18 Best Things To Do In Tallahassee, Florida

If you think only of beach towns when you dream of Florida, think again. The Sunshine State's capital city is one of those spots that deserves a second look. Despite having a population nearing 200,000, Tallahassee still has a small-town feel. That's thanks to its location along the Big Bend where the state's panhandle meets the peninsula, which places it away from the sprawl of Central and South Florida and makes for a mild climate year-round. Plus, the Gulf's white-sand beaches are just 40 minutes to the south, and golfers can always find a tee time.

Tallahassee is home to a large community college and two major universities—Florida State and Florida A&M, the latter of which is one of the leading public historically black colleges and universities (HBCUs). Along with lots of high-level sports from Tallahassee's big colleges, locals enjoy something extra from Florida A&M: performances by the Marching 100, one of the world's most innovative and influential marching bands. But that's just one of many reasons to visit, retire, or relocate to Tallahassee.

What To Do

Play Pickleball

Tallahassee has always been a popular place to retire, but the city and its civic leaders are pouring energy into attracting retirees. "We have one of the nation's best parks-and-recreation departments," says Gregg Patterson, who's executive director of Choose Tallahassee, a nonprofit organization promoting the city as a relocation destination. "You can play pickleball and also take free lifelong-learning classes."

You're more likely to find Patterson taking a stroll than playing pickleball. He and his wife have walked across Spain, Portugal, and Scotland, and he also leads Move Tallahassee, a thriving local walking group. He says he's nearing retirement himself and is happy he won't have to move. "I came here to go to Florida State in the 1970s and never left. After four children and four grandchildren, I'm here for good," he says. Visit Tallahassee, and you just might be tempted to say the same.

Take College Classes

Retire to Tallahassee and you'll find that the universities and community colleges offer classes, events, and other opportunities for enrichment to those with free time and a desire to grow and learn. And the learning goes both ways. The AARP recently partnered with a shared workspace named Domi to create an innovation incubator program called Third Act, which taps into the expertise of people 50 and older.

Hit The Trails

You'll find a bunch of great outdoor attractions in and around Tallahassee. At Alfred B. Maclay Gardens State Park, there are 1,176 acres to explore. The property is both a botanical garden and a historic site with nature trails, biking trails, and shared-use trails along with stunning gardens. (Peak bloom usually falls in mid to late March.) The park hosts special events from live jazz to Camellia Christmas.

Running, walking, horseback riding, bird watching, and cycling are all welcome on the 17-mile J.R. Alford Greenway Trail. You'll find gorgeous views of Piney Z Lake and lots of wildlife there. For a vibrant urban experience, walk or check out a performance at Cascades Park, a city greenspace that stretches 24 acres along the St. Augustine Branch stream.

Paddle The Rivers

Miles of paddling trails crisscross Tallahassee and the region just waiting for you to explore. The flat waters of Tallahassee's creeks, canals, and rivers provide an opportunity to get close and personal with rugged natural scenery and diverse wildlife. For a relaxed paddle in town, head to the lakes at Lafayette Heritage Trail Park, which has a boat ramp and floating docks.

Go See The Manatees

One of the world's largest and deepest freshwater springs, Wakulla Springs is a short 15-mile drive south of Tallahassee. You can head there any time of year to take an invigorating dip or snorkel in the 70°F sapphire waters—and maybe you'll be joined by a manatee. Manatees are most prevalent in the spring from October through March. Not in the mood for a swim? The 45-minute riverboat tour occurs every day of the year, weather permitting, and there are miles of beautiful trails for walking or biking through the ancient cypress swamp.

Learn About Local History

The Tallahassee Museum has outdoor trails across its 52 acres, with a historic farm, one-room schoolhouse, and native animals on exhibit. And if you've ever wanted to learn how to blacksmith, weave, or make bacon jam, there's bound to be an educational program for you.

Stop in at the John G. Riley Center and Museum for African American History & Culture in downtown Tallahassee. The center is located in the late 19th-century home of the formerly enslaved man in the community of Smokey Hollow. Museum guides share the story of Riley's rise to prominence as an educator, property owner, and civic leader in the context of the Reconstruction era, a crucial period of American history following the end of the Civil War.

Another must-visit spot is Mission San Luis, a Spanish Franciscan mission built in 1656 that has been reconstructed for a living history museum. Visitors can see reconstructions of Apalachee and Spanish structures and learn about the history and archaeology of the site.

Head To The Art District

The city also has lots to recommend it in the way of arts and culture. There's always something happening at the Railroad Square Art District, where galleries, shops, and monthly First Friday festivals celebrate the visual arts as well as live music. It's also a destination for antiques and cafes.

Catch A Performance

In any given week you'll find live performances to catch, from student plays at FAMU to popular productions like "The Producers" or "Peter Pan" at Theatre Tallahassee. The Tallahassee Symphony Orchestra holds indoor and outdoor concerts throughout the year, while the Tallahassee Bach Parley provides a unique opportunity to see musicians perform on baroque instruments. The Tallahassee Ballet, a 50-year-old institution with a professional and youth apprentice program, offers a mix of classic and contemporary ballets during the year.

Visit The Planetarium

The Challenger Learning Center of Tallahassee offers planetarium shows and IMAX movies to entertain and educate kids and adults. An extension of Florida A&M's College of Engineering, this resource was designed to spark future generations' interest in science and mathematics. Groups can schedule an hour in the Mars Meltdown escape room or sign up for a space mission simulator, an experience that is also open to the public on fifth Saturdays.

Where To Shop

Browse The Market District

The aptly named Market District is home to more than 100 merchants, including popular clothing boutiques and home goods stores. Narcissus is the destination for high-end swimwear, dresses, designer shoes and bags, jewelry, and more. Hearth & Soul will help you add beautiful finishing touches to your table and every room in your home, while Chrysalis Fabrics offers an incredible selection of decorative textiles for draperies, pillows, and reupholstering that old sofa.

Shop Downtown

For a more urban setting, head to historic Midtown and its independent merchants. Browse the Midtown Reader for your next great read and discover local Florida authors. Make sure to save room for a slice at the Piebrary, the bookstore's in-house cafe, which also serves specialty drinks like Library Chai. Also in Midtown, Divas and Devils House of Style is the spot for the "wildflowers and free spirits" seeking new fashions and vintage treasures.

Closer to Capitol Hill, Nic's Toggery has been outfitting men in fine clothing for three generations. In-house tailors and a shoe-shine service will ensure gents look their very best.

Head To Bradley's Country Store

Making a trip to this rural country store is like stepping back in time. Bradley's claim to fame is their secret family recipe for country-smoked sausage, which they've been making since 1927. They also sell sauces, preserves, and stone-ground grits milled right on the property. Each year on the Saturday before Thanksgiving, Bradley's hosts live music, clogging, cane grinding, syrup making, wagon rides, pony rides, and a wide variety of food and arts and crafts.

Where To Eat & Drink

Start With A Big Breakfast

The city has hundreds of locally-owned restaurants serving food in every cultural tradition imaginable. Tallahassee Foodies has an extensive directory that will get you salivating over them all. For breakfast, you can load up on eggs, grilled pecan smoked sausage, cheese grits, and Elvis toast (French toast slathered in peanut butter and bananas) at The Bada Bean.

Grab Peruvian Classics For Lunch

Le Cordon Bleu Peru-educated Chef Martín Araujo Bohorquez serves beautifully plated Peruvian classics for lunch and dinner at Café de Martín. The menu also includes four varieties of Tres Leches cake, which you can savor with a cup of Peruvian coffee.

Savor Farm-Fresh Food

Brothers Tyler and Jesse Rice take farm-fresh food to another level at Backwoods Crossing. Their weekly Garden Creations menu features fare from local producers as well as their own 3-acre farm (they estimate their chicken coop produces 18,000 eggs a year). It's also the only place you can get the Black and Bleu Boar Burger.

Black Radish specializes in locally sourced and seasonal shareable vegetable dishes, handmade pastas, and natural wines. The mostly vegetarian and vegan restaurant also has meat and seafood on the menu. Mimi's Table Bistro & Wine Bar is a classy yet relaxed establishment known for excellent Old World fare made from local and sustainable ingredients. French, Italian, and Southern-inspired cuisine includes made-from-scratch focaccia, pastas, and desserts. The wine menu offers 50 vintages from 10 countries as well as sangria, port, and infused wine spritzers.

Keep It Funky At Kool Beanz

Kool Beanz Cafe prides itself on its rainbow-colored building and loud, buzzing dining room. The "funky and eclectic" menu ranges from Cuban-spiced pork chops with mango habanero salsa to  sake-teriyaki glazed salmon. The equally diverse dessert menu is the brainchild of a James Beard-nominated pastry chef.

Kick Back At An Oyster Shack

At Bird's Aphrodisiac Oyster Shack, the dive-club aesthetic is just as fun as the name. They serve Gulf oysters, burgers, sandwiches, and hotdogs—all of which you can munch while enjoying a comedy night, karaoke, or live music. Or, grab a quieter picnic table outside on the covered patio.

Follow The Tallahassee Ale Trail

Sample some of Tallahassee's finest craft beers from Proof Brewing’s expansive beer garden, or mix it up with small-batch craft spirits on Ology Brewing’s outdoor patio. With a dozen or so brewery locations to choose from, you can sip something new in this city every night of the week.

Where To Stay

Relax At A Luxury Hotel

Whether you're visiting on vacation or scoping out neighborhoods for a new home, Tallahassee has no shortage of hotels at every price point. For a more luxurious experience, Hotel Duval is centrally located near Florida State University, Florida A&M University, and the Florida State Capitol. Part of Marriott's Autograph Collection, Hotel Duval has contemporary suites with spa-style rain showers and is home to Shula’s 347 Grille, a highly rated surf-and-turf restaurant.

Enjoy A Rooftop Pool

Another popular option downtown is the DoubleTree, which has a European aesthetic and rooftop pool. The onsite restaurant, Jacob's on the Plaza, offers everything from burgers to seafood and has outdoor seating.