Tallahassee, the capital of Florida, has a lot to offer including its nature, museums, and the Seminoles. Despite being a small city, it has a rich history and a lively atmosphere. Downtown is a great place to visit as it’s home to art galleries, museums, and a vibrant nightlife.
If you want to escape the city, you won’t have to go far to find beautiful state parks and wildlife refuges. This balance of activities means you can always find something to do in Tallahassee, regardless of the weather or if you’re not in the mood for hiking.
The combination of nature, culture, and history makes Tallahassee a popular destination for travelers and families. You might find yourself wanting to come back for more due to the vast variety of experiences available.
14. Alfred B. Maclay Gardens State Park
Alfred B. Maclay Gardens State Park is a special place as it combines a botanical garden and a historic site. Located north of Tallahassee, the park is also part of the Killearn Plantation Archaeological Historic District. It offers not only a delightful garden experience with beautiful flowers, but also a glimpse into history with almost 20 historic buildings.
With a nearly two-century history, the park boasts stunning azaleas, magnolias, and camellias. Visitors can enjoy various activities such as hiking, cycling, or horseback riding along the many paths. They can also visit the Alfred B. Maclay home or go kayaking to explore the park’s lake.
13. Cascades Park
If you bring your favorite snacks and games with you, you can take a break from sightseeing and enjoy some time in the sun at Cascades Park. This park is a popular urban space that has walking trails, amphitheaters, playgrounds, and water features. It’s a great place to get some fresh air without going too far.
Instead of going to the coast on a hot Florida summer day, you can cool off at the park’s playgrounds, which have more than 70 water jets. If you prefer shade, you can relax there while the kids cool off.
You can also go for a walk on the park’s walking trails, where you’ll see beautiful trees with Spanish moss that create a nice mix of light and shade. Along the way, you’ll come across several historic landmarks, such as the Prime Meridian Marker and the Smokey Hollow Commemoration.
12. Railroad Square Art District
In the 1970s, there was an unused industrial warehouse area not far from downtown. Over the years, this space was revitalized and transformed into an exciting place called the Railroad Square Art District. This district is now filled with artists and craftsmen who have turned the buildings into art galleries and unique shops.
The area is vibrant and colorful, with many murals, colorful buildings, and interesting attractions like pinball arcades and indoor rock climbing. It’s a great place to explore and find interesting things, like a cafe inside a converted railroad caboose.
11. Museum of Florida History
The Museum of Florida History has been open since 1977 and is a popular place for both locals and visitors who want to learn about the history of the Sunshine State. The museum doesn’t just cover recent history, but also displays artifacts and items from before Florida became a state, some of which are over 12,000 years old.
Located in Downtown Tallahassee, it’s easy to get to and gives you plenty of time to explore the large museum. There are three exhibits that are always there, along with different temporary exhibitions. In addition to the ancient artifacts, the museum also has sections dedicated to the Civil War and the Second World War.
The Civil War section has a variety of uniforms and objects from that time, while the Second World War section serves as a meaningful memorial.
10. Florida State University
The Florida State University is a large and important part of life in Tallahassee. It is home to over 30,000 students and takes up a significant area in the northern downtown. While Tallahassee has its own unique history apart from the university, the campus plays a prominent role in the local culture, both academically and in terms of sports.
If you are interested in exploring the campus, you have the option of joining a tour that starts from the Visitor Information Center. In addition, the center has plenty of maps and information available for you to use and freely explore the campus.
As you wander around, you will come across various notable buildings like Bryan Hall, which was built in 1907, as well as Landis Hall with its charming courtyard and the Strozier Library.
In the fall, the campus becomes lively with tailgaters and the Doak Campbell Stadium, which can hold up to 80,000 people, becomes packed with enthusiastic crowds. If you find yourself in town during this time, it’s worth grabbing a ticket or joining the tailgate to have a memorable local experience.
9. Apalachicola National Forest
The Apalachicola National Forest is located between Tallahassee and the fishing town of Apalachicola. It is a popular destination for nature lovers and hikers. The forest offers a diverse range of habitats, including longleaf pine forests, swamps, rivers, and lakes. One enjoyable activity is swimming to cool off from the heat.
At Silver Lake, you can enjoy a scenic walk through beautiful forests before reaching the water’s edge with 250 feet of golden sand. The forest also offers 80 miles of hiking trails suitable for all levels, ranging from short interpretive hikes to longer adventures that can last several days. While hiking, don’t forget to visit the Fort Gadsden Historic Site.
8. Tallahassee Automobile Museum
Whether you’re into cars or not, the Tallahassee Automobile Museum has something interesting for everyone. Inside this huge building, you’ll find an amazing collection of vintage cars, including some really strange ones that thankfully aren’t on the roads anymore. The museum first opened in 1996 and now has over 140 vehicles on display.
Most of these cars were made in the United States, and the museum focuses on showcasing cars that have shaped the country’s culture. Alongside classic Mustangs, you can also see unique vehicles like the funeral hearse used for Abraham Lincoln or the actual Batman mobiles used in movies.
7. Knott House Museum
The Knott House Museum, which was built in the 1830s by George Proctor, a former slave, is famous for being the place where Brig. General Edward McCook announced the Emancipation Proclamation in 1865. After serving as a temporary headquarters for the Union, the building was later donated to the city’s historic society over 120 years later.
Today, the museum shares the fascinating history of the house, starting from George Proctor to the Emancipation and the various interesting people who lived there in the following years. The museum has been restored to its 1920s glory and is furnished with period furniture. Visitors can get a deeper understanding of the history by taking a guided tour.
6. Goodwood Museum and Gardens
The Goodwood Museum and Gardens is a historic site in Florida that showcases life in the 1800s. It is situated on a beautiful plantation that was built in the 1830s and has well-maintained gardens surrounding it. Inside the Antebellum home, visitors can see breathtaking glasswork, authentic furniture, textiles, and artwork from the time period.
The most notable feature of the house is its impressive fresco ceilings, which create a majestic atmosphere. If you visit from Tuesday to Saturday, you have the opportunity to take a guided tour of the house, explore the luxurious gardens, and even visit some nearby cottages.
5. Tallahassee Museum
If you want to experience local history in a unique way, you should visit the Tallahassee Museum. It’s not just another regular museum, it’s different. It’s a mix of a museum and an adventure park. You can do exciting activities like ziplining, hiking, and seeing wildlife enclosures.
The museum has boardwalks that are elevated where you can walk and see almost 20 different animal species. You can also see buildings from the 1800s such as a plantation home and schoolhouse. For some more excitement, you can zip across the park on a zipline. And don’t forget to visit Big Bend Farm to see some adorable animals.
4. St. Marks National Wildlife Refuge
If you want to experience nature in Tallahassee, a great way to do it is by visiting St. Marks National Wildlife Refuge. This refuge is one of the oldest in the United States and has a variety of habitats that make Florida’s Gulf Coast special.
You can explore tidal creeks, marshlands, estuaries, and even islands by using hiking trails or watercraft. Since it’s a wildlife refuge, you can expect to see animals like alligators, coyotes, black bears, and many migratory birds in the winter. St. Mark’s Lighthouse, which was built in 1828, is also located here and is the second oldest lighthouse in Florida.
3. Lake Ella & Fred Drake Park
Located just north of downtown, Lake Ella & Fred Drake Park offers a peaceful and convenient getaway from the busy city. The park’s main attraction is the picturesque lake situated in the middle. It has quickly become a popular spot among Tallahassee residents.
Visitors can enjoy leisurely walks along the scenic trails that surround the lake, taking in the sparkling water and observing geese, swans, and maybe even a turtle or two. Along the way, you’ll come across picnic areas and expansive lawns, ideal for spending time with friends or immersing yourself in a captivating book.
2. Mission San Luis de Apalachee
Seeing history in a museum is one experience, but nothing compares to witnessing the meticulous restoration of the actual thing. The original Mission San Luis de Apalachee was constructed during the 17th century and served as a Spanish Franciscan mission in the heart of the Apalachee Province.
Although the initial structure was destroyed, visitors now have the opportunity to gain an impressive insight into mission life by exploring recreated buildings such as the fort, church, blacksmith, and a Spanish house.
Mission San Luis de Apalachee has now been recognized as a Registered US National Landmark and offers an incredible place to investigate, complete with authentic artifacts dating back to the 17th and 18th centuries.
1. Florida Historic Capitol Museum
The Florida Historic Capitol Museum is located in Tallahassee’s former capitol building and provides a journey into the state’s government and political history. The building, constructed in 1845, is a stunning piece of architecture with striking red and white awnings. It served as the capitol until 1977.
Upon entering, visitors are greeted by an opulent lobby with a glass ceiling. The building, which used to be the home of Florida’s state leaders, now contains 21 rooms dedicated to the museum’s exhibits. These exhibits allow visitors to travel back to the 1840s and learn about the state’s foundation.
The museum also boasts an extensive collection of memorabilia, photos, and videos, as well as chambers for the Senate and Supreme Court.
