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Tallahassee is the capital of Florida, set among the rolling red hills of the Panhandle about 20 miles north of the Gulf of Mexico. Long before statehood, the Apalachee people built a thriving society here, and in 1656 the Spanish founded Mission San Luis among them. In 1824 Tallahassee was chosen as the capital of the new Florida Territory because it lay halfway between the old colonial centers of Pensacola and St. Augustine, and the city grew around its Capitol on a hilltop.
Today Tallahassee is a city of around 200,000 people with a character all its own, more Old South than beach resort. Moss-draped live oaks arch over its famous canopy roads, antebellum homes line historic neighborhoods, and the striped awnings of the restored 1902 Historic Capitol stand in front of the modern 22-story Capitol tower. As home to Florida State University and Florida A&M University, it is also a lively college town, and football Saturdays at Doak Campbell Stadium fill the city.
Visitors find plenty of history and nature. The Florida Historic Capitol Museum, the Knott House Museum, where the Emancipation Proclamation was read in Florida in 1865, and the reconstructed Mission San Luis tell the region's story, and the top floor of the new Capitol offers free panoramic views. Alfred B. Maclay Gardens bloom with azaleas and camellias in early spring, the Tallahassee Museum combines wildlife, historic buildings and zip lines in the woods, and Wakulla Springs, one of the world's largest freshwater springs, lies just to the south.
The Florida Historic Capitol Museum is the restored 1902 capitol building with its striped awnings and stained glass dome, standing in front of the modern tower. Inside are the restored Senate and House chambers, the Supreme Court room and exhibits on Florida politics. Admission is free, and allow about an hour.
The Museum of Florida History in downtown Tallahassee covers the state's story from ancient peoples and Spanish explorers to the Civil War, steamboats and tourism. Highlights include a mastodon skeleton found in nearby Wakulla Springs. Admission is free, and it sits close to the capitol buildings.
The 22nd floor of the Florida State Capitol has a free public observation deck with wide views over Tallahassee's tree canopy and rolling hills, plus a small art gallery. On clear days you can see far into the surrounding countryside. Enter through security on weekdays, and bring a photo ID.
Mission San Luis is a living history site recreating a 1600s Spanish mission and Apalachee town, with a reconstructed council house, church, fort and homes. Costumed interpreters demonstrate daily life. It is one of the best history sites in Florida. Allow about two hours, and check for special event weekends.
The Knott House Museum is an 1840s house where the Emancipation Proclamation was read in Tallahassee in May 1865. Later home of the Knott family, it is known as the house that rhymes, because Luella Knott attached poems to her furniture. Guided tours run on set days, so check the schedule.
Lake Jackson Mounds Archaeological State Park preserves earthen temple mounds built by Mississippian culture peoples between about 1050 and 1500. A short trail leads to the largest mound and through the woods. Signs explain the site's history. Bring insect repellent, and pay the small entrance fee.
Alfred B. Maclay Gardens State Park is a former winter estate with formal gardens of camellias and azaleas set around Lake Hall, plus walking and biking trails and a swimming area. The gardens peak from January to April. Allow at least an hour for the gardens, and pay the small park entrance fee.
Cascades Park is a large downtown park near the Capitol with walking trails, ponds, a children's play area, an interactive fountain and the Capital City Amphitheater for concerts. It is built on old historic sites, with markers telling their stories. Visit on concert nights or for an evening stroll.
The Tallahassee Museum is an outdoor museum set among oaks and cypress, with native wildlife like Florida panthers, red wolves and bears in natural habitats, historic farm buildings and a treetop zipline course. It is a great family half day. Wear walking shoes and bring insect repellent in summer.
Railroad Square Art District is a cluster of colorful former warehouses near the railroad tracks, now filled with art studios, galleries, vintage shops, cafes and a brewery. The First Friday gallery hop each month brings music and food trucks. Visit on the first Friday evening for the liveliest atmosphere.
Doak Campbell Stadium is the home of Florida State University Seminoles football, one of the largest college stadiums in the country, wrapped in brick facades and arches. Game days in fall bring huge crowds and traditions like the flaming spear. Buy tickets early, and arrive hours ahead to enjoy tailgating.
Edward Ball Wakulla Springs State Park, south of Tallahassee, protects one of the world's largest freshwater springs. Riverboat tours show manatees, alligators and birds, and a swimming area has a diving platform. The historic 1937 lodge has a restaurant. Go in the morning for tours, and check swim conditions.
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