What to do and see in Tallahassee, United States: The Best Places and Tips

September 15, 2017 Misti Hsu

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. Florida State University

Tallahassee, FL 32306 +1 850-644-1085
Excellent
81%
Good
14%
Satisfactory
3%
Poor
1%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 697 reviews

Florida State University

Reviewed By _poorasmar - Pembroke Pines, Florida

Just dropped 30+ points in US NEWS. Not much more to say.
Came for a college visit. Staff here pointed out that the school is not safe. “You have to be aware not afraid.” I am aware that I am afraid to leave my kid here after hearing that.

2. St. Marks National Wildlife Refuge

1255 Lighthouse Road, Tallahassee, FL 32355 +1 850-925-6121
Excellent
75%
Good
21%
Satisfactory
3%
Poor
1%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 537 reviews

St. Marks National Wildlife Refuge

The trail-runner's dream.

Reviewed By roawr123 - Birmingham, Alabama

My husband and I specifically picked this spot to go birding. We saw several King Fishers, Pelicans, Bald Eagles, and many more birds!
We also saw alligators.

The lady that checked us out at the visitors center was super nice and helpful. I’m so sorry but I can’t remember her name! I also bought a refuge stamp book and I got my first stamp there!

There is a light house at the end, but it was still under construction.

I would love to go back to this place and explore more. We were there from 10am to 2pm. We would have stayed longer but we were ready to go back to our motel and get ready for dinner.

We saw over 20 species of birds while we were there.

To see more pictures and find out more about my trip visit ChasaTravels.com.

3. Mission San Luis de Apalachee

2100 W Tennessee St, Tallahassee, FL 32304-3119 +1 850-245-6406
Excellent
71%
Good
26%
Satisfactory
2%
Poor
0%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 355 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 kerrymusic - us south

Mission San Luis has reconstructed buildings which really bring to life the lives of the Apalachee tribe and the Spaniards -- soldiers, their families, priests, traders -- who lived in north west Florida centuries ago. There's a small but very good museum with real artifacts and stories of older times as well as what early excavations were like on site. Often good events to attend, too.

4. Cascades Park

1001 S Gadsden St, Tallahassee, FL 32301 +1 850-891-3866
Excellent
70%
Good
24%
Satisfactory
4%
Poor
1%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 288 reviews

Cascades Park

Reviewed By kbyarlay - Auburn

We enjoyed strolling through this park. The paths wind around each attraction. Loved the water fountains all around and reading about how the park will flood if needed - great foresight to help the city in what could be a disaster. Also, the Korean War memorial was touching and beautiful.

5. Tallahassee Museum

3945 Museum Dr, Tallahassee, FL 32310-6325 +1 850-576-1636
Excellent
70%
Good
23%
Satisfactory
5%
Poor
1%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 615 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 RobTor - toronto

We spent 2.5 hours here at the end of January and thoroughly enjoyed it. There was so much to see. We loved Big Bend farm with its wooden farmhouse and barn. We liked the goats and learning about the turpentine industry. We liked the Old Florida area too, with its school, caboose, church and slave house. Unfortunately, the plantation house (Bellevue) was being renovated, so we didn't see inside. We also enjoyed walking on the boardwalks through the swamps filled with bald cypress trees an seeing the animals and birds (black bear, panther, deer, wild turkeys, bald eagles, owl). There are also great dinosaur sculptures made from car parts by Jim Gary. Admission to this wonderful place is only $12. On a Monday in January, we were about the only people there.

6. Museum of Florida History

500 S Bronough St, Tallahassee, FL 32399-6504 +1 850-245-6400
Excellent
67%
Good
28%
Satisfactory
3%
Poor
1%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 260 reviews

Museum of Florida History

Learn of Florida's rich history here.

Reviewed By Annie N

What a great way to learn the history of our great state of FL. And there is also traveling exhibits that change out. Nice gallery that includes the artwork of the Highway Men!

7. Alfred B. Maclay Gardens State Park

3540 Thomasville Rd, Tallahassee, FL 32309-3413 +1 904-487-4556
Excellent
66%
Good
27%
Satisfactory
5%
Poor
2%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 366 reviews

Alfred B. Maclay Gardens State Park

Reviewed By RobTor - toronto

We enjoyed walking around these gardens at the end of January. We were warned that there wouldn't be much blooming because of the cold spell, but we were quite happy with the camellias. If you are from Canada, you will be impressed by anything blooming in January! The Maclay house is lovely and the self-guided tour is including in the park admission ($6). We loved the oaks with Spanish moss. This is on the north side of Tallahassee.

8. Tallahassee Antique Car Museum

6800 Mahan Dr, Tallahassee, FL 32308-1402 +1 850-942-0137
Excellent
71%
Good
20%
Satisfactory
6%
Poor
1%
Terrible
2%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 432 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 2013Bill - Egg Harbor City, New Jersey

So glad we took the recommendation of our hotel manager who told us: "You've got to see this amazing collection" !! Yes, they have vintage cars that are in showroom condition, but that is only half of the story. This museum collection is so diverse -- to call it a "Car Museum" doesn't tell the whole story. They have glamour cars, roadsters, Model Ts, muscle cars and speedsters -- they even have Abraham Lincoln's hearse. The majority of the first floor is dedicated to vintage vehicles that have been lovingly restored. But the unexpected part of the collection is housed on the 2nd floor and that includes sports memorabilia, vintage pianos, coin collections, a timeline of typewriters, all types of Americana and an array of turn-of-the-century elaborate cash registers that just blew our minds !!! We probably spent over half-an-hour just reading the description of how the cash registers worked and recorded intricate transactions for multiple departments ( and this was in the early 1900s !!! ). This museum was full of pleasant surprises and unexpected exhibits !!

We spent almost 3 hours enjoying the collections. Not recommended for children. Very clean and friendly.

9. Florida Historic Capitol Museum

400 S Monroe St, Tallahassee, FL 32399-6536 +1 850-487-1902
Excellent
61%
Good
31%
Satisfactory
6%
Poor
1%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 307 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 Morris-Madison - Madison, Wisconsin

Every room promotes some aspect of Florida's history. Both positive and negatives aspects are discussed in the displays. Sensitive subjects were not skipped, but dealt with in a straightforward manner. This approach lent an air of trust to what was shown. This was not a place to dash through quickly. A real gem. The docents were very helpful in adding background to what we saw. Definitely a good learning experience. We'll return for a second visit tomorrow.

10. St. Marks Lighthouse

Tallahassee, FL +1 850-925-6121
Excellent
54%
Good
37%
Satisfactory
8%
Poor
1%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 171 reviews

St. Marks Lighthouse

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

Reviewed By Richard G - Punta Gorda, Florida

We love lighthouses. This one is very close to Tallahassee. It now belongs to the Fish and Wildlife Service. The lighthouse could us a bit more maintenance (at least some paint). It was not open in October. We do not know whether it is ever open to climb.

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