Home to state parks, wildlife reserves, and interesting museums, Tallahassee is a historic city with a little bit of everything. From the manicured gardens at Alfred B. Maclay Gardens State Park to historic artifacts in the Florida Historic Capitol Museum and vintage cars in the Tallahassee Automobile Museum, there’s a lot to discover in Florida’s capital city. Read on to discover the best things to do in Tallahassee.
Take a step back in time at Tallahassee Museum
One of Tallahassee’s top attractions, the Tallahassee Museum showcases a blend of Florida’s cultural and natural history. Take a stroll along the boardwalk to reach the 52 acres of nature trails, browse the collection of fascinating exhibits and see hands-on demonstrations such as quilting and blacksmithing. Soar through the cypress swamp on a zip-line adventure, walk through the 1897 Concord School where freed slaves were taught, then spot bald eagles, alligators and river otters from the elevated platform.
Admire floral varieties in Alfred B. Maclay Gardens State Park
A beautiful park to explore throughout the year, Alfred B. Maclay Gardens State Park is a colorful oasis of lush foliage. Its 1,000-acre ornamental garden is not to be missed, as its famous for its collection of azaleas and camellias surrounded by cypress, dogwood and Japanese maple trees. Stroll through the secret garden to discover a reflection pool, ornate fountains and Italianate walled gardens. Birdwatching, kayaking, canoeing and fishing are also popular.
Camp overnight in Torreya State Park
Offering 29 campsites, 1 Cracker cabin, 1 yurt and 3 primitive backpack sites, Torreya State Park caters to those looking for an outdoor adventure. While it’s one of the best places to capture fall foliage in Florida, it’s also a great place to explore scenic high bluffs overlooking the Apalachicola River. Admire the high plateaus, steep bluffs and deep ravines along the hiking trails, where you can stop for scenic vistas in the picnicking areas.
Spot wildlife in Edward Ball Wakulla Springs State Park
The perfect place to soak up some of Florida’s natural beauty, head to Edward Ball Wakulla Springs State Park to enjoy an array of outdoor adventures. It’s a hotspot for manatees seeking refuge in the winter, while summertime is a great place to enjoy a swim in its freshwater springs and do a cannonball off the two-story tower. Its 6,000-acre park offers a variety of wildlife viewing opportunities, home to turtles, deer and birds.
Browse exhibits in the Florida Historic Capitol Museum
If you’re interested in politics, take a trip to the Florida Historic Capitol Museum to browse the interactive exhibits that showcase more than 250 political artifacts and photographs in the 21 rooms of the museum. Housed in the iconic 1845 Historic Capital Building, restored parts of the building include the Governor’s office, The House of Representative and the Supreme Court. Visitors can learn about the events and people that helped shape Florida through audiovisual displays and interactive multimedia.
Explore St. Marks National Wildlife Refuge
Established in 1931, the St. Marks National Wildlife Refuge is one of the oldest wildlife refuges in the country. Boasting 68,000 acres of diverse coastal environments that include estuaries, islands, marshes and tidal creeks, you’ll also find the St. Marks Lighthouse, the second oldest lighthouse in Florida. It’s an area where you’ll find a variety of migrating birds, while fishing enthusiasts, hikers and cyclists will find an array of natural beauty to explore.
Sample local beers at Proof Brewing Company
Perfect for an adult’s only night out, head to Proof Brewing Company to sample some of the local beers. This brewery is dedicated to producing flavorful and unique styles of beer, where you can lounge in their tasting room or listen to live music, play bocce ball and table tennis in the outdoor beer garden. Make sure to try the variety of creative brews available, such as the rich Creatures of the Dark Stout and Mango Wit made from organic mangos.
See the unique collections at Tallahassee Automobile Museum
If you’re a fan of vintage cars, then the Tallahassee Automobile Museum should be at the top of your list. You’ll find unique collections that consist of donated items with more than 150 rare and historic automobiles, from the funeral hearse of Abraham Lincoln to muscle cars and Batmobiles. There are other exhibits that might pique your interest, where you can browse through antique cash registers, North American artifacts and sports memorabilia.
Play retro games at Fire Betty's Arcade Bar
If you need a dose of fun, visit Fire Betty’s Arcade Bar to enjoy its classic arcade games that range from vintage pinball to Pac-Man and life-sized Jenga. There is live music, shows and entertainment showcased on the center stage, while you’ll find sweet cocktails like Fire Betty with coconut rum and Sweet Fighter with moonshine that will kick your night up a notch.
Purchase fresh produce at Tallahassee Downtown Market
Immerse yourself in the local culture with a visit to the Tallahassee Downtown Market. Held from 9am to 2pm every Saturday from March to November, the Downtown Marketplace holds this local event under a picturesque canopy of shaded oak trees. You’ll find fresh produce and organic food to pick up, in addition to fresh cut flowers and native plants. Spend an afternoon admiring local artists showcasing their crafts, while local musicians play a set on stage and authors present readings of their books.
Take a day trip to Florida Caverns State Park
Pack your snacks and supplies and take a short day trip to Florida Caverns State Park in Marianna. Located an hour west of the city, this state park is home to damp caves loaded with limestone stalagmites and stalactites rising and dripping from its ceilings. Explore the only air-filled cave open to the public, then spend the afternoon fishing, boating and hiking along the limestone bluffs above the Chipola River. Those looking for an overnight adventure will find 35 campsites where you can enjoy a cosy evening under the stars.
