Tallahassee travel guide
Tallahassee Tourism | Tallahassee Guide
You're Going to Love Tallahassee
The capital city of Tallahassee is located on Florida's northern pan handle and is known for its abundance of parks and green spaces that offer endless opportunities for hiking, skating, fishing, and rowing.
Top 5 Reasons to Visit Tallahassee
1. Apalachicola National Forest
In Florida's second-largest National Park you can enjoy canoeing, fishing, and hiking.
2. Alfred B. Maclay Gardens State Park
This 1,200-acre park features manicured gardens and historic sites as well as many water sport activities.
3. Natural Bridge Battlefield Historic State Park
This landmark is named after the last successful confederate battle fought here during the Civil War.
4. Tallahassee Skate Park
Practice your skateboarding skills at this facility offering 26,000 square feet of ramps and varied platforms.
5. Museum of Florida History
This building houses artifacts, exhibits, and stories that provide visitors fascinating insight into Florida's history.
What to do in Tallahassee
1. Florida State Capitol: A Time Capsule for Politics Fans
Where the bills get passed and the state is governed, the Florida State Capitol has seen some dramas over the years. It's a fascinating site to visit, particularly with its unusual four-building layout. However, for tourists, attention usually focuses on the oldest of them all: the Old Capitol. Built in 1845 (before Florida was even a state), it's a beautiful 19th-century construction, and houses plenty of historical exhibitions that tell the political story of the Sunshine State.
2. Tallahassee Museum: A Fascinating Floridian Museum in a Gorgeous Location
Actually set in 52 acres of Florida's forest just southwest of the city, the Tallahassee Museum is one of the nation's very best. Find out about Floridian wildlife on extensive nature trails, whizz from tree to tree on exhilarating ziplines, and dive into the museum's collections, where exhibits range from imaginative dinosaur skeleton sculptures to beautifully reconstructed plantation houses, churches, and schoolhouses from over a century ago. It's a great balance of entertainment and education.
3. Tallahassee Automobile Museum: A Cornucopia of Collectibles
Right out on the eastern outskirts of the city, the Tallahassee Automobile Museum is a must for any motor-fanatics. Dubbed "Florida's Greatest Attraction", it might not quite live up to that grandiose billing, but it comes mighty close, with stellar exhibits like actual Batmobiles used on the movie sets, over 150 pristine vintage automobiles, and even a huge range of kids' pedal cars. It's not all road-related either, with collectibles like Barbie dolls and antique golf clubs among many other gems in this hobbyist's dreamland.
4. Alfred B. Maclay Gardens State Park: Astonishing Azaleas and Fun at the Lake
Located a mile or so north of downtown Tallahassee, the Alfred B. Maclay Gardens is the city's premier park, and a superb place to be when Florida's sun is working overtime. It's full of different attractions too, with stunning azalea-lined boulevards, five miles of biking trails, and a chance to kayak, swim, canoe, or fish on Lake Hall. Take a tour of the gardens to avoid any of the spectacular blooms and be sure to check the events schedule, as there's always likely to be a jazz concert or an engaging scientific tour whenever you happen to be in town.
5. St. Marks National Wildlife Refuge: A Gorgeous Gulf-Coast Haven for Floridian Wildlife
Just 26 miles south of Tallahassee, St. Marks is a beautiful place to get close to nature by the Gulf coast. The wildlife is the star here, from hordes of dazzling monarch butterflies in October, to a constant succession of migrating birds and wetlands that are home to huge colonies of alligators. If you just want to soak up the coastal beauty, the Florida National Scenic Trail passes through the Refuge, but there are plenty of shorter trails for hikers and cyclists to explore as well.
1. Florida State Capitol: A Time Capsule for Politics Fans
Where the bills get passed and the state is governed, the Florida State Capitol has seen some dramas over the years. It's a fascinating site to visit, particularly with its unusual four-building layout. However, for tourists, attention usually focuses on the oldest of them all: the Old Capitol. Built in 1845 (before Florida was even a state), it's a beautiful 19th-century construction, and houses plenty of historical exhibitions that tell the political story of the Sunshine State.
2. Tallahassee Museum: A Fascinating Floridian Museum in a Gorgeous Location
Actually set in 52 acres of Florida's forest just southwest of the city, the Tallahassee Museum is one of the nation's very best. Find out about Floridian wildlife on extensive nature trails, whizz from tree to tree on exhilarating ziplines, and dive into the museum's collections, where exhibits range from imaginative dinosaur skeleton sculptures to beautifully reconstructed plantation houses, churches, and schoolhouses from over a century ago. It's a great balance of entertainment and education.
3. Tallahassee Automobile Museum: A Cornucopia of Collectibles
Right out on the eastern outskirts of the city, the Tallahassee Automobile Museum is a must for any motor-fanatics. Dubbed "Florida's Greatest Attraction", it might not quite live up to that grandiose billing, but it comes mighty close, with stellar exhibits like actual Batmobiles used on the movie sets, over 150 pristine vintage automobiles, and even a huge range of kids' pedal cars. It's not all road-related either, with collectibles like Barbie dolls and antique golf clubs among many other gems in this hobbyist's dreamland.
4. Alfred B. Maclay Gardens State Park: Astonishing Azaleas and Fun at the Lake
Located a mile or so north of downtown Tallahassee, the Alfred B. Maclay Gardens is the city's premier park, and a superb place to be when Florida's sun is working overtime. It's full of different attractions too, with stunning azalea-lined boulevards, five miles of biking trails, and a chance to kayak, swim, canoe, or fish on Lake Hall. Take a tour of the gardens to avoid any of the spectacular blooms and be sure to check the events schedule, as there's always likely to be a jazz concert or an engaging scientific tour whenever you happen to be in town.
5. St. Marks National Wildlife Refuge: A Gorgeous Gulf-Coast Haven for Floridian Wildlife
Just 26 miles south of Tallahassee, St. Marks is a beautiful place to get close to nature by the Gulf coast. The wildlife is the star here, from hordes of dazzling monarch butterflies in October, to a constant succession of migrating birds and wetlands that are home to huge colonies of alligators. If you just want to soak up the coastal beauty, the Florida National Scenic Trail passes through the Refuge, but there are plenty of shorter trails for hikers and cyclists to explore as well.
1. Florida State Capitol: A Time Capsule for Politics Fans
Where the bills get passed and the state is governed, the Florida State Capitol has seen some dramas over the years. It's a fascinating site to visit, particularly with its unusual four-building layout. However, for tourists, attention usually focuses on the oldest of them all: the Old Capitol. Built in 1845 (before Florida was even a state), it's a beautiful 19th-century construction, and houses plenty of historical exhibitions that tell the political story of the Sunshine State.
2. Tallahassee Museum: A Fascinating Floridian Museum in a Gorgeous Location
Actually set in 52 acres of Florida's forest just southwest of the city, the Tallahassee Museum is one of the nation's very best. Find out about Floridian wildlife on extensive nature trails, whizz from tree to tree on exhilarating ziplines, and dive into the museum's collections, where exhibits range from imaginative dinosaur skeleton sculptures to beautifully reconstructed plantation houses, churches, and schoolhouses from over a century ago. It's a great balance of entertainment and education.
3. Tallahassee Automobile Museum: A Cornucopia of Collectibles
Right out on the eastern outskirts of the city, the Tallahassee Automobile Museum is a must for any motor-fanatics. Dubbed "Florida's Greatest Attraction", it might not quite live up to that grandiose billing, but it comes mighty close, with stellar exhibits like actual Batmobiles used on the movie sets, over 150 pristine vintage automobiles, and even a huge range of kids' pedal cars. It's not all road-related either, with collectibles like Barbie dolls and antique golf clubs among many other gems in this hobbyist's dreamland.
4. Alfred B. Maclay Gardens State Park: Astonishing Azaleas and Fun at the Lake
Located a mile or so north of downtown Tallahassee, the Alfred B. Maclay Gardens is the city's premier park, and a superb place to be when Florida's sun is working overtime. It's full of different attractions too, with stunning azalea-lined boulevards, five miles of biking trails, and a chance to kayak, swim, canoe, or fish on Lake Hall. Take a tour of the gardens to avoid any of the spectacular blooms and be sure to check the events schedule, as there's always likely to be a jazz concert or an engaging scientific tour whenever you happen to be in town.
5. St. Marks National Wildlife Refuge: A Gorgeous Gulf-Coast Haven for Floridian Wildlife
Just 26 miles south of Tallahassee, St. Marks is a beautiful place to get close to nature by the Gulf coast. The wildlife is the star here, from hordes of dazzling monarch butterflies in October, to a constant succession of migrating birds and wetlands that are home to huge colonies of alligators. If you just want to soak up the coastal beauty, the Florida National Scenic Trail passes through the Refuge, but there are plenty of shorter trails for hikers and cyclists to explore as well.
Where to Eat in Tallahassee
Coosh's Bayou Rouge offers Cajun-influenced seafood typical of the Northern Florida region. Meals including a beer and a large plate of Gumbo cost around $15.
When to visit Tallahassee
The best time to visit Tallahassee is in March or April before the summer humidity sets in and tourists flock to the state's many parks and watering holes.
How to Get to Tallahassee
Plane
Tallahassee International Airport (TLH) is located five miles outside of the city center. The most common way to travel into town is by car, with Highway 263 connecting you from the airport to central Tallahassee.
Train
After Hurricane Katrina in 2005, the Tallahassee train station was closed. Plans are being made to reopen the station in coming years.
Car
The I-75N and I-10W will take you from Florida's popular Orlando destination to downtown Tallahassee in around four hours.
Bus
Greyhound, Megabus, and Busbud all offer routes from Orlando to Tallahassee, which take around 6.5 hours. One-way tickets range from $15-30.
Airlines serving Tallahassee
Where to stay in Tallahassee
Downtown - here you will find the majority of hotels, restaurants, and administrative buildings of the Florida State government.
Popular Neighborhoods in Tallahassee
College Park and F.A.M.U - this area hosts the city's student population, with Florida State University and Florida A&M being the central focus points.
Ferndale Place - this neighborhood holds the popular Governor's Park as well as the Governor's Square mall.
Where to stay in popular areas of Tallahassee
Most booked hotels in Tallahassee
How to Get Around Tallahassee
Public Transportation
StarMetro buses operate around most places within the city including transfers. One-way tickets cost $1.50.
Taxi
Taxis are not as common as in other cities, and should be reserved beforehand when needed. Tariffs start at $2.50 with a standard inner-city fare costing $15.
Car
Rental car prices start at $25 a day and can be picked up from the airport, bus station, or downtown.
The Cost of Living in Tallahassee
Shopping Streets
Railroad Square Art Park hosts many studios and small shops selling art and other local handicrafts, with live music and food offered on the first Friday of the month. Governor's Square is the main shopping mall, located downtown.
Groceries and Other
Whole Foods Market, Earth Fare, and Publix are the three main food shopping markets. A dozen eggs costs $3.