Road trip from Raleigh to Gainesville
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Outdoor Activities
Shopping
Nature & Parks
Sights & Landmarks
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Museums
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All Category
Outdoor Activities
Shopping
Nature & Parks
Sights & Landmarks
Nightlife
Museums
Fun & Games
Concerts & Shows
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ITINERARY
9h 51m526 miles16 stops
1
North Carolina Museum of History
Explore more than 14,000 years of North Carolina history, from the state's earliest inhabitants through the 20th century. The major exhibition The Story of North Carolina features fascinating artifacts, multimedia presentations, and an interactive format for all ages. Other exhibits highlight the state's military history, sports heroes, decorative arts and more. Monthly programs include children's programs, craft demonstrations and family events. The Museum Shop, featuring North Carolina crafts, and the on-site restaurant Pharaoh's at the Museum are open daily. Admission is free, although some special exhibits require a fee. Free parking is available on weekends in the Jones/Edenton Street lot. Museum hours are Monday through Saturday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Sunday, noon to 5 p.m.
2
Boxcar Bar + Arcade
Boxcar Bar + Arcade in downtown Raleigh is home to over 100 arcade-style games, including classic and modern arcades and pinball favorites, Skeeball, air hockey, free game consoles and more! We offer a full bar (including 24 craft drafts), a covered patio complete with an outdoor bar and live music stage, a dog friendly environment and so much more. We serve fresh, free popcorn daily and outside food is welcome.
3
The Raleigh Market
Located on the historic N.C. State Fairgrounds, The Raleigh Market is recognized as one of the Top 10 flea markets in the U.S. Each weekend, indoor and outdoor vendors showcase vintage goods and antiques, collectibles, new items, thrift items, crafts, art, jewelry and so much more. Food trucks, farm stands and fair food ensure customers do not leave hungry! The Raleigh Market is open Saturdays and Sundays, 9 am - 5 pm. Admission and parking are free.
4
Game On Escapes & More
We offer family friendly escape games and a game show appealing to a variety of ages. Great for corporate events, team outings, and just a fun night out with friends and family.
5
The Black Fedora Comedy Mystery Theatre
Live theatre featuring clean comic whodunit shows, volunteer audience participation, a la carte appetizers, homemade desserts, and drinks -- at the downtown City Market. “Uproarious entertainment” - Thrillist.com
6
Edmondston-Alston House
Constructed nearly 200 years ago, circa 1825, the Edmondston-Alston House presents a unique history of the people, both free and enslaved, who lived and labored on this property. Its collection of furniture, silver and decorative arts, largely original to those who owned the house, constitutes a rich, complex history of Charleston in the 19th century. Commanding a magnificent view of Charleston Harbor, the Edmondston-Alston House has witnessed many historic moments in the port city’s history. One of the oldest houses along the High Battery, it withstood the American Civil War, the Earthquake of 1886, and numerous hurricanes; it has survived to share a piece of Charleston history.
7
Cathedral of St. John the Baptist
The oldest Roman Catholic church in Georgia.
8
Regal River City Marketplace Stadium 14
9
The Brumos Collection
The Brumos Collection imparts a sweeping story of automotive development through racing. More than a technical tale, the exhibition reveals the very soul in these machines-cars inspired by their predecessors, developed by masters, tested in competition and celebrated in history. Remarkable vehicles spanning three centuries show the collaborations and rivalries that changed the automotive world.
10
Downtown Cigar Lounge
Location in the heart of downtown Jacksonville in a 101 year-old historic building. We are home to a diverse selection of premium hand-rolled cigars from various regions and a variety of wines, beers and specialty drinks . DCL is not only about cigars we are also a gallery displaying the artwork of local artists.
11
Underbelly
Located in the heart of Downtown, in Jacksonville's "Elbow District", Underbelly isn't just a building and a stage where people come to enjoy music. It's much bigger than that. It's not the paint on the walls. It's not the brick, wood, and nails that hold it all together. It's not the lights or the electricity that define it. Underbelly is a garden. A place for people, regardless of who you are or what you do, to just leave it all at the door for a small while. It's a place for humans. People wanting to be just that. Surrounded by others that feel the same to come together for however long it may be, to be here and now - no more, no less. It's a place where the best musicians unite to create moments that exist nowhere else. Isn't that what it is all about? Finding those moments of magic that will stay with you forever? Well, that's what we sell. We sell magic in all sizes. So come with many, come with none, it doesn't matter. Because when you're here, you're home.
12
Havana's Wine & Cigar Lounge
Havana's Wine & Cigar Lounge aims to provide a relaxed atmosphere, where you can kick back on the couches and enjoy life.
13
Depot Park
Depot Park is a signature city park in downtown Gainesville providing a space for unique public outdoor enjoyment. Depot features a children's adventure play area with a custom splash pad of waterfalls, water soakers, and ground jets. A water's edge promenade hosts special events like food truck rallies, art festivals, and musical performances. The park is fully staffed and free of charge.
14
Stephen C. O'Connell Center
The Stephen C. O'Connell Center, also known as the O'Dome, is an 11,000-plus-seat multi-purpose arena located on the University of Florida campus in Gainesville, Florida. The facility is located on the northern side of the university's campus, and has been home to many concerts and sporting events since it's opening in 1980. The arena plays host to seven University of Florida Athletic Teams.
15
Total Wine & More
16
Young's Paso Fino Ranch
Customize this Trip
OVERVIEW
1
Start:North Carolina Museum of History
Raleigh, North Carolina·
4.5
(936) review
Explore more than 14,000 years of North Carolina history, from the state's earliest inhabitants through the 20th century. The major exhibition The Story of North Carolina features fascinating artifacts, multimedia presentations, and an interactive format for all ages. Other exhibits highlight the state's military history, sports heroes, decorative arts and more. Monthly programs include children's programs, craft demonstrations and family events. The Museum Shop, featuring North Carolina crafts, and the on-site restaurant Pharaoh's at the Museum are open daily. Admission is free, although some special exhibits require a fee. Free parking is available on weekends in the Jones/Edenton Street lot. Museum hours are Monday through Saturday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Sunday, noon to 5 p.m.
2
Start:Boxcar Bar + Arcade
Raleigh, North Carolina·
4.5
(92) review
Boxcar Bar + Arcade in downtown Raleigh is home to over 100 arcade-style games, including classic and modern arcades and pinball favorites, Skeeball, air hockey, free game consoles and more! We offer a full bar (including 24 craft drafts), a covered patio complete with an outdoor bar and live music stage, a dog friendly environment and so much more. We serve fresh, free popcorn daily and outside food is welcome.
3
Start:The Raleigh Market
Raleigh, North Carolina·
4.0
(96) review
Located on the historic N.C. State Fairgrounds, The Raleigh Market is recognized as one of the Top 10 flea markets in the U.S. Each weekend, indoor and outdoor vendors showcase vintage goods and antiques, collectibles, new items, thrift items, crafts, art, jewelry and so much more. Food trucks, farm stands and fair food ensure customers do not leave hungry! The Raleigh Market is open Saturdays and Sundays, 9 am - 5 pm. Admission and parking are free.
4
Start:Game On Escapes & More
Cary, North Carolina·
5.0
(98) review
We offer family friendly escape games and a game show appealing to a variety of ages. Great for corporate events, team outings, and just a fun night out with friends and family.
5
Start:The Black Fedora Comedy Mystery Theatre
Charleston, South Carolina·
4.5
(993) review
Live theatre featuring clean comic whodunit shows, volunteer audience participation, a la carte appetizers, homemade desserts, and drinks -- at the downtown City Market. “Uproarious entertainment” - Thrillist.com
6
Start:Edmondston-Alston House
Charleston, South Carolina·
4.5
(992) review
Constructed nearly 200 years ago, circa 1825, the Edmondston-Alston House presents a unique history of the people, both free and enslaved, who lived and labored on this property. Its collection of furniture, silver and decorative arts, largely original to those who owned the house, constitutes a rich, complex history of Charleston in the 19th century. Commanding a magnificent view of Charleston Harbor, the Edmondston-Alston House has witnessed many historic moments in the port city’s history. One of the oldest houses along the High Battery, it withstood the American Civil War, the Earthquake of 1886, and numerous hurricanes; it has survived to share a piece of Charleston history.
7
Start:Cathedral of St. John the Baptist
Savannah, Georgia·
5.0
(9819) review
The oldest Roman Catholic church in Georgia.
8
Start:Regal River City Marketplace Stadium 14
Jacksonville, Florida·
4.5
(9) review
12884 City Center Blvd River City Marketplace, Jacksonville, FL 32218-7216
9
Start:The Brumos Collection
Jacksonville, Florida·
5.0
(9) review
The Brumos Collection imparts a sweeping story of automotive development through racing. More than a technical tale, the exhibition reveals the very soul in these machines-cars inspired by their predecessors, developed by masters, tested in competition and celebrated in history. Remarkable vehicles spanning three centuries show the collaborations and rivalries that changed the automotive world.
10
Start:Downtown Cigar Lounge
Jacksonville, Florida·
4.5
(9) review
Location in the heart of downtown Jacksonville in a 101 year-old historic building. We are home to a diverse selection of premium hand-rolled cigars from various regions and a variety of wines, beers and specialty drinks . DCL is not only about cigars we are also a gallery displaying the artwork of local artists.
11
Start:Underbelly
Jacksonville, Florida·
3.5
(9) review
Located in the heart of Downtown, in Jacksonville's "Elbow District", Underbelly isn't just a building and a stage where people come to enjoy music. It's much bigger than that. It's not the paint on the walls. It's not the brick, wood, and nails that hold it all together. It's not the lights or the electricity that define it. Underbelly is a garden. A place for people, regardless of who you are or what you do, to just leave it all at the door for a small while. It's a place for humans. People wanting to be just that. Surrounded by others that feel the same to come together for however long it may be, to be here and now - no more, no less. It's a place where the best musicians unite to create moments that exist nowhere else. Isn't that what it is all about? Finding those moments of magic that will stay with you forever? Well, that's what we sell. We sell magic in all sizes. So come with many, come with none, it doesn't matter. Because when you're here, you're home.
12
Start:Havana's Wine & Cigar Lounge
Gainesville, Florida·
4.5
(8) review
Havana's Wine & Cigar Lounge aims to provide a relaxed atmosphere, where you can kick back on the couches and enjoy life.
13
Start:Depot Park
Gainesville, Florida·
5.0
(94) review
Depot Park is a signature city park in downtown Gainesville providing a space for unique public outdoor enjoyment. Depot features a children's adventure play area with a custom splash pad of waterfalls, water soakers, and ground jets. A water's edge promenade hosts special events like food truck rallies, art festivals, and musical performances. The park is fully staffed and free of charge.
14
Start:Stephen C. O'Connell Center
Gainesville, Florida·
4.5
(74) review
The Stephen C. O'Connell Center, also known as the O'Dome, is an 11,000-plus-seat multi-purpose arena located on the University of Florida campus in Gainesville, Florida. The facility is located on the northern side of the university's campus, and has been home to many concerts and sporting events since it's opening in 1980. The arena plays host to seven University of Florida Athletic Teams.
15
Start:Total Wine & More
Gainesville, Florida·
4.0
(8) review
3965 Plaza Blvd Suite 10, Gainesville, FL 32608-2443
16
Start:Young's Paso Fino Ranch
Ocala, Florida·
4.0
(9) review
7950 NW 80th Ave, Ocala, FL 34482-1112
CHECKLIST
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Water bottles and snacks
Travel pillow and blanket
Sunglasses and sunscreen
First-aid kit
Trash bags
Hand sanitizer and wet wipes
Driver’s license and vehicle registration
Cash and cards
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FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the driving distance between Raleigh and Gainesville?
The distance is 526 miles
What's the travel time between Raleigh and Gainesville?
The driving time can vary depending on traffic conditions, but it is typically 9h 51m mins in normal traffic
What are some of the best cities to visit between Raleigh and Gainesville?
Some popular stops include
Are there any cool sights or attractions I shouldn't miss on my drive to Gainesville?
There are plenty! Here are some stops you shouldn’t miss on your way to Gainesville
What’s the weather like in Gainesville?
The weather in Gainesville is generally mild year-round, with warm, dry summers and cool, wet winters. See the links below for more information
Weather in Gainesville in January
Weather in Gainesville in February
Weather in Gainesville in March
Weather in Gainesville in April
Weather in Gainesville in May
Weather in Gainesville in June
Weather in Gainesville in July
Weather in Gainesville in August
Weather in Gainesville in September
Weather in Gainesville in October
Weather in Gainesville in November
Weather in Gainesville in December
Interested in a detailed plan for your time in Gainesville?
Plan your dream Gainesville trip with our daily itineraries featuring must-see attractions! See them here!
A 1-day itinerary in Gainesville
A 2-day itinerary in Gainesville
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Where else can I travel to if I'm starting my trip in Raleigh?
We have a lot of great trip options for Raleigh! See the links below for all the itineraries we created for you