Tallahassee is the state capital of Florida. The city boasts a host of historical landmarks and attractions that over the years have attracted tourists from all the four corners of the globe. Tallahassee is a city with rich history and culture. Unlike many cities, Tallahassee boasts a sizeable amount of American history and heritage. The historical landmarks and attractions include iconic parks, state forests, prestigious squares plus many others are among the attraction that makes Tallahassee most adored. There are even food joints and social joints that make it such an exciting city. Read on to find more about things to do in Tallahassee, Florida.
1. Explore the Tallahassee Museum of History and Natural Science
Tallahassee Museum of History and Natural Science is strategically located on Museum Drive. This is one of the major reasons you find both local and international tourists visiting Florida. It features several historical buildings, a natural habitat zoo, and an environmental science center. The museum hosts a variety of exhibits like the Big Ben Farm, which is the most popular one. Most of the exhibits are meant to enlighten people about the culture and history of the Big Bend fraternity. You will have fun seeing historical houses, beautiful gardens, and a gristmill. The zoo has animals such as bears, bobcats, and deer, just to name a few.
Tallahassee Museum
Address: 3945 Museum Rd, Tallahassee, FL 32310, USA
Website: Tallahassee Museum
Opening hours: Mon - Sat: 9am - 5pm; Sun: 11am - 5pm
2. Witness the charming Alfred B. Maclay Gardens State Park
Perfectly positioned on Thomasville Road, Alfred B. Maclay Gardens State Park is a beautiful botanical garden with breathtaking scenery. Take your loved one and head to this charming paradise and enjoy breathtaking sightseeing as the beautiful flowers provide the perfect romantic atmosphere. There are so many fun things you can do in this charming garden to make your day wonderful. From hiking, bird watching, and cycling to canoeing and fishing you will have so much fun. You will get to see and learn about different tree species like dogwoods, Japanese maples, cypresses amongst others. This is one of the best things to do when in Tallahassee.
Alfred B. Maclay Gardens State Park
Address: 3540 Thomasville Rd, Tallahassee, FL 32309, USA
Website: Alfred B. Maclay Gardens State Park
Opening hours: 8am - 8:30pm (daily)
3. Tour the Challenger Learning Center with your kids
Are you in Tallahassee for vacation and looking for fun things to do with your family? The Challenger Learning Center is the perfect place you should be visiting. This is a K-12 outreach program of the Florida A&M University – Florida State University College Engineering. This center is perfectly located on South Duval Street and its main ambition is to promote interest in STEM. You will find many fascinating things in the center like a space mission simulator, IMAX 3D Theater, and many others. For kids, the fun is limitless. From camps, kids’ free day to joining the NASA space mission using the space mission simulator, kids will definitely enjoy.
Challenger Learning Center
Address: 200 S Duval St, Tallahassee, FL 32301, USA
Website: Challenger Learning Center
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4. Tour the Tallahassee Antique Car Museum
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Posted by Tallahassee Automobile Museum on Monday, 15 April 2019
Perfectly located on Mahan Drive, Tallahassee Antique Car Museum is one of the major attractions in Tallahassee, Florida. If you are the kind of person who loves cars, especially vintage cars, you should make touring this car museum the top priority in your to-do list. You will get the chance to explore and learn more about American-made cars, as well as many other items that showcase the American culture. The museum boasts a huge collection of automobiles that also includes the funeral hearse of Abraham Lincoln and three Batmobiles. In case you have a special event coming up, there are several banquet rooms that can be rented for such.
Tallahassee Antique Car Museum
Address: 6800 Mahan Dr, Tallahassee, FL 32308, USA
Website: Tallahassee Antique Car Museum
Opening hours: Mon - Fri: 8am - 5pm; Sat: 10am - 5pm; Sun: 11am - 5pm
5. Explore the historical Mission San Luis de Apalachee
Mission San Luis de Apalachee is one of the many historical landmarks in Tallahassee. Strategically located in West Tennessee Street, west of downtown Tallahassee, it was built as a Spanish Franciscan mission in 1633. The ancient building was demolished but most have been rebuilt anew including the convent, the church, the fort, the blockhouse, including a typical Spanish house. You can learn more about the history of the Anhaica capital of the Apalachee province from the 300-year-old artifacts kept in the mission. Due to the rich American history it holds, the mission was officially confirmed as a US National Landmark in 1960.
Mission San Luis
Address: 2100 W Tennessee St, Tallahassee, FL 32304, USA
Website: Mission San Luis
Opening hours: Tue - Sun: 10am - 4pm (daily)
6. Walk into the Florida Historic Capitol Museum
The Florida Historic Capitol Museum is perfectly situated in the symbolic 1845 Historic Capital Building on South Monroe Street and it is one of the many reasons why tourists from all over the world keep visiting Tallahassee. The museum displays historical photographs, interactive exhibits, and political artifacts. This historical building serves also as an administrative block as it is where you will find the office of the Governor, the Supreme Court, and the House of Representatives. You can learn more about how the state of Florida came to be what it is today by visiting this museum. You’ll find a lot of educative material that you can learn from.
Florida Historic Capitol Museum
Address: 400 S Monroe St, Tallahassee, FL 32399, USA
Website: Florida Historic Capitol Museum
Opening hours: Mon - Fri: 9am - 4:30pm; Sat: 10am - 4:30pm; Sun: 12pm - 4:30pm
7. Enjoy some blues music at Bradfordville Blues Club
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Posted by Bradfordville Blues Club on Monday, 17 June 2019
Are you a fan of blues music and are looking for a place to hang out in Tallahassee? Worry no more because there’s an interesting place for you. Strategically located on Moses Lane, in a rural area of Tallahassee is Bradfordville Blues Club. The club is a single room cinder block building in a lovely neighborhood with old oak trees and cornfields. The club operates on Friday and Saturday nights hosting different performances each weekend. Enjoy the soothing blues music as you admire portraits of famous blues artists. You can even spend some romantic moments on the cozy bonfire outside under the oak trees.
Bradfordville Blues Club
Address: 7152 Moses Ln, Tallahassee, FL 32309, USA
Website: Bradfordville Blues Club
Opening hours: Fri - Sat: 8:30pm - 12am (closed Sun - Thu)
8. Explore the interior of Knott House Museum
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Posted by Knott House Museum on Friday, 21 June 2019
Perfectly located on East Park Avenue, is the iconic Knott House Museum that was constructed by George Proctor in 1834. If you remember history well then you remember the famous Emancipation Proclamation by President Abraham Lincoln. Then it was on the front steps of this Knott House where that historical moment happened. Before the house was passed on to the iconic Tallahassee Preservative Board, it used to be occupied by families like William Knott and his wife and Luella. The house underwent some restorations before it was opened to the public as a museum in 1992. To learn more join the guided tours usually on Wednesday and Saturday.
Knott House Museum
Address: 301 E Park Ave, Tallahassee, FL 32301, USA
Website: Knott House Museum
Opening hours: Wed - Fri: 1pm - 3pm; Sat: 10am - 3pm (closed Sun - Tue)
9. Play golf at Southwood Golf Club
The Southwood Golf Club is strategically located on Grove Park Drive. This famous golf club is one of the best golf courses in the entire state of Florida. It is located in a green picturesque landscape with beautiful rolling hills and oak trees covered in Spanish moss. You can make group reservations to have breakfast with friends or colleague. Not only that, but the club also hosts special events like corporate functions and private events like holiday and family dinners. You can even book for a romantic dinner with your loved one. The public can rent it for events such as holiday gatherings, company parties, and even weddings.
Southwood Golf Club
Address: 3750 Grove Park Drive, Tallahassee, FL 32311, United States
Website: Southwood Golf Club
Opening hours: 6:45am - 7pm (daily)
10. Hike the Lake Jackson Mounds Archaeological State Park
Are you bored in your hotel room and looking for something nature-related to engage in? This is your best opportunity to explore and mingle with nature while enjoying your beautiful vacation in Tallahassee. Lake Jackson Mounds Archaeological State Park is strategically located on the south shore of Lake Jackson. This prestigious archeological site is one of the major tourist attractions in Florida. The area is occupied by a public plaza, four earthwork mounds, and a large number of residential villages. There are two trails that you can follow as you explore the beautiful scenery that will leave your mouth wide open.
Lake Jackson Mounds Archaeological State Park
Address: 3600 Indian Mound Rd, Tallahassee, FL 32303, USA
Website: Lake Jackson Mounds Archaeological State Park
Opening hours: 8am - 6pm (daily)
11. Explore the wooded path of Lichgate on High Road
Would you love to spend some alone time with your better half where there are no distractions of the activities of the city? Hold the hand of your loved one and head to Lichgate on High Road. There’s no better way to maximize your romantic time and special moments than walking together under the lovely tall trees listening while mingling with nature. The tranquility of this place makes it the most favorite destination for lovers on vacation. You will get a chance to explore the lovely cottage sitting on Lichgate and an expansive oak tree where you can even take some photos for your memories.
Lichgate on High Road
Address: 1401 High Rd, Tallahassee, FL 32304, USA
Website: Lichgate on High Road
Opening hours: 10am - 8pm (daily)
12. Visit the 9/11 Whale Sculptures
The 9/11 Whale Sculptures is a national treasure that manifests how a certain man bemoaned the inhuman actions of terrorists during the 9/11 Twin Towers attack. The sight of four large whales wonderfully sculpted with an American flag flying under those beautiful trees is breathtaking. Those whales are symbolically put there to act as time recorders and educate people to respect the voices of nature, listen to the emotions, feelings and share the pain with others. This place carries a lot of memories of that tragic day and it’s an ideal place to take kids and young people to teach them of that piece of American history.
9/11 Whale Sculptures
Address: 2546 Centerville Road, Tallahassee, FL
13. Learn about Elizabeth Budd-Graham
Posted by Carrie Frank Barlow on Tuesday, 21 May 2019
Are you thrilled by superstitious stories about witchcraft? You should then definitely pay the Old City Cemetery a visit. This is where the grave of Elizabeth Budd-Graham, famously believed to have been a white witch. The 23-year-old mother was buried under an elaborate headstone in the August cemetery. The memorial immediately brought to life legends about her, including her having been born in the witchy month of October. Also, the direction in which the gravestone is facing is worth noting. Unlike the other cemetery markers and antagonistic to Christian traditions, her gravestone faces west. There are many stories about Elizabeth and witchcraft that you can learn by visiting the cemetery.
Old City Cemetery
Address: 400 W Park Ave, Tallahassee, FL 32301, USA
Website: Old City Cemetery
14. Indulge at Bird's Aphrodisiac Oyster Shack
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Posted by Bird's Of Wakulla on Friday, 28 December 2018
Are you a lover of seafood? Then make a point of dropping by Bird’s Aphrodisiac Oyster Shack and treat your taste glands with some mouthwatering dishes. The outlet is perfectly located north of Tennessee Street on Bronough, just right across from the round Sheraton Four Points. The delicious menus are expertly prepared with freshly sourced ingredients. The menu comprises of savory burgers, chicken sandwiches, hot dogs, and even veggie burgers to quench your culminating appetite. There’s also lots of cool entertainment from live music and karaoke to comedy and trivia. A variety of drinks including beer, wine, and liquor are also served.
Bird's Aphrodisiac Oyster Shack
Address: 325 N Bronough St, Tallahassee, FL 32301, USA
Website: Bird’s Aphrodisiac Oyster Shack
Opening hours: Tue - Fri: 11am - 2am; Sat: 12pm - 2am; Sun: 6pm - 2am (closed on Mon)
Price: 11 USD onwards
15. Visit the Railroad Square Art District
Railroad Square Art District is strategically located off Railroad Avenue, just south of the Amtrak station and FAMU. The district brings together arts, culture, and entertainment all together in one place. Visiting the square should be one of the things to do during your vacation in Tallahassee. Head there and get yourself a souvenir or buy your loves ones some beautiful gifts there. From working artist studios to locally owned shops, there’s a lot you will discover with a short trip to Railroad Square. The site hosts a variety of infrastructure from art galleries and art studios to rock climbing gym and local coffee shops among others.
Railroad Square Art District
Address: 618 McDonnell Dr, Tallahassee, FL 32310, USA
Website: Railroad Square Art District
Opening hours: Tue - Thu: 11am - 6pm; Fri: 11am - 11pm; Sat & Sun: 11am - 9pm (closed on Mon)
16. Taste the daily changing menu of Kool Beanz Café
Kool Beanz Café is a new American restaurant that is strategically located in the heart if Tallahassee city. The restaurant provides the perfect ambiance for dining combined with their amazing menus. The delicious dishes are prepared from locally sourced fresh ingredients and perfectly cooked to perfection by the highly experienced chefs. It is a nice place where you can go and treat your loved one to some mouthwatering American cuisines. They also serve a large variety of wines that you can choose from to compliment your delightful lunch or dinner. Enjoy a warm welcome and hospitality from their highly trained staff that will make you feel appreciated.
Kool Beanz Café
Address: 921 Thomasville Rd, Tallahassee, FL 32303, USA
Website: Kool Beanz Café
Opening hours: Mon - Fri: 11am - 2:30pm, 5:30pm - 10pm; Sat: 5:30pm - 10pm; Sun: 10:30am - 2pm
Price: 11 USD onwards
17. Grab a bite of juicy burger at Voodoo Dog
Voodoo Dog is a casual restaurant strategically located just off of W Gaines Street serving delicious burgers and hot dogs with inventive toppings such as mac n cheese. This is one of the most famous food joints in the entire state and has gained a reputation for serving mouthwatering hot dogs and burgers. It has a lovely deck where you can enjoy your lovely dinner. The colorful menus include takeaways like sides, burgers, dogs while they also serve a secret menu comprising of currywurst and foghorn among others. They also have a special hour where they serve beer and dog special.
Voodoo Dog
Address: 805 S Macomb St, Tallahassee, FL 32301, USA
Website: Voodoo Dog
Opening hours: Sun - Thu: 11am - 9pm; Fri - Sat: 11am - 10pm
Price: Under 10 USD
18. Enjoy delicious breakfast at Bada Bean
This is a hidden gem in Tallahassee that if you discover it, it will definitely leave an impression on you. This is the place when you wake up burning on the inside with hunger you should going for a satisfying breakfast. Their delicious menus comprise of mouthwatering choices like pancakes, omelets, quiche, corned beef hash, and even Health Eats. The atmosphere is very enticing plus the aroma that’s in the makes you long for that big bite. You should definitely make a point of visiting this casual coffee shop serving health-conscious menus that include classic morning east and savory sandwiches.
The Bada Bean
Address: 2500 Apalachee Pkwy # B, Tallahassee, FL 32301, USA
Website: The Bada Bean
Opening hours: Mon - Wed: 6:30am - 2pm; Thu - Fri: 6:30am - 3pm; Sat - Sun: 7:30am - 3pm
Price: Under 10 USD
19. Have fun playing Flippin' Great Pinball
If you are on a family vacation in Tallahassee, then this is one of the best places you can go and spend some precious time with your beloved family. Situated on Commercial Drive, Flippin’ Great Pinball is an iconic amusement center where you can go and enjoy family-oriented entertainment. This is a pinball parlor and an arcade that houses more than 35 well-maintained games and hosts tournaments, leagues, and parties. People and kids can enjoy playing pinball with no quarters required. There’s a host of arcade games, old and new, that come and watch. There’s no better way to spend family time than having fun together.
Flippin' Great Pinball
Address: 1007 Commercial Dr, Tallahassee, FL 32310, USA
Website: Flippin’ Great Pinball
Opening hours: Wed - Thu: 4pm - 10pm; Fri: 4pm - 12am; Sat: 12pm - 12am; Sun: 12pm - 10pm (closed on Mon & Tue)
20. Taste sheer freshness at Bruster's Real Ice Cream
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
Perfectly located on Tharpe Street, Bruster’s Ice Cream is an American chain of ice cream parlors that specialize in ice cream and frozen yogurt made from a milk-based mix. This is the perfect place to take your loved one and treat them with scoops of flavorful ice cream or yogurt. The menu includes a variety of delicious products like Waffle cones, Oreo ice cream, freezes, sandwiches, sorbet, Italian ice, milkshakes, ice cream cakes just to mention but a few. Have fun as you lick your freezes or sip on your milkshake with your loved one. You can order some for takeaway.
Bruster's Real Ice Cream
Address: 2475 Apalachee Pkwy, Tallahassee, FL 32301, USA
Website: Bruster’s Real Ice Cream
Opening hours: Mon - Thu: 1pm - 9pm; Fri - Sun: 12pm - 10pm
21. Enjoy handcrafted beers at Proof Brewing Company
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
Do you love beer and are thirsty for a drink? Don’t worry because you can quench this thirst by visiting Proof Brewing Company and enjoy a beer or two to kick off your weekend. The atmosphere there is just fabulous with a trained staff that will attend to you with warm hospitality. As it’s not wise to drink on an empty belly, you can eat some delicious food before ordering for a beer. After a long and busy week, this would be an ideal place to hang out with friends over the weekend. Relax and enjoy handcrafted beers before heading back to your apartment.
Proof Brewing Company
Address: 1320 S Monroe St, Tallahassee, FL 32301, USA
Website: Proof Brewing Company
Opening hours: Mon: 4pm - 10pm; Tue - Thu: 4pm - 12am; Fri & Sat: 11am - 1am; Sun: 11am - 12am
22. Enjoy Asian cuisine at Jasmine Café
Our sushi is a work of art
Posted by Jasmine Cafe on Wednesday, 15 October 2014
Jasmine Café is a quirky family-owned and managed Japanese food joint that is strategically located along College Avenue. This restaurant specializes in creative sushi rolls, craft beers, and a host of daily specials. Do you love sushi or just Japanese food in general? Then you should make a point of visiting this restaurant and taste your taste buds to some delicious Japanese delicacies. Their food is specially prepared from locally acquired and fresh ingredients and cooked by highly experienced chefs. There’s also a wide selection of drinks to choose from including beer, tasty wine, and sake. This is the perfect place to enjoy Japanese culinary art.
Jasmine Cafe & Lounge
Address: 109 E College Ave, Tallahassee, FL 32301, USA
Price: 11 USD onwards
23. Go camping at Lake Talquin State Forest
Are you a couple that loves adventure and is looking for something romantic to do? What you and your loved one need to do is pack a camping bag and get ready to go camping. Perfectly situated on Geddie Road near Tallahassee, is Lake Talquin State Forest, a 17,491-acre (7078.3 hectares) state forest with breathtaking geography. The charming green trees growing along the banks of the Ochlockonee River combined with the serenity around Lake Talquin make this state forest such a magical place. It’s such a romantic place where you can get away from all the noise of the city and spend some valuable time with your love.
Lake Talquin State Park and Forest
Address: 865 Geddie Rd, Tallahassee, FL 32304, USA
Website: Lake Talquin State Park and Forest
Opening hours: 8am - 6pm (daily)
Fun things to do during you vacation in Tallahassee, Florida
If you happen to be in Florida for vacation or just a romantic getaway, the list we have compiled for you for things to do in Tallahassee will make your vacation be engaging and full of fun.
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