The Duck Pond Neighborhood
The Duck Pond neighborhood is a charming historic district located just north of downtown Gainesville. This walkable community is centered around the picturesque Duck Pond, a small urban lake where you’ll often see locals relaxing under moss-draped oak trees or feeding bread to the resident ducks and turtles. The neighborhood features Craftsman bungalows, Tudor cottages, and other historic homes dating back to the early 20th century. Take a stroll down NE 5th Avenue to admire the architecture. Many Duck Pond homes are painted in bright, cheerful hues that give the neighborhood a lively character. While you’re exploring the Duck Pond area, don’t miss these highlights: Grab breakfast, lunch, or coffee at one of the local eateries on NE 1st Street. Bagel Bakery has bagels made from scratch daily and Blue Highway Pizza serves up thin-crust pies. Browse the locally-made art, jewelry, and gifts at The Repurpose Project, a nonprofit shop benefiting community programs. See a show at the historic Hippodrome Theatre, which first opened in 1911 as a vaudeville house. The Duck Pond neighborhood is the perfect place to spend a relaxing morning or afternoon when you’re in Gainesville. Charter Bus Company Gainesville can easily transport your group to this charming historic district for a delightful walking tour.
The University of Florida Campus
The University of Florida is the beating heart of Gainesville. With over 50,000 students enrolled, the massive campus covers more than 2,000 acres near downtown. Visitors to Gainesville will want to explore the beautiful Spanish Revival-style buildings and facilities that make up one of Florida’s largest universities. Some highlights of campus include: The Florida Museum of Natural History, which contains the state’s official archeological and historical collections. Don’t miss the Butterfly Rainforest exhibit! Lake Alice, a scenic spot for a stroll, picnic, or to watch the wildlife. You may spot alligators! Century Tower, a 115-foot tall carillon tower recognizable for its chiming bells. Ben Hill Griffin Stadium, home of the Florida Gators football team, can seat nearly 90,000 cheering fans. The Phillips Center for the Performing Arts hosts concerts, Broadway shows, and other cultural events. Your group can easily spend a full day immersed in campus life. Let Charter Bus Company Gainesville simplify your travels by reserving a charter bus rental for University of Florida tours and events. Our drivers are experts at navigating the winding roads and locating the best places to drop off groups.
Downtown Gainesville
Downtown Gainesville radiates a lively energy with its mix of restaurants, bars, shops, and historic buildings. Located near the University of Florida campus, it’s a convenient and entertaining area for visitors to explore. Some top attractions in downtown Gainesville include: Grab a craft brew at First Magnitude Brewing Company or try the famous grouper sandwich at The Top restaurant, popular local eateries. Catch an indie film screening or concert at High Dive, a beloved dive bar and music venue. Shop for records at Hear Again Music and Movies or find the perfect Gators memorabilia at Gator Mania. See the historic buildings of the Downtown Historic District, like the Hippodrome State Theatre. Getting around downtown Gainesville is easy with a charter bus rental from Charter Bus Company Gainesville. Let your professional driver navigate the tight city streets while your group relaxes, talks, and takes in the sights. We know all the best places to load and unload your party.
Depot Park
Depot Park is a vibrant community space located just south of downtown Gainesville. This lively urban park covers 32 acres next to the historic Gainesville Depot building. Visitors will find plenty of attractions within Depot Park to keep the whole group entertained. Some highlights of Depot Park include: A creative kids’ play area with climbing structures, slides, and fountains. A splash pad to cool down on hot Florida days. A performance pavilion that hosts free weekly concerts. Community gardens growing fresh fruits and vegetables. The “Before I Die” interactive art wall. Food trucks serving everything from pizza to Korean barbecue. With so much to experience, you may want to spend an entire afternoon at Depot Park. Charter Bus Company Gainesville provides an easy way for your group to travel together to this popular community gathering space.
Haile Village Center
Haile Village Center is an upscale outdoor shopping plaza located in the Haile Plantation neighborhood, about 10 minutes southwest of downtown Gainesville. This family-friendly destination offers top shopping and dining options. At Haile Village Center, visitors will find: National retailers like Anthropologie, West Elm, and Apricot Lane Boutique. Trendy eateries such as The Great Outdoors Restaurant, offering New Southern cuisine in a rustic lodge setting. Luxury day spa Pamper Me Salon, for those looking to indulge in relaxation. A lively calendar of community events like the annual Fall Festival and holiday celebrations. A green space called Market Square, perfect for letting the kids run around. After a morning of shopping, grab lunch on the patio at Gainesville’s own Satchel’s Pizza. With a charter bus rental from Charter Bus Company Gainesville, we’ll get your group to Haile Village Center ready to explore in comfort and style.
Devil’s Millhopper Geological State Park
For an outdoor adventure just north of Gainesville, head to Devil’s Millhopper Geological State Park. The star here is the massive sinkhole 120 feet deep and 500 feet wide known as the Devil’s Millhopper. Visitors can hike down 232 steps to the lush fern-filled basin of this geological wonder. In addition to the namesake sinkhole, Devil’s Millhopper State Park offers guests: Nearly 40 acres of scenic hiking trails winding through the park. Opportunities to observe interesting plant and animal species. Picnic facilities in a shady oak hammock. Educational exhibits inside the visitor center. Park ranger-led programs on weekends. Give your group comfortable transportation to this beautiful natural site with a charter bus rental from Charter Bus Company Gainesville. We’ll get your crew there ready to descend into the Devil’s Millhopper for an unforgettable outdoor adventure.
Paynes Prairie Preserve State Park
Nature lovers visiting Gainesville will not want to miss Paynes Prairie Preserve State Park, a protected wetlands visited by over 400 species of wildlife. Located just 10 minutes south of downtown, this massive 22,000-acre park provides a serene natural escape. Some highlights of Paynes Prairie include: 50 miles of multi-use trails for hiking, biking, and horseback riding. A 50-foot tall observation tower with panoramic views. The La Chua Trail, where you may spot alligators, wild horses, and sandhill cranes. Camping facilities ranging from RV sites to primitive campgrounds. The visitor center with exhibits on the cultural and natural history of Paynes Prairie. With so much to see over Paynes Prairie’s extensive grounds, we recommend reserving one of Charter Bus Company Gainesville’s charter buses for easy group transportation. That way, you can focus on spotting wildlife instead of navigating. Let us handle getting your crew there in comfort.
Book a Bus With Us
At Charter Bus Company Gainesville, we provide reliable charter bus rentals for groups of any size traveling in Gainesville and beyond. Whether you need a minibus for a wedding party or a spacious 56-passenger coach for a corporate outing, we have the perfect vehicle for your trip. Our team handles all the details from start to finish, so you can focus on the fun parts of your tour. Give us a call today at 352-505-4601 for a free quote!