Media & Film

New Restaurants in Florida
The Local Palate
Like many other Southern cities, Tallahassee’s dining scene is dominated by casual American cuisine. Enter Black Radish, a vegetable-focused concept that has captured the interest of local diners, both vegetarians and meat eaters. “Nontraditional concepts with a focus on vegetables and a beverage program featuring biodynamic wines wouldn’t be out of the norm in large cities with a vibrant food scene,” says chef-owner Matthew Swezey.
Read More

9 Most Charming Cities In Florida
WorldAtlas.com
9 Most Charming Cities In Florida
Read More

The 10 Most Amazing Natural Springs in the United States And Where To Find Them
A-Z-Animals.com
The United States contains amazing natural beauty and geographic diversity. Spanning almost four million square miles, the country is home to beautiful beaches, enormous mountains, grassy plains, and sandy deserts. Every corner of the United States has something to offer, and millions of people visit each year to experience the massive country for themselves. Aside from oceans, ponds, lakes, and waterfalls, there are other fascinating water features to explore.
Read More

48 Hours in Accessible Tallahassee
New Mobility
I am a very rare bird, otherwise known as a Florida native. I was born and raised in South Florida and have lived in several different parts of my home state.
Read More

How to Spend 48 hours Dining in Black-owned Tallahassee
Yahoo
It’s good to support Black-owned businesses, especially during Black History Month. This time, we’re focusing on Black-owned eateries in Tallahassee.
Read More

Lollygagger at Large: Pieces of Springfield history find new home in Tallahassee Automobile Museum
Mass Live
It all started with a claim to have one of the few remaining Duryea cars. Now that would be an important piece of Springfield history.
Read More

Tallahassee Welcomes Spring Concerts, Festivals and Events
I Love Central Florida
Visit Tallahassee announces its annual spring lineup of open-air concerts, festivals and internationally recognized events surrounded by vibrant arts, culture and natural beauty.
Read More

Wanderlust Florida ep 5: Exploring Air, Land, Sea in Tallahassee, Marianna, & Panama City Beach
Visit Florida & The Weather Channel Canada
Explore Florida's Capitol and natural culinary delights in Tallahassee at Backwoods Crossing and Proof Brewing Company.
Read More

Visit These House Museums During Black History Month
Forbes
There is nothing like stepping into the home of one of your heroes: it is an intimate, personal way to see how they lived when out of the spotlight.
Read More

10 Unexpected U.S. Cities With a Surprisingly Good Food Scene
Fodor's Travel
Foodie or not, these small towns will have you licking your lips and patting your belly.
Read More

Exploring Air, Land, Sea in Tallahassee, Marianna, & Panama City Beach
Wanderlust Florida
Explore Florida's Capitol and natural culinary delights in Tallahassee at Backwoods Crossing and Proof Brewing Company.
Read More

A Capital City Getaway to Tallahassee
Simply Buckhead
Before making the 4.5-hour drive from my home in Atlanta through the small towns of south Georgia, I had little to no knowledge of Tallahassee. The city’s reputation as the home of Florida State University preceded it, so I went into my trip with an open mind, curious to see what a person who graduated many years ago could enjoy in a college town.
Read More

Southern Surprise
TOWN Magazine
When the cold gets you down, planning a southbound escape is sure to bring a little warmth to your winter chill. Booking an early spring weekend away to a sunny city will provide just enough anticipatory cheer to push you through those dreary January days. And Tallahassee, Florida, is an unexpected locale worthy of a visit.
Read More

10 ways to find entertainment, adventure and history in Florida's capital
10best
People from all over the world flock to Florida to enjoy its beautiful beaches, often overlooking inland destinations such as Tallahassee. The state capital, with its rolling hills and Southern charm, is more than a beacon for politicians and college students. The sleepy town, close to the Georgia border, is waking up with a growing art scene, nightlife, dining and outdoor adventure.
Read More

Gameday Guide to Tallahassee, Florida
This is My South
Tallahassee, Florida is home to two major universities, Florida State University and Florida A&M. But unlike other college towns like Athens or Oxford, Tallahassee is the state capital and has a large percentage of full-time residents. Even if you’re not visiting the campuses or catching a football game, there’s plenty to see and do.
Read More

Florida Breweries & Distilleries: A Taste of Tallahassee at Proof Brewing Company
VISIT FLORIDA
In a short time, Proof Brewing Company has transformed itself from a bottle shop on the “college side of town” to a production brewery and tap room in the heart of the counterculture haven of Railroad Square Art Park to its current location - an abandoned Coca-Cola bottling plant built in 1948.
Read More

Dog-friendly restaurants and bars in Tallahassee
The OJT 100
All dog parents have been there — you’re out having a nice meal or a cold beer with friends, when all of a sudden, you think about your canine companion sitting at home, all alone, waiting solemnly for you to return. The mood is instantly ruined. Thankfully, if you’re in Tallahassee!
Read More

Florida Might Be Known For Its Beaches, But These Botanical Gardens Are Just As Serene
The Travel
Florida may be known for its sandy beaches and attractions such as Disney World and the Everglades, but there is so much more to see in Florida for those who want a break from the usual tourist attractions. These botanical beauties offer visitors a glimpse of Florida’s gorgeously diverse flora; exquisitely maintained and filled to the brim with flourishing subtropical blooms and elaborate landscape features like fountains and waterfalls, many believe they are some of the most beautiful gardens on the planet.
Read More

Tallahassee’s disc golf scene
The OJT
With the surge in pickleball players during the pandemic, it seems that lesser-known sports are making a comeback. Disc golf — similar to golf, but with frisbee-like disks — could be one of them. And if you’re in Tallahassee, there are now two, 24-hole courses where you can try it out. The first is at Tom Brown Park, where only nine of the holes are in wooded areas, leaving the rest out in the open — perfect for beginners.
Read More

Travel to Tallahassee for Southern Sophistication
Travel Pulse
Tallahassee, the name might conjure up visions of football tailgating, college tours or Florida state politics. Yes, FSU and FAMU bring students and their families to the state’s capital, but Tallahassee is more than just those parts. Plan a visit to this panhandle town and you will find a dose of southern sophistication in its vibrant city life, lush parks and thriving arts district.
Read More

OUTDOORS/HISTORY/FOOD: VISIT TALLAHASSEE, FL
Southern Hospitality
What do you think of when you hear Tallahassee, FL? Home of the Florida State Seminoles which makes it a college town, as well as Florida A&M University. Capital city of Florida, a destination rich in historical roots in North Florida near the Georgia line. All of the above!
Read More

13 Free Things to Do in Florida
Lonely Planet
More often than not, a Florida trip is anchored by something pretty pricey. This can come in the form of a multi-day Walt Disney World extravaganza, a cruise or boating adventure, a beachside retreat, or so much more within the state’s diverse confines.
Read More

Eat Like a Local in Tallahassee Pastry chef Sylvia Gould shares her favorite places to dine and drink in Florida’s capital
Garden & Gun
Last year, when the pastry chef Sylvia Gould learned she was a James Beard semifinalist, she was stunned. Not only was it her first time receiving such an honor, but it was the first time anyone in her adopted hometown of Tallahassee had been up for the award. But if you ask Gould, she certainly won’t be the last.
Read More

11 of Florida's Best Springs for Swimming, Kayaking, and Wildlife Spotting
Travel + Leisure
Crystal-clear and a refreshing 72 degrees year round, Florida's springs are the swimming holes of your dreams.
Read More

Read More

Looking for Tallahassee photography or video? Please visit our Image Library to submit your request, and a member of our staff will get in touch with you.

DESTINATION OVERVIEW

Tallahassee’s unique charm and style is derived from the undeniably pretty and often unexpected features found in Florida’s Capital. Tallahassee lies in one of the most biologically diverse regions in the U.S. and is home to more than 700 miles of varying trails — aptly lending the nickname “Trailahassee” – with abundant biking, hiking, paddling, equestrian and running trails. Whether by land or water, breath-taking landscapes, amazing wildlife and recreational activities abound for outdoor enthusiasts, explorers, trailblazers and adventurers of all types. Home to three major colleges and universities, Tallahassee’s vibrant arts, culture and deep-rooted history shine through its murals, museums and performing arts. With its many popular craft breweries and emerging culinary scene, locals and visitors alike are welcomed to wide-open spaces and the flavor of Tallahassee.

DINING

Located in the Florida Panhandle, Tallahassee blends traditional southern cuisine with modern eateries and fresh, farm-to-table purveyors. Regional specialties from freshly caught fish to savory homemade sausage are featured throughout the variety of local restaurants creating a unique style of dining through innovative techniques.

Just a few of Tallahassee’s most loved spots include Lucilla, Masa, Sage, and Table 23. These sports make the capital region one of Florida’s most distinguished dining hubs.

FINE DINING

Il Lusso, downtown, offers guests savory, homemade pasta, along with prime dry-aged steaks. Located just steps away, Savour features seasonally inspired, regionally sourced and creatively prepared cuisine in a chic and eclectic dining experience. The Huntsman  has an upscale casual vibe and a focus on foraged, hunted, and farmed ingredients to create an unparalleled dining experience. For a more relaxed experience the Black Radish offers vegetable focused, sharable plates, handmade pasta, natural wines and more.

Food Glorious Food has culinary creations representing a variety of worldly cuisines including marinated lamb, spiced duck breast, caramelized salmon, seared tuna, spicy oyster shooters and more.

At Sage, chef Terry White and his staff create seasonal, multicultural menus that showcase the best local produce and seafood. Masa’s Asian fusion is executed by Lucy Ho, Tallahassee’s first Chinese cooking teacher. Mimi’s Table is a quaint chef-driven bistro featuring classic French, Italian, and Southern dishes.

Lucilla is a relaxed eatery offering delicious Southern comfort cuisine featuring fried oysters, pimento cheese fritters, warm goat cheese salad, cast iron filet mignon and so much more – plus they offer a notable weekend brunch.

AL FRESCO

Amid canopy trees and picturesque natural backdrops, alfresco dining options in Tallahassee are a plenty. Notable dining views include The Edison, where meals overlook Cascades Park’s 24-acres of rolling hills, waterways and gardens. Locals and visitors can also head to Lake Ella for Tallahassee’s weekly Food Truck Thursday to enjoy live music, local flavor and lake views. Table 23 serves classic southern dishes under a sprawling canopy of moss-covered oak trees. Midtown Caboose offers a full bar with patio seating right in the middle of midtown, serving famous burgers and other delicious items making a fun place to enjoy game day, a business lunch or date night. Harry’s Seafood & Grill is a trendy gathering spot for jambalaya and big easy grub, visitors can enjoy the patio with views of the fountain and downtown Tallahassee. If guests are craving a little luxury, The Blu Halo is a high-end steakhouse offering seafood items, a martini & wine bar and quaint outdoor seating.

FARM-TO-TABLE

Backwoods Crossing redefines farm-to-table cuisine with locally sourced food from its own backyard and regional farmers. Owners, Jesse and Tyler Rice, create modern dishes with a twist of Southern flair, made from fresh, farm-grown produce found on Backwoods’ three-and-a-half-acre farm. A cornucopia of veggies and fruits, in addition to a chicken and quail coop on-site, adds to the divine, ever-changing menu.

Kool Beanz Café serves a menu that changes daily featuring fresh, seasonal food and encourages guests to “Eat, Drink & Talk Loud – You’re Among Friends.” Inspired by their world travels, the chef and owner offer tastes from around the globe in an eclectic art-filled atmosphere.

Orchard Pond is a diverse, family-owned, organic farm located in the Red Hills Region of Tallahassee. A favorite among locals, Orchard Pond is situated on 15-acres and distributes to many of the area restaurants and businesses. With a fully outfitted Farm Stand – offering fresh produce, local brews, treats and more – visitors delight in a quiet country space with a quaint sun porch serving up cheese boards and refreshments.

ONLY IN TALLAHASSEE

Classic Southern fare can be found through a canopy of oak trees and Spanish moss at the iconic Bradley’s Country Store. Founded in 1927, Bradley’s makes and sells their famous country-smoked sausage and grits – often with a line of sausage lovers wrapped around the building.

Named “one of the best soda fountains in the country,” by The New York Times, Lofty Pursuits is one of the few sweet shops where the lost art of Victorian candy making comes to life. Owner Greg Cohen works to preserve Victorian hard candy techniques and equipment dating back to the 1800s.

ROASTERS

Tallahassee contains many local roasters and cafés to supply coffee lovers a much-needed caffeine fix. Lucky Goat Coffee is a Tallahassee-based roastery, tasting room and distribution company that serves single-origin coffees from unique growing regions with an emphasis on microlots and distinctive flavor profiles. Black Dog Café at Lake Ella is a gourmet coffee shop featuring specialty coffees, teas, sodas, wine, pastries and snacks. RedEye Coffee provides bird safe, organic coffee and tea served to guests in earth-friendly cups. By purchasing coffee and tea from small farmers at a fair price through certified organic cooperatives, RedEye donates all its profits to local and global humanitarian causes.

NIGHTLIFE

Tallahassee comes to life at night with a collection of CollegeTown hot spots and a bevy of beverage locales. From cocktail bars that boast college football spirit to award-winning homegrown craft breweries, Tallahassee brings something new to residents and visitors every night.

The beverage scene in Florida’s capital city is best-known for the craft breweries that call Tallahassee home — from humble suds to IPAs, local libations await. Adjacent to the family-friendly Cascades Park, Proof Brewing Co. invites guests to its 32,000 square foot modern tasting room, covered patio and pet-friendly expansive lawn for lounging and partaking in popular yard games. Tallahassee’s first and largest independently owned production brewery, Proof’s most popular brews include Eightfive-O, Mango Wit and La La Land.

Ology Brewing Co. is an ultra premium craft beer brewery focused on creating the newest craft beer styles. Nationally and internationally recognized as a trending craft producer, Ology Brewing Co. works to revive old-world recipes, and experiment its new techniques to give guests better-quality beer experiences at its three Tallahassee locations. Each taproom has its own unique culture, atmosphere and available products, including barrel-aged sour ales, double dry hopped hazy IPAs and everything in between and one of the locations is conveniently located to local bike trails. Ology’s newest venture, Ology Distilling Co. is Tallahassee first and only distillery. Opened in 2020, the distillery specializes in creating the best small-batch craft spirits with innovative and experimental techniques to produce both aged and unaged spirits. DEEP Brewing Co. explores the depths of beer through its unique style influenced by historic European and American brews. Co-founders of Lake Tribe Brewing wanted to try home brewing which quickly expanded into the popular brewery that explores the vast art of fermentation. Fool’s Fire Brewing is located in the All Saint’s District and offers unique craft beer and pub fare.  Oyster City Brewing Tallahassee brings its coastal flavors to Gaines St. in CollegeTown. Tallahassee’s newest brewery, Amicus Brewing Ventures is women-owned and operated and conveniently located adjacent to Cascades Park in the newly renovated, historic Old City Waterworks building downtown.

The energetic CollegeTown offers a variety of walkable bars and restaurants that welcome locals and visitors alike. Madison Social and Township lend a lively atmosphere, signature drinks and an ideal location next to Florida State University’s Doak Campbell Stadium. Patrons can grab a bold bloody mary before kick-off or have a postgame celebration with Township’s signature beer cocktails – served in steins.

In the Downtown district, located on the top floor of trendy Hotel Duval, Level 8 Lounge offers a picturesque view of Tallahassee, handcrafted cocktails and an expansive outdoor space. Eve on Adams is Tallahassee’s newest rooftop bar – located on the 17^th floor of the DoubleTree Hotel downtown. The upscale cocktail lounge features signature drinks and a beautiful skyline view of the city. Located in the historic Walker Library, Bar 1903 offers journey back in time featuring a cocktail menu that highlights each decade’s popular mixes that span back 160 years. Charlie Park at the AC Hotel delivers sophisticated cocktails, expertly curated wines and spirits and sharable small plates with dramatic views of Cascades Park from its indoor lounge and outdoor terrace.

Midtown provides a casual and comfortable atmosphere, where guests can find Happy Hour at a multitude of spots, including The Brass Tap – where you can mix and mingle with locals or Liberty Bar and Restaurant, known for their craft mixology experience.  

All Saint’s standout The Wilbury, a cozy barbecue restaurant and bar, is a hub for live music with local and national bands performing weekly.

SEASONALITY

Tallahassee has four distinct seasons to enjoy. In winter, visitors can expect to bundle up, but still enjoy the outdoors on one of Tallahassee’s many trails. Mild temperatures in spring make it difficult to stay inside and summer encourages visits to nearby springs and rivers to cool off on sunny days. The changing colors of autumn foliage usher in cooler temperatures and breathtaking sunsets.

TRAILS

Tallahassee is home to more than 700 miles wide-open and diverse trails — aptly lending the nickname “Trailahassee” – with abundant biking, hiking, equestrian, paddling and running trails. The city’s diverse topography creates a network of trails unlike any other area in Florida. Outdoor enthusiasts can access information to Mother Nature’s pathways online at Trailahassee.com with interactive mapping, GPS technology, personalized features and details on outfitters and trail associations.

MOUNTAIN BIKING

Tallahassee has more than 100 miles of diverse trails that run throughout the Capital City for every level of mountain biker.

Beginners enjoy Munson Hills, an eight-mile loop nestled in the northeast tip of the Apalachicola National Forest and the historic St. Marks Trail, tracing the route of Florida’s first and longest operating railroad. St. Marks Trail offers 20.5 miles of paved pathway from the city to the coastal community of St. Marks. The Lafayette Heritage Trail offers riders a variety of paved and unpaved paths, including technical jumps for thrill seekers. On the bike ride, a covered bridge and boardwalk overlook the incredible view of the Piney Z lake. The Cadillac Mountain Bike Trail is a must-ride trail for bikers and is marked with symbols throughout the seven-mile journey indicating the level of difficulty.

Experienced riders craving a challenge enjoy the Magnolia Mountain Bike Trail offering a 4.3-mile dirt path inside Tallahassee’s expansive Tom Brown Park. With winding, narrow chutes and steeply pitched hillsides, bicyclists’ skillsets are tested with each intricate twist and turn.

The Red Bug Trail is one of Tallahassee’s most advanced mountain biking trails, taking riders on a journey of rugged terrain characterized by dense foliage, wetlands and cross running creeks.

Ideal for single-track enthusiasts and cross-country runners, the Fern Trail is runs from Governor’s Park to the east side of Tallahassee, through railroad tracks and behind major roads.

CYCLING

For the road bicycle enthusiast, Tallahassee offers a variety of experiences on the road from paved city streets, leading to stunning views of the State’s Capital Building, to peaceful rides on canopy roads.

Experience history and a day of riding along the route of Florida’s first and longest-operating railroad, the Tallahassee-St. Marks Historic Railroad State Trail. The flat, paved surface runs 20.5 miles from Florida’s Capital City to the coastal community of St. Marks. With multiple entry spots, it runs along the Apalachicola National Forest – past quiet, rural communities – allowing for whatever length of ride you choose.

With 78 miles of Canopy Roads to choose from, many cyclists opt for Centerville Road/Moccasin Gap Road, which runs from the heart of town where Magnolia Drive ends and the shaded canopy begins. A delightful path down several miles of undulating road that connects pastures and fields, the journey leads to a great picnic stop where riders can grab some famous sausage at Bradley’s Country Store. This landmark building is a must-see for visitors to Leon County.

The Leon County Bicycle Route Network has connected the community by designating bicycle-friendly roadways between destinations. Bikes are legal on all Leon County roadways and the Tallahassee road bike route map has road comfort ratings to help guests plan routes by providing a level of riding comfort on major roads in the city.

KAYAKING

Paddling down any of the 20 lakes or endless rivers Tallahassee offers, kayakers observe Florida’s wildlife on scenic adventures throughout the year. Lake Jackson, Lake lamonia, Carr Lake, Lake Lafayette and the Bradford Chain-of-Lakes are a few examples of excursions to enjoy in Tallahassee and the surrounding area. Clear, spring-fed rivers – such as the Wacissa, Wakulla and St. Marks – allow paddlers to view the natural habitat of manatees and other wildlife.

CANOPY ROADS

Scenic drives define the Tallahassee area, especially its signature canopy roads where the limbs of huge moss-draped live oaks, sweet gums, hickory trees and pines provide a towering canopy over roads that were once paths traveled by native tribes. Tallahassee has nine official canopy roads offering more than 78 miles of intriguing shaded drives.

GOLF

Golf has a long history in Florida and Tallahassee plays a prominent role in the game’s presence. PGA tour winners have been raised in the city and the collegiate programs have turned out major champions, proclaimed players and local professionals. Florida’s Capital City is home to affordable offerings with a mix of public and private golf courses.

Capital City Country Club is located in beautiful downtown, less than five minutes from the State Capitol, Florida University and Florida A&M University. The Club is set in the pines and oaks with a spectacular view of the new Cascades Park Project. Designed by PGA Tour legend, Fred Couples and Gene Bates, Southwood Golf Club is an upscale public facility nestled among rolling hills, pastureland and ancient oaks. North of Tallahassee lies Golden Eagle Country Club – with an 18-hole golf course, designed by world renowned golf course architect Tom Fazio. The course sprawls 6,965 yards from the back tees and was rated “the most challenging golf course in Florida” by the U.S. Golf Association. In 2020, Florida State University reopened the Don Veller Seminole Golf Course after undergoing an extensive $8 million-dollar renovation. The course is first Jack Nicklaus Legacy Course in North America.

BIRDING AND BUTTERFLIES

Tallahassee is located on two migratory pathways and is one of the top birding locations in the country. Birdwatchers can observe over 300 species of birds residing in or visiting Florida. Top locations for observing the several species of birds in Tallahassee include the St. Marks National Wildlife Refuge, Edward Ball Wakulla Springs State Park, the Apalachicola National Forest, Elinor Klapp-Phipps Park, Alfred B. Maclay Gardens State Park, Lake Elberta Park, as well as the L. Kirk Edwards Wildlife and Environmental Area.

More than two dozen species of butterflies can be seen on their migratory path to Mexico from December to February before winter’s first hard freeze. Florida’s state butterfly, the Zebra Heliconian, as well as American Ladies, Common Buckeyes, Monarchs, Pearl Crescents and Cloudless Sulphers are among the different species that can be spotted throughout winter at Elinor Klapp-Phipps Park, Lafayette Heritage Trail Park and Black Swamp Nature Preserve.

FRESHWATER SPRINGS

Wakulla Springs is home to the world’s largest and deepest freshwater springs, filled with manatees, alligators and diverse wildlife. Wakulla Springs is rich with history, from early Native Americans living in shoreline villages to filmmakers shooting iconic Hollywood pictures on-site, including Tarzan’s Secret Treasure (1941), Creature from the Black Lagoon (1954) and Airport ’77 (1977).

ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT

Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, Cascades Park is a 24-acre redeveloped green space featuring winding trails and historical markers in downtown Tallahassee. The Smokey Hollow Commemoration, Korean War Memorial, TLH Art Structure and Florida Prime Meridian marker can all be found within Cascades, along with an interactive water splash pad for children.

The Adderley Amphitheater at Cascades Park, is an outdoor venue accommodating 3,500 people. From rock and roll to the works of Shakespeare, the outdoor theater attracts a variety of artists year-round for music lovers to enjoy with the city’s idyllic weather.

Railroad Square Art District is Tallahassee’s creative haven and home to more than 50 local studios, galleries and small businesses. Railroad Square is best known for its First Friday event, Tallahassee’s longest-running monthly festival. A favorite local highlight each month, the park comes alive with the celebration of art and music.

SIGNATURE EVENTS

Visitors and locals gather for Tallahassee’s signature events throughout the year and winter and spring are no exception.

One of the top festivals in the Southeast, Springtime Tallahassee hosts a variety of activities for families. Comprised of the Springtime Tallahassee Music Festival in Kleman Plaza, the Grand Parade and Jubilee in the Park, the event is enjoyed by locals and visitors alike. Tallahassee’s Word of South festival features both literature and music and explores the relationship between the two arts.

LeMoyne’s Chain of Parks Art Festival is ranked as one of the top Fine Art Shows in the nation. The two-day event held in downtown Tallahassee is free for the public.

A celebration of lights, music and the arts, Tallahassee’s annual Winter Festival is takes place in the heart of downtown. The annual festivities include a lighting ceremony of downtown’s signature oak trees, the Jingle Bell Run and the nighttime holiday parade. Tallahassee’s Annual Market Days is one of the Southeast’s largest arts and crafts shows featuring over 300 artists’ unique, handmade creations.

HISTORY

Tallahassee has been a capital city for centuries and celebrates its Bicentennial in 2024. Once the principal village of the Apalachee people, dating back to the 1200s until Europeans arrived in the 1500s. With a rich, enchanting history, Florida’s Capital City has several museums to visit.

After becoming the capital in 1824, the Capitol was built. Now the Historic Capitol Museum, the building has been restored to its 1902 appearance and is an icon at the center of Florida’s Capitol Complex.

Florida’s 22-story Capitol building is home to the executive and legislative branches of state government and sits on the Capitol Complex with the Historic Capitol Museum, Knott Building and the two buildings for the House of Representatives and Senate.

The Tallahassee Museum is one of North Florida’s most visited attractions. The 52-acre natural history museum is where native habitats of indigenous wildlife and history intersect to tell an intriguing story about Florida’s natural and cultural heritage. The museum includes a unique 1880s farmstead, along with historical buildings that include an early African American church and schoolhouse, a Bellevue Mansion home of Princess Catherine Murat, live collection of native wildlife and scenic grounds – providing hands-on learning and entertainment for all ages, including a zip line and adventure course and in 2024, the addition of the alligator museum.

On the National Registry of Historic Places, The Grove is one of the best-preserved examples of Greek Revival architecture in Florida. From slavery to civil rights, the museum tells the story of critical moments that define the American experience.

Reconstructed to its original historic footprint circa 1690, Mission San Luis was home to Spanish colonials and the Apalachee in the 17^th century. The living history museum now has several different programs and workshops for guests to enjoy.

The Museum of Florida History (currently closed for renovation) was established by the state Legislature in 1967 and opened to the public in 1977. More than 55,000 guests visit the museum annually to engage in the innovative and award-winning exhibits that span time periods and include the prehistoric mastodon and Space Age.

Tallahassee was at the forefront of the Civil Rights Movement. Five months after Rosa Parks refused to give up her seat to a white passenger in Alabama, two FAMU students took action in Tallahassee, leading to a seven-month standoff and bus boycott. Tallahassee witnessed several sit-ins in the early 1960s at Woolworth lunch counter, which led to arrests and the first jail-in of the civil rights movement, when eight students opted for jail time rather than pay their fines.

In 1976, the Carnegie Library on the historic campus of Florida A & M University became the founding home of the Meek-Eaton Black Archives Research Center & Museum. Known as the “Black Archives,” the center’s mission includes collecting, preserving, displaying and disseminating information about African Americans and people of Africa worldwide and is one of only 10 Black archives in the country. The museum is the permanent home of the Kinsey Collection “Flourishing Roots of our Past” that focuses on the key contributions made by African Americans to the country and its stability. Due to generous contributions from the public, the center’s holdings consist of more than 500,000 individual archival records and more than 5,000 individual museum artifacts.

Recently launched by the John G. Riley House, Soul Voices of Frenchtown features nine markers with audio components of the voices of its prominent residents both living and deceased telling the story of Frenchtown, one of Tallahassee’s oldest African American communities. Through these voices, visitors will discover, learn and celebrate a time when Frenchtown was a thriving, self-sustaining community of families, homes, businesses and pride – a time when Frenchtown had it all.

ONLY IN TALLAHASSEE

In 2019, Tallahassee was recognized by the readers of Southern Living as a “Top 10 City in the South” (No. 9). And was the only Florida city to be featured on this list.

Built in 1954, Tallahassee is home to the Lewis Spring House – the only private residence designed by Frank Lloyd Wright in Florida. The unique “hemi-circle” design is comprised of concentric and intersecting circles meant to resemble a boat. Tours are given to the public on the second Sunday of each month or by appointment.

In 1539, Spanish explorer and conquistador Hernando de Soto established his winter encampment site in what is now downtown Tallahassee and celebrated the first Christmas in the U.S. on a Tallahassee hillside. Although records are sparse, historians are confident that priests accompanied the explorer and celebrated Christmas mass with the encampment.

The Marching 100 is Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University’s (FAMU) marching band. The famous band has been featured in films, documentaries, commercials and numerous publications, including “60 Minutes,” “20/20,” “CBS Evening News” and Sports Illustrated. Having performed in five NFL Super Bowls, six Honda Battle of the Bands Invitational Showcases and three presidential inaugural parades, the Marching 100 is well known beyond Tallahassee.

The National High Magnetic Field Laboratory is home to the world’s largest and most powerful magnets. More than 1,400 scientists and engineers from around the world conduct research at the Mag Lab, resulting in 54 patents and other products. The Mag Lab demonstrates its work and leadership in science, technology, engineering and mathematics at seasonal open houses that attract thousands.

HERE WE GROW AGAIN

Capital improvements include the Market Street District redevelopment on the northside of Tallahassee. The premier mixed-use development contains 110,000 square feet of retail, restaurant, entertainment and office space as well as a hotel. Soon to come will be the bike park for cycling enthusiasts.

The Capitol Complex is entering its final phase of a four-year project to improve the plaza, allowing for more space for memorials, shady spots to relax and improved public access to the Capitol Building and Historic Capitol Museum.

Once an easily overlooked tract of more than 100-acres, Leon County’s Apalachee Regional Park is one of the nation’s few courses designed exclusively for championship cross-country running meets. In 2020 over $2 million was invested in Apalachee Regional Park for extensive upgrades to the course facilities. In 2021, the park was host to the National College Athletic Association Cross-Country National Championship and in 2026, will be home to the World Athletics Cross Country Championships.