33 Best & Fun Things to Do in Tallahassee (FL)

Tallahassee is a city and also the capital of the state of Florida in the United States, It isthe seat of the county and the only municipality in Leon County that is incorporated.

This city became the capital of Florida in the year 1824 when the state was still Florida’s Territory.

There are lots of things to do in Tallahassee, this city has all the fun that you seek, from sightseeing spots to museums and also parks, no city can boast of a better tourism than Tallahassee.

Places you will love to visit in this city include the Tallahassee Museum of History and Natural Science, the Goodwood Museum and Gardens and so many other museums.

There are also fine restaurants in this wonderful city and you can check out places like  Alfred B. Maclay Gardens State Parks and the National Wildlife Refuge if you love outdoor activities.

There is a Golf club in this city known as the Southwood Golf Club where you can visit for some golfing sessions.

If you are visiting with your kids, take them to the Challenger Learning Center and the Tallahassee Automobile Museum, they are going to love it there.

Tallahassee has it all, let’s take a look at the best things to do in Tallahassee.

Things to Do in Tallahassee, FL.

1. Florida Historic Capitol Museum

Florida Historic Capitol Museum is a Museum in Tallahassee which is located on the South Monro Street.

The museum emphasizes on photographs, political artifacts, and interactive exhibits.

This museum is housed in the iconic and historic capital building which was built in 1845 and then restored between 1978 and 1982 to its 1902 appearance.

At first, after the construction of the New capitol, it was slated to be destroyed, but it took the communal effort of the citizen to save it.

Some of the parts of the building which were restored include the House of Representatives, the Governor’s Office, and also the Supreme Court.

From the museum, you will learn so much about the individual and events that made Florida become what it is today.

While you are there, check out the 250 artifacts which are housed in 21 rooms of the museum, and also the recordings and interactive multi-media.

This will make a great addition to your checklist of what to do in Tallahassee, Florida.

Address: 400 South Monroe Street, Tallahassee, Florida.

2. Alfred B. Maclay Gardens State Park

Alfred B. Maclay Gardens State Park is situated on Thomasville Road, it is a botanical garden and a historic site.

This park sits on 1,176 acres of land and the gardens found therein are  U.S. Historic District that is referred to as Killearn Plantation Archaeological and Historic District.

In the park, you will find 18 historic buildings and also other structures which are of great value.

This park which is famous for its camellias and azaleas was established in 1823. It has notable trees like dogwoods, Japanese maples, and others in large numbers.

There is also the Native Plant Arboretum right there in the park which displays trees like the English dogwood, Florida azaleas, Eastern red columbine, and others.

Some of the fun activities which you can engage in while I’m this park include hiking, fishing, birdwatching, canoeing, and bicycling.

Address: 3540 Thomasville Road, Tallahassee, FL.

3. St. Marks National Wildlife Refuge

The St. Marks National Wildlife Refuge is one of the oldest wildlife refuges in all of the United States of America.

Established in 1931, a visit to this place makes what to do in Tallahassee for some exploration time.

The Refuge consists of 68,000 acres of so many coastal environments which is quite familiar to the Gulf of Mexico.

You will find in the refuge estuaries, island, marshes, tidal creeks, and lots more. You will also find interesting structures in the St. Marks lighthouse which is the second oldest lighthouse in Florida.

The Refuge also serves many migratory birds as a wintering area and is also home to animals like coyotes, bobcats, Black bears, alligators, and so many others.

You will enjoy fishing in this place, and also boat riding for there is a boat ramp very close to the lighthouse.

Hikers and cyclists do frequent this area because of the many trails, same with photographers and painters who came to capture the beauty of nature displayed in the refuge.

4. Challenger Learning Center

Challenger Learning Center is a K-12 outreach program, Courtesy of the Florida A&M University, located on South Duval Street.

Instituted by the Engineering arm of the University, this 32,000 square-good center promotes interest in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM).

If you are a nerd, or a science freak, this would make one of the fun things to do in Tallahassee Florida.

In the Center, you will find a Space Mission Simulator, a Downtown Digital Dome Theatre and Planetarium, and an IMAX 3D Theatre.

You will find also in this center so many programs and hands-on exhibits including camps, scouting merit badges, free “Sky Guy” Planetarium shows, and lots more.

Through the Space Mission Simulator, your kids can experience what it’s like to be a part of the NASA space mission.

Address: 200 South Duval Street, Tallahassee Florida.

5. Tallahassee Antique Car Museum

A car-themed museum, the Tallahassee Antique Car Museum is situated on Mahan Drive.

This museum which was established in 1996 and has collections of so many cars with most of them gotten through donation.

They moved into the facility they are using now in the year 2007, this new facility has a main building which is about 100,000 square feet.

In it, you will see several American-made cars as well as other items which celebrate and represents the culture of America.

Some of the notable cars which you will find amongst the over 140 automobiles in their collection include three batmobiles and the very funeral hearse of Abraham Lincoln.

You will like other collections in the museum such as the Case Knives collection, several unique North American artifacts, an antique cash register, and lots of others.

The museum does have a lot of banquet rooms which you can rent for private functions like parties or corporate meetings.

Address: 6800 Mahan Drive, Tallahassee, Florida.

6. Mission San Luis de Apalachee

Mission San Luis de Apalachee is a historic site which is situated on the west of downtown, at West Tennessee Street, Tallahassee Florida.

This site was built by the Spanish as a Spanish Franciscan mission in the settlement of Anhaiva capital of the then Apalachee Province in the year 1633.

The buildings in this site have once been destroyed, but right now some of them including the church, the convent, the fort, a blockhouse, and a typical Spanish house have been reconstructed.

Truly you will be amazed by this site which tells stories of a time long gone.

In 1960, this mission was designated as a U.S. National Landmark and today this is one of the most visited by tourists who seek to look at 300-year old arts and from them learn what the mission was like.

Address: 2100 West Tennessee Street, Tallahassee, Florida.

7. Tallahassee Museum of History Science

Tallahassee Museum of History Science is one of the attractions in Tallahassee FL, located on the Museum Drive.

In the museum, you will find so many historic buildings, and environmental science center and also a natural habitat zoo.

The main aim of the museum is to teach about the natural history and cultural history of the Beg Bend area, the very area where Tallahassee is located.

In the museum, there are several exhibits of which the most popular among them is the Big Ben Farm. In this exhibit, you will get to see what rural life was like in Northern Florida during the 1800s.

You will see in the Big Ben Farm exhibits of farm buildings that contain gristmill, garden, and animals.

There is also an exhibit called Wildlife Florida which contains animals like bobcats, bears, dears, and Florida’s endangered animals like red wolves and panther.

The museum offers educational programs like Animal Encounters which teach children about the animals seen in the museum.

This makes one of the best things to do in Tallahassee, you can consider visiting here with loved ones.

Address: 3945 Museum Drive, Tallahassee, FL.

8. Goodwood Museum and Gardens

Quite an exciting destination, Goodwood Museum and Gardens is a place that features an 1830s plantation house that is sitting on 16 acres of landscapes Lawns and Gardens, it is one of Tallahassee Florida points of interest.

You will love the outbuildings and the majestic oaks you find on-site.

The plantation house is a good example of the antebellum architecture and it contains textiles, porcelain, glass, furniture, original arts and lots more.

One of these things that the house is known for is it’s fresco ceilings which is quite remarkable for its beauty.

The rooms are decorated in such a way that they show how the house looked like during the time of World war I.

You can request a guided tour, but they are offered only on Saturdays and Tuesdays.

Address: 1600 Miccosukee Road, Tallahassee, Florida.

Also, check out some of the best bars in Tallahassee for a fun time sipping some of the best drinks you can imagine.

9. Lake Ella and Fred Drake Park

Lake Ella and Fred Drake Park is one of the many attractions in Tallahassee FL, it consists of a 6.5-acre Fred Drake Park and a 12-acre Lake Ella.

In the past, this park was used for cattle rearing, but today, you will find picnic shelters, three fountains, a pair walking trail that goes around the lake, and a site that can be used for community events.

Some of the fun activities which you can engage in this park include skateboarding, roller skating, or walking.

You will find wildlife such as geese, pigeons, and turtles just beside the tranquil lake.

Check out while you are here, some of the old cottages dating as far as 1925, you will find cafes and shops here too.

Address: South Lake Ella Drive, Tallahassee, Florida.

10. St. Marks Lighthouse

St. Marks Lighthouse can be found inside St. Marks National Wildlife Refuge.

This lighthouse which as built-in 1831 is listed on the U.S. National Register of historic places and it is also the second oldest lighthouse in Florida.

This lighthouse has seen its share of natural disasters and wars and has been quite fortunate.

For instance, in 1835 during the Second Seminole Indian war, though the keeper of the Lighthouse asked for a boat and troops, the Seminoles did not attack the house.

Due to problems with erosion, it was relocated in 1842. It has survived destructive hurricane, numerous storms and also the Civil War.

These and more make it worth visiting in Tallahassee, perfect for your checklist of fun things to do in Tallahassee.

11. St Marks Historic Railroad State Trail

The very first state rail-trail, St Marks Historic Railroad State Trail follows the abandoned railway that leads from Tallahassee to St. Marks.

It is 16 miles long and it begins from the Capital Circle Southeast and ends at the coastal city of St. Marks.

The railroad which began to operate from 1836 and 1983 is the longest in all of Florida.

You will find in this paved trail inline skaters, runners, bicyclists, runners, walkers, and so many others.

Try taking a hike or you can cycle up the trail. At the end of the trail, you will find so many restaurants and shops.

Address: 3600 Indian Mounds Roads, Florida.

12. Bradfordville Blue Club

Bradfordville Blue Club is located on Moses Lane and it is the venue for performances by leading musicians in Blues.

You will love the interior of the club, it is decorated with portraits of very famous Blues musicians. Some of these portraits sit on a table while others hang on the walls.

The club is a nice place for a romantic date and it is open on Saturday and Friday nights, a different act is hosted every weekend.

Just outside you will find a welcoming bonfire that burns under the oak trees, you are going to enjoy the club and its cozy environment.

Address: 7152 Moses Lane, Tallahassee, Florida.

13. Knott House Museum

Knott House Museum was built in 1834 on East Park Avenue by George Proctor. It served as Union headquarters in 1865, a visit here makes what to do in Tallahassee for history lovers.

The Knott house is highly valued because it was in its front steps that Abraham Lincoln read the famous Emancipation proclamation.

This historic house has served as home to lots of families like William Knott and Luella his wife after which it was given to the Historic Tallahassee Presentation Board.

The museum became open in the year 1992, and it’s interior is decorated as what it looked like in 1928.

Add a visit to this Museum to your checklist of things to do in Tallahassee. They do offer guided tours from Wednesday to Saturday.

Address: 301 East Park Avenue, Tallahassee, Florida.

14. Southwood Golf Club

The SouthWood Golf Club, which is located on Grove Park Drive has one of the best golf courses in the whole of Florida.

The course was designed by Gene Bates and the Feed Couples while St. Joe Company created it.

SouthWood is a public golf course, It is set in a pastureland with rolling hills and oak trees that are covered in Spanish moss.

The Golf Club does accept group reservations for teatime and public reservations.

They do host special events like corporate meetings, holiday dinners, and several other private functions.

There is also the SouthWood Room which can be used for smaller functions.

Here, you will also find the 1865 SouthWood House which is recently restored among the oaks and the trees.

If you are a golf lover, do engage in this fun sport during your visit to Tallahassee.

Address: 3750 Grove Park Drive, Tallahassee, Florida.

15. Lake Jackson Mounds Archaeological State Park

Located on the South shore of Lake Jackson, in northern Tallahassee, Lake Jackson Mounds Archaeological State Park is a park you are going to love.

The park is regarded as one of the most important archaeological sites in all of Florida. This is because the Fort Walton Culture which thrived between 1050 and 1500 AD centered around the Lake Jackson Mounds.

In the area, you will find many village residences, a public plaza, and four earthwork mounds. It’s worth noting that only two of these mounds are open to the public.

This area which as been managed by the Florida State Park since 1966 is listed on the U.S. National Register of Historic Places.

Look out for the two trails which you will find as you pass by the plantation, landscapes with native plants, and a gristmill from the 1800s.

Address: Lake Jackson, Tallahassee, Florida.

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16. Lake Talquin State Forest

This 17,491-acre state forest is a place that will be of interest to you if you are a lover of nature and outdoor activities, this is one of Tallahassee Florida points of interest.

The Lake Talquin State Forest is located on Geddie Road near Tallahassee, It is made up of ten tracts of land of which most of them lie along Lake Talquin and Ochlockonee river.

The forest has been under the management of Lake Talquin State Forest since 1977.

The forest focuses on placing a balance between reforestation, habitat restoration, and outdoor recreation.

Some of the trees you will find in this forest includes oak, maple, and hickory. You will also find animals like Turkey, deer, and bobcat.

Fun activities that you can engage in while you are at the camp include horseback riding, biking, bicycling, camping, hiking, picnicking, and lots more.

17. Tom Brown Park

Tom Brown Park sits on over 250 acres of land. It is regarded as one of the largest parks in all of Tallahassee.

This parks makes one of Tallahassee attractions and is worth visiting as you pay a visit to Tallahassee, Florida.

Some of the fun areas in the park include lighted night sports fields, dog-friendly areas, trails for hiking and running, open grass for disc golf, and fun playgrounds for kids.

You will also find pavilions that can contain large groups, open grass fields and picnic tables, there you can sit back and enjoy the breeze while your kids run around to play.

The park is open every time of the year, and admission into the park is free hence making one of the free things to do in Tallahassee.

Address: 443-557 Eastwood Dr, Tallahassee, FL 32311, United States.

18. Bradley’s Country Store

Owned by a family in Florida, the Bradley’s County Store has been in operation since 1927, it is listed in the U.S. National Register of Historic Places.

Bradley’s Country Store is located just ten miles outside of Tallahassee, It is definitely a place to pick up supplies for a handmade food gift or a romantic picnic.

Some of the things you can buy from them include baked goods, on-site homemade sausages, stone-ground grits, and locally made jam.

Address: 10655 Centerville Rd, Tallahassee, FL 32309, United States.

19. Lichgate on High Road

Visiting the Lichgate on High Road should be on your list of things to do in Tallahassee for it is like stepping into a home and garden found in a fairytale.

Lichgate is located very close to the Florida State University main campus, It sits on three acres of land which is all green and with a small cottage at the center of the land.

You could enjoy a picnic on the lawn or have a romantic afternoon with your loved one lying down and watching the clouds.

Tourists enjoy this spot and gave nice recommendations, its a place worth visiting for some outdoor time in Tallahassee.

Address: 1401 High Rd, Tallahassee, FL 32304, United States.

20. Cascaded Park

The Cascade Park is a large city park that is located in the center of downtown Tallahassee. It sits on a 24-acre land, it is one of Tallahassee Florida points of interest.

The park features an amphitheater, multiple wildlife trails, a Korean War Memorial, and a play area where the kids can play.

You will be delighted by the interactive fountain which is in the Cascades Park, it has 73 outlets that shoots water jets randomly.

Stay till nightfall if you want to watch the water jets as they synchronize with lights and the music playing.

You will find in the park the Smokey Hollow Commemoration, which is dedicated to honoring the African American community that lived in the area from the Civil War area to the 1960s.

The park also serves as home to the Southern Shakespeare company which holds performance in the park during the annual “Shakespeare in the Park” festival.

Address: 1001 S Gadsden St, Tallahassee, FL 32301, USA

21. Railroad Square Art Park

Railroad Square Art Park is an industrial business park that sits on an area that was formally a Tallahassee lumber yard.

The whole site is a 10-acre space, and in it, you will find so many restaurants, shops, and art galleries.

You will find an artist studio space that is for the students of the Florida State University offering the studio art program, you can watch them create something extraordinary.

There is also Crumbox Gastgarden which offers good music and great food at the park, you will find it inside a railway caboose.

If you are one to take liking to artworks, this will make a perfect place to visit in Tallahassee.

Address: 618 McDonnell Dr, Tallahassee, FL 32310. United States.

22. Mag Lab

Mag Lab is a one of a kind lab,  it is the only lab in the United States where you learn how magnets are made and how they can be used, this makes one of Tallahassee Florida points of interest.

Magnets play so much role in technological development, it is used in our daily life activities as well as in cellphones and medical devices.

You can go on a guided tour through this lab, You will find a tour around the lab so exciting as you get to be educated on magnets.

This makes one of the free things to do in Tallahassee if you are a science lover.

Address: 1800 E Paul Dirac Dr, Tallahassee, FL 32310, United States.

23. Downtown Market

Downtown Market holds at the downtown of Tallahassee, opened every Saturday from March through to November.

Check out locally produced cheese and other snacks sold in the market or you can buy a freshly baked baguette, alongside a bottle of wine from a local trader.

You can also buy fine arts, crafts, and jewelry made by local artists from the booths around.

Address: 115 E Park Ave, Tallahassee, FL 32301, United States.

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24. Segway Tours

Tallahassee Segway Tours is a fun and unique way to see all the time spots in the city.

Some of the places you will visit if you tag along with this group are the Gaines Street Art District, the Capitol area, downtown, Florida State University area, historic area and so much more.

You will be amazed at how different the city appears in the evening. You can hire a scooter from the company if you are unable to use the company’s conventional transportation means.

Some sightseeing would be nice for your vacation, Segway Tours provides the best ways to get to see and appreciate Tallahassee, Florida.

Address: 1500 S Monroe St, Tallahassee, Florida 32301, United States.

25. Painting With A Twist

Painting With a Twist is a weekend and night school in Tallahassee where the teachers educate their students on how to paint.

In the school, you will be provided with paints, a canvas, and some instructions that will help you to create an art masterpiece which only a genius can create.

The class is basically for adults, during recess, you can enjoy wine with your co-artist while you laugh over the silly mistakes made while drawing.

It is a place you will love to visit, it makes one of the free things to do in Tallahassee.

Address: 1660 N Monroe St Suite 8, Tallahassee, FL 32303, United States.

26. Waterworks

Waterworks is a bar located downtown of Tallahassee that has something which makes it different from every other bar in Tallahassee.

Every Thursday evening, they hold something called the “Science Salon” during which they invite professors and scientists to lecture and demonstrate on scientific topics.

Some of the topics are on biotech, archaeology, you will see that science sounds quite interesting with a beer in your hand.

You could order food too as you listen to the scientist explain wonderful topics from science.

Address: 1133 Thomasville Rd, Tallahassee, Florida 32303, United States

27. Lofty Pursuits

If you would like to know what to do in Tallahassee with the whole family, visit Lofty pursuits where the family can have fun and also learn while on it.

In Lofty pursuits, your kids will learn how to make ice creams and candy and also be taught, in a fun way, the science behind it.

There is also an old-fashioned pay phone at the back of the store which the kids are going to love because it translates every number dialed on it to a song that related to it.

There is also a game room, a toy store, an experimental lab, and a place where you can watch candy and ice cream being made using a 100-year-old techniques.

Some of the ice cream flavors you should try out include Cinnamon or Cherry Oblivion, you can get them at the ice cream shop.

Buy your kids some candies like full pickle drops, honey nectar candy or peach drops from the candy store.

You can also get any meal from the menu such as blueberry pancakes, shrimps and grits, or a Reuben sandwich from them.

Address: 1355 Market St A11, Tallahassee, FL 32312, United States.

28. The LeMonye Center For The Visual Arts

The LeMonye Center For The Visual Arts is an art gallery where you will find arts made by artists from Tallahassee and some of the artists that are recognized internationally.

You’ll find funky and fun contemporary art, fine art paintings, and mixed medium displays. You will also find artworks ranging from metal sculpture to watercolor.

Every year, The LeMonye Center For The Visual Arts holds a festival called Chain of Parks Arts Festival which is attended by artists all around the country. Try visiting during the festival period, you will love it.

Address: 125 N Gadsden St, Tallahassee, FL 32301, United States.

29. Lewis Spring House

The Lewis Spring House was designed and built by Frank Lloyd Wright and is one of the attractions in Tallahassee fl, a visit to this house is one of the unique things to do in Tallahassee.

This house was owned by Clifton and George Lewis who were both active leaders in the Civil rights movement.

In promoting the arts community in Tallahassee, the Lewis was on the forefront.

You will love the wonderful design of the Lewis Spring House in Tallahassee, it looks like a boat or football and it has convex walls and wide windows.

You will see from the design of the building how Weight tried to illustrate the relationship between the surrounding natural environment and the internal structure of a house.

The Lewis House is currently owned by Byrd Lewis Mashburn who is George Lewis’s daughter.

She is quite a jovial person, and she allows tourists to visit the house and when they do, she tells them her family story including her father’s appointment to the Advisory Committee for Civil Rights by President John F. Kennedy.

Address: 3117 Okeeheepkee Rd, Tallahassee, FL 32303, United States’

30. Wakulla Springs Park

You will find the Manatees here in the Wakulla Springs Park and will also find this very gentle creatures very interesting.

The manatees are from the walrus family and they love playing in the Wakulla Springs. You can relax in the Jungle Cruise while you watch the baby manatees with their mother as they play.

The Jungle Cruise is open everyday from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Check out also for the alligators, turtles, cultures, and other animals that are native to Florida wildlife.

In the park, you will find several nature trails for hiking and bike riding, these parks include a Nature Trail and the Cherokee Sink Trail.

Its nature trail is about four miles long and it passes through the upland forest away from the water.

In Cherokee Sink Trail, you will find a large sinkhole swimming area and it is one of the less-traveled trails in the park.

Other things you will find in Wakulla Springs Park include beaches, horseback riding trails, a historic lodge, and scuba diving.

Address: 465 Wakulla Park Dr, Crawfordville, Florida 32327, United States.

31. Food Glorious Food

One of the best restaurants in Tallahassee, this contemporary restaurant is an award-winning restaurant that serves some of the best cuisines and fine wines.

This locally-owned and operated restaurant was established over 30 years ago.

Inside, you will find a comfortable dining room, a charming outdoor patio and a private events room for special occasions.

Some of the dishes you will find in the menu includes caramelized salmon, marinated lamb, spiced duck breast, sushi three ways, petite filet mignon, seated tuna, and hamburgers, all of which are cooked perfectly.

Check out their fine wine collections and craft beers, you can visit Food Glorious Food from Tuesday to Sunday for breakfast, lunch, and dinner.

Address: 1950 Thomasville Rd, Tallahassee, FL 32303.

32. The Grove Museum

For active learners and inquisitive minds who are always ready to learn something new, a visit to the Grove Museum is the best thing to do in Tallahassee.

The Grove Museum has one aim: to preserve the Call-Collins House, its historical collections, and its surroundings.

This is done in a bid to bring the public into the conversation about American history and civil rights.

The Call-Collins House was built by enslaved craftsmen in 1840. It is known as the best conserved antebellum residence in the state.

It was the residence of numerous generations of Collins and Call families, including LeRoy and Mary Call Collins.

The building was also listed in 1972 on the National Register of Historic Places. It underwent an intensive renovation under the supervision of the Florida Department of State.

Address: 414 E. Bloxham Street, Suite 115 | Tallahassee, FL 32301, United States

33. Natural Bridge Battlefield Historic State Park

It is known as Florida’s second largest Civil battle site and where the St. Marks River drips into a Sinkhole and moves underground for about a quarter mile before returning.

Confederate soldiers, volunteers, older adults, and young boys went to the Natural Bridge to meet the union forces and victoriously fought against three significant attacks.

Natural Bridge Battlefield Historic State Park features picnic regions for those who would like an outdoor meal with friends, plus fishing areas for anglers.

You can relax and enjoy the rural feel of the environment and try to visualize what happened on this particular site.

Address: 7502 Natural Bridge Rd, Tallahassee, FL 32305, United States

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Plan a Trip to Tallahassee

This long list of attractions in Tallahassee fl, restaurants, and activities can only be gotten from this beautiful part of Florida, and only Tallahassee can place this unique memory in your heart.

It will be to you a yardstick for measuring beauty and fun, do make a list of things to do in Tallahassee during your vacation, also check in with your travel agent on booking some of these places before going on your vacation.