Downtown & Southeast Gainesville
Eclectic, electric, and filled with personality, Gainesville’s downtown is the place to be for outdoor concerts on the Bo Diddley plaza stage, the weekly farmer’s market, monthly art walks, top-notch local restaurants, bars, and entertainment year-round.
The jewel of the downtown area is Depot Park. With the original train depot as it’s anchor, the park winds around several man-made ponds and paved trails. The old train depot serves as an event space, beer and wine garden, and general store, and offers dining options, such as a wood fired pizza food truck that’s always there, to salad, sandwich, and small plate options. Plus, seating is abundant, so you can bring your own munchies if you prefer.
The Cade Museum for Creativity and Invention, which sits on the west side of the park, was created in honor of Dr. Robert Cade, who invented Gatorade at the University of Florida. The museum has standing and traveling exhibits, a hands-on creativity lab, and guest speakers who share their inventions and how they discovered them.
Lastly, the park boasts the largest and newest children’s play space in town, complete with a splash park and dozens of swings, slides, and climbing structures, all celebrating Rails to Trails, a movement that changed our old railroad tracks into biking and walking trails.
Housing in the heart of downtown isn’t yet abundant and when a gem does pop up it tends to move quickly. You will find a lot of student housing and rentals in the area, though. The good news is that there are plans for non-student condos in the works!
Parks & Rec
Depot Park is a signature city park located in the middle of downtown Gainesville providing a public green space for outdoor enjoyment. Designed to be the junction of past and future, what was once a rail yard, now blooms wildflowers and native plantings to commemorate the former railroad transportation hub. Depot Park features an adventurous and imaginative play area, complete with water soakers, ground jets, and waterfalls. The park hosts musical performances, art festivals, food truck rallies, and countless other events year round.
PARK HOURS:
Children’s play area: 7am to sunset.
Conservation area: 7am to sunset.
Lighted areas: 7am to 11:30pm.
Photos: @depot.park
Eat & Drink
“Alpin Bistro features farm to table produce, natural wines and authentic french recipes in a casual atmosphere that welcomes all! Imported delicacies paired with local goodness.”
Photos: @alpin_bistro
“Mark’s Prime Steakhouse has a goal to create a unique dining experience that will please the palate and soothe the soul. We serve the finest beef, the freshest seafood, premium wines and naturally fresh vegetables.”
Photos: @marksprimegnv
“Best wine bar in Gainesville. With a secret patio & retail shop!”
Photos: @downtownwineandcheese