Although Tallahassee is the capital of Florida, it’s not quite like the other major cities in the sunshine state. It’s smaller, slower paced, and more centered around college, government, and nature. As first glance, it may seem like there’s really not much to do when visiting her. Having lived near Tallahassee for all my life, though, I can attest there’s plenty to keep you entertained if you look deep enough. Here’s a list I use to entertain my guests when they visit me here in Tallahassee!
Must Do’s Inside the City
Maclay Gardens
On the northeast side of town, Maclay Gardens is a beautiful state park tucked away between a few neighborhoods. Ancient oak trees canopy the main brick trail. There are multiple benches you can stop and admire the scenery, but there are even more places to spread out a picnic blanket and rest even longer.
Cascades Park
Cascades Park is Tallahassee’s newest happening area. After a decade of development and businesses moving here, Cascades Park is a real pleasure to visit. Stop and get a local coffee at Argonaut Coffee, and take a stroll through the whole park. There are a few play areas for children, but the paved walking trails are frequented mostly by state employees and other adults out for a stroll. A large amphitheater sits in the middle of the park. If you’re lucky, a festival or performance will be happening when you visit. Be sure to check online beforehand!
Tallahassee Museum
The Tallahassee Museum is a great place for adults and children alike! Situated on 52 acres, there are three main attractions here: the historically accurate farm buildings, the animal exhibits, and the aerial obstacle course. Wear closed toe shoes when you visit because you will be walking through dirt trails. Definitely check this place out if you want to get outdoors and do a little physical activity.
Florida State Capitol
Take a self-guided tour of the Florida State Capitol for free! Just walk right in! There are brochures at the front explaining everything you need to know. They do offer guided tours, but those are only available to larger groups. Definitely go up to the top floor while you’re there. The view is probably the best in Tallahassee.
Challenger Learning Center
Although pretty small, the Challenger Learning Center is a nice stop on a rainy day. The main attraction is the planetarium/IMAX there. Check beforehand to select a show you’d like to see. Sometimes they play some really cool things here!
Tom Brown Park
There are so many parks in Tallahassee, but I’m partial to Tom Brown. Best of all, Tom Brown connects to a host of other beautiful parks. Grab a friend, a bike, a dog, or just yourself, and explore these fun trails. My personal favorite starts at the 7A/8A playground and loops up around the Piney Z Lake. This particular trail has so many unique areas. Just make sure to watch out for gators! Tom Brown also has areas to play disc gold, sand volleyball, tennis, and racquetball.
FSU Concerts
Often overlooked by tourists and locals alike, Florida State University has a phenomenal arts program. Most weekends throughout the school year, there are multiple performances showing here. While Tallahassee lacks a large art scene like most other major cities, you can still get a dose of ballet, music, drama, and more here. All you have to do is check online!
Cooking Class (Brown’s Kitchen)
If you’re looking for something fun to do but don’t want to do the touristy things, try a cooking class! Brown’s Kitchen offers cooking classes multiple days a week at differing times. Best of all, they offer a variety of culinary experiences rather than sticking to the same foods all the time.
Hourglass Escape Rooms
This is the best escape room in Tallahassee, possibly ever. My expectations of escape rooms has been ruined forever because of how good Hourglass Escape Rooms are. I’ve done every single one. Each room is themed, and best of all, each room fits together like a larger story. It truly is an immersive experience. I’m anxiously awaiting their next room being released because I love them so much. Definitely give them a try if you’re looking for an hour’s worth of fun.
District 850
In a similar vein, if you’re looking for somewhere cool to hangout and have some indoor fun, try District 850. They have a large arcade, bowling alleys, axe throwing, and a restaurant. I personally love the arcade. If you’re looking to avoid crowds, visit in the middle of the week. If you really want to avoid crowds, though, they also offer a private room with private bowling. It’s a surprisingly inexpensive option for a group of friends.
Hidden Gems Outside the City
Wakulla Springs
About 25-30 minutes south of Tallahassee is Wakulla Springs. As the deepest freshwater spring in the world, it’s a must-see. Best of all, the Springs have been conserved and protected from outside influence since it’s formation as a state park. Take the boat tour through the springs, go swimming in the public swimming area, and then grab some ice cream at the Lodge. Make sure to book your boat tour ahead of time as they fill up quickly.
Wacissa River
I discovered this hidden gem about 5 years ago, and it has become one of my favorite weekend places. There’s a local family that owns a kayak/canoe rental business outside the back of their house. You can rent a kayak or canoe for a very reasonable price, and they’ll put you directly on the water. I own a couple canoes myself, but I frequently rent from this family instead because of the affordability and the convenience. They’ll even give you a map of the river! Once you’ve set out on the water, you can explore all day. Enjoy the wildlife, go swimming over the Big Blue Spring, and soak up some sun. This is a fun activity nearly year-round.
St. Mark’s Lighthouse
A little further south than Wakulla Springs, St. Mark’s National Wildlife Refuge is about 40-45 minutes away from Downtown Tallahassee. The scenery alone makes this trip worth it. Once you enter the refuge, keep your eyes peeled for gators. You’ll usually spot a few as you make your way toward the Lighthouse. There are plenty of trails around the lighthouse as well as throughout the entire park. The lighthouse here is reportedly the second-oldest in Florida. It’s pretty cool!
Downtown Thomasville
About 40 minutes the other way, Thomasville is a small town in southern Georgia with a lot of charm. There’s an awesome cobblestone downtown with a bunch of shops and restaurants to check out. If you like shopping, or if you’re a foodie in search of a quaint but tasty experience, an evening spent in Thomasville is perfect.
Monticello Opera House
Lastly, 40 minutes out east is the small town of Monticello. I keep a constant eye on the Monticello Opera House. Over the years, I’ve seen them perform musicals, murder mystery dinners, and special concerts. The Opera House itself if in a historic building, and tours are usually offered for free by the staff there. Check their schedule out online. If you’re in luck, something fun will be playing while you visit!
I hope this list helps you find something fun and unique to keep you occupied in Tallahassee! If you have any other suggestions I missed, let me know!