15 Top Things to Do in Tallahassee, the “Other Florida” (2024)

Last Updated on March 4, 2024

Looking for fun things to do in Tallahassee? We’ve got you covered.

For many, Florida represents a tropical oasis with sandy beaches, swaying palm trees, amusement parks, and golf courses.

But Tallahassee, Florida’s Capital City, provides an experience into “the other” Florida.

Author Gloria Jahoda, who lived in Tallahassee during the 1960s, wrote a book entitled The Other Florida.

It chronicles her discoveries of the people, history, flora, and fauna of the Florida Panhandle’s back roads. This is a part of Florida you won’t want to miss.

Authentic Things to Do in Tallahassee

2024 is a big year for Tallahassee. It’s Tally’s Bicentennial.

The City of Tallahassee is holding a free birthday celebration at City Hall Plaza on March 4, 2024 from 11:30 am to 1:00 pm.

Much has changed in Tallahassee over the years. Even today, the area is so more than the hub of Florida’s state government.

Tallahassee is home to moss-covered canopy roads, gently rolling hills, old plantations, floral gardens, and deep history.

It’s also full of scenic outdoors with springs, sinkholes, rivers, and lakes, locally inspired cuisine, and a younger vibe – all with delightful southern charm.

Tallahassee is home to one of the youngest and most educated populations per capita in the state with two major universities, Florida State and Florida A & M.

Tallahassee is a hospitable southern town where you’re likely to be addressed with a “Yes Ma’am” or a “No Sir.”

And chances are that if you ask questions of a local on the street, you have invited a conversation reflecting a deep-rooted love of the area.

Call it Tallahassee pride.

Moss-draped live oaks, sweet gums, hickory, and pine trees pride. Shrimp and grits pride. Blues music pride. Seminole pride. Outdoor pride. Historic pride. And also local pride.

So, for your next visit, soak in some of the things that make locals love their town.

Here are some things to do and see in and around Tallahassee that provide a journey through “the other” Florida.

Maclay Gardens State Park

New Yorkers Alfred and Louise Maclay purchased the Tallahassee property in 1923 as a Florida winter retreat. Alfred Maclay created floral gardens where the family enjoyed their sanctuary overlooking Lake Hall.

Now a state park, Maclay Gardens is a collection of floral gardens. These include brick walkways, walled gardens, fountains, ponds, pine needle pathways, and peaceful sitting areas.

Overhanging shady live oaks, holly, magnolias, dogwood, and palms line a brick trail leading to the Maclay home (open from January through April).

More than 200 floral varieties of native and exotic plants thrive in the Maclay Gardens. Between January and April, the property bursts with color from camellias, azaleas, rhododendrons, and wisteria.

Maclay Gardens is an ideal place for quiet meditation or a stroll amongst the intimate green spaces.

A nearby recreation area on Lake Hall provides opportunities for swimming and a lakeside lunch.

Maclay Gardens State Park Address: 3540 Thomasville Rd, Tallahassee, FL 32309

Mission San Luis

Overlooking the capital city, the 63-acre Mission San Luis is both remarkable and memorable.

Easily one of Tallahassee’s best things to do, this living history museum gives visitors a close-up experience of two cultures coexisting — the Spanish colonialists and Apalachee natives.

Walk into the life and times of these peoples as interpreted by costumed re-enactors while strolling through reconstructed period buildings, exhibits, and demonstrations.

Well before the arrival of the Spanish colonialists, the Apalachee Indians lived in the region, existing as farmers and hunters growing corn, beans, and squash while hunting game and fish.

Over time, the Apalachee tribe became increasingly vulnerable to foreign attacks and epidemics requiring a protective alliance with the Spanish.

During the mid-1500s and the late 1600s, Florida was home to more than 100 Spanish colonial missions.

Invited by the Apalachee tribe, Spanish friars, soldiers, and civilians established the mission that became the western capital of Spanish Florida.

The stunning Mission San Luis complex has been recreated to portray the fascinating life when more than 1500 Apalachee Indians and Spanish colonists resided at the mission.

The spacious grounds contain a large open plaza surrounded by a council house, chief’s house, a Spanish home, a fort, a Franciscan church, and a complex where both cultures attended mass.

The Apalachee Council House is the most impressive structure at the mission.

The pyramid-shaped thatched building, which served as a community meeting place, is 125 feet in diameter and five stories high with a hearth in the center where ceremonial rituals and dances were performed.

Tallahassee’s Mission San Luis is the only historic Florida mission that has been reconstructed and is open to the public.

Mission San Luis Address: 2100 W Tennessee St, Tallahassee, FL 32304

Bradley’s Country Store

Just 12 miles from Tallahassee, take a country drive along a canopy road to discover Bradley’s County Store. Since 1927, this family-owned business, on the National Register of Historic Places is a rare Florida find.

Bradley’s is a folksy country store where locals stop and sit on the front porch to enjoy a cold beverage while enjoying the famous Bradley smoked sausage sandwich.

The homemade sausage is made from Grandma Mary Bradley’s recipe, mixed with special seasoning, smoked, and served in a simple bun.

The legendary store is where farmers and senators meet and greet as the smoke rises from “the old smokehouse” behind the store.

And as you prepare to leave, you may even hear the sound of grain being milled in the nearby wooden millhouse reminding you to grab a bag of Bradley’s signature grits to take home.

Bradley’s Country Store Address: 10655 Centerville Rd, Tallahassee, FL 32309

Railroad Square Art District

The Railroad Square Art District in Tallahassee, Florida, is a vibrant and eclectic area known for its artsy vibe and creative community.

It’s located just south of downtown Tallahassee, near Florida State University and Florida A&M University.

The district is home to a variety of art galleries, studios, boutiques, and small businesses, all housed in colorful warehouses and industrial buildings.

One of the main attractions in Railroad Square is the First Friday Gallery Hop, a popular event that takes place on the first Friday of every month.

During this event, galleries and shops stay open late, and the area comes alive with live music, food trucks, and street performers.

It’s a great opportunity for visitors to explore the art, meet local artists, and enjoy the lively atmosphere.

In addition to the art galleries, Railroad Square also features unique shops selling vintage clothing, handmade jewelry, and other eclectic items.

There are also several cafes and eateries where visitors can grab a bite to eat, enjoy a cup of coffee or a craft beer.

The Railroad Square Art District is a must-visit for anyone looking to experience the creative side of Tallahassee and immerse themselves in the local art scene.

Railroad Square Art District Address: 661 Railroad Sq, Tallahassee, FL 32310

Museum of Florida History

NOTE: Temporary Closure of the Museum of Florida History. See official press release for more information.

To learn about the people of Florida from the earliest native Floridians through the present time, enjoy a walk through the Museum of Florida History.

Exhibits and artifacts of Florida’s past begin with the towering ice age prehistoric Mastodon skeleton. It was found at the bottom of Wakulla Springs, just 30 miles south of Tallahassee.

This visually engaging, interactive museum display features a diorama of a native Indian village, including a collection of dugout canoes and ancient tools and artifacts.

More layers of history are on display by observing a sample shell Indian mound, known as a midden revealing archeological insight into this past culture.

Visitors learn how Europeans interacted with natives creating cultural dynamics through arts, trade, weapons, and religious exhibits.

Discover more chapters of Florida’s European history through exhibits of cannons, weapons, ships, uniforms, and a Spanish home.

Board a Spanish ship, and experience maritime life while carrying precious cargo including treasures of gold and silver.

Other themes include Florida during the Civil War and World War II. Or experience a real citrus packinghouse while admiring old Florida farm machinery.

Walk through the earliest Florida tourism campaigns detailing arrivals by steamboat, tin can campers, and a Model T Ford.

But don’t miss the complete exhibition of Florida Highwaymen paintings, a collection of black artists who traveled Florida’s roads selling their artwork during the mid-twentieth century.

Museum of Florida History Address: 500 S Bronough St, Tallahassee, FL 32399

Wakulla Springs State Park – Jungle Cruise

Just 30 minutes south of Tallahassee, visit one of Florida’s most prized springs and rivers at the Wakulla Springs State Park.

Millions of gallons of water per day pour out of the Wakulla Spring, home to one of the largest and deepest freshwater springs in the world with an extensive underwater cave system.

While at the park and springs, there are a number of things to do and see. Enjoy the popular beach and swimming hole or even test your bravery by leaping off the wooden tower into the refreshing bubbly spring.

But don’t miss the Jungle Cruise, a three-mile loop through the wildlife sanctuary as huge alligators sun on the riverbank, unique birds fly overhead or perch in Cypress trees, as river cooters (turtles) and even manatees swim by.

Wakulla Springs Lodge

Walk through the 1937 Mediterranean Revival and and be sure to look up at the wood beam ceiling painted with Florida wildlife and art.

But don’t miss “Old Joe,” a stuffed 11 ft. alligator that once lived in the park.

For dining, try the restaurant at the lodge. They have an outstanding menu of fresh local seafood, including oysters and fish, delicious fried chicken — and the famous navy bean soup.

Make sure you leave room for dessert! The homemade cakes are to die for.

Wakulla Springs State Park Address: 465 Wakulla Park Dr, Wakulla Springs, FL 32327

Check out Our Favorite Things to Do in Wakulla Springs.

The Wakulla River

Wakulla Springs is the origin of the Wakulla River that flows nine miles south joining the St. Marks River, then on to the Gulf of Mexico.

Enjoy a relaxing kayak trip downstream with Tallahassee’s Harry Smith Outdoors.

The guide meets you at the bridge just south of the park (CR 365 bridge), transport the kayaks, paddles, and equipment then guide you downstream for a two-hour leisurely paddle.

Enjoy the scenic lush green landscape along the slow-moving Wakulla River as you listen to the morning bird calls. Take in the river wildlife including turtles and an occasional alligator lying on submerged logs.

Bald Cypress trees border the waterway, paddlers, and boaters cruise by. Watch for Ospreys and Bald Eagles but be on the lookout for manatees as they swim by in stealth mode.

St. Marks Wildlife Refuge

If you have time, head to St Marks National Wildlife Refuge on the Gulf Coast.

Enjoy the beauty of the Refuge, a historic lighthouse, and more than 300 different species of birds.

Enjoy a trail walk to observe hawks, Swallowtail kites, Bald eagles, owls, ospreys, and even a flamingo.

St Marks National Wildlife Refuge Address: 1255 Lighthouse Rd, Crawfordville, FL

Goodwood Museum and Gardens

The North Florida and Tallahassee region is home to more than 70 antebellum plantations. They also serve as reminders of the state’s past.

Tallahassee’s Goodwood Museum & Gardens, once an 1838 cotton and corn plantation, is a treasured heirloom providing a glimpse into the privileged life of five families who occupied the restored main home and grounds.

It’s now a 16-acre landmark surrounded by gardens of live oaks cloaked in Spanish moss and resurrection ferns.

The 170-year old main home is furnished with a parlor, dining room, kitchen, bedrooms, and living areas with authentic furniture, porcelain, textiles, and glassware.

More than 20 outlying historic buildings complement the property including cottages and a reflecting pond.

Florida history from the early 19^th century to the present comes alive through its home tours, charm, and seasonal gardens. The gardens are full of camellias, magnolias, flowering cherries, freesias, azaleas, roses, and lilies.

The Goodwood Museum & Gardens is also a gathering place for community events and weddings with a reconstructed carriage house for receptions.

Goodwood Museum & Gardens Address: 1600 Miccosukee Rd, Tallahassee, FL 32308

KitchenAble Cooking School

Sometimes dining can be more than a trip to a restaurant.

Meet Jessica Bright McMullen, a self-described ”food enthusiast, and kitchen enabler.”

Jessica runs KitchenAble, a cooking school situated in a stone cottage on Tallahassee’s popular Lake Ella.

Jessica, a chef, author, and cooking teacher, invites the public to her kitchen school for a lesson and a meal.

She teaches and entertains through classes, events, and monthly supper clubs. Guests sit around her kitchen and learn how to prepare tantalizing meals.

A gifted entertainer, Jessica creates a meal from appetizers to desserts in front of guests. They sip wine and enjoy her priceless stories while having fun.

As the daughter of a farmer, Jessica extols the virtues of cooking with local produce and seafood by “growing your own” or sourcing the best possible ingredients at farmer’s markets.

She prepares a meal of sautéed greens, roasted fresh vegetables, local shrimp and grits, sausage and apples, plus sweet potato biscuits, and then tops off the meal with a Tallahassee local recipe of Sea Salt Carmel Cake and a Pavlova with kumquat puree.

Family and friends help her create this masterpiece of a meal, while guests enjoy every bite.

KitchenAble Cooking School Address: 967 Briarcliff Rd, Tallahassee, FL 32308

Kool Beanz Cafe

For dining out in Tallahassee, try the ever-popular Kool Beanz Café.

The Tallahassee institution has mouth-watering starters (smoky corn crab cakes), eclectic salads and greens, and tantalizing main courses (lime mojo snapper, green mango salsa, sweet plantains, black bean-coconut sauce).

Kool Beanz Café Address: 921 Thomasville Rd., Tallahassee, FL 32303

Dog et Al

For a casual meal, try Dog Et Al. They specialize in making dogs “a work of art.”

This Tallahassee institution has been serving the best hot dogs and hamburgers since 1984.

They also have amazing hand cut french fries and hand held apple pies.

Dog Et Al Address: 1456 S Monroe St., Tallahassee, FL 32301

Craft Breweries

Craft breweries are making a statement in Tally. Three of the best are Proof, Lake Tribe, and DEEP.

• Proof Brewing Company Address: 1320 S Monroe St., Tallahassee, FL 32301
• Lake Tribe Brewing Company Address: 3357 Garber Dr. #4, Tallahassee, FL 32303
• DEEP Brewing Company Address: 2524 Cathay Ct. #2, Tallahassee, FL 32308

Where to Stay

Consider Tallahassee’s Hotel Duval, located on Monroe Street downtown. This sleek and comfy boutique property is In the process of a facelift.

This renovation is to reflect its past while updating for greater comfort. The hotel rooftop lounge also provides one of the best glimpses of the downtown.

Historically, the hotel was the place to be seen and where big political deals were made. It was once home to the legendary Golden Key Lounge.

Here, townies secretly drank in the 1950-60s when Leon County was dry. The Golden Key will soon be resurrected with the new renovation.

Hotel Duval Address: 415 N Monroe St, Tallahassee, FL 32301

Discover It

After a visit to Tallahassee, you may experience a new perspective of Florida as a place with more history than expected, more natural and cultural diversity than realized, and more to enjoy than you had imagined.

So, Tallahassee may be a perfect place to find the “other Florida” with a balance of the tried and true with the hip and new. Enjoy the discovery.

If you enjoyed this article, check out the following:

• 8 Best Things to Do in DeFuniak Springs
• The Lodge at Wakulla Springs is a Step Back in Time
• Our Favorite Things to Do in Wakulla Springs
• A Visit to Florida Caverns State Park in Marianna
• Getaway to Authentic Apalachicola
• 15 Top Spring Festivals in Florida (2024)