North Central Florida, FL

Travel Guide
Photo provided by Visit Gainesville
Photo provided by Visit Gainesville
Photo provided by Visit Gainesville
Photo provided by Visit Gainesville
Photo provided by Visit Gainesville
Photo provided by Visit Gainesville
Photo provided by Visit Gainesville
Photo provided by Visit Gainesville
Photo provided by Visit Gainesville
Photo provided by Visit Gainesville

Where to stay in North Central Florida

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Historic Downtown

While there might not be top attractions in Historic Downtown, you can explore the larger area and discover places like Ocala Downtown Square and Reilly Arts Center.

Historic Downtown
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University Heights

4/5(31 area reviews)

While University Heights isn't home to many top sights, Hippodrome State Theatre and Ben Hill Griffin Stadium are some notable places to visit nearby.

University Heights
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Historic District

If you're looking for some top things to see and do in Historic District and surrounding area, you can visit Ocala Downtown Square and Reilly Arts Center.

Historic District
If you visit Silver Springs State Park in Ocala, FL, make sure you go on one of the famous glass bottom boat tours. We took one and were lucky enough to have our boat pass right over two friendly manatees. #florida #silversprings #manatee

Fort King District

3/5(20 area reviews)

If you're spending some time in Fort King District, Silver Springs State Park and Fort King are top sights worth seeing.

Fort King District
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Haile Plantation

If you're spending some time in Haile Plantation, Haile Plantation Golf and Country Club and Hampstead Park are top sights worth seeing.

Haile Plantation
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Duckpond

If you're looking for some top things to see and do in Duckpond and surrounding area, you can visit Hippodrome State Theatre and Thomas Center.

Duckpond
Country Inn & Suites by Radisson, Gainesville, FL
Country Inn & Suites by Radisson, Gainesville, FL
3 out of 5
4015 Sw 43rd St, Gainesville, FL
The price is SAR 344 per night from Jan 26 to Jan 27
SAR 344
SAR 387 total
includes taxes & fees
26 Jan - 27 Jan
Stay at this 3-star business-friendly hotel in Gainesville. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (1,203 reviews)
"Very clean property staff very friendly"

Reviewed on 19 January 2025

Country Inn & Suites by Radisson, Gainesville, FL
Equus Inn Ocala
Equus Inn Ocala
2.5 out of 5
3434 Sw College Rd, Ocala, FL
The price is SAR 456 per night from Feb 9 to Feb 10
SAR 456
SAR 508 total
includes taxes & fees
9 Feb - 10 Feb
Book a stay at this business-friendly hotel in Ocala. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the breakfast and the pool in our ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (1,353 reviews)
"Great location."

Reviewed on 15 January 2025

Equus Inn Ocala
Hyatt Place Gainesville Downtown
Hyatt Place Gainesville Downtown
3 out of 5
212 SE 1ST STREET,, Gainesville, FL
The price is SAR 422 per night from Feb 18 to Feb 19
SAR 422
SAR 475 total
includes taxes & fees
18 Feb - 19 Feb
Stay at this 3-star business-friendly hotel in Gainesville. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and room service. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful ...
9/10 Wonderful! (761 reviews)
"Friendly staff. Walkable to many restaurants. Very comfortable"

Reviewed on 16 January 2025

Hyatt Place Gainesville Downtown
See all 2,225 properties in North Central Florida
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
stayAPT Suites Ocala
stayAPT Suites Ocala
3.5 out of 5
3509 W Silver Springs Blvd, Ocala, FL
Stay at this 3.5-star business-friendly aparthotel in Ocala. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and laundry facilities. Popular attractions Hampton Aquatic Fun Center ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (39 reviews)
"Unreliable WiFi connection - if you need to get work done may not be the place to stay at Otherwise great value -comfortable beds, clean, nice to have a kitchen Quiet, only ran into two prostitutes during our stay"

Reviewed on 5 January 2025

stayAPT Suites Ocala
Private Island Waterfront Oasis Kayaks + Paddleboards + Canoe + NEW Pool Table
Private Island Waterfront Oasis Kayaks + Paddleboards + Canoe + NEW Pool Table
Dunnellon
Book a stay at this family-friendly vacation home in Dunnellon. Enjoy free WiFi, private pools, and a water park. Popular attractions Rainbow River and K.P. ...
9.8/10 Exceptional! (162 reviews)
Amazing property!! 10 out of 10!!
"Our family has been gathering in Dunnellon for 5 years now for Thanksgiving and our rental this time was the best rental we have found by far. It was so great we have already booked it for 2026! The property is beautiful, the house has such a great set up for a large group with so many great spots ..."

Reviewed on 5 December 2024

Private Island Waterfront Oasis Kayaks + Paddleboards + Canoe + NEW Pool Table
Beautiful 2 story house overlooking the water. Has arcade & Close to the springs
Beautiful 2 story house overlooking the water. Has arcade & Close to the springs
Live Oak
Stay at this vacation home in Live Oak. Enjoy free WiFi, a garden, and patios. Popular attractions Baker Park and First Federal Sportsplex are located ...
9.8/10 Exceptional! (32 reviews)
Perfect
"It was great"

Reviewed on 27 December 2024

Beautiful 2 story house overlooking the water. Has arcade & Close to the springs
See all properties in North Central Florida
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Popular places to visit

University of Florida

University of Florida

4.5/5(833 reviews)

Explore the campus of University of Florida, during your trip to Gainesville. Stroll along the lakeside or attend a sporting event in the area.

University of Florida
At the Gators home opener with 90,000 of my closest friends. A football game at Florida Field is an incredible experience. Energy not to be missed. This is probably one of the greatest stadiums in college football.

Ben Hill Griffin Stadium

4.5/5(272 reviews)

Catch an event at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium during your trip to Gainesville. Stroll along the lakeside or attend a sporting event in the area.

Ben Hill Griffin Stadium
Silver Springs State Park

Silver Springs State Park

4.5/5(156 reviews)

Explore the great outdoors with a trip to Silver Springs State Park, a popular green space in Ocala. Discover the area's live music, or seek out its horseback riding.

Silver Springs State Park
Florida is known for their gorgeous springs. Rainbow Springs State Park is definitely one that is truly captivating. Read the full travel guide here: https://thewalkingmermaid.com/blog/rainbow-springs-state-park-florida

Rainbow Springs State Park

4.5/5(159 reviews)

Explore the great outdoors at Rainbow Springs State Park, a lovely green space in Dunnellon. Stroll along this relaxing area's riverfront, or simply enjoy its restaurants.

Rainbow Springs State Park
#SpringFun Spring is the best time to grab the paddleboards and head outside in Florida! Weather is still cool and crisp in the morning and warms up nicely during the day, providing the perfect time to cool-off jump into the constant 72 degree water. The photo here is a small creek along the Rainbow River with clear blue water and a nice sandy bottom. We love finding little places like this on the larger rivers so we can hop-off and explore. It also gets you away from the crowds and opens up the possibility of finding more pieces of paradise. We like to launch from K.P. Hold

Rainbow River

4.5/5(16 reviews)

Commune with nature and explore the great outdoors at Rainbow River during your travels in Dunnellon. Stroll along this relaxing area's riverfront, or simply enjoy its restaurants.

Rainbow River
Paynes Prairie Preserve State Park

Paynes Prairie Preserve State Park

4.5/5(153 reviews)

Explore the great outdoors at Paynes Prairie Preserve State Park, a lovely green space in Gainesville. Wander the college campus and lakeside in the area.

Paynes Prairie Preserve State Park