What to do and see in Tallahassee, Florida (FL): The Best Things to do

March 17, 2022 Hana Mouser

With its rolling hills and canopied roads of moss-draped oaks, Tallahassee defies the stereotypes most people hold about Florida. The Capital City shares a deep-rooted history and culture with ample doses of fun and authenticity. A fusion of cosmopolitan flair and Southern charm defines the city. Situated on Florida’s I-10 corridor in the Panhandle, Tallahassee is a place where college town meets history, politics meets culture and natural adventures abound.
Restaurants in Tallahassee

1. Mission San Luis de Apalachee

2100 W Tennessee St, Tallahassee, FL 32304-3119 +1 850-245-6406 [email protected] http://www.missionsanluis.org
Excellent
70%
Good
26%
Satisfactory
3%
Poor
0%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 413 reviews

Mission San Luis de Apalachee

Mission San Luis was the western capital of Spanish Florida from 1656 to 1704. Today, the Mission brings the 17th century to life through costumed interpreters, reconstructed buildings, museum exhibits and archaeological demonstrations. The Mission offers special events, camps and workshops throughout the year. The site is open Tuesday through Sunday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Admission fees: Adults, $5; Seniors, $3; Children, $2; Active duty military are free.

Reviewed By Roving404654

Great place to learn and understand Apalachee Native American history. The archaeology is well conceived and presented to lay people as well as more deeply available to trained or avid students of archaeology. The living history events are especially interesting. Place for everyone.

2. Museum of Florida History

500 S Bronough St, Tallahassee, FL 32399-6504 +1 850-245-6400 http://museumoffloridahistory.com
Excellent
70%
Good
27%
Satisfactory
2%
Poor
1%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 324 reviews

Museum of Florida History

Learn of Florida's rich history here.

Reviewed By Tgogators

These other comment are not lying! I've been here dozens of times since my grade school years (the mid-90s) and some parts of it (the walkthrough river boat, grandma's attic, souther farm life displays) are exactly the same and have been perfectly kept up. It's nice that is has a few revolving exhibits to add to the diversity of Florida history (which is rather vast). One of the few places in the state you can see authentic dinosaur bones! The tone of the self-guided museum starts in prehistoric times, to Spanish (later British) occupation, Civil War, onto the World Wards, and parts that reflect general Florida life. Definitely something of interest for the whole family!

3. Tallahassee Antique Car Museum

6800 Mahan Dr, Tallahassee, FL 32308-1402 +1 850-942-0137 [email protected] http://www.tacm.com/
Excellent
72%
Good
18%
Satisfactory
6%
Poor
2%
Terrible
2%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 556 reviews

Tallahassee Antique Car Museum

The mirrored walls of the Tallahassee Automobile Museum enclose more than just automobiles! This 100,000 sf. facility houses cars, trucks and memorabilia of all kinds. In addition to the antique cars, muscle cars, concept cars, and trucks -- check out the eclectic collection of Steinway pianos, Remington sculptures, Case knives, Barbie dolls, boats, boat motors, children's pedal cars, and die-cast toys. Journey through history with Native American artifacts, firearms, antique cash registers, pocket watches, salt-cellars, baby bottles, silver spoons, baseball cards, antique golf balls and clubs, 100-year-old brass-bladed fans, art objects from Thailand, neon signs, stained glass, a horse from a carousel, a children's barber chair shaped like an airplane and much, much more. Part shrine, part history lesson, part pack-rat's paradise, part garage and part art gallery -- except, in this case, the art has four spotless wheels and can go from 0 to 60 faster than a Cezanne can. It's truly an amazing museum of American history.

Reviewed By paulhO8235RZ

As the person who researched the Tallahassee KKK Lucky 13 from an auction lot at Affiliated Auctions in 2009, DeVoe Moore won the lot of original KKK documents from 1949 - 1955, with names, secret numbers, minutes of the meetings, and more. I am so pleased he did. Every so often I post the information on Facebook. The most revealing item is the elected Sheriff Raymond R. Hamlin, Jr. as well as his father, were members of the Klan for at least one year. This was before he was initially elected Sheriff of Leon County in 1968. 1968 was a tumultuous year and the years surrounding 1968. The Automobile Museum is excellent. Many early automobiles, two of the original Batmobiles, classic cars from 1950's, onward and so many other things he has collected. Two days is recommended.

4. St. Marks Lighthouse

1255 Lighthouse Rd, Tallahassee, FL 32355 +1 850-925-6121 http://www.fws.gov/refuge/St_Marks
Excellent
52%
Good
39%
Satisfactory
8%
Poor
1%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 211 reviews

St. Marks Lighthouse

This 80-foot tower features a giant reflector lens and is the perfect spot for weddings.

Reviewed By DebMey11 - Clayton, United States

Even on a weather driven day it was beautiful to visit this historic lighthouse! It is set in a beautiful refuse filled with alligators and incredible birds. Walking trails are all around as well. And, you can put your toes in the Gulf.

5. St. Marks National Wildlife Refuge

1255 Lighthouse Road, Tallahassee, FL 32355 +1 850-925-6121 [email protected] http://www.fws.gov/saintmarks
Excellent
77%
Good
19%
Satisfactory
3%
Poor
0%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 673 reviews

St. Marks National Wildlife Refuge

The trail-runner's dream.

Reviewed By winc984 - Rockledge, United States

Great NWR. The visitor center is well constructed and attractive, the bathrooms are modern and clean, the items for sale were relevant and plentiful, and the volunteer staff were knowledgeable and helpful. The road to the lighthouse is well kept, as is the lighthouse.

6. Alfred B. Maclay Gardens State Park

3540 Thomasville Rd, Tallahassee, FL 32309-3413 +1 904-487-4556 http://www.floridastateparks.org/maclaygardens/
Excellent
65%
Good
28%
Satisfactory
5%
Poor
2%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 427 reviews

Alfred B. Maclay Gardens State Park

Reviewed By cnn73 - Jacksonville, United States

Beautiful camellias and majestic oaks abound in this old, established park! A lovely brick path meanders next to a stunning lake and leads to the old homestead that is open January till April. The reflecting pond is beautiful and is surrounded by grand, enormous camellia bushes. The gated garden with the fountain and sculptures is very picturesque reminiscent of a European garden. In addition, there are many hiking trails in the park. Very peaceful escape from hustle and bustle.

7. Florida State University

600 W College Ave, Tallahassee, FL 32306 +1 850-644-1085 http://www.fsu.edu/
Excellent
80%
Good
15%
Satisfactory
3%
Poor
0%
Terrible
2%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 802 reviews

Florida State University

Reviewed By mbalmer619

We toured several Universities during my daughters search for colleges and FSU was by far the most helpful and hospitable.We found the campus beautiful and interesting she started in August and loves it!

8. Tallahassee Museum

3945 Museum Dr, Tallahassee, FL 32310-6325 +1 850-576-1636 http://www.TallahasseeMuseum.org
Excellent
69%
Good
23%
Satisfactory
6%
Poor
1%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 707 reviews

Tallahassee Museum

Nestled within 52 acres of flora and fauna, the Tallahassee Museum is an oasis close to the heart of downtown. The Tallahassee Museum features a working 1880s pioneer farmstead, native Florida wildlife habitat (including panthers and red wolves), cypress swamp, Jim Gary's 20th Century Dinosaurs, and the all new Tallahassee Tree to Tree Adventures (an outdoor zip line and adventure course for kids and adults). Come enjoy the great outdoors with us at the Tallahassee Museum- where nature, history, science, and fun come together!

Reviewed By 519EveK

This was the first time I ever tried zip lining. IT WAS AMAZING! You have got to try this! Even if you don't think it sounds like fun, just try it! You won't be disappointed. I wasn't overly enthusiastic when I was told that's what we were going to be doing, but I figured I'd give it a shot and see. I am so glad I did! I have two more trips already lined up, I had so much fun! Even if you aren't a fan of heights( and I'm definitely not. ????) You're concentrating on the canopy obstacle course so hard you barely notice until it's time to go zipping and by then you're ready for the exciting ride with a view. Technical details: The price wasn't at all bad. I was surprised at how cheap it was. Staff was friendly, knowledgeable and patient. You need closed toed shoes and leave all your stuff in your vehicle. You don't need to take anything with you, trust me, you don't wanna be up there trying not to drop your purse. The course itself is broken up into three parts, so there's two water breaks you come down for. It's a great workout. The staff is super patient. They give clear and easy to follow instructions and are with you the entire time. They're thorough in their instructions for equipment use. (No, it isn't as complicated as it seems, provided no one needs to hold a lighter next to your head to get those last two little neurons all warmed up. ????) If you're visiting Tallahassee, I highly recommend you set some time aside for this. You won't regret it.

9. Florida Historic Capitol Museum

400 S Monroe St, Tallahassee, FL 32399-6536 +1 850-487-1902 http://www.flhistoriccapitol.gov
Excellent
59%
Good
32%
Satisfactory
7%
Poor
1%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 363 reviews

Florida Historic Capitol Museum

The Florida Historic Capitol Museum serves to illuminate the past, present, and future connection between the people of Florida and their political institutions through programs of civic education, historic interpretation, and preservation.

Reviewed By rolandd804

Had some time to kill and stopped by the capitol. The museum is free and is self guided. There are rooms dedicated to aspects of Florida's political history, and you can see the old Senate and Delegate chambers. I would suggest taking 1 hour to do it justice.

10. Cascades Park

1001 S Gadsden St, Tallahassee, FL 32301 +1 850-891-3866 http://discovercascades.com/
Excellent
68%
Good
25%
Satisfactory
4%
Poor
2%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 365 reviews

Cascades Park

Reviewed By besca001 - Harrisonburg, United States

Great place to walk and/or ride a scooter day or night. It was quite safe and quiet and enjoyed all the different amenities that it did have in its surroundings. For a peaceful, relaxing walk, this is the place to be in Tallahassee!

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