8 Unique Things to Do in Tallahassee, Coming Straight From Locals

The lively capital city of Florida, Tallahassee, is bursting with character and brimming with a diverse array of attractions for every type of adventurer! Ask any local and they’ll tell you the number one thing they love about Tally is its proximity to nature. Canopy trees, colorful birds, and the cutest little frogs ever are just a few things you’ll find to connect you to the flora and fauna of the area, and it’s all right inside the city limits.

And the area is urban enough to give you a big city vibe but small enough that you can easily get to know your neighbors. You can embark on an outdoor escape amidst breathtaking natural beauty or socialize at an exciting downtown block party. No matter where you go, you’ll find the people here are as warm as the climate!

Whether you’re living in Tallahassee, FL, or simply visiting as a tourist, there are many things that you can do here. To give you the authentic experience, we asked locals to tell us their favorite activities and reveal the hidden gems in Tallahassee. Here’s what they told us:

1. Paddle Down the Wacissa River

“When asked ‘What’s one unique thing to do in Tallahassee?’ my thoughts immediately jump to the captivating experience of a journey along the enchanting Wacissa River,” says Cole Zimmerman, owner of Craft Creek Photography. “This hidden gem offers an unparalleled opportunity to connect with nature and explore the untouched beauty of Florida’s wilderness. We’ve even done engagement shoots along the water.”

“The Wacissa River, located just a short drive from Tallahassee, is renowned for its pristine, spring-fed waters and lush surroundings. What sets it apart is the chance to paddle through crystal-clear waters teeming with aquatic life. Rent a kayak or canoe and meander along the river’s gentle flow as you pass through tunnels of cypress trees draped in Spanish moss. As you paddle, keep an eye out for a variety of wildlife, from wading birds and turtles to alligators and manatees. The river is a haven for birdwatchers and nature enthusiasts, providing an opportunity to spot some of Florida’s most fascinating creatures.”

2. Pay a Visit to Lake Talquin

Pam Mueller, client services manager for Browning Moving, also had some water-bound suggestions. “Lake Talquin is a wonderful place to boat, fish, and enjoy the beautiful scenery in the area,” Mueller says. “If you don’t have a boat to escape onto the water for fishing, no worries, Lake Talquin State Park can offer land adventures for you. The access fees are reasonable, allowing you to bring the family or do some solo activities.”

“There’s excellent wildlife and bird watching, picnic areas for reunions or celebrations. You can fish from the dock (Don’t forget your fishing license!) and try your hand at reeling in speckled perch, bream, catfish, largemouth bass, and striped bass. If fishing is not your style, you can enjoy sitting on the dock or take a hike in this beautiful place. Bring a canoe or kayak, relax, and enjoy the beauty that surrounds you when you’re there! Lake Talquin is very peaceful and relaxing, a must-see if visiting Tallahassee and the surrounding areas.”

3. Party at First Friday in the Railroad Square Art District

“Every first Friday of the month, Tallahassee puts on an event that is something special and brings together folks from all over the city,” says Azhar Khan, owner of Azhar Khan Photography. “Railroad Square Art District attracts art enthusiasts, boisterous high schoolers, and music lovers for a giant block party right in the middle of town. Railroad Square is an eclectic place with giant murals, creative statues, and bright lights creating a very fun and exciting atmosphere.”

“For the First Friday, there are fun activities planned for the whole family. There are shops, art galleries, food and music. There is always something to discover at First Friday. You’ll meet Florida State University football fans and new friends (as well as some old-school friends). You’ll enjoy new local art, treasures from the secondhand stores, and exciting performances from local musicians and artists. For me, though, it’s the feeling that the whole city is together, letting loose and getting ready for the weekend. And we do that with some good food, good music and great friends. What more can you ask for from a city?”

4. Mingle at Lake Ella

Kelly Chavers, the founder of Hum Real Estate, gave us the inside scoop on another mecca for people-watching. “Nestled in the heart of Midtown, Lake Ella at Fred Drake Park is truly a Tallahassee gem,” Chavers says. “Enjoy walking around the lake, viewing the fountains from the gazebo, relaxing under the majestic oak trees, or visiting the shops at Lake Ella where you can grab a coffee, indulge in ice cream, browse clothing stores, peruse gift shops, or even get a haircut! Lake Ella is known for hosting local growers’ markets where you can find some of the best local produce, bread, honey, and jams. It has also been a common area to find delicious food trucks and is a gathering spot for parades, holiday events, and live music.”

“Lake Ella is within walking distance to all the excitement of Midtown — an area that doesn’t sleep. Located on either side of Monroe Street between 5th Avenue and Lake Ella, Midtown is full of local businesses that offer some of the best brunches in town, lunch restaurants galore, upscale dinner options, diverse shopping locations, and a nightlife to envy.”

5. Commune With Nature at Wakulla Springs State Park

Florida-based family travel blogger Alisha Dos Santos (AdventureSeekingMom.com) recommends an excursion to Wakulla Springs State Park, a “6,000-acre wildlife sanctuary centered around one of the largest and deepest freshwater springs in the world.”

“It’s the best place to see manatees in the wild around Tallahassee, and daily Wakulla Springs river boat tours give visitors an up-close look at Florida wildlife that find refuge on the Wakulla River and surrounding cypress swamp, including alligators, birds, and turtles. This ancient swamp once served as a backdrop for old Hollywood movies from the ’40s and ’50s, including ‘Tarzan’s Secret Treasure’ and ‘Creature from the Black Lagoon.'”

“In addition to wildlife viewing, Wakulla Springs State Park is a wonderful destination for hiking and swimming around Tallahassee. A designated swimming area allows visitors to experience the 69-degree spring waters, which are especially refreshing in the Florida summer heat. Adventurous swimmers can jump in from a 22-foot dive/observation tower.”

6. Stay the Night in an Old Southern Lodge

Dos Santos also tipped us off to an amazing place to stay in the park. “A historic 1930s lodge overlooks the spring, offering visitors the opportunity to stay the night in old Florida style. Park visitors are welcome to relax in the lobby of the lodge, which features marble checker tables and a beautiful ceiling hand-painted with wildlife scenes. The lodge features an elegant dining room serving southern specialties for breakfast, lunch, and dinner as well as an old-fashioned soda fountain offering floats, shakes, malts, and more.”

7. Check Out the Tallahassee Museum

An open-air oasis, the museum is a natural zoo featuring native flora and fauna. You’ll find a bird of prey exhibit, foxes, red wolves, black bears, and native wildcats like the Florida panther, cougars, and bobcats. There’s an exhibit featuring eight species of snakes, turtles, tortoises, and more for reptile lovers.

The museum also features “Old Florida,” an exhibit featuring a restored 1851 Baptist church, an 1870s schoolhouse, the Bellevue plantation, and the Seaboard Airline caboose, which transported crops from field to marketplace back in the 1920s.

You’ll find colorful dinosaur sculptures assembled from old car parts sprinkled around the park, and for the more adventurous, there are even ziplining and treetop obstacle courses.

8. Visit Mission San Luis de Apalachee

The Mission San Luis de Apalachee was established in 1633 by Spanish colonialists as part of Spain’s effort to convert the local Apalachee Indians and integrate them into Spanish colonial society. The community included a church, a convento (residence for the friars), a fort for protection, residential areas, and agricultural fields.

Today, the mission acts as a living museum where visitors get an up-close and personal glimpse into the everyday lives of those who lived there. On the site, visitors can tour re-creations of its historical buildings and learn about Native and Spanish cultures from living interpreters clad in the authentic clothing of the time. There are live cooking and craft demonstrations and presentations showing how residents went about their everyday domestic activities.

The mission also features displays of historical documents, reports, and letters about significant events that help piece together the colony’s timeline. There’s also a fascinating exhibit featuring items found in site excavations beginning in the 1980s. These archeological finds were also integral to learning about the area’s history and people.

Discover the Soul of Tallahassee

Whether you’re exploring the local arts and culture scene or taking a day to relax in nature, the city’s laid-back lifestyle will definitely charm you. So, bring your camera, sunscreen, and sense of adventure. We guarantee that once you’ve sampled some of the fun activities that Tallahassee has to offer, you’ll want to hang around!