Things To Do in Tallahassee - Must-See Spring Gardens

Explore the hidden gems of Tallahassee’s gardens. These beautiful places are full of stunning flowers in the spring months. From calm oases to lively gardens, take a walk through Tallahassee’s varied plant landscapes. Enjoy the beauty of nature’s best creations.

ALFRED B. MACLAY GARDENS STATE PARK

One of the most tranquil spots in Tallahassee, Maclay Gardens is a masterpiece of floral architecture and botanical beauty. The gardens feature a picturesque brick walkway, secret garden, reflection pool, walled garden, and hundreds of camellias and azaleas.

These lovely gardens were first planted in 1923. Alfred B. and Louise Maclay created them after buying the property for their winter home. Today, close to 100 varieties of camellia and 50 varieties of Azalea bloom from December through April.

Near the entrance to the garden, there is a native plant arboretum. This area shows plants that are native to Florida’s Big Bend region.

It includes perennial ground covers and woodland wildflowers. Many of these plants attract many butterflies. The 2020 First-Class Forever stamp showcased Maclay Gardens. This stamp celebrates the beauty of American gardens.

Peak blooming season is from Jan. 1 through April 30, with the floral peak in mid-to-late March.

DOROTHY B. OVEN PARK

The park is just minutes from downtown. It sits in the heart of over 6 acres of beautiful North Florida gardens.

These gardens are full of azaleas, camellias, palms, and other fragrant flowers. This creates a unique atmosphere in the park. The camellias found here are noted as some of the finest in the area.

The property is alive with a variety of garden paths and fountains making this park one of the most photographed in town. Once a year, beginning in late November, the park twinkles with more than 250,000 holiday lights, displays, and holiday music.

THE GROVE

Located in the city center, this historic site shows Florida’s civil rights history. Hosting an array of spring blooms that transform the grounds into a colorful tapestry throughout the year, but especially in Spring.

White and pink Camellias set the stage at the start of the year with their lush, vibrant blooms. From February to May, the grounds burst with life. You can see many beautiful flowers. These include white and pink Azaleas, Ashe Magnolia, white Amaryllis, yellow Daylily, purple Passion-Flowers, and Southern Magnolia.

There are many more flowers to enjoy. If you are looking for things to do in spring in Tallahassee, visit The Grove Museum. Its flower display shows the beauty and variety of the season.

FLORIDA STATE UNIVERSITY CAMPUS

Florida State University’s campus shows off the area’s beautiful plants, especially in spring. During this time, many flowers bloom.

This makes it a great place for flower lovers and photographers to visit. One of the first signs of spring is the blooming of white and pink Camellias.

You can see them as early as late December and into early January. The campus walkways and green areas are painted in pink and white. This happens when the Azaleas bloom in mid-to-late February.

Make sure to see the bright colors of the Purple Lily Magnolia. This flower (Magnolia liliiflora ‘Nigra’) blooms near the Gazebo at Greek Park. Other blooms and beauty include Walter’s Viburnum, Loropetalum, Florida Sunshine Anise, Saucer Magnolias, Taiwan Cherries, Carolina Yellow Jessamine, and native Red Maple.

TALLAHASSEE NURSERIES

Take a lovely walk at the nursery that earned the Southern Living magazine’s award for “Best Garden Center in the South.”

Locally owned and operated since 1938, Tallahassee Nurseries has been a vital part of the Tallahassee Community. What began as just 5 acres of fresh produce has now turned into a wonderful garden experience. It includes a flower and gift shop, a garden center, a koi pond, and a greenhouse.

This garden has earned the title of Best Garden Center in the South from Southern Living magazine! You can find a wide assortment of blooms here year-round. Stop by and wander the grounds to find the perfect Tallahassee souvenir to plant in your own backyard.

Take a walk back in time at Goodwood Museum and Gardens.

Originally a 1,600-acre cotton plantation, the home is now a museum. It is also on the National Register of Historic Places. With 20 acres to explore, the lushly landscaped land surrounds its centuries-old live oaks and flourishing gardens. The grounds include over 20 structures dating from 1835 to 1925 and provide the perfect spot for a stroll.

Along the pathways and structures, flowers bloom amidst grasses and groundcover. You can see several flowers on the property.

These include blue-eyed grass, pink knotweed, peacock ginger, yellow daylilies, butterfly ginger, and cape lily. They bloom alongside many irises. The shaded landscape comes alive with forest gardenia, hibiscus, firecracker plants, and more.

Find the rose garden where tea and old blush china rosebuds bloom. Head to the front porch of the historic home. Sit for a moment and enjoy the view. Imagine yourself in another time, sipping tea or lemonade on a hot summer day.