10 Outdoor Activities To Beat The Summer Heat

Sizzling summer days call for new and adventurous activities that can help keep you cool. Make a splash this season with Tallahassee’s top 10 outdoor activities, and be sure to use VisitTallahassee.com/trailahassee as your go-to resource for navigating all the trails, paths, and outdoor adventures Tallahassee has to offer. You can search by terrain, activity, skill level, and more, so get out and explore.

Lake Hall at Alfred B. Maclay Gardens State Park

Just off Thomasville Rd., just a half-mile north of I-10, Alfred B. Maclay Gardens State Park hides a tranquil secret in plain sight—Lake Hall. This placid, pristine lake is a perfect location for canoeing, kayaking, swimming, fishing, or simply hiking the many trails that overlook its waters. The gardens themselves are beautifully landscaped and bloom throughout the year, and you might even see one of the area’s crew teams rowing across the lake as well.

Cascades Park

On hot summer days, the Imagination Fountain at Cascades Park is a perfect way to cool off for kids of all ages. By day, it serves as a refreshing break from hiking, biking, or strolling around this beautiful downtown park. And at night, its interactive jets illuminate in hundreds of colors, putting on light shows set to music for all to enjoy.

Wakulla Springs

Dive into all the fun at one of the world’s largest and deepest freshwater springs. At Wakulla Springs, you can swim through shimmering blue waters, plan the perfect outdoor picnic, or enjoy a guided glass-bottom boat tour, where you’ll marvel at an impressive array of rare wildlife, from manatees and native river otters to the endangered Cerulean Warbler bird.

Wacissa River

Discover one of Florida’s most spectacular rivers. Whether you’re paddling through the waterways on a tranquil kayaking excursion or getting your thrills jumping from the local rope swing, the Wacissa River is the perfect place to feel refreshed this summer and bask in all of Tallahassee’s natural beauty.

FSU Reservation

An expansive facility that’s been a favorite among FSU students and youth campers for years, the FSU Reservation still remains a largely unknown entity to travelers and locals alike. Here, you can canoe or kayak on beautiful Lake Bradford, take a dip in the swimming area or play beach volleyball in a peaceful, natural setting.

Tallahassee Museum Tree-to-Tree Adventure

High above the boardwalks, animal enclosures, and cypress swamps of the Tallahassee Museum, you’ll find Tree-to-Tree Adventures. There are three aerial obstacle courses in all, catering to people of all ages and skill levels, each of which features safe, fun obstacles and zip lines positioned high in the tree canopy above the museum. Training and gear are included with your ticket, so come out and enjoy.

Leon Sinks

Take the plunge and explore some of Florida’s most breathtaking geological wonders at Leon Sinks. Hike through gorgeous nature trails or head straight for Sister Sinks, where a picturesque rope swing and an awe-inspiring sinkhole await. With its abundance of shady oak trees and naturally cool waters, Leon Sinks is the ideal place to spend your summer in Tallahassee.

Silver Lake Recreation Area

Just 8 miles west of Tallahassee, the Silver Lake Recreation Area is one of the most beautiful areas of the Apalachicola National Forest. Here, towering pine and moss-draped cypress trees shade a white-sand beach that lines a spring-fed lake ideal for swimming, fishing, or simply paddling in non-motorized boats. Restrooms, water fountains, and 45 picnic tables make this beautiful location easy to enjoy.

Marianna Caverns

Explore dazzling formations of limestone stalactites and escape the summer heat underground at the Marianna Caverns, where the natural temperature is sure to cool you down. The nearby Chipola River and Blue Hole Springs also allow visitors to go fishing, canoeing, or boating. It’s the perfect way to spend a hot summer day.

Bear Paw

This summer, bring your friends and your cooler along for an unforgettable day at bear paw, where you’ll float through the pristine natural waters of the Chipola River. Let the effortless flow of the river guide you on a tube or navigate your way via kayak. No matter which vessel you choose, you’re sure to have a great time at Bear Paw.