Your Guide to the Ultimate Seminole Experience

As home to Florida State University, Tallahassee welcomes thousands of students each year, including those visiting for a college tour and the students who choose to make the Capital City home for their college career and even beyond. With so much to see and do on campus, here is a roundup of “must do’s” while visiting, including that perfect spot for your best selfie both on and off campus.

WHERE TO STAY

Located in CollegeTown, Hotel Indigo is steps away from Doak Campbell Stadium and easy walking distance to FSU’s campus.

ON CAMPUS HIGHLIGHTS

Sports lovers delight in the The Seminole Experience, a 90-minute walking tour through some of Florida State’s most historic athletic venues. Experienced guides deliver the story of the program’s rich history and traditions through stops that include Doak Campbell Stadium, Dick Howser Stadium, the Sod Cemetery, JoAnne Graf Field, The Seminole Soccer Complex, and Dunlap Indoor Practice Facility.

Don’t miss the excitement of live college sports by attending a game in person. Revel in a rich Seminole tradition by attending one of the many sporting events on campus both team and intercollegiate. Whether taking in a football game at Doak Campbell Stadium in the fall or a softball game in the spring, there’s always a sporting occasion to don your garnet and gold from head to toe.

Browse the works of art on display at FSU’s Museum of Fine Arts. Found in the School of Visual Arts, the museum is known for its history of exciting exhibitions, from lush painting and dynamic sculpture to challenging installations and provocative photography.

Pop into the lobby of the world-renowned FSU College of Motion Picture Arts Film School for a glimpse into the world of making movies. Located at Doak Campbell Stadium, the Film School lobby posters will astonish even the most cultured film buff. The walls are adorned with movie posters from some of the award-winning works of  film school alumni like Barry Jenkins’ Oscar Winning Picture “Moonlight.”

In spring, it’s hard to pass the Wescott Building and Fountain without seeing someone tossing their graduation cap or popping a bottle of champagne while posing for their senior picture. Likely the most iconic building on campus, the Westcott Building houses the offices of the president and vice presidents, as well as Ruby Diamond Auditorium, the largest auditorium on campus. The fountain in front of Westcott is a symbol of FSU’s proud heritage and pays homage to FSU graduates. The iconic spot is one of the most photographed on campus and the perfect spot to take that “selfie” for Instagram.

See a movie at the budget-friendly FSU Student Life Cinema. Located in the Askew Student Life Center, the theater is one of the nation’s leading campus movie theaters; a great place to enjoy a movie and budget-friendly movie theater popcorn and snacks. Features include current blockbusters, documentaries, independent, foreign and restored cinema classics. Movies are selected by an all-student committee and are FREE to students with a valid FSU ID.

OFF CAMPUS HIGHLIGHTS

Dine, Shop and Play in CollegeTown. Situated just steps from Doak Campbell Stadium, CollegeTown is the heart of game-days and offers dining, shopping, entertainment and year-found festivities for students, locals, visitors and alumni alike. No visit to FSU is complete without a meal at CollegeTown favorite, Madison Social, known as MadSo to locals, the popular spot serves pub fare with a twist and is best known for its BLT Dip and signature cocktails.

Another foodie hot spot include Gordo’s for authentic Cuban cuisine found on West Pensacola St. and Gaines Street Pies for superhero worthy pizza.

Experience Tallahassee’s natural beauty and history at the Tallahassee Museum. Set amidst 52 acres of breathtaking Florida flora and fauna and just five miles southwest of FSU’s campus, the Museum’s living and historic exhibits, native wildlife, nature trails, and zip line and aerial adventure courses are enjoyed by visitors of all ages.

Options for happy hour abound in Tallahassee. Craft Beer Lovers make their way to Proof Brewing, Co. Tallahassee’s largest brewery, where guests enjoy a modern yet intimate tasting room, expansive lawn, covered patio, award-winning craft beer, and on-site restaurant called the Brew Pub.  History buffs will enjoy browsing the menu at Bar 1903.  Located downtown in the historic Walker Library, the cocktail menu spans 160 years of historic drinks. Those interested in cocktails with a view can delight in the colorful city landscape from one of Tallahassee’s three rooftop bars, Charlie Park at Cascades Park, downtown at Eve on Adams or at Level 8 at the Hotel Duval.

Take in the sites and sounds of Cascades Park. This 24-acre downtown park includes Florida’s Prime Meridian marker, the Adderley Amphitheater, multi-use trails, an interactive water fountain, Discovery playscape, numerous historical markers and spirit houses that are a commemoration to Smokey Hollow, an area that was once a thriving black community. Grab a picnic lunch to go from the Power Plant Cafe or dine al fresco on the patio overlooking the park at the Edison.

Explore Tallahassee’s Parks and Trails. The Capital City 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. Spend a day out on the bike trails with one of Tallahassee’s local bike shops that provide rental bikes and guided trail rides. Kayak along Tallahassee’s water trails with Harry Smith Outdoors offering half day, full day or multi-day eco-tours that are great fun for the whole family.

On your way in or out of town, enjoy the natural beauty Canopy Road Drives, the scenic byways that define the Tallahassee area. These nine official signature canopy roads offer more than 78 miles of intriguing shaded drives and are a relaxing way to see the city. Limbs of huge moss-draped live oaks, sweet gums, hickory trees and pines provide a towering, cooling canopy over roads that were once paths traveled by native tribes.

GUIDED TOURS

Guided tours are a great way to relax and learn your way around the Capital City as told the eyes of one of Tallahassee’s local experts.  Sit back and enjoy the ride as you learn about the history, sites and  people that make Tallahassee a Southern Living Top 10 City of the South.

There’s no friendlier, more intimate way to see Tallahassee than from the seat of a Capital City Pedicab. Roll up and down the famed “seven hills” of Tallahassee, traversing the downtown, Gaines Street, the city’s universities, historic sites and much more. All Aboard Capital City Tours provides a narrated sightseeing tour on an electric golf cart named Wilma,  SUV, or for groups, on Stella, a fancy trolley.