30 Fun Things to Do in Tallahassee, Florida

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Tallahassee is the state capital of Florida and is a unique and exciting destination to explore. Fun things to do in Tallahassee, Florida, range from checking out works by local artists at Railroad Square Art District to listening to jazz at Bradfordville Blues Club and wandering around local parks, such as Cascades Park.

You can also discover some great attractions just outside of the city, like St. Marks National Wildlife Refuge and Wakulla Springs State Park. To discover all of the things to do in and around Tallahassee, read on for 30 activity ideas!

Are you on your way to Tallahassee last-minute?

When visiting Tallahassee, book your accommodations before you go. Here are some top choices to make your trip enjoyable.

🏨 Top accommodations in Tallahassee

• Holiday Inn - Tallahassee E Capitol - Univ (rated highly)
• Holiday Inn Hotel & Suites Tallahassee Conference Center North (relax by the pool)
• Hyatt House Tallahassee Capitol University

30 Fun Things to Do in Tallahassee, FL

Fun Things to Do in Tallahassee, Florida

Explore Lake Jackson Mounds State Park

Lake Jackson Mounds Archaeological State Park, or Lake Jackson Mounds State Park for short, is a famous Florida landmark as it's one of the most significant archaeological sites in the state. The area was home to the Fort Walton Culture between approximately 1050 and 1500.

At the archaeological site today, you can explore the area and see six earthen temple mounds. You can also see some landmarks from the 1800s, like the remains of a grist mill.

🏨 Stay in close proximity to the Lake Jackson Mounds State Park

• Holiday Inn Hotel & Suites Tallahassee Conference Center North (rated highly)

Hang out at Lake Ella & Fred Drake Park

Lake Ella & Fred Drake Park is a great place to spend some time in the fresh air. Located just outside Downtown Tallahassee, the park's best feature is its namesake Lake Ella. Visitors can stroll around the lake and sit on benches or the grass beside it, taking in the views. You'll also see wildlife, like ducks and other birds, turtles, and squirrels.

🏨 Stay near Lake Ella

• AC Hotel by Marriott Tallahassee Universities at the Capitol (highly acclaimed)
• Aloft Tallahassee Downtown (offers a pool)

Wander around Alfred B. Maclay Gardens State Park

Alfred B. Maclay Gardens State Park is a much-loved outdoor attraction. The botanical garden features multiple trails that take you past beautiful plants, trees, and flowers. You can also discover some secret gardens, and there are unique water features and ponds to admire as well.

🏨 Places to stay near Alfred B Maclay Gardens State Park

• Courtyard Tallahassee North I-One0 Capital Circle (well-regarded)
• Residence Inn Tallahassee North I-One0 Capital Circle

Listen to live music at Bradfordville Blues Club

If you're looking for the best things to do in Tallahassee, FL, at night, heading to Bradfordville Blues Club is a must! The unique blues club is located in a backwoods cinder-block room and hosts live music events on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday. Spending an evening at this quirky and lively blues club is guaranteed to be fun and memorable.

See collectible cars at the Tallahassee Automobile Museum

Also called the Tallahassee Automobile and Collectibles Museum, the Tallahassee Automobile Museum is a must-visit attraction for those interested in classic cars. The museum houses one of the largest car collections in the United States, which is owned by DeVoe L. Moore, a Tallahassee businessman.

Cars to see include Americana vehicles, pedal cars, and even Batmobiles! Other collectibles to view range from boats to sports memorabilia and Steinway Pianos.

Find unique pieces at Railroad Square Art District

Art lovers can't miss going to Railroad Square Art District! Covering ten acres, the art district features an array of boutiques selling unique arts and crafts items, from paintings to jewelry and other fashion items.

There are also independent art galleries as well as street art murals, and events are hosted frequently, like the famous First Friday Monthly Festival with shopping, live music, and food vendors.

🏨 Accommodations close to the Railroad Square Art District

• Hyatt House Tallahassee Capitol University (rated highly)
• Residence Inn by Marriott Tallahassee Universities at the Capitol

Walk or bike along the St. Marks Historic Railroad State Trail

Those looking to do some exercise in the fresh air should plan to follow the St. Marks Historic Railroad State Trail. This route covers about 16 miles and runs from Tallahassee to St. Marks on the coast.

Of course, you don't have to complete the entire trail and can access and leave the path from various areas, with it beginning about a block from Doak Campbell Stadium. As you walk, jog, or bike, you can enjoy forest views and will spot lakes, landmarks, and wildlife.

Grab a beer at Proof Brewing Company

Proof Brewing Company is one of the top places to visit in Tallahassee, Florida, to get a beer. The trendy local brewery produces a range of craft beers and is the first female-owned brewery in North Florida.

During a visit, you can order from an extensive beer list, with hand-crafted cocktails and wine also available. You can also order delicious snacks, like buffalo cauliflower bites, tacos, and soft pretzels. There's also an outdoor beer garden where you can enjoy your food and drinks under the sun.

🏨 Place to stay close to the Proof Brewing Company

• Holiday Inn Express Tallahassee-University Central

TallyPic/Depositphotos.com

Catch a football game at Doak S. Campbell Stadium

Sports fans can catch some college sports at Doak S. Campbell Stadium. The stadium is home to the men's collegiate football team at Florida State University. The Florida State Seminoles college football team plays in the NCAA Division I Football Bowl Subdivision, and you can watch them in action from the end of August through the beginning of December.

Hang out at Tom Brown Park

Another great park in Tallahassee is Tom Brown Park. This 225-acre park features many attractions, like walking paths, baseball and softball fields, children's playgrounds, and tennis courts. There's also a fun 24-hole disc golf course and a mountain bike trail. No matter what outdoor activities you enjoy, you'll find something to do at Tom Brown Park!

🏨 Place to stay near Tom Brown Park

• SpringHill Suites Tallahassee Central (unwind poolside)

Visit the Challenger Learning Center of Tallahassee

The Challenger Learning Center of Tallahassee is a fascinating museum that's dedicated to the Challenger space shuttle. At the museum, you can learn more about space travel and try a space mission simulator.

There's also an IMAX theater with movies on science topics, like space and the natural environment, and a planetarium. If you have kids that are interested in science and space travel, this attraction is an excellent place for a family day out.

🏨 Stay nearby the Challenger Learning Center of Tallahassee

• Hampton Inn & Suites Tallahassee Capitol-University (highly rated)

Check out the Tallahassee Museum

The Tallahassee Museum is one of many Tallahassee attractions that will appeal to all ages. At the lakeside outdoor nature museum, you can follow trails, learn about wildlife in Florida, and spot lots of animals. In addition, you can explore a 19th-century pioneer farm, complete with period actors, and zipline across a lake!

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Watch a concert at the Capital City Amphitheater in Cascades Park

Cascades Park is another of the excellent local parks in Tallahassee. A unique feature within the park is the Capital City Amphitheater. This outdoor venue hosts various musical concerts, including performances by the Tallahassee Symphony Orchestra and jazz shows.

Another significant thing to do in the park is visiting the Smokey Hollow Commemoration, which celebrates the African American community of Smokey Hollow that was located in the area.

🏨 Place to stay close to the Capital City Amphitheater

• Holiday Inn - Tallahassee E Capitol - Univ (rated highly)

Get sweet treats at Lofty Pursuits

Lofty Pursuits is a must-visit spot if you have a sweet tooth! The retro American diner-style eatery offers many types of ice cream and also has an old-fashioned soda fountain. Ice cream flavors include chocolate chip cookie dough, peach melba, and mint chip.

You can enjoy scoops of ice cream or opt for a shake or sundae. Vegan ice creams and sundae toppings can be ordered as well. Some savory dishes are also available.

🏨 Stay nearby Lofty Pursuits

• TRYP by Wyndham Tallahassee North I-One0 Capital Circle

Go to Mission San Luis de Apalachee

Mission San Luis de Apalachee is an important historic site in Tallahassee. The site previously featured a Spanish Franciscan mission that was constructed in 1656.

Unfortunately, the mission was destroyed in 1704. Today, the site is a National Historic Landmark, and many of the buildings previously on the site have been reconstructed to resemble the 17th-century structures.

Visitors to Mission San Luis de Apalachee can tour the area and look around the buildings. There are also exhibits on the area in the 1600s, and you can see artifacts that have been discovered on the site.

Play a round at Southwood Golf Club

One of the top things to do in Tallahassee, FL, for golf enthusiasts is playing a round at Southwood Golf Club. The course features 18-holes and is set in a beautiful landscape with oak trees and rolling hills. After a game, you can relax with drinks and a meal at the on-site restaurant, which includes an outdoor patio.

Tour the New Capitol Building

The new Tallahassee State Capitol Building sits next to the old structure and is the current seat of government for the state. Visitors can take self-guided tours of certain parts of the building, and admission is free. Guided tours can also be booked for large groups.

Shop at Bradley's Country Store

One of the more unique places to visit in Tallahassee is Bradley's Country Store. At the charming general store, you can find things like locally produced food items, including sausages, corn meal, and cane syrup, as well as handmade food gift baskets. Interestingly, the store was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1984, 57 years after it was constructed in 1927.

Create an artwork at Painting with a Twist

Arts and crafts enthusiasts will be interested in checking out Painting with a Twist. You can visit during the afternoon or early evening and learn to paint a stunning piece of art.

During a class, you'll follow along with your instructor, who will offer step-by-step instructions that are easy to follow for all levels. Visitors aged 21 or over can also bring alcoholic drinks, like wine or beer.

Sip tiki drinks at Waterworks

Waterworks is one of the most fun bars in Tallahassee that's well worth heading to in the evening. The tiki-style bar serves delicious tropical cocktails and often has entertainment, like live music acts and performance art shows. You can also get food at the bar, and themed cuisine nights are held frequently.

Felix Mizioznikov/Shutterstock.com

Purchase local produce Downtown Market

On the weekends, going to the Downtown Market is one of the top things to do in Tallahassee, Florida. The market is hosted in Ponce de Leon Park on Saturdays between March and November.

As you explore, you'll find goods from many local producers, with products like fresh fruit and veg, jewelry, and handmade soaps on offer. You can also enjoy live music acts as you walk between stalls.

Learn about Florida history at the Florida Historic Capitol Museum

Those interested in learning more about Florida history should plan a trip to the Florida Historic Capitol Museum. Located within the old Florida State Capitol Building, the museum has exhibits on state history and significant political events. As you look around, you can also see artifacts and will learn some fun Florida facts. Guided tours of the museum are offered as well.

Look around the Lewis Spring House

The Lewis Spring House was designed for George and Clifton Lewis by Frank Lloyd Wright in 1954. The couple were prominent figures in the Civil Rights Movement, and their home is the only private residence designed by Frank Lloyd Wright in Florida.

Today, the home is open for tours. During a visit, you can explore the property and learn more about its history and past owners.

Dine at The Edison

Going for dinner at The Edison is a great way to spend the evening in Tallahassee. The stylish eatery is housed within a former power station within Cascades Park, and there's an outdoor patio that offers beautiful park views.

Menu options include ahi tuna tartar, flatbread pizzas, shrimp skewers, and much more. Decadent desserts, as well as craft cocktails, wine, and beer, can also be ordered.

gadzius/Depositphotos.com

Hike around Lake Talquin State Forest

Lake Talquin State Forest is one of the best outdoor attractions in Tallahassee, Florida. The forest is situated approximately 20 minutes from Downtown Tallahassee and features many hiking and biking trails, including those that run along Lake Talquin. You can also go kayaking or canoeing on the lake, and camping spots are available within the forest.

Relax with a coffee at Black Dog Cafe

An excellent spot to get a coffee in Tallahassee is Black Dog Cafe. The laid-back coffee shop sits on Lake Ella and serves a variety of hot and cold coffee and tea drinks, as well as hot chocolate. Yummy baked goods, like croissants, banana bread, and vegan muffins, are also available to accompany your drinks.

If you're not in the mood for a caffeinated drink, alcoholic beverages like sangria, wine, and beer are available. Whatever you choose to order, you can enjoy your drinks within the cozy cafe or relax on the outdoor patio, taking in the lake views.

Get drinks at Liberty Bar and Restaurant

Liberty Bar and Restaurant is a stylish place to visit for drinks. The bar has an extensive craft cocktail menu, with beer and wine also available. If you're getting drinks between 5 PM and 7 PM, you can also benefit from happy hour offers.

In addition, Liberty serves food, with dishes to order ranging from gourmet mac and cheese or Florida fish and chips to a decadent flourless chocolate cake.

Fun Things to Do Near Tallahassee, Florida

Plan a trip to Wakulla Springs State Park

Located just outside of Tallahassee, Wakulla Springs State Park is a beautiful attraction to visit. You can reach the park in around 25 minutes when driving from central Tallahassee.

Once you arrive, you can hike through forests and marvel at the namesake Wakulla Springs, one of the world's deepest and largest freshwater springs. You may also spot some of the wildlife that lives in the water, like manatees and alligators. Guided boat tours across the springs are also offered, and you can canoe or kayak as well.

Look for animals at the St. Marks National Wildlife Refuge

Another of the fun things to do near Tallahassee, FL, for those that want to explore the outdoors is going to St. Marks National Wildlife Refuge. Located around 35 minutes from Tallahassee, it's one of the oldest wildlife refuges in the US and is home to many animals.

Creatures to see range from raccoons and foxes to alligators and snakes. Notably, you'll be able to see many species of birds, including waterfowl and raptors.

Snap photos of the St. Marks Lighthouse

While visiting the St. Marks National Wildlife Refuge, you should also stop by the St. Marks Lighthouse. This landmark is the oldest light station in Florida, having opened in 1831, and was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1972.

The lighthouse is generally open for visitors on the second and fourth Saturday of the month between 10 AM and 2 PM. If in the area outside of those times, stopping by the attraction to take some pictures is still recommended!

In Conclusion

Tallahassee has no shortage of excellent attractions to check out. Visitors can explore parks, learn new things at museums, visit unique bars, and much more! No matter what you like to do, you'll find plenty of activities to enjoy in Tallahassee.

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