Are you looking for things to do in Tallahassee, Florida? Most people think of Florida and picture sandy beaches, but Tallahassee offers so much more! There are many things to do in Tallahassee.
First, to understand what fun awaits in Tallahassee, it’s important that you understand the history of the city. Tallahassee is not only the county seat of Leon County, but it is also the capital of the entire state of Florida.
Tallahassee is home to nearly 200,000 Floridians, making it not only the seventh-largest city in the Sunshine State, but one of the largest in the United States at 126. It is located in the Panhandle of Florida, which makes it a popular tourist site as it is close to both the beach and the Gulf of Mexico but also the best of South Georgia as well.
Read more about Florida
- Guide To The Best Things To Do In Bradenton, FL
- Things to do in St. Petersburg, Florida
- Review of Sirata Beach Resort in St. Petersburg
- 4 Days Adventure Itinerary In Miami And The Everglades
- Orlando Is More Than Just Theme Parks
- How To Spend The Perfect 3 Days In Fort Lauderdale
- Tampa Getaway For Couples: A 4-Day Itinerary
Where to stay in Tallahassee?
- Booking.com has been my go-to choice for the best prices on places to stay in Tallahassee, with the most choices. Especially once you reach Genius tier and you can find an additional 10-15% off places to stay.
In This Article
What to Know About Tallahassee
Tallahassee is home to the Sunshine State capital, but it is also home to multiple colleges and universities, including Florida State University. Tallahassee Community College and Florida A & M University also call Tallahassee home. Tallahassee has also been recognized as an All-American City Award winner by the National Civic League two times in the last decade. A Tallahassee map would show the bulk of government buildings in addition to the vintage architecture that the state is attempting to salvage and, in some cases, renovate.
Tallahassee as a territory has a rich history from the remnants of the earthen mounds of early natives to the Spanish ruins that have been preserved by the state of Florida. The Mission San Luis de Apalachee has been partially restored by the Florida government and is a beautiful tourist attraction.
Top activities in Tallahassee
Love History? Tallahassee has a Rich Historical Background!
Tallahassee has another claim to fame that no other site on the continent of North America can make – historians believe that the very first Christmas was held near modern-day Tallahassee by Hernando de Soto and his fellow explorers. (It should be noted that this is a claim that no one can completely prove or disprove.)
Although Tallahassee was a Spanish territory for many years, eventually, the land we now know as Florida became an American territory. When delegates from West Florida and East Florida met to set up the Florida Legislative Council, they determined that they should meet in a more centralized location – this was Tallahassee, and this is how and why the location was chosen as the state capital.
Love Football? Love Tailgating? Look No Further!
When looking for things to do in Tallahassee, you won’t be surprised to find that many visitors flock to the city for college football game days. Again, both Florida State University and Florida A & M are located in Tallahassee, and many football fans come to the city to tailgate and enjoy the game. However, this is just one of the many Tallahassee events in which you can immerse yourself in Florida culture and have fun.
WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW
Address: Tallahassee, FL 32306
What to bring: A cooler full of ice along with beverages and snacks
Music and More Fun
The Sundown Concert Series is a month-long event located at the Capital City Amphitheater, and concertgoers can be sure to enjoy great live music and other entertainment. Much of the music is brought by local artists, and the background of the great outdoors just adds to the atmosphere of the event. This is a great event that has something for everyone.
WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW
Address: Capital City Ampitheater in Cascades Park
Hours: Generally takes place during August
Price: FREE Admission
What to bring: Earbuds for yourself or your children in case you find the music too loud and sunscreen.
Food Festivals and More!
Each year, the city hosts the Tallahassee Greek Food Festival, which is a tribute to the Greek community in the city. During the third weekend in October, the Tallahassee Greek Food Festival draws in those who grew up with Mediterranean origins and those who simply enjoy good food. Most of those who put on the event are members of the Holy Mother of God Greek Orthodox Church, and the food on display is often homemade by the same individuals. In addition, those in attendance will enjoy traditional Greek music as well as find opportunities to donate to those in need. (Event-goers are asked to bring food donations in order to distribute to the hungry.)
WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW
Address: Holy Mother of God Orthodox Church, 1645 Phillips Rd Tallahassee, FL 32308
Hours:
- October 18 & 19, 2019
- 10AM – 10PM
Price: FREE Admission
Tips: Although admission is free they request you to bring food donations for America’s Second Harvest for those in need.
What to bring: A healthy appetite!
Black Heritage in Tallahassee
You can also visit Tallahassee and take in the rich heritage and culture of the capital city. Previously, I mentioned the centuries-long history of the city, but there are tributes to particular communities in Tallahassee. The Meek-Eaton Southeastern Regional Black Archives and Research Center is open to the public, providing a great history lesson for visitors. Here, there are monuments, historic buildings, and a multitude of artifacts that prove the impact of the African American community. After leaving the Archives, you should visit the Restored Smokey Hollow Barbershop, which further shows the importance of African American history in Tallahassee. Take a walking tour of downtown Tallahassee for an illuminating experience highlighting Black Heritage history.
WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW
Address: Starting point will be communicated after confirmation
Hours: Departs at 8:00 AM and has a 30 minute duration
Price: $26.87
Info:
- Pass By: Knott House Museum, 301 E Park Ave, Tallahassee, FL 32301-1513
- Includes like snacks
Fun-filled Kids Activities in Tallahassee
Got kids along for the trip? There are many fun things to do in Tallahassee, especially with the kids in tow! Lofty Pursuits is a child’s dream, complete with a candy shop, ice cream parlor, and a toy store. In fact, you might enjoy watching the candy being made before you take a bite. The Tree-to-Tree Adventure lets visitors zipline while they are enjoying the Tallahassee Museum. Are your kids not old enough to zipline? There’s a playground for them to enjoy instead. These are just a few places that you can take the kids while visiting this sunny destination!
WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW
Address: 3945 Museum Dr, Tallahassee, FL 32310-6325
Hours: Sun
- Mon – Sat – 11AM – 5PM
- Sun – 9AM – 5PM
Price:
- Adults $12.00
- Seniors (65+) $11.50
- College Students (w/I.D.) $11.50
- Children (4-15) $9.00, Children (3 and under) Free (with family)
- Members Free
Group Admission Rates (Groups of 20 or more) - Adults $10.50
- Children (15 and under) $8.50
Tips: Outside food and snacks are not permitted, bring money to purchase some snacks and beverages inside the museum.
What’s to Eat in Tallahassee?
We’d be remiss if we didn’t mention places to eat in Tallahassee! Besides the Greek Food Festival, there are restaurants that feature most any food you’d like to try! The Canopy Road Cafe offers pancakes with a creative twist in a traditional diner atmosphere. The Shell Oyster Bar is a family-owned business that routinely feeds a large crowd every night. The Edison is named such because it is housed in a former power plant, and it is a favorite among all ages of visitors and college students.
Tallahassee is a great place to visit, and there are many activities for the individual, the couple, and the family alike!
Where to stay in Tallahassee
BUDGET
A hotel with a relaxing outdoor seating area to take in the sunset with a glass of wine. During the summer you will love to take a cool dip in their beautiful pool, or lounge on the poolside while your family has fun splashing around. Known for its great breakfast and equally great prices you can’t go wrong with a stay at the Seven Hills Suites.
MODERN LOFT
This hotel is perfect for the modern couple or anyone in town on business. Aloft includes a free business centre to use, a free transfer service a pool, and an on-site mini-market for your convenience. “I’ve been staying at the aloft chain for years and am a huge fan. This isn’t a pet friendly hotel! It’s more like a pet hotel that tolerates humans!!”
UNIQUE & QUAINT
A unique Spanish-style hotel that is pet-friendly and includes a free breakfast. You will love the outdoor pool and beautiful gardens. If you need any assistance, you can rely on the staff at this hotel to assist you 24/7!
LUXURY
STAYBRIDGE SUITES IN TALLAHASSEE
A huge outdoor pool, palm trees, and lounge chairs – does it get any more Florida than that? Feel at home in this luxurious hotel with your very own BBQ, 24-hour fitness centre, and an on-site convenience store!
I hope this guide will be extremely helpful in your travels! If you’ve got some more tips and spots you love in Tallahassee, drop them below!
What you should read next
Travel Resources For Your Next Trip
If you’re in the process of planning your trip and putting together your itinerary, these are genuinely the best resources that the Going Awesome Places team stands by 100%.
Credit Cards
Don’t get burned by hidden fees on top of terrible exchange rates. When we travel now, we use the Wise Card. Simply load it with the currency you need before you go and use it as a regular VISA or their digital wallet card. Use their free app to track how much you have and top up when you need to.
Flights
In our opinion, of all the booking search engines, Skyscanner is the most helpful and easy to use thanks to their Everywhere feature. Kayak is also another that’s we will often check.
Car Rental
If you’re looking to save money, these car rental coupon codes will be a true game-changer. Otherwise, DiscoverCars and Booking’s car rental platform are great places to start.
Rideshare
You probably already have accounts but if you don’t, for new Lyft users, use code WILLIAM4825 to get 50% off your first 2 rides (max $10 per ride). Offer valid for 14 days after you take your first ride. For new Uber users, use code cbh4j6plxt8p for the same offer except it’s valid for 30 days.
Airport Parking
You’ll need a spot to leave your car at the airport so why not book a spot at a discount. Use code AWESOME7 to get at least $5 off at Airport Parking Reservations or Park Sleep Fly packages.
eSIM
eSIM: This is our go-to way of staying connected. Below are the discounts we have acquired for our readers.
- AmigoSIM – Use GOINGAWESOMEPLACES to save 25% off. Code is re-useable.
- Gigsky – Use TANG149 to get $3 USD when you sign up, then use code GOINGAWESOME to save 20% on all eSIM orders.
- Airalo – Use referral code WILLIA9500 to get $3 USD credit on your first purchase.
- KnowRoaming – Use code GAP10 to save 10%.
- AloSIM – Use code GOINGAWESOMEPLACES to save 15%.
- Ubigi – AWESOME10 to save 10% on your first order.
- Holafly – Use code GOINGAWESOMEPLACES to save 5%.
- Roamless – Use code AWESOME20 to save 20.
- Saily – Use code GAP15 to save 15%.
Make sure to read our article on breaking down the cheapest eSIMs for travel to learn more.
Wifi Hotspot
We’ve been a huge fan of wifi hotspot devices such as PokeFi (use code GAP24300) because their rates are are hard to beat and it works globally. Solis is another that we recommend. Pros are that you can share the wifi with your whole group but cons are that you have to invest in a device and you have to charge it every night.
Hotels
Our go-to is Booking.com because they have the best inventory of properties including hotels and B&Bs plus they have their Genius tier discounts. Expedia is also worth using especially with their One Key rewards program which is basically like cash. The exception is Asia where Agoda always has the best prices. Always do a quick check on TripAdvisor as well.
Tours and Activities
When planning our trips, we always check both Viator and GetYourGuide to at least see what’s out there in the destination that we’re going to. They often have different offerings and prices so check both.
Travel Insurance
Learn how to buy the best travel insurance for you. This isn’t something you want to travel without.
- HeyMondo – Popular insurance provider for frequent travelers and comes with great coverage and special perks. By booking through our link to get a 5% discount!
- RATESDOTCA – Search engine Canadians looking for the cheapest insurance including multi-trip annual policies.
- SafetyWing – A perfect fit for long-term nomads.
- Medjet – Global air medical transportation.
- InsureMyTrip – Best for seniors, families, and those with pre-existing conditions.
Check Out Our Toolbox
If you need more help planning your trip, make sure to check out our Travel Toolbox where we highlight all of the gear, resources, and tools we use when traveling.
,_Capital_City_Amphitheater.JPG){kind=link}
Thank you so much for sharing this. We have a trip with my family next week on Florida and I’m going to visit these. Thank you so much. You are the best!