608 SW 2nd St

Every day in Downtown Gainesville is a party -- partly because of the great weather and fantastic pubs -- but also because it is next to the University of Florida. The downtown area invites residents and visitors to get out and walk or bike, with wide sidewalks, dedicated bike lanes, and even "fun bikes" -- bikes that seat 17 people around a bar, so it looks more like a party bus with a lot of pedals. Downtown Gainesville hosts a variety of walking tours, pub crawls, and restaurant tours.

Of course, every party needs music, and Downtown Gainesville offers plenty of that, as well. A variety of nightclubs include outdoor stages for local bands, and Bo Diddly Plaza offers everything from blue grass to jazz to R&B. Watch a show at the legendary Hippodrome Theatre or see a concert at the Florida Theatre. Downtown Gainesville hosts a variety of festivals and events, from the farmer's market held in Bo Diddly Plaza to the Downtown Festival & Art Show.