What makes Gainesville, Florida a great overnight stop? Consider this… you’ve traveled all day, you’re tired, hungry, the kids are wired… you get the picture. What you really need right about then is that perfect overnight stop… an exit where you feel safe and comfortable… an exit with a good mix of accommodations and a variety of eating places… not just fast food. And, maybe a little shopping later before you get back to the motel. The next morning you can gas up nearby and head out. Everything you need conveniently located right off the exit! Those exits are great overnight stops!
About Gainesville, Florida…
Gainesville is home to the University of Florida, giving this mid-sized city a vibrant college-town atmosphere with plenty of energy and Southern charm. You’ll find the historic downtown square lined with locally-owned restaurants, cafes, and shops, offering everything from authentic Cuban sandwiches to farm-to-table Southern cuisine. The city strikes a perfect balance between small-town friendliness and big-city amenities, making visitors feel welcome the moment they arrive.
Nature lovers will appreciate Gainesville’s proximity to numerous natural springs, including the crystal-clear Ichetucknee Springs and Devil’s Den, where you can cool off with a swim or snorkel. The city itself features beautiful tree-canopied streets, parks, and the scenic Paynes Prairie Preserve State Park, where you might spot wild horses and bison. It’s an ideal spot to stretch your legs after hours on the interstate.
Practical travelers will find Gainesville offers excellent value with a wide range of hotel options at reasonable prices, especially compared to Florida’s coastal cities. The city sits roughly halfway down the state on I-75, making it a natural stopping point whether you’re heading to South Florida or back north. With easy interstate access, gas stations and restaurants at every exit, and genuine Southern hospitality, Gainesville makes your road trip more enjoyable.
Where to Stay in Gainesville…
Very few I-75 exits have this many choices for a place to stay for the night. Most of the national chains are located here… with more on the way. Here’s what you’ll find here:
Comfort Inn University, Country Inn & Suites by Radisson, Courtyard by Marriott, DoubleTree by Hilton, Drury Inn & Suites, Extended Stay America Select Suites, Fairfield Inn & Suites, Hampton Inn, Hilton Garden Inn, Holiday Inn Express & Suites, Hōm Hotel and Suites, Homewood Suites by Hilton, Red Roof Inn PLUS, Residence Inn, Sleep Inn & Suites University, SpringHill Suites, Staybridge Suites, Super 8 University, SureStay by Best Western.
Our I-75 exit recommendations here are…
- Country Inn and Suites – Alway our ‘Go To’ overnight stop. We’ve never been disappointed.
- Hōm Hotel and Suites – New hotel, new chain. Very high ratings!
- Drury Inn & Suites – Good rooms, lots of amenities, and reasonable rates.
Where to Eat in Gainesville…
4 Rivers Smokehouse, Bahama Breeze, Bay Islands Coffee Company, BENTO, Blaze Pizza, Bonefish Grill, BurgerFi, Burger King, Chick-fil-A, Chili’s Grill & Bar, China King, Chipotle Mexican Grill, Cracker Barrel Old Country Store, Culver’s, Dairy Queen, Dunkin Donuts, Falafel King, Firehouse Subs, Five Guys, Gigi’s Cupcakes, Grub Kitchen & Bar, Hungry Howie’s Pizza, Keke’s Breakfast Cafe, Longhorn Steakhouse, Maple Street Biscuit Company, McAlister’s Deli, McDonald’s, Miller’s Ale House, Olive Garden, Outback Steakhouse, P.F. Chang’s, Panda Express, Panera Bread, Pollo Tropical, Relish – Big Tasty Burgers!, Sonny’s BBQ, Starbucks, Steak ‘n Shake, Taco Bell, Texas Roadhouse, TGI Friday’s, Tijuana Flats, Waffle House, Wendy’s, WingHouse, Zaxby’s Chicken Fingers & Buffalo Wings, and Zoës Kitchen.
Where to Shop in Gainesville…
If you’re a shopper, you may decide to stay another night at this exit. With plenty of retail options, you’ll find everything you need and more right here.
This Gainesville exit includes: Aldi, Bass Pro Shops, Best Buy, Cheesecake Factory, Chuy’s, CVS Pharmacy, Dick’s Sporting Goods, Famous Footwear, Firestone, Five Below, Gator Mania, GNC, Guitar Center, Hibbett Sports, JOANN Fabrics and Crafts, Kohl’s, Lowe’s, Michael’s, Midas, Music & Arts, Office Max, Old Navy, PetSmart, Publix Supermarket, Rack Room Shoes, Ross Dress for Less, Sams Club, Target, Trader Joe’s, Tuesday Morning Homegoods, Walgreens Pharmacy, Walmart, and Whole Foods.
More…
Regal Celebration Pointe 10 Theaters
Fuel Up and Head Out…
With competition comes lower prices and this Gainesville exit includes several gas stations with better than average prices. You’ll fine Exxon, Mobil, Sams Club Gas, and Shell here.
Additionally, you’ll find EV charging stations at these locations:
- Electrify America Charging Station at Target
- Tesla Destination Charger at Fairfield Inn & Suites
- Tesla Supercharger at Whole Foods Market
- SemaConnect Charging Station at Alachua County Sports & Event Center
- SemaConnect Charging Station at Regal Celebration Pointe 10 Theaters
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