Located in North Central Florida, Gainesville sits roughly midway between the Gulf of Mexico and the Atlantic Ocean. Unlike the coastal cities of Florida, Gainesville is firmly inland, surrounded by pine flatwoods, hardwood hammocks, and extensive wetlands. The city's geography is heavily defined by its dense urban forest; a rich canopy of oak, hickory, and pine covers much of the residential and commercial landscape.
The region is situated on the Ocala Limestone, leading to a distinct karst geology. This has resulted in numerous natural springs, aquifer outcroppings, and sinkholes in and around the city. Notable nearby water bodies include Newnans Lake to the east and Lake Alice on the University of Florida campus. Just south of the city lies Paynes Prairie Preserve State Park, a massive 21,000-acre savanna that temporarily transforms into a shallow lake during periods of extreme rainfall.