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Start PlanningDestination Guide
Gainesville is the perfect midway stretch-and-lunch stop between Atlanta and Cocoa Beach. Home to the University of Florida, it has surprisingly good dining and natural springs nearby. Our itineraries time your stop to break up the drive and grab a great meal.
Plan a Trip HereActivities
Lunch and stretch stop on the drive from Atlanta to Cocoa Beach. Spring-fed swimming holes are a bonus if you have extra time.
On UF campus. $14 adults, $7 kids. Butterfly Rainforest is the highlight — walk among hundreds of live butterflies. 2 hours.
$4 parking. A 120-foot deep sinkhole with a boardwalk trail down through a lush mini-rainforest. Unique geology. 1 hour.
$5 parking. 21,000-acre preserve south of Gainesville. See wild horses, bison, and alligators. La Chua Trail is the best for wildlife viewing. 2 hours.
Free to explore. Hip college-town vibe, local shops, cafes. Good for a walk and lunch between attractions.
30 minutes north. $6 per vehicle. Crystal-clear spring river — tubing in summer is a must. One of Florida's best-kept secrets.
Dining
Hand-picked restaurants we include in our itineraries — from road-trip quick stops to special-occasion dinners.
Gainesville institution. Amazing pizza, eclectic decor, outdoor seating. Cash only. Kids love it. Expect a wait.
Downtown staple. Southern-fusion, great brunch. Full bar. Popular with locals and students. Reservations on weekends.
Farm-to-table fine dining downtown. Excellent for dinner. Small, intimate. Reservations recommended.
Cheap, authentic Mexican. Fast, family-friendly, huge portions. Perfect for a quick road-trip meal.
Accommodations
Options at every budget level. We'll match you to the right hotel based on your group size, budget, and preferences.
If just stopping for lunch, continue to Cocoa Beach (2.5 hours). If staying: Red Roof Inn UF, $80-120.
Holiday Inn Gainesville-Livermore — near campus, pool, restaurant. $130-180.
Hotel Eleo at UF — modern boutique, great for a longer stay. $200-280/night.