Located in North Florida, Tallahassee is full of outdoor excitement, flowers blooming in brilliant colors, world-class entertainment, and laid-back vibes. This spring, fill your days in sampling chic southern cuisine, exploring over 700 miles of trails, attending a vibrant festival, or taking in an art exhibit. Below are just a few ideas to add to your to-do list when you visit this spring. For more information, and to help plan your trip today, learn more at Visit Tallahassee.com.
HIT THE TRAILS
Tallahassee is home over 700 miles of outdoor trails, where you can enjoy navigating a challenging mountain bike course, a trail ride on horseback, running along a wooded path, or walking along the nearby coast of the Gulf of Mexico. Take in the spectacular views and rolling hills under the canopy of 100-year old oak trees, there’s never a shortage of new experiences to be had in “Trail”ahassee.
STROLL THROUGH A GARDEN IN BLOOM
A masterpiece of floral architecture, Alfred B. Maclay Gardens State Park features a picturesque brick walkway, secret garden, reflection pool, walled garden and hundreds of camellias and azaleas. These beautiful ornamental gardens were first planted in 1923 by Alfred B. and Louise Maclay after they purchased the property for their winter home. Enjoy peak blooming season from Jan. 1 through April 30, with the floral peak in mid-to-late March.
ENJOY A LOCAL BREW
Garden tours are extremely popular with visitors given Tallahassee’s beautiful year-round weather. Of course, there are many different styles of gardens to explore — including BEER GARDENS! Tallahassee’s craft breweries pour ample servings of creativity and quality, boldly introducing themselves with award-winning style. Beyond the beverages, the stories behind Tallahassee’s award-winning craft breweries are as compelling as the beers they serve. Explore them all with friends, family, and your furry friends as most welcome pets.
MAKE A SPLASH
A joyful jump from the diving platform into the soothing, calm, cool water of Wakulla Springs is sure to delight all ages. The waters of the deepest and largest fresh-water spring in the world remain at a refreshing 72 degrees year round, offering both the chill and the thrill memory making adventures.
FISHING & PADDLING
Surrounded by a multitude of lakes, six rivers and located only 25 miles from the Gulf of Mexico, Tallahassee is a hot spot for fresh and saltwater fishing. Local outfitters offer fishing trips down the Aucilla River, Wacissa River, Lake Bradford Chain of Parks, Lake Jackson, and nearby coast to explore the waterways. You’re likely to see alligators, turtles, manatees, and maybe even an Anhinga – the swimming bird poking its head from beneath the water or perched on a branch drying its wings after a quick swim.
SHOP LOCAL
With vintage treasures and funky shops at Railroad Square and chic boutiques in Market Square, Tallahassee’s retail scene is a character in and of itself. Explore one of the area’s many shopping districts to discover independent bookstores, craft galleries, record stores and vintage toy shops that are uniquely Tallahassee. Learn more at https://visittallahassee.com/shopping-guide.
TAKE TIME TO REFUEL
From lowkey food trucks to five-star cuisine, it’s guaranteed Florida’s Capital City won’t leave you hungry. Local restaurants are constantly cooking up your next favorite meal with flavors as unique as the chefs who create them. Tallahassee’s vast dining options satisfy those hunger cravings whether sweet and salty or hot and spicy. Menus are filled with everything from fresh gulf seafood to the most decadent desserts. Delicious decisions await!
EXPERIENCE TALLAHASSEE EVENTS
Spring in Tallahassee comes alive with a robust lineup of outdoor concerts, festivals and events, world-class arts, culture, all surrounded by our natural beauty. There are always new events being added to the lineup, learn more at https://visittallahassee.com/events.
BIRD WATCHING
Located on two migratory pathways, the Tallahassee region is one of the top birding locations in the country. The St. Marks National Wildlife Refuge serves as the gateway to the Panhandle Section of the Great Florida Birding & Wildlife Trail, it is a popular spot for viewing more than 250 different species throughout the year including Bachman’s sparrows, red-cockaded woodpeckers, cerulean warblers, scarlet tanagers and wood thrushes. If you’re lucky, you might spot “Pinky” the flamingo, who now resides in the area after being blown off course and away from the flock by Hurricane Michael in 2018.
SOAR THROUGH THE TREETOPS
The Tallahassee Museum is set amidst 52 acres of breathtaking natural beauty, the Museum’s living exhibits of native wildlife, nature trails, historic exhibits and zip line and aerial adventure courses are enjoyed by visitors of all ages. The Museum is home to fourteen historic buildings that immerse visitors in 19th-century experiences and allow them to discover the history and lifestyles of southern communities. The internationally acclaimed exhibit, Jim Gary’s Twentieth Century Dinosaurs features vividly colored dinosaurs sculpted from recycled car parts that evoke thoughts about art, science, and sustainability.
