Top 12 Day Trips From Tallahassee, Florida

day trips from tallahassee
Richard Dean
Richard Dean 
Updated
| 4 min read

Ah, Tallahassee. The charming capital city of Florida has everything that a traveler is looking for. World-class attractions, parks, and excursions - Tallahassee sure promises fun and adventure for all ages. This town is also a good starting point to visit nearby cities. Monticello is a laid-back destination while St. Marks offers both land and water adventures. If you want to have a blast from the past, Quincy and Madison must be included on your list. For a dose of vitamin sea, you cannot complete your trip without Seaside on your list. With so much to see, one needs to be well-informed on where to stay. But don’t fret as Tallahassee has something for all, from cozy hotels to Airbnbs with pools. If you want to explore more about the beauty of this bustling region, check out our list of the top day trips from Tallahassee, Florida.

1. Seacrest Wolf Preserve

You should “howl” a little- it’s the WEEKEND!

Posted by Seacrest Wolf Preserve Inc. on Saturday, March 11, 2023

Experience an unforgettable day at Seacrest Wolf Preserve, a sanctuary dedicated to the preservation and education of wolves. Immerse yourself in the beauty of nature as you embark on a guided tour through the preserve’s serene surroundings. Encounter these majestic creatures up close, observing their natural behaviors and learning about their vital role in the ecosystem. Gain a deeper understanding of wolf conservation efforts and the importance of their protection.

With knowledgeable guides leading the way, you’ll also have the opportunity to interact with these intelligent and awe-inspiring animals.

Seacrest Wolf Preserve

Address: 3449 Bonnett Pond Rd, Chipley, FL 32428, United States

Website: Seacrest Wolf Preserve

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2. DeFuniak Springs

Coca Cola Bottling Plant, DeFuniak Springs, FL
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Dikjenkins1 used under CC BY-SA 3.0

Venture from Tallahassee to DeFuniak Springs and uncover a hidden gem worth exploring. Enjoy the scenic drive and arrive in DeFuniak Springs, where you’ll find a tranquil atmosphere and beautiful surroundings. Explore the shores of Lake DeFuniak, the town’s centerpiece, and take in the stunning Victorian architecture that adds to its character. Visit the Chautauqua Hall of Brotherhood to learn about the area’s cultural heritage.

When you get hungry, enjoy local cuisine at cozy restaurants and cafes, experiencing the region’s flavors.

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3. Seaside, Florida

Seaside Entrance
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user M.Fitzsimmons used under CC BY-SA 3.0

If you are dying for some vitamin sea, perhaps, you can consider Seaside as your day trip destination. Situated on the Gulf of Mexico in the northwest of the state, this city near Tallahassee, Florida, is only a two-and-a-half-hour trip on the road.

You cannot talk about Seaside without mentioning its terrific stretch of sand and coast. The Emerald Coast’s surf and sun promise a blast for everyone. Seaside is one of the most sought-after destinations in Florida. Fun fact: Seaside was even selected as a location for the film, “The Truman Show”.

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4. Panama City, Florida

Panama City Beach Florida
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Bart Everson used under CC BY 2.0

Panama City is a great destination for a weekend getaway near Tallahassee as it is only a two-hour drive away. This place is a mecca for water sports enthusiasts. Paddleboarding, kiteboarding, and kayaking are the name of the game at St. Andrews Bay. Several charters are also around the corner that offers a variety of excursions, from scuba to offshore fishing. If you are craving seafood, plenty of restaurants in this city serve seafood fresh daily.

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5. Marianna, Florida

Marianna city limits US90WB
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Michael Rivera used under CC BY-SA 4.0

Marianna is known as “The City of Southern Charm” for nothing. Being rich and natural beauty, from lakes to rivers and park, this spot in Florida gives numerous possibilities for excursions. Just over an hour’s trip away from Tallahassee, Marianna makes an exciting place for adventure. If you are a paddle-board enthusiast, your tour would be incomplete without exploring the Chipola River. Of course, Florida Caverns State Park should not be missed. There are other things to see and to do here, from visiting Lake Seminole to exploring Bellamy Bridge Trail.

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6. St. Augustine, Florida

Day Trips From Tallahassee, Florida
Source: Wallpaper Flare

Discover the beauty of the oldest city in the US, St. Augustine. This town in Florida, which is about three hours away from Tallahassee, offers plenty of amazing things to see and do. It presents old-world charm, thanks to the Spanish colonial architecture.

If you yearn to enjoy the Florida breeze, St. Augustine is one of the best places to head over to from Tallahassee. From the beaches offered by the coasts of the Atlantic Ocean to Crescent Beach and St. Augustine Beach, you’ll be spoilt for choice when it comes to chasing the sun. Meanwhile, Anastasia State Park is a refuge for wildlife. All in all, St. Augustine’s best offerings are perfect for those who are interested in adventure and history.

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7. Quincy, Florida

Quincy FL downtown04
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Ebyabe used under CC BY-SA 3.0

There is no underestimating Quincy. Only 20 to 30 minutes from Tallahassee, Quincy is a small city that boasts an old-world beauty with its charming Victorian-era architecture. If you want to have a glimpse of what Florida was like during the good old days, Quincy is a good example.

This town is a superb place to visit near Tallahassee for those who want to discover both the old and modern aspects of Florida. Museums, parks, and rivers are just a fraction of the action in Quincy.

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8. Madison, Florida

Madison FL Amtrak01
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Ebyabe used under CC BY-SA 3.0

Another interesting day trip destination, which is almost an hour’s drive away from Tallahassee, is Madison. The town is named after James Madison (the former president). If you want to explore the rich cultural scene of Florida, you can start with Madison. It features a historic area that includes restored houses and a wondrous downtown area that is home to plenty of unique shops, eateries, and museums.

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9. Monticello, Florida

Monticello FL Bailey-Brinson House01
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Ebyabe used under CC BY-SA 3.0

Another cultural day trip that you should not miss is Monticello. This beautiful town is just 35 minutes away from Tallahassee. If you want to escape the hustle and bustle of the city, Monticello can be your refuge. Boasting a tranquil atmosphere, rolling hills, splendid rivers, and 19th-century homes, Monticello allows you to take a break from the world even for a short time. Nature excursion opportunities are aplenty here and can be the highlight of your adventure, from exploring Monticello Ecological Park to launching a canoe from Wacissa Headwaters Park.

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10. Albany, Georgia

US 82 bridge over Flint River in Albany, GA, US
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Jud McCranie used under CC BY-SA 4.0

Featuring outdoor activities, museums, and nature recreation sites, to name a few, Albany, Georgia is a must-visit destination from Tallahassee. It is an hour and forty minutes’ trip from Tallahassee. The Blue Hole, which has an underground cave with crystal blue waters, is a natural wonder you must check out. You cannot visit the Flint River without embarking on a kayaking trip. Get up close to Georgia’s marine life at Flint RiverQuarium. Indeed, Georgia is also famous for gastronomy - there are plenty of restaurants that serve sumptuous meals, from biscuits with bacon gravy to chicken nachos and fried seafood.

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11. Jacksonville, Florida

Jacksonville
Source: Needpix

If you happen to be in Tallahassee and you want to explore more nearby destinations, don’t forget Jacksonville. Situated in northeastern Florida, Jacksonville is two and a half hours away from Tallahassee. It offers unlimited opportunities for fun and adventure for everyone. It’s time to discover why this town ranked as “one of the nation’s most value-friendly travel destinations.” It has plenty of museums where you can start your crash course into the history of Florida. Water escapades such as surfing and swimming are also famous here. It is a favorite place for foodie lovers with its outstanding culinary scene. Meanwhile, the 35.41 km (22 mi) of gorgeous beaches are waiting for you to explore.

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12. St. Marks, Florida

St Marks Poseys Oyster Bar02
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Ebyabe used under CC BY-SA 3.0

Situated in Wakulla Country and within the metropolitan territory of Tallahassee, St. Marks is also a must-visit destination. If you are craving for a natural getaway, St. Marks features nature, wildlife, history, and water adventures, including boating, fishing, snorkeling, and hiking. Yes, St. Marks will give you the best of both worlds of adventure and culture. Make sure not to miss this awesome spot.

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Amazing destinations from Tallahassee

Florida is one of the most sought-after tourist destinations in the US. If you happen to be in Tallahassee, then you are in the right spot to experience a wide array of adventures. Tallahassee makes a good starting point to visit other Florida cities that have surprising offers.

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Frequently asked questions about the top day trips from Tallahassee, Florida


  • Which day trip destinations near Tallahassee are suitable for couples?

    Traveling partners have these destinations to consider for a one-for-the-books experience around Tallahassee: i) Panama City, Seaside, and At. Augustine for exciting water adventures, ii) Quincy and Madison to get to know Florida’s culture and bygone era, and iii) St. Marks and Albany for all-around outdoor thrills.

  • Which day trip locations around Tallahassee are good for avoiding crowds?

    Florida is home to many hidden gems. Luckily, some of these unspoiled locations are just a quick drive from Tallahassee. If you’re looking to avoid the crowds, you can include these in your itinerary: i) DeFuniak Springs, ii) Marianna, Florida, iii) Monticello, and iv) Quincy.

Any must-sees we missed? Tell us about them in the comments section or write a post here to help out fellow travelers!
Disclosure: Trip101 selects the listings in our articles independently. Some of the listings in this article contain affiliate links.

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Richard, a writer and traveler, is also passionate about biking. When not immersed in bike parts or computers, he can be found at the market, hunting for ingredients to fuel his love for...Read more

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