20 Popular and Unique Things to Do in Tallahassee, Florida

Forget crowded beaches—Tallahassee invites you to experience Florida’s history, nature, and culture in a refreshing, laid-back setting.

Whether you're strolling scenic trails, soaking up history, or exploring artistic neighborhoods, you’ll quickly understand why visitors keep returning.

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 Check out these 20 popular and unique things to do in Tallahassee, Florida.

Florida Historic Capitol Museum

Housed in Florida’s beautifully restored 1902 Capitol building with its iconic candy-striped awnings and stained-glass dome, this museum brings political history to life.

Visitors can explore the old House and Senate chambers, Supreme Court, and Governor’s office, all restored to their early-20th-century grandeur.

Interactive exhibits and guided tours make it a must-see for history buffs and civic enthusiasts.

Address: 400 S Monroe St, Tallahassee, FL 32399
Suitable For: Families, history buffs, students, and anyone interested in Florida’s government heritage.

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Florida State Capitol & Observation Deck

Florida’s modern 22-story Capitol tower offers a striking contrast behind the old capitol.

Take the elevator up to the 22nd-floor observation deck for panoramic views of downtown Tallahassee and the surrounding area.

Down below, you can see where laws are made – the building houses Florida’s active legislature and offices. Combining government in action with a bird’s-eye view, it’s an insightful stop for visitors.

Address: 400 S Monroe St (Capitol Complex), Tallahassee, FL 32301
Suitable For: All ages – great for students, photographers, and those interested in government or city views.

Mission San Luis de Apalachee

Step back 300+ years at this living history site, a National Historic Landmark that recreates a Spanish colonial mission and Apalachee village.

Costumed interpreters demonstrate colonial life, from blacksmithing to cooking, amid reconstructed fort walls, a church, and a massive council house.

The 64-acre grounds are dotted with picnic spots and shaded trails, making it easy to spend an afternoon learning about Florida’s early Spanish and Native American history.

Address: 2100 W Tennessee St, Tallahassee, FL 32304
Suitable For: Families, history and culture enthusiasts, school groups, and anyone who enjoys interactive museums.

Tallahassee Museum (Outdoor Science & Nature Museum)

Part zoo, part pioneer village, part adventure park – this 52-acre museum has it all. Stroll elevated boardwalks to see native Florida wildlife like panthers, black bears, and red wolves.

Explore a 19th-century farmstead with historic buildings, and marvel at huge outdoor dinosaur sculptures made from recycled car parts.

Thrill-seekers can even zip-line through the treetops on the Tree-to-Tree Adventures course for a bird’s-eye view of the grounds. It’s an immersive experience enjoyed by visitors of all ages.

Address: 3945 Museum Dr, Tallahassee, FL 32310
Suitable For: Families, nature lovers, adventure seekers, and anyone looking for an outdoor learning experience.

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Alfred B. Maclay Gardens State Park

These historic ornamental gardens are famous for their breathtaking blooms of camellias and azaleas each spring.

Meander along a brick walkway through a walled garden, past reflection pools and a hidden grotto, all originally planted in the 1920s.

Beyond the flowers, the 1,176-acre park offers Lake Hall for kayaking and fishing, plus nature trails under moss-draped oaks. It’s a serene escape where couples wander hand-in-hand and families enjoy picnics by the lake.

Address: 3540 Thomasville Rd, Tallahassee, FL 32309
Suitable For: Garden enthusiasts, photographers, couples (very romantic setting), and families seeking outdoor leisure.

Edward Ball Wakulla Springs State Park

Home to one of the world’s largest and deepest freshwater springs, Wakulla Springs is a natural wonder and Old Florida treasure.

Take a guided riverboat cruise over crystal-clear waters to spot alligators, manatees, and birds in the wild. You can swim (a brisk 70°F year-round!) in the designated spring swimming area where Tarzan films and Creature from the Black Lagoon were filmed.

Don’t miss the 1930s Spanish-style lodge with its ornate painted ceilings for a peek into the past.

Address: 465 Wakulla Park Dr, Crawfordville, FL 32327 (approximately 14 miles south of Tallahassee)
Suitable For: Nature lovers, families (great for a jungle cruise adventure), swimmers, and anyone looking to experience Florida’s natural springs.

St. Marks National Wildlife Refuge & Lighthouse

Encompassing 70,000+ acres of coastal marshes, ponds, and pine forest, St. Marks Refuge is a haven for wildlife and a bird-watcher’s paradise with 250+ species observed.

Drive or bike the scenic refuge road to the historic St. Marks Lighthouse (circa 1831), which stands sentinel at the Gulf shore – a picture-perfect backdrop at sunset.

Seasonal wildlife highlights include monarch butterflies in fall and wintering waterfowl in late November–December. It’s a peaceful escape where you can fish, hike mild trails, or simply soak in unspoiled coastal Florida.

Address: 1255 Lighthouse Road, St. Marks, FL 32355 (about 25 miles south of Tallahassee)
Suitable For: Birders, photographers, hikers, and those seeking a quiet, natural outing – great for couples or solo nature walks.

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Museum of Florida History

As Florida’s official state history museum, this free-admission gem covers everything from prehistoric mastodon bones to mid-20th-century pop culture.

Inside, you’ll find a full-scale replica of a 16th-century Spanish ship, a reconstructed Florida steamboat, and even a giant prehistoric mastodon skeleton on display (a favorite selfie spot for kids!).

Interactive exhibits and artifacts highlight Seminole life, Spanish exploration, the Civil War, and Florida’s role in WWII. It’s an engaging journey through Florida’s past, conveniently located downtown.

Address: 500 S Bronough St, Tallahassee, FL 32399
Suitable For: Families, history buffs, rainy-day travelers, and anyone curious about Florida’s story.

Tallahassee Automobile Museum

Part museum, part eclectic private collection, this attraction boasts over 170 rare vehicles—from a 1931 Duesenberg to the original 1992 Batman Returns Batmobile.

Car enthusiasts will drool over classic muscle cars and vintage automobiles, but even non-gearheads find something cool in the massive collection.

Inside you’ll also discover curios like antique boats, motorcycles, sports memorabilia, and even collections of sparkly Steinway pianos and typewriters. It’s a quirky journey through decades of Americana, with the Batmobiles stealing the show!

Address: 6800 Mahan Dr, Tallahassee, FL 32308
Suitable For: Car lovers, families (kids love the Batmobiles!), and anyone who enjoys unique collectibles.

Railroad Square Art District

Tallahassee’s creative soul lives in Railroad Square—a funky arts district of brightly painted warehouses turned studios and galleries.

More than 50 independent artists’ shops and quirky boutiques invite you to browse everything from vintage records to hand-crafted jewelry. Colorful murals make every corner Instagrammable, and you'll even find a retro pinball arcade and an indoor rock-climbing gym tucked among the art spaces.

On the First Friday of each month, the area comes alive with a festival-style Gallery Hop featuring live music, food trucks, and crowds of all ages.

Address: 602 McDonnell Dr, Tallahassee, FL 32310
Suitable For: Art enthusiasts, college students, hipsters, families (especially on event nights), and anyone hunting for local flavor and souvenirs.

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Cascades Park

A 24-acre urban park blending recreation, history, and community events. By day, families enjoy the interactive splash fountain and playground, and walkers follow paved trails around ponds and beneath oak trees.

By night, the fountain transforms into a colorful light-and-music show. Don’t miss the Capital City Amphitheater at Cascades Park, an open-air venue for concerts and festivals (bring a blanket for lawn seating).

History is honored here too—look for the Prime Meridian marker and the Smokey Hollow memorial representing a historic African-American neighborhood.

Address: 1001 S Gadsden St, Tallahassee, FL 32301
Suitable For: Everyone—perfect for outdoor family time, joggers, picnic dates, and free community events.

Proof Brewing Company

Tallahassee’s largest craft brewery and a local nightlife favorite. Housed in a renovated warehouse, Proof features a sleek taproom and a huge beer garden lawn where you can play cornhole or relax at picnic tables.

They brew a wide variety of bold beers on-site—from hoppy IPAs to smooth stouts—many of them award-winning. The on-site brewpub serves up tasty Southern-inspired bites, including gourmet burgers and beer-friendly snacks.

Come for an afternoon flight or evening pints under the string lights—either way, Proof captures the capital’s friendly, laid-back vibe.

Address: 1320 S Monroe St, Tallahassee, FL 32301
Suitable For: Adults (21+); great for groups of friends, couples, and craft beer aficionados (Families welcome outdoors during daytime).

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Goodwood Museum & Gardens

Stroll beneath centuries-old live oaks at this beautiful 1830s estate-turned-museum. Once a vast cotton plantation, Goodwood today encompasses 20 acres of manicured gardens, orchid-filled greenhouses, and elegant lawns.

The centerpiece is the antebellum Goodwood mansion, preserved with original family furnishings, antiques, and artwork—touring the house feels like stepping into 19th-century Florida aristocracy. With lush grounds and historic charm, Goodwood is popular for weddings and events, though visitors can explore independently or join guided tours.

Address: 1600 Miccosukee Rd, Tallahassee, FL 32308
Suitable For: History and architecture lovers, garden enthusiasts, and those looking for a peaceful, romantic setting (a great date spot).

Challenger Learning Center (IMAX Theater & Planetarium)

Part of the FSU outreach school, this “edu-tainment” center is a hit with families and science geeks alike. It features a huge 3D IMAX theater (the biggest movie screen in town) and a 50-foot high-definition planetarium dome for immersive space shows.

You can also try the space mission simulator, where teams “launch” a mission to Mars or the Moon in a realistic control-room setting. With hands-on science labs, kid-friendly exhibits, and an ever-changing lineup of documentaries and Hollywood IMAX films, the Challenger Center makes learning fun.

Address: 200 S Duval St, Tallahassee, FL 32301
Suitable For: Families (kids love it!), school groups, rainy-day activity seekers, and anyone fascinated by space and science.

Lake Ella & Fred Drake Park

A tranquil oasis in the Midtown area, Lake Ella is a small 12-acre lake circled by a paved walking path about 0.6 miles around. Three fountains spray in the lake’s center, and friendly ducks and geese waddle along the shore hoping for treats.

Around the lake, quaint cottage shops sell everything from ice cream to eclectic gifts—grab coffee or a cone at Black Dog Café and enjoy it lakeside. On certain days, food trucks, live music, or community events enhance the experience. It’s a laid-back spot perfect for a picnic, a dog walk, or a peaceful sunset.

Address: N Monroe St & Lake Ella Dr, Tallahassee, FL 32308
Suitable For: Families with young kids, pet owners, joggers, and anyone looking to unwind by the water.

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Bradfordville Blues Club

Tucked down a dirt road beneath moss-hung oak trees, this legendary juke joint is as authentic as it gets. The one-room cinderblock club—the only Florida venue on the Mississippi Blues Trail—has hosted nationally acclaimed blues acts for decades.

It’s BYOB and cash-only; grab some fried catfish cooked outdoors over a bonfire and groove to live electric blues. On cool nights, crowds gather around the fire pit under the stars between sets. Bradfordville Blues Club isn’t just a music venue; it’s a cultural experience.

Address: 7152 Moses Lane, Tallahassee, FL 32309
Suitable For: Live music fans, couples seeking unique nightlife (Adults 21+).

Lichgate on High Road

A hidden fairy-tale nook in the city, Lichgate is a three-acre sanctuary centered around a massive 300-year-old live oak tree whose branches form a natural cathedral. Beside it sits a whimsical English Tudor-style cottage and a secret garden of native plants and flowers.

Visitors can wander the grounds, relax on swings under the oak’s canopy, or play provided acoustic instruments. Founded by a Florida State professor as "a place of enchantment," it feels worlds away from city bustle—a popular spot for picnics, small weddings, yoga, or peaceful reflection.

Address: 1401 High Rd, Tallahassee, FL 32304
Suitable For: Couples, meditation/yoga practitioners, nature lovers, anyone who loves quiet and enchantment.

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Tallahassee–St. Marks Historic Railroad State Trail

This rail-trail offers 20.5 miles of paved pathway stretching from Tallahassee to the coastal town of St. Marks, following Florida’s first railroad route from 1836.

Perfect for biking, jogging, skating, or walking through forests, marshes, and rural scenery.

Trail Access Point: 4778 Woodville Hwy, Tallahassee, FL 32305
Suitable For: Bicyclists, hikers, runners, families.

Lofty Pursuits

Part soda fountain, part toy store, Lofty Pursuits has delighted visitors since 1993.

Enjoy ice cream sundaes, malts, gourmet brunch dishes, and watch staff create Victorian-style handmade candy. It’s a nostalgic haven where children play tabletop games while adults enjoy treats.

Address: 1355 Market St, Ste A11, Tallahassee, FL 32312
Suitable For: Families, kids, sweet-tooth enthusiasts.

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Lake Jackson Mounds Archaeological State Park

Discover remnants of a Native American civilization that flourished 800 years ago. Four large earthwork mounds—two climbable via boardwalks—mark ceremonial sites of the Fort Walton Culture. Walk trails, visit a small museum, and reflect on the ancient past amid serene surroundings.

Address: 3600 Indian Mounds Rd, Tallahassee, FL 32303
Suitable For: History and anthropology enthusiasts, hikers, quiet explorers.

Make Tallahassee Your Home

Now that you've discovered all the amazing things Tallahassee has to offer, maybe you're considering calling this vibrant city home.

If you're thinking about putting down roots here, we're ready to help you get started.

Explore our comprehensive guides on the Top Florida First-Time Homebuyer Programs and learn about the Best Loan Programs available to help make your homeownership dreams a reality.

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