21 Best Places and Things To Do in Tallahassee, Florida

Tallahassee, Florida is a vibrant and historic city located in the northern part of the state. It is home to a diverse range of activities and attractions, making it a great destination for travelers of all ages and interests. Here are some of the best places to visit and things to do in Tallahassee

1. Tallahassee Museum

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The Tallahassee Museum is a unique and educational attraction that showcases the natural and cultural history of the area. The museum features exhibits on Florida wildlife, Native American history, and early Florida settlers. Visitors can also explore a 1880s farmstead and a working 1930s general store.

2. Cascades Park

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Cascades Park is a beautiful outdoor space located in the heart of Tallahassee. The park features a large pond, walking trails, and a performance amphitheater. It’s a great place to go for a picnic, take a walk, or attend a concert or festival.

3. Alfred B. Maclay Gardens State Park

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If you’re looking for a peaceful and scenic outdoor escape, the Alfred B. Maclay Gardens State Park is a great choice. The park features stunning gardens, walking trails, and a lake for fishing and boating. It’s a great place to relax and enjoy nature.

4. Tallahassee Antique Car Museum

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Car enthusiasts will love the Tallahassee Antique Car Museum. The museum features over 160 vintage cars, including rare and exotic models. Visitors can also see vintage car memorabilia and learn about the history of the automobile.

5. Challenger Learning Center

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The Challenger Learning Center is an interactive science museum that offers a variety of exhibits and programs for all ages. Visitors can explore space and science exhibits, participate in hands-on activities, and even simulate a space mission.

6. Goodwood Museum and Gardens

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The Goodwood Museum and Gardens is a beautiful and historic estate located in Tallahassee. Visitors can tour the museum and gardens, which feature antique furnishings, decorative arts, and stunning gardens.

7. Florida Historic Capitol Museum

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Another great destination for history buffs is the Florida Historic Capitol Museum. This building served as Florida’s state capitol from 1845 to 1977 and has been restored to its former glory. Visitors can learn about the history of Florida’s government and politics and explore exhibits on the state’s past.

8. St. Marks National Wildlife Refuge

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The refuge is home to a variety of wildlife, including alligators, deer, otters, and over 300 species of birds. Visitors can explore the refuge and see the wildlife up close, making it a great destination for nature lovers and photographers. The refuge features several hiking and biking trails that offer scenic views of the surrounding nature. The trails range in difficulty and length, so there’s something for every level of hiker or biker.

9. Mission San Luis de Apalachee

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Visitors to the mission can experience a living history museum, where costumed interpreters bring the past to life. They demonstrate activities such as blacksmithing, cooking, and weaving, and provide insight into what daily life was like in the 17th century. The mission is also an active archaeological site, where ongoing excavations are taking place. Visitors can observe archaeologists at work and learn about the techniques used to uncover artifacts and study the past.

10. Museum of Florida History

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The museum features a wide range of exhibits that explore various aspects of Florida’s history and culture. The exhibits include artifacts, photographs, and interactive displays that help visitors learn about everything from the state’s Native American tribes to its space exploration program. One of the most popular exhibits at the museum is “Florida in the Civil War.” This exhibit explores Florida’s role in the Civil War, including the contributions of its soldiers and civilians and the impact of the war on the state’s economy and society.

11. Saint Marks Trail

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The Saint Marks Trail is a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts, offering a wide range of activities such as hiking, biking, and horseback riding. With its flat terrain, the trail is ideal for beginners, families, and casual riders. The trail passes through some of the most scenic and unspoiled areas of Florida, showcasing a diverse range of ecosystems including hardwood forests, wetlands, and salt marshes. Visitors can enjoy breathtaking views of the Gulf of Mexico and the Wakulla River along the trail.

12. Lake Ella & Fred Drake Park

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The centerpiece of the park is Lake Ella, a picturesque body of water surrounded by walking trails and picnic areas. Visitors can stroll around the lake and enjoy the serene beauty of the water, or rent a paddleboat and explore the lake at their leisure. In addition to the lake, Fred Drake Park offers a wide range of amenities for visitors to enjoy, including playgrounds, basketball courts, and tennis courts. The park also features a dog park, making it a great destination for pet owners.

13. Knott House Museum

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The Knott House Museum is a fascinating window into the history of Tallahassee and Florida. The museum was once the home of William Knott, a prominent lawyer and politician who played a key role in Florida’s history. Visitors can explore the various rooms of the house and learn about the Knott family’s life in Tallahassee during the early 20th century. The Knott House Museum offers guided tours that provide a more in-depth look at the history of the house and the Knott family. Trained docents lead visitors through the various rooms of the house, providing historical context and answering questions along the way.

14. Tom Brown Park

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Tom Brown Park offers a variety of sports fields and courts, including baseball and softball fields, soccer fields, tennis courts, and basketball courts. There is also a disc golf course and a skate park for visitors to enjoy. The park features several nature trails that wind through the forested areas of the park. Visitors can take a leisurely walk or bike ride along the trails and enjoy the natural beauty of the park.

15. Grove Museum

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The Grove Museum is a window into the history of Florida and the people who lived in the state during the 19th century. The museum was once the home of Callie and John R. J. House, who were prominent figures in Tallahassee society. Visitors can explore the various rooms of the house and learn about the House family’s life in Tallahassee during the mid-1800s.

16. Florida Governor’s Mansion

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The Governor’s Mansion was built in 1956 and has served as the official residence of Florida’s governors ever since. Visitors can learn about the history of the mansion and the role it has played in the state’s political and social history. The mansion features a unique blend of architectural styles, including Colonial Revival, Georgian Revival, and Neo-Classical. Visitors can appreciate the grandeur and beauty of the mansion’s exterior and interior, which include elegant furnishings, artwork, and decorations.

17. Lake Jackson Mounds Archaeological State Park

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Lake Jackson Mounds Archaeological State Park is a historical site located in Tallahassee, Florida, and is home to several prehistoric Native American mounds that are believed to date back to the Fort Walton Culture. The site is significant because it offers insight into the daily lives of Native Americans who lived in the area hundreds of years ago. Visitors can learn about the unique cultural practices and beliefs of the Fort Walton Culture through the artifacts and exhibits on display.

18. Letchworth Mounds State Park

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The park is significant because it offers insight into the daily lives of Native Americans who lived in the area hundreds of years ago. Visitors can learn about the unique cultural practices and beliefs of the Fort Walton Culture through the artifacts and exhibits on display.

19. Elinor Klapp-Phipps Park

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The park has over 20 miles of hiking trails that are perfect for outdoor enthusiasts. The trails range from easy to difficult, and offer scenic views of the park’s forests, wetlands, and hills. The Red Bug Trail, a popular trail within the park, is a 7-mile loop that offers stunning views of Lake Jackson. The park has a 24-hole disc golf course that is popular among locals and visitors alike. The course offers a fun and challenging experience for players of all skill levels, and is well-maintained throughout the year.

20. Lafayette Heritage Trail Park

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The park has several miles of hiking trails that are perfect for outdoor enthusiasts. The trails range from easy to moderate, and offer scenic views of the park’s forests, wetlands, and lakes. The trails are well-maintained and provide a peaceful and serene setting for visitors to enjoy. The park features three beautiful lakes – Piney Z Lake, Lafayette Lake, and Munson Lake – that are perfect for fishing, canoeing, and kayaking. Visitors can rent canoes and kayaks from the park’s visitor center, or bring their own equipment to enjoy a day on the water.

21. Saint Peter’s Cathedral

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Saint Peter’s Cathedral was built in 1885 and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The cathedral’s Gothic Revival style architecture and stained glass windows are among its most notable features. The cathedral is home to a vibrant Catholic community and offers regular religious services to the public. Visitors are welcome to attend Mass or other religious events, and are invited to explore the cathedral’s beautiful interior and learn about its rich history.

Tallahassee, Florida offers a wide range of attractions and activities for visitors. Whether you’re interested in history, nature, or culture, there’s something for everyone in this vibrant city.