Things to do in Tallahassee will be the first thought that will cross your mind if you are traveling to the city. This capital city of Florida is a good mélange of culture, history, and fun, and there are a lot of things to do in Tallahassee that will make your trip there worthwhile.
In case you are looking for a vacation, a weekend getaway, or a romantic weekend, why not think about going to Tallahassee? It will be a memorable holiday considering the variety of things you will be able to do there while on the trip.
Tallahassee, Fl
Tallahassee, the state capital of Florida, is known for its rolling hills, plantations, shaded roads, and Southern hospitality and warmth. The new Capitol building in downtown Tallahassee gives sweeping views of the city and its streets. You name the history, museums, art galleries, and zoos; Tallahassee has it all. If you are in Florida’s capital city, you will have a lot of things to do in Tallahassee and will not find a trip to the city uninteresting.
The local community in Tallahassee makes use of their common interests and goals to come together and appreciate each other and the place where they live.
Things to do in Tallahassee, Fl
Tallahassee, the capital city of Florida, has a unique charm that will leave visitors enjoying their stay there. There are lots of fun things to do in Tallahassee if you are looking for a vacation or a weekend getaway. The place is not only about the history and culture, but there are a lot of enjoyable things to do in Tallahassee.
Do you want to have a look at some of the things to do in Tallahassee that will enable you to experience the sights and sounds of the city splendidly and leave you with moments that will make you want to visit the city again?
1. Alfred B. Maclay Gardens State Park
The Alfred B. Maclay Gardens State Park is rich in history and floral architecture. You can add this state park to one of the things to do in Tallahassee that you should do if you are visiting the city. The gardens have a reflection pool, a secret garden, a brick walkway, a black pond, a walled garden, and a profusion of azaleas, dogwoods, and camellias. The visitor center at the park has a motorized chair for traveling through the garden paths, and the park is wheelchair friendly. If you tell them in advance, they can also organize a tour in the golf cart.
There are nature trails for hikers and bikers that snake their way through the woods around the lake, and the gardens are in full bloom from January – April. There are also opportunities for swimming, kayaking, canoeing, boating, and fishing. A lot of events happen in this gorgeous garden every year.
Some of the things you can enjoy in this Florida State Park are bicycling, fishing, geo-seeking, hiking, horseback riding, mountain biking, paddling, and picnicking. If you are lucky, you will get to see alligators, bobcats, and white-tailed deer.
2. Birds Aphrodisiac Oyster Shack
A visit to this city will be incomplete without enjoying the food here, and the best place to visit would be the Birds Aphrodisiac Oyster Shack because they serve some of the best Gulf Oysters. If you enjoy oysters, then this is the place to visit. It is not only oysters that are served there; burgers and veggie burgers, chicken sandwiches, and hot dogs are also available. There is entertainment throughout the week at the Birds Aphrodisiac Oyster Shack, and they enjoy their meals either for breakfast, lunch, or dinner.
3. Cascades Park
Cascades Park is one of the city’s historic landmarks and one of the best things to do in Tallahassee. This 24-acre park is located in downtown Tallahassee and is not too far from the Florida State Capitol. The Capital City Amphitheater is the highlight of this park. The other wonderful things Cascades Park offers apart from the Capital City Amphitheater are a children’s play area, an interactive water fountain, Smokey Hollow Commemoration, and hiking trails.
The trails at Cascades Park are good for walking trails, jogging, and biking, and this urban park also gives relief to the neighboring areas during times when there are major thunderstorms. The water during the rainstorm runs into the park lakes and to Wakulla Springs and Lake Munson.
The Imagination Fountain at Cascades Park is a fun place with a water park feel for the kids. The 73 jets here shoot water randomly into the air drenching the kids. Changing rooms near the fountain area can be used if your kids have gotten wet. These fountains also show a seven-minute sound and light, which adds to the glamor of the park and the night.
The Korean War Memorial is another interesting thing to see in Cascades Park. It represents the celebration of the life of Florida’s participants who had sacrificed their lives. The Memorial is well-designed and a nice, peaceful place to rest while walking around the park. Do not miss this War Memorial while visiting Cascades Park.
4. Felburn Foundation Boundless Playground
The 140-acre Felburn Park is owned by the private nonprofit Felburn Foundation and has many picnic pavilions, a small playground, paved parking, and access to paved trails. This park allows all children to play together and enjoy and appreciate the environment through games and play. The barrier-free boundless playground for children has shaded areas for the kids to play, sand play, play equipment, ramps, and swings that make it a perfect place for your kids to enjoy.
The Withlacoochee Bay Trail starts from here, and apart from the paved trails at this park, there are several miles of mowed grass and natural surface trails.
5. Florida Supreme Court
The Florida Supreme Court has existed for more than 150 years and is the highest court in Florida. Out of the seven Justices, at least five must participate in a case. The Supreme Court, the highest court, was created in 1845 upon statehood and had two appellate-level and two trial-level courts.
6. Florida Historic Capitol Museum
The Florida Historic Capitol Museum at S. Monroe St is an icon of Florida history and is located at the center of Florida’s Capitol Complex. It takes you closer to the political history and tradition of Florida. There are exhibits, photographs, audiovisual displays, and recordings for visitors and history buffs to understand Florida history interestingly.
The 250 artifacts displayed in 21 rooms in this museum throw light on the evolution of the Florida government, beginning from its territorial days to the present day. You walk through the different periods of history, the past, present, and future of the state while looking at the artifacts.
7. Florida State University
This public research university in Florida is popular in the United States and provides high-quality education to its students. Their learning philosophy speaks of a learning philosophy that is centered around critical thinking, and the philosophy is also rooted in liberal arts traditions.
If you want to soak in the history and splendor of Florida, a visit to Florida State University can be one of the things to do in Tallahassee. The old historic buildings, the old oak trees covered in moss, the shaded walkways, and the friendly ambiance are all worth experiencing. The white sand beaches are just 60 miles away from Florida State University.
8. Goodwood Museum and Gardens
This former plantation, Goodwood Museum, and Gardens, is a memorial to all those who were enslaved in this place from approximately 1832-65. This half-acre permanent memorial site has a lot of live oaks and azaleas. A lot of events and community gatherings happen here. The story of Goodwood runs alongside the history of Florida. A trip here can be one of the things to do in Tallahassee because it preserves and shares the history of Florida and is the best place to enjoy the arts of the place.
9. Florida’s Governor’s Mansion
The Florida Governor’s Mansion is just ten blocks north of Florida’s State Capitol and is home to the Governor and the first family of Florida. The Greek Revival style architecture of this building and the central portico is similar to that of another historic building, the Hermitage, near Nashville, Tennessee.
The mansion ground has a greenhouse, cabana, swimming pool, and a lovely brick patio. The Governor’s Mansion has found its way to the National Register of Historic Places. The Governor’s Mansion is stylish and classy and throws light on the glorious past of the state. A visit to this museum can be added to the things to do in Tallahassee if you like history.
10. Knott House Museum
The Knott House Museum at E Park Ave was the historic home of the former residence of a state official, William Knott, and his wife, Luella. The Knott House Museum was built in 1843 and though small, has some interesting artifacts of history. This is one of the things to do in Tallahassee because you get a lot of information about Tallahassee, Florida, from this small place.
After the death of Charlie, William Knott’s son, in 1985, the Historic Tallahassee Preservation Board became the beneficiary of the Knott House Museum. Knott House Museum was handed over to the public in 1992 after a lot of renovations.
11. Lake Jackson Mounds Archaeological State Park
Florida has a lot of state parks, and visiting one of them is perfect for all those visitors who love adventure and the outdoors. The Lake Jackson Mounds Archaeological State Park in Tallahassee is an important archaeological site of the region. It is believed that once upon a time, this area was occupied by Native Americans.
The area has seven temple mounds, forming an important part of the village and trading region. The shape of the existing mounds, pottery, tools, and location help to identify the age of this site. There are high-status burial sites here, and the remains of important tribal members have been discovered here.
The park offers an Interpretive Trail to hikers, which is the best way to get to know about Florida’s territorial times and its early statehood, from 1825-60. An entrance fee is required to enter this state park, and the park property is protected. The park office will give you more details if you are planning a visit here. If you are looking for one of the things to do in Tallahassee, then this can be added to your list.
12. Lake Ella and Fred Drake Park
The 6.5-acre park around Lake Ella is called Fred Drake Park, and it is an idyllic setting for all those looking for a picnic. The park, the lake, the fountain, ducks, geese, and the little houses that surround the lake, make it one of the most attractive things to do in Tallahassee.
Lake Ella, S Lake Ella Dr is spread around an area of 12 acres and has three fountains. It also hosts a lot of events like seasonal markets, concerts, etc.
13. Leon Sinks Geographical Area
Located near the northeast corner of the Apalachicola National Forest near Tallahassee, this is a place where you can see many sinkholes, some of them with water. The Hammock Sink is the most popular sinkhole in this area, and the Leon Sinks Trail will take you to a disappearing stream and cypress swamps. This is also the best way to get to know the Karst topography.
Camping is not allowed on this trail, and it is better to have information about Karst before you start climbing in and out of the sinkholes. You will be able to appreciate the landscape better once you know more about Karst.
14. Mission San Luis De Apalachee
You go back in time to 1703 at the Mission San Luis De Apalachee at W Tennessee St, where the Apalachee Indians and Spanish newcomers lived together. This Spanish Franciscan Mission was built in 1656, two miles west of the current Florida Capitol Building. It is a living landmark and one of the things to do in Tallahassee if you are visiting that historic district.
The Fort San Luis on the grounds was restored and earlier built by the Apalachee Warriors and Spanish soldiers to protect Mission San Luis De and the people who stayed there. It is a huge complex and a good way to know about the military life of Florida’s Mission Era and Spanish Colonization.
The gallery here has both Apalachee and Spanish artifacts, and you feel time stands still as you look at the Spanish colonial art and artifacts, pieces that were used in the altarpiece of the Mission Church in the 17th century.
15. Museum of Florida History
The Museum of Florida History has a lot of artifacts, exhibits, and collections for visitors to see. One of the things to do in Tallahassee is to visit the Museum of Florida History because it gives you good insights into the history of the state.
Programs and events are held here at the Tallahassee Museum, a history shop, and you can schedule a program for your classroom.
16. Natural Bridge Battlefield Historic State Park
Located between the city of St. Marks and Tallahassee, the Battle of Natural Bridge was fought here during the American Civil War. The monument is beautiful, and the park overlooks the St. Marks River. The interpretative panels in the park help visitors understand the Battle of the National Bridge and give details of both forces. There are memorials to the men from both sides at Battlefield Park.
17. Proof Brewing Company
This craft production brewery at S Monroe St in Tallahassee, Florida, is the first of its kind in Tallahassee, and it has an outdoor beer garden and refined tasting room. Enjoy the tasteful and flavorful beers at the Proof Brewing Company and appreciate their efforts in remaining committed to true artisanal brewing methods at a time when the industry is evolving.
18. Railroad Square Art District
The Railroad Square Art District is a warehouse park of the WWII era that has been converted for the creative public of Tallahassee to showcase their creativity and art. There are around 50 art studios, galleries, thrift stores, antique shops, and small shops here where you can experience a unique kind of art.
The first Friday of every month sees the exhilarating First Friday Monthly Festival which has live music, food, and open galleries. The Railroad Square Art Park has unique events like ‘Bring Bak Amtrack,’ ‘Touch a Truck Day,’ and ‘Water Slide in the Park.’
19. St. Marks National Wildlife Refuge
This winter habitat for migratory birds is the oldest is one of the oldest refuges and was established in 1931. It is spread around an area of 83,000 acres in Wakulla, Jefferson, and Taylor counties. It also includes 43 miles of North Florida’s Gulf Coast.
St. Marks National Wildlife Refuge is also tied to the cultural and natural history of Florida and is home to a large variety of fauna and flora. There are tidal creeks, coastal marshes, and seven North Florida river estuaries. The St. Marks Lighthouse here was built in 1842 and is in use.
20. St. Marks Historic Railroad State Trail
A lot of things to do in Tallahassee borders outdoor adventures. This 16-mile stretch of converted railways is a good trail for all the bikers and hikers as they hit the trail from the capital city towards the Gulf of Mexico. This trail is a National Recreation Trail and is Florida’s first rail trail.
Access the Munson Hills/Twilight Mountain Bike Trails in the Apalachicola National Forest while on this trail. There are picnic tables in wooded areas for hikers and bikers to take a break if they need one.
21. Tallahassee Automobile Museum
The Tallahassee Automobile Museum is not just an automobile museum but is also a place where it connects people with history. This museum has one of the largest collections when it comes to automobiles and is one of the things to do in Tallahassee, especially if you like vehicles.
The Tallahassee Automobile Museum is also known as the Tallahassee Automobiles and Collectibles Museum and is owned by DeVoe L. Moore, a Tallahassee-based businessman.
The Tallahassee Antique Car Museum in the Tallahassee Automobile Museum has antique cars, concept cars, muscle cars, around 160 automobiles, pedal cars, toy cars, Steinway grand pianos, antique items, and golf memorabilia on display. The horse-drawn hearse that carried Abraham Lincoln is also kept here.
22. Tom Brown Park
This recreation park in Tallahassee is located on the eastern side of the capital city and is spread across an area of 255 acres. There are a lot of recreational activities in this park, including baseball fields, picnic areas, and nature trails. This is one of the things to do in Tallahassee if you enjoy outdoor activities.
In The End
Things to do in Tallahassee will always surprise the discerning traveler because there is so much to explore, experience, and enjoy. Tallahassee will fascinate you with its diversity for a long, long time to come, whether in history, culture, food, or outdoors.
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