historical elements with science fiction.

Jun 2 – 9

€ 97 per night

Popular amenities for Gainesville vacation rentals

Stay near Gainesville's top sights

The Oaks Mall60 locals recommend
Celebration Pointe59 locals recommend
Depot Park115 locals recommend
Stephen C. O'Connell Center19 locals recommend
Devil's Millhopper Geological State Park94 locals recommend
Bo Diddley Plaza28 locals recommend

Gainesville home rentals

Guest favorite

Home in Gainesville

4.95 out of 5 average rating, 114 reviews

Cozy Gem, minutes from UF & Celebration Pointe

Aug 13 – 20

€ 167 per night
Guest favorite

Home in Gainesville

4.9 out of 5 average rating, 227 reviews

Gorgeous Downtown Home from 1930s in Heart of UF!

Apr 23 – 30

€ 140 per night
Guest favorite

Home in Gainesville

4.96 out of 5 average rating, 139 reviews

Cozy Gainesville Getaway 1.7 miles from Stadium

May 27 – Jun 3

€ 171 per night
Guest favorite

Home in Gainesville

4.95 out of 5 average rating, 158 reviews

Charming Studio Apt Near Downtown

Sep 5 – 12

€ 127 per night
Guest favorite

Home in Hawthorne

4.97 out of 5 average rating, 147 reviews

Harmony Oaks Guesthouse on Lake McMeekin

Mar 20 – 27

€ 96 per night
Guest favorite

Home in Gainesville

4.93 out of 5 average rating, 104 reviews

Funky MINI GOLF Home filled with Amenities

Jun 20 – 27

€ 180 per night
Guest favorite

Home in Alachua

4.92 out of 5 average rating, 176 reviews

Peaceful Cottage in Alachua Florida

Aug 6 – 13

€ 101 per night
Guest favorite

Home in Gainesville

4.97 out of 5 average rating, 279 reviews

Close to UF/Stadium & Downtown, PETS welcome!

Feb 25 – Mar 4

€ 199 per night
Guest favorite

Home in Micanopy

4.97 out of 5 average rating, 219 reviews

Beautiful House, Historic District, Micanopy

Dec 12 – 19

€ 157 per night
Guest favorite

Home in Gainesville

5.0 out of 5 average rating, 103 reviews

Home Near UF With Game Room! - Modern Boho Escape

Dec 12 – 19

€ 223 per night
Guest favorite

Home in Gainesville

5.0 out of 5 average rating, 251 reviews

The Floridian. Newly Built Dreamhome, Central

Jul 26 – Aug 2

€ 274 per night
Guest favorite

Home in Alachua

4.82 out of 5 average rating, 195 reviews

Gated Golf Getaway close to Springs

Jun 19 – 26

€ 157 per night

Other great vacation rentals in Gainesville

Guest favorite

Shipping container in Gainesville

4.94 out of 5 average rating, 139 reviews

Unique Tiny Container Studio Near Downtown! Unit B

Sep 17 – 24

€ 91 per night
Guest favorite

Condo in Gainesville

4.99 out of 5 average rating, 333 reviews

Condo in the Heart of Haile Village-Great Location

Jul 22 – 29

€ 130 per night
Guest favorite

Tiny home in Gainesville

4.92 out of 5 average rating, 99 reviews

Harmony Tiny House-NO Cleaning Fee

May 19 – 26

€ 82 per night
Guest favorite

Apartment in Gainesville

4.9 out of 5 average rating, 225 reviews

Mid-Century near Depot Park & Historic Downtown

Aug 15 – 22

€ 109 per night
Guest favorite

Condo in Gainesville

4.98 out of 5 average rating, 121 reviews

Hogtown Haven-Dog friendly, 2 Bed 2 Bath condo.

Jun 10 – 17

€ 122 per night
Guest favorite

Bungalow in Gainesville

4.98 out of 5 average rating, 124 reviews

Vintage Cottage within walking distance to UF

Aug 22 – 29

€ 139 per night
Superhost

Cottage in Hawthorne

4.86 out of 5 average rating, 105 reviews

Live Oak Oasis on Morris Lake

Dec 3 – 10

€ 104 per night
Guest favorite

Guest suite in Gainesville

4.96 out of 5 average rating, 165 reviews

Private Garden Studio

Aug 22 – 29

€ 79 per night
Guest favorite

Guest suite in Alachua

4.99 out of 5 average rating, 336 reviews

Hanes Haus Historic Main St. Private Clean & Quiet

Apr 17 – 24

€ 84 per night
Guest favorite

Guest suite in Gainesville

4.85 out of 5 average rating, 291 reviews

Kensington: fast wifi workdesk, premium tv+streams

Apr 11 – 18

€ 82 per night
Guest favorite

Guesthouse in Gainesville

4.97 out of 5 average rating, 296 reviews

Lovely Studio Apt, Walk to UF

Oct 29 – Nov 5

€ 93 per night
Guest favorite

Home in Gainesville

5.0 out of 5 average rating, 5 reviews

cozy retreat 3 miles to UF - no cleaning fee!

Apr 19 – 26

€ 87 per night

Quick stats about vacation rentals in Gainesville

Total rentals

1.2K properties

Rentals with dedicated workspaces

690 properties have a dedicated workspace

Rentals with a pool

360 properties have a pool

Pet-friendly rentals

380 properties allow pets

Family-friendly rentals

620 properties are a good fit for families

Total number of reviews

48K reviews

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 690 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 380 vacation rentals for guests traveling with pets.

Destinations to explore

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  2. United States
  3. Florida
  4. Alachua County
  5. Gainesville