Top Five Things To Do in Tallahassee

For many people, hearing about Florida conjures up images of sandy beaches, college kids on Spring Break or snowbird senior citizens flying south for the winter. But Tallahassee is different. Away from the ocean, in the Panhandle, it doesn’t attract the tourists like the southern beach towns do. But it has its own charms and places to visit. Being the capital of Florida, it definitely has a more city feel, but it’s not too big and still has some ‘small town vibe’. Following are our top five picks for things to do in and around Tallahassee.

1. Wakulla Springs:

Located just outside of Tallahassee is Wakulla Springs, a Florida State park that has the world’s largest and deepest freshwater spring, along with numerous other springs within its 6,800 acres. It was originally built as a private attraction back in 1934 that focused on wildlife preservation and the surrounding habitat, until the state purchased it in 1986.

It is an absolutely beautiful spot and a must see when visiting Tally. The main attraction is the water and the wildlife. Definitely take the river boat tour. It’s the best way to enjoy the beauty of the spring and the downstream river area. The main spring is so deep you can’t see the bottom. But as water flows away it becomes more shallow and is so crystal clear. You’ll see lots of birds and waterfowl (great for birders), and if you’re fortunate, a manatee. But my favorite part was finally seeing an alligator.

Side note: For all the time and places I had been in Florida, I had never been able to see a live alligator. Something I’d wanted to do since visiting Florida back in November. I was beginning to think they didn’t exist or really weren’t as prevalent as I’d heard. Ha! But, as it turns out, it’s true, there are definitely alligators in Florida. 😉

The other popular activity is swimming in the deep spring complete with a two-story tower and sunbathing platform. There is also an old-fashioned soda shop, gift shop and lodging if you want to stay for the weekend. For more information,check out this link.

Yes!…an alligator.
Birds & alligators living together.

2. Alfred B. Maclay Gardens

Another Florida State Park, the Maclay Gardens is a stunning excursion for anyone who enjoys ornamental gardens and especially camellias and azaleas. It is a site to behold, for sure. Brick walkways guide you past trees and shrubs of various kinds but the highlight… bush after bush after bush of camellias and azaleas, exploding with blossoms in every color you can imagine.

Peak blooming season is from January 1 through April 30, with the floral peak in mid-to-late March. If you can make it during that time, I highly recommend going. There is also a lovely reflection pool, (perfect for romantic reflection pictures 😉) Lake Hall where you can enjoy swimming or a picnic by the lake and some biking and hiking trails. But the main attraction is the flowers. Such a show-stopping display of floral beauty! Totally worth checking out!!

3. Shell Oyster Bar:

Since it’s the capital city, Tallahassee has many restaurants, from down home cooking to high end gourmet and everything in between. But for us, we like the more local authentic places to experience. One of our favorite choices is Shell Oyster Bar. It’s a ‘cash-only’ restaurant that’s been around for years. They are one of the best when it comes to local favorites; fried shrimp, oysters and scallops along with the southern sides, coleslaw, mac and cheese, french fries, etc. Try the 50-50 sweet tea! Perfect thirst quencher.

It’s a small place, so if you don’t want to wait long, don’t go at lunch time on the weekdays. Downtown employees love this place. Which is a really good reason to check it out. Whenever a restaurant is popular with locals, it’s going to be good! And Shell is no exception. Nothing fancy, but oh so yummy! Definitely a go-to!

Shell Oyster Bar, Fried Shrimp & Oysters
Au Peche Mignon Brie Au Kirsch

4. Au Peche Mignon

It wouldn’t be complete without some French pastry and cafe au lait. We found this wonderful French pastry shop, Au Peche Mignon, a Patisserie, Boulangerie, Chocolatier in Market Square on Timberlane Rd., right in the heart of Tally. If you like French pastries and bread, you’ll love it here. They do serve lunch, but the highlights are the baked goods. To die for!

They have a wonderful selection of pastries, some more decadent than others but all worth trying! We loved the Brie Au Kirsch! Hazelnut meringue, whipped cream & yellow sponge cake soaked in cherry liqueur. Ooh la la! Take the time, sit outside, and enjoy that deliciousness with a coffee, cappuccino, or, our favorite, cafe au lait. Perfect mid-afternoon treat!

5. St. Marks National Wildlife Refuge, Crawfordville

Although technically not in Tallahassee proper, St Marks Wildlife Refuge and Lighthouse is worth the 30 minute drive to Crawfordville. Situated on the Apalachee Bay, the Refuge is a peaceful sanctuary, not just for the birds, fowl, whooping cranes, monarch butterflies, and alligators who call it home (or their winter home), it’s a peaceful place for people as well. If you enjoy nature, this is a beautiful place to go.

Walk around the estuary to view all the birds and maybe get a glimpse of an alligator. (Although we missed out on seeing any during our visit) The Bay is nice to relax by or fish for mullet or grouper. The lighthouse stands guard over the refuge, and although you cannot climb to the top, it’s still a lovely sight. If you have more time, take a coastal walk/hike past the lighthouse. You’ll be rewarded with wonderful views of the bay and gulf.

If you made it all the way to St. Marks, then you’re only just over an hour from Apalachicola, a wonderful fishing village that is definitely worth a visit. For more on Apalachicola, check out this post.

So there’s our top 5 picks on things to do in Tallahassee. We really hope you get to visit soon. It may not be your typical Florida beach town, but the nature, the lack of tourists and some really good food make it a destination to put on your list.

Did I miss any of your personal Tallahassee favorites? Let me know in the comments or share your thoughts on our favorites. Thanks for reading and remember to make your Someday…Today!

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