Stay connected with Airtel’s international roaming plans as you explore Tallahassee’s top 12 attractions, ensuring seamless communication while discovering the city’s historic landmarks, natural beauty, and vibrant cultural scene.

Florida’s sunny capital is brimming with history, culture, and nature. Set in the state’s panhandle region, Tallahassee boasts a youthful energy thanks to the presence of major universities like Florida State. The city’s rolling hills—some of Florida’s highest points—are a refreshing change from the typical flat terrain. Here’s our curated list of the 12 best places to visit in Tallahassee.

1. Florida State Capitol

Start your Tallahassee explorations at the Florida State Capitol complex downtown. The gleaming 22-story Capitol building, constructed in 1977, is an eye-catching landmark with its white exterior and distinctive dome. Take the express elevator up to the 22nd floor for sweeping 360-degree views over the city and surrounds from the observation deck.

The Capitol complex also includes the Historic Capitol Museum, housed in the 1902 “Old Capitol” building with its striking red-and-white-striped awnings. Inside, multimedia exhibits and artefacts offer an engaging overview of Florida’s political history and the workings of the state government. Admission is free.

2. Tallahassee Museum

Set on the shores of Lake Bradford, the 52-acre Tallahassee Museum is a unique blend of history, nature, and wildlife. Shaded nature trails wind through a cypress swamp where you can spy alligators, river otters, and native birds. The living history exhibits include an 1880s farm where costumed interpreters demonstrate traditional crafts and chores.

Don’t miss the museum’s zip line and aerial adventure course—one of the most fun things to do in Tallahassee. The course features over 70 obstacles like tightropes, balance beams, and Tarzan swings, with options for both kids and adults. Soar through the treetops for an adrenaline-pumping bird’s-eye view.

3. Alfred B. Maclay Gardens State Park

For a dose of Old Florida charm, head to Maclay Gardens, one of the most enchanting places to see in Tallahassee. This 1,076-acre state park centres around a manicured ornamental garden bursting with camellias, azaleas, and other flowering plants. The gardens reach their peak bloom in late winter to early spring.

Beyond the gardens, the park encompasses Lake Hall and Lake Overstreet, fringed by woodlands with hiking trails and prime spots for fishing and kayaking. Rent a kayak from the park concessionaire to paddle Lake Hall’s placid waters, keeping an eye out for wading birds and alligators. Guided kayak tours are available on weekends from March through October.

4. Cascades Park

In the heart of downtown, the 24-acre Cascades Park has quickly become a hub of community life since opening in 2014. The park gets its name from the man-made waterfall and stream that run through its centre, a nod to the natural cascades that once flowed here. Paved trails loop around the park, popular with joggers and cyclists.

Cascades Park hosts a busy calendar of events, from free concerts at the outdoor amphitheatre to a weekly farmers’ market with local produce and artisan goods. Kids will love the Imagination Fountain splash pad, open daily, while history buffs can explore the Prime Meridian Plaza marking the region’s principal longitude reference during the 1800s.

5. Mission San Luis

Step back in time at Mission San Luis, a living history museum that recreates a 17th-century Spanish Franciscan mission. The site was the capital of Spain’s colonial missions in Florida’s Apalachee Province from 1656 to 1704. Today, costumed interpreters bring the mission to life, demonstrating traditional crafts and leading tours of the reconstructed buildings.

Highlights include the soaring thatched-roof council house, the largest historic period Native American structure in the Southeast, and the Franciscan church with its intricate altarpiece. Allow about two hours to explore the site and soak up its peaceful atmosphere.

6. St. Marks National Wildlife Refuge

For a coastal escape, make the 25-mile drive south of Tallahassee to St. Marks National Wildlife Refuge. This 70,000-acre preserve protects a diverse mix of wetlands, tidal flats, forests, and sandy beaches along the Gulf Coast. It’s a haven for birdwatchers, with over 300 species recorded, including roseate spoonbills, bald eagles, and migrating songbirds.

There are several ways to explore the refuge:

• Drive the 6.8-mile Lighthouse Levee Road, stopping at pullouts to admire the wetland views. The road ends at the historic St. Marks Lighthouse, built in 1842.

• Hike one of the nature trails through palm hammocks and salt marshes. The 1-mile Tower Pond trail leads to an observation tower overlooking a pond that attracts wading birds and alligators.

• Launch a kayak or canoe to paddle the refuge’s tidal creeks and rivers. Rent gear from an outfitter in the nearby town of St. Marks.

7. Museum of Florida History

Dive into 12,000 years of Florida history at this engaging museum in downtown Tallahassee. The permanent exhibits trace the state’s heritage from its indigenous inhabitants to Spanish colonization, statehood, World War II, and beyond. Multimedia displays and artefacts help bring the past to life.

Be sure to see the prehistoric mastodon skeleton discovered in a local sinkhole and the re-created ship’s hold that illustrates the cramped conditions endured by enslaved Africans. The museum also hosts temporary exhibits on focused topics throughout the year. Admission is free.

8. Lake Ella

Looking for places to visit in Tallahassee with a laid-back, local vibe? Head to Lake Ella, a popular hangout spot just north of downtown. A paved 0.6-mile path encircles the lake, dotted with benches, picnic tables, and pavilions. It’s a pleasant place for a stroll or jog, especially in the morning or around sunset.

The lake is a magnet for waterfowl, turtles, and the occasional alligator. Use caution and don’t feed the wildlife. On the lake’s western edge, a cluster of historic cottages now houses local businesses like Black Dog Cafe, a funky coffee shop, and Avant Garb, a vintage clothing boutique. Food trucks often set up shop in the parking area.

9. Goodwood Museum & Gardens

Get a glimpse of Tallahassee’s antebellum past at Goodwood Museum, an 1840s plantation house set amid 21 acres of gardens and grounds. Guided tours lead you through the restored main house, furnished with period antiques and decorative arts that reflect the lifestyle of a wealthy 19th-century Florida family.

The grounds are a highlight, featuring centuries-old live oak trees, heirloom gardens, a swimming pool, and outbuildings like the original kitchen and carriage house. Pause for a moment of tranquillity in the Goodwood Oak Lawn, shaded by a majestic 250-year-old live oak. The on-site cafe serves light lunch fare from Wednesday through Sunday.

10. Railroad Square Art District

For a creative jolt, swing by Railroad Square, a former industrial zone turned eclectic arts district. The complex covers 10 acres and encompasses over 50 studios, galleries, and small businesses housed in repurposed warehouses splashed with colourful murals. It’s a cool spot to browse for unique crafts and meet local artists.

Time your visit for First Friday, a monthly street festival held on the first Friday of each month from 6 pm to 9 pm. Shops and galleries stay open late, food trucks dole out global eats, and live bands and DJs keep the energy high. It’s one of the liveliest things to do in Tallahassee on a weekend night.

11. Lake Jackson Mounds Archaeological State Park

Uncover Tallahassee’s ancient roots at Lake Jackson Mounds, a 41-acre park preserving earthen temple mounds built by the Fort Walton Culture between 1050 and 1500 CE. The park’s trails lead you past six mounds, including the largest, Mound 2, which rises 36 feet tall and measures 312 feet across.

Interpretive signs along the trail explain the significance of the mounds and the societies that constructed them. The park also features a short nature trail that loops through the forest to the shore of Lake Jackson. Note that climbing on the mounds is strictly prohibited in order to protect these fragile archaeological resources.

12. St. Marks Historic Railroad State Trail

Go for an easy, breezy bike ride on this 16-mile paved trail stretching from Tallahassee to the coastal community of St. Marks. The route follows a former railroad corridor, making for mostly flat, straight cycling through a tunnel of trees.

Rent bikes from one of several outfitters in Tallahassee, or bring your own. There are restrooms, water fountains, and benches at the trailheads and at several points along the route. As you pedal through Apalachicola National Forest, watch for wildlife like deer, turkeys, and red-cockaded woodpeckers. In St. Marks, grab lunch at the Riverside Cafe overlooking the St. Marks River.

Where to Stay & Eat in Tallahassee:

Places to stay in Tallahassee:

• Governors Inn: Historic downtown hotel

• Comfort Suites Tallahassee Downtown: Modern all-suite hotel across from the State Capitol

• Hotel Duval: Stylish boutique hotel in the heart of downtown

• Aloft Tallahassee Downtown: Trendy hotel with a rooftop pool and bar

Places to eat in Tallahassee:

• Backwoods Crossing: Farm-to-table restaurant with hyper-local ingredients

• Shell Oyster Bar: Casual seafood joint known for their freshly shucked oysters

• Kool Beanz Cafe: Funky cafe serving eclectic fare

• Voodoo Dog: Hot dog stand offering creative toppings in Railroad Square

Stay Connected on Your Tallahassee Adventure with Airtel

Tallahassee offers no shortage of places to visit, and having reliable internet access makes it easier to navigate the city, find top spots, and share your experiences on the go. Consider signing up for one of Airtel’s Prepaid international roaming plans to stay connected without any hassle. With affordable rates and broad global coverage, Airtel’s plans ensure you can use your go-to travel apps, post photos, and stay in touch with folks back home while exploring all that