Top 10 Things to do in Tallahassee, Florida
Written and Photographed by Carrie Hanrahan
If you are desiring a trip to a capital city full of history, nature explorations, fun and hidden gems, Tallahassee, Florida must be on your list. With a variety of places to park your RV, you will want to take your tow vehicle and explore everything Tallahassee has to offer. The city is a hub of government with a small-town feel, offering a unique blend of historic landmarks, cultural experiences and outdoor beauty. Visitors can tour the State Capitol, learn about the rich history of the area and explore the many parks, trails and natural spaces in and around Tallahassee.
Be sure to download your free PDF copy of Top 10 Things to do in Tallahassee, Florida by clicking here. Join in on the fun as Randy, Caly and Carrie talk about Tallahassee on the RVD Podcast by clicking here!
10. Bradley’s Country Store – A must stop on the outskirts of town is this historic meat market for a delicious smoked sausage for lunch. As you pull up, you see the smoke rising from the smokehouse and know that what you are about to get will have the same high quality that Grandma Mary Bradley sold way back in 1910. Still housed in the original structure built in 1927, you will find a quaint shop filled with jars of jams, jellies, sauces and a wall of old-fashioned candies for sale. Then, head to the counter at the back and order some incredible smoked sausage.
9. Take a Canopy Road Tour – Once you leave Bradley’s Country Store, you can turn any direction and be on one of the historic canopy roads. Surrounded by live oak trees dripping with Spanish moss, you will be mesmerized by the fairytale-like feel of the journey. There are 9 scenic drives to choose from that include paved pathways with a more small-town feel, while others retain their country roots and are red clay roads through historic plantation land.
8. Visit the Florida Historic Capitol Museum – The Florida State Capitol complex is an interesting display of the past and present. The Historic Capitol building is nestled within the courtyard of the modern, 22-story tower of the current Capitol building. Having been saved from demolition, it now houses a museum where you can learn about Florida’s political history and view the historic House and Senate Chambers. After your history lesson, head next door to the New Capitol building to visit the Florida Welcome Center. Then, take the elevator to the 22nd floor for a panoramic view of the city, where on a clear day, you can see all the way to the Gulf of Mexico and Georgia.
7. Explore the Large Variety of Sinkholes – The Woodville Karst Plain in Florida includes a number of areas that have naturally occurring sinks and are interesting to explore. The 3-mile trail at Leon Sinks Geological Area includes wet sinkholes, depression areas, and a natural bridge that spans a disappearing stream. Just across the road from Wakulla Springs is the 77-foot-deep Cherokee Sink. This easy hike leads to an aqua blue sink surrounded by limestone bluffs. There are even more trails throughout the area that lead to sinks for you to explore.
6. Get Out and Ride Your Bike – There are over 700 miles of bike trails in and around the Tallahassee area. You’ll find everything from mountain biking trails, a pump track, state park trails and even a historic rail trail. Looking for something the whole family will love? Head to the J.R Alford Greenway or Lafayette Heritage Trail. How about a ride on the Tallahassee-St. Marks Historic Railroad State Trail? With so many trails, there isn’t a wrong choice.
5. Visit Mission San Luis – Step back in time as you explore the grounds of the historic Mission San Luis. Learn what life was like as the Apalachee Indians and the Spanish Missionaries lived together at this hilltop location in Tallahassee. As you explore the reconstructed buildings, at this archeological site, docents explain the buildings’ uses and the time period in Florida history. This is just a brief look into why the Apalachee asked the Spanish to come and what led to the demise of Mission San Luis and the people who called it home.
4. Alfred B. Maclay Gardens State Park – Just north of town is a stunning garden that was donated to the State of Florida for all to enjoy. Alfred B. Maclay bought the former quail plantation in 1923 and began a labor of love, creating one of the most beautiful gardens in Tallahassee. The wealthy New York financier and his wife Louise (of the Fleischmann Yeast Co. family) used the house and gardens as a winter escape for family and friends. Today, the people of Florida get to enjoy the extensive grounds of stunning camillas, azaleas blooming, magnificent magnolia trees and a beautiful reflecting pool.
3. St. Marks National Wildlife Refuge – For all the birders out there, you will NOT find a better location to view winter migratory birds than this more than 83,000 acres of incredible wilderness. You may even get lucky and spot Pinky, the flamingo, that has found refuge in the area. With all kinds of trails, or the “Behind the Gates” tour, there are plenty of opportunities to focus your binoculars or cameras on some of the most beautiful birds in the South. Make sure you drive to the southernmost point to see the historic St. Marks Lighthouse that provided safety for the boats navigating the shallow bay and river waters.
2. Edward Ball Wakulla Springs State Park – A must stop on everyone’s list is a short 20-minute drive south of Tallahassee to one of the most interesting State Parks in Florida. Not only does it include one of the deepest and largest freshwater springs in the world, but there is a stunning lodge to enjoy surrounded by an ancient cypress swamp. Be sure to take the incredible riverboat tour where you will get to see all kinds of wildlife, including alligators, a diverse number of birds and so much more. If you plan a winter trip, you will be delighted to see the large number of manatees that make Wakulla Springs their winter home.
1. Tallahassee Automobile Museum – If you love cars, you will find yourself drooling over the massive collection of automobiles at this incredible museum. This isn’t just any old car museum though; it is a truly amazing collection of just about anything that a person could amass in their lifetime. Devoe Moore has put together a destination location where you will find multiple Batmobiles, a motorcycle collection, racing boats, more boat motors than you can count, a historic hearse replica and tons of miniature car collectables. In addition, you will also find a variety of sports memorabilia, a doll collection and even a display of Wheaties boxes. There are multiple Steinway & Sons pianos (one worth $1.5 million and another played by Jerry Lee Lewis, Little Richard and many more great artists).
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