Top 22 Things Tallahassee is Known For and Famous For

Not many people know what a true gem Tallahassee, Florida, is. Sure, it’s not a massive metropolitan city with millions of people, but that’s where its charm comes lies. Here’s what Tallahassee, Florida, is really known for.

Tallahassee, Florida, is known for its countless destinations for outdoor activities, such as golf courses and various parks and trails dispersed all across the city. Additionally, Tallahassee is home to many museums and famous districts, like District 850 or Railroad Square Art District.

If you want to learn everything Tallahassee, Florida, is famous for in greater detail, along with additional information about various attractions and natural escapes from everyday obligations, then continue reading this article and start planning a trip to this amazing city.

1. Capital of Florida

As the capital of Florida, Tallahassee is the seat of Florida’s government as well as the trade and agriculture center. This city’s been Florida’s capital since 1824. Historically, Tallahassee’s Capitol was three log cabins until 1839, when a new Capitol started to be built.

We often imagine capital cities being very expensive to live in. However, that’s not the case with Tallahassee. The city’s not just affordable for almost everybody; it’s also perfect for its housing market.

Apart from its affordability, Tallahassee’s perfect for family life – and that includes any family, be it old or young. As you’ll see from this list, there are so many activities to do for just about anyone. Sure, there are countless miles of trails and dozens of parks and forests, but there are also beaches!

Those who like a more active life within the “city walls” – don’t worry; there’s plenty of that in Tallahassee. There are constant festivals, performances, artistic events, and exhibitions happening year round in the city.

2. Golf

Tallahassee is known for its golf courses that are scattered all across this beautiful city. There are currently nine golf courses in the city, as well as two additional ones belonging to the municipality. The most popular golf courses include Capital City Country Club and Golden Eagle Country Club.

3. Tallahassee-St. Marks Historic Railroad State Trail

Tallahassee-St. Marks Historic Railroad State Trail is 16 miles (26 km) long and requires no fees. The trail stretches from Tallahassee all the way to St. Marks and was used for cotton transportation. The trail is known as a National Recreation Trail and was one of the first trails to be paved.

Tallahassee-St. Marks Historic Railroad State Trail is perfect for horseback riding across paved trails, where you’ll notice numerous interpretive exhibits scattered around the trail where local hallmarks can be found.

Apart from that, you can take some rest on many picnic sites where your kids can play on playgrounds while you’re taking a rest.

4. Railroad Square Art District

Tallahassee’s home to one of the most unique districts – Railroad Square Art District. In the past, it was a warehouse district, but today, it’s filled with murals, small businesses, and one of the most famous festivals: the First Friday Monthly Festival.

What’s really interesting about this district is the fact there are many empty places available for rent. However, you’ll not be able to move there just yet. The truth is, they have pretty high standards for people who want to live there.

In other words, Railroad Square Art District only rents out the property to people who’re artists and have that “cool” factor. They don’t want merely everybody in the district, and it’s exactly that which makes it so unique and “evergreen.” There’s even a form you need to fill out and send before they approve you.

5. The Grove Museum

Along N. Monroe Street lies Tallahassee’s Grove Museum. The museum was built by slaves before the Civil War, and today, it’s used to teach about slavery and preserve the house and the property that belonged to the Call and Collins families. General visits to the museum are free.

In 2017, the Grove Museum, including the surrounding grounds, got refurbished to get a fresh look and feel. The Florida Department of State led the charge in this project, and the results are astonishing.

6. Goodwood Museum & Gardens

Another museum whose origins are connected to pre-Civil War plantations and slaves is Goodwood Museum and its surrounding gardens. This museum, which is a luxurious 19th-century house, went through many owners until it became one of Tallahassee’s hallmarks.

Once you’re on Goodwood’s premises, you’ll get to experience what life was really like before the Civil war, especially for slaves working on the plantations. That’s because the Museum offers reenactment of slaves’ lives.

Apart from that, however, you’ll get to spend time in one of the most luxurious homes Florida has to offer, and Goodwood Museum was once even home to a US senator – William C. Hodges.

7. Mission San Luis

Among other things, Tallahassee’s also known for Mission San Luis, which is a living history museum of a Spanish mission from the 17th and 18th centuries. Here you can find an exhibit gallery, gift shops, picnic spots, and buildings built according to their original design of the 17th century.

These buildings include both Native American buildings and a church built just like it would’ve been in the 17th century. The most interesting parts about Mission San Luis aren’t the buildings on their own but their combination with actors who interpret life as lived hundreds of years ago.

8. Lichgate on High Road

The Lichgate on High Road is a massive live oak tree that’s certainly one of many natural wonders of Tallahassee, Florida. This site isn’t only perfect for escaping the hustle and bustle of everyday obligations, but it’s also a beautiful venue for weddings and other celebrations.

Apart from the oak tree, other attractions and places you can rent and visit include:

The Cottage
The Lichgate (a roofed gateway)
The Labyrinth.

9. Tallahassee Museum

Tallahassee Museum isn’t just any ordinary museum; it houses animal enclosures, recreational parks, such as “Tallahassee Tree-To-Tree Adventures,” and many living history buildings. There are also numerous occasional events, like live music, performances, or workshops.

According to Tallahassee Museum’s webpage, the available activities you can engage in and things to see there include:

Wildlife exhibits
Guest animal exhibits
Zipline adventures
North Florida history
Restaurants
Store.

10. Florida State University

Florida State University (FSU) has been a hallmark of Tallahassee since 1851, and today, it ranks among the top 20 National public universities. Moreover, FSU is a Preeminent Research University in Florida due to its high academic achievements.

FSU gives Tallahassee yet another hallmark – a student city. Therefore, the city’s always filled with young people who’re looking to stay permanently in this city. Some business opportunities have also developed because of the presence of students, like the College Town district (as we’ll learn later on).

11. Alfred B. Maclay Gardens State Park

Alfred B. Maclay Gardens in Tallahassee, Florida, offer a perfect retreat in nature with something for everyone. The Gardens are filled not just with some of the most wonderful flowers and plants, but various birds, a lake, and two trails for walking.

Some of the activities and events you can indulge yourself in at Alfred B. Maclay Gardens are:

Wedding ceremonies
Trail walking
Picnic in the pavilions
Fishing
Kayaking or canoeing
Swimming
Hiking
Horseback Riding.

12. Outdoor Recreation

Because Tallahassee isn’t a huge city with millions of inhabitants, it’s a perfect spot for countless outdoor recreation activities. Tallahassee is home to many golf courses, trails, and parks where you can relax, ride bikes or go hiking. Apart from that, you can also visit various ranches.

If you’re a fan of trails, Tallahassee’s perfect for you. Here are just a few well-known trails in Tallahassee, Florida:

Tallahassee-St. Marks Historic Railroad State Trail
Lake Overstreet Trail
Capital Cascades Trail
Fern Trail
Stoney Bayou Trail
Deep Creek Trail

13. Famous people

Apart from its trails and golf courses, Tallahassee also prides itself on a number of famous people who were born there. These are some actors, like Shea Whigham, or rappers, such as T-Pain. Many famous people from Tallahassee are current or former football players.

Famous football players who were born in Tallahassee, Florida, include:

Brad Culpepper
Asante Samuel Jr.
Antonio Cromartie
Clint Trickett
William Gay
Matt Battaglia
Ronnie Harrison
Jordan Franks
Ernie Sims

14. Tallahassee Automobile Museum

Tallahassee Automobile Museum was opened in 1996, and since then, it has collected countless collectible and antique cars. However, the museum exhibits so much more than cars. Additionally, the museum has numerous items for sale and two banquet halls for various events.

According to its webpage, apart from cars, Tallahassee Automobile Museum displays:

Knives
Boats
Boat motors
Fishing lures
Sports memorabilia
Adding machines
Pedal cars
Dolls
Native American artifacts
Batmobiles
Motorcycles
Antique cash registers
Brass fans
Steinway pianos
General store exhibit
Antique timepieces

This museum also sells various “items,” so if you’re not a fan of just looking at the amazing antique cars but would rather buy them, you can do that too. The list of items you can buy from the museum isn’t that long, but you can still get anything from a 1960s fire truck to a Plymouth Prowler.

15. Lake Jackson Mounds State Park

Tallahassee’s Lake Jackson Mounds State Park offers a unique experience because of its six Native American temple mounds. There are two trails, picnic tables, a pavilion, and guided tours. The Park is perfect for picnics but also for many activities like hiking or wildlife viewing.

16. Blues Music

Tallahassee’s also famous for its musical scene, especially Blues. The rural part of Tallahassee is home to the famous Bradfordville Blues Club, where some of the most well-known Blues musicians perform. Another Blues club loved by everyone in the city is B Sharp’s Jazz.

At the beginning of the 20th century, touring African American Blues players traveled all across Florida and played music wherever they could. This, in turn, helped develop a strong Blues scene present in Tallahassee and other places in Florida today.

17. College Town

Being a student town, Tallahassee offers a district with apartments for student accommodation. Conveniently, it’s called College Town. It’s within walking distance from Florida State University and Doak Campbell Stadium. Moreover, College Town is filled with restaurants, shops, and cafes.

If you’re a new student who’s just moved to Tallahassee College Town, you’re probably wondering what you can visit and where you can eat. These are some of the places you can visit in College Town:

The Thirsty Professor
501 On Madison
Hotel Indigo
iDope
Madison Social
Recess
Vale Food Co.
Barefoot Campus Outfitter
Township
Tin Lizzy’s
Coosh’s
Little Masa
BB Studios
Sun Stops Urban Market
Tally + Fin

18. St. Marks National Wildlife Refuge

St. Marks National Wildlife Refuge offers migratory birds a safe place to spend the winter. Apart from that, it’s open to the public (but you’ll need to pay entrance fees). You can enjoy the natural world at St. Marks National Wildlife Refuge, either at picnic sites or the lighthouse.

19. Lake Talquin State Forest

West of Tallahassee lies Lake Talquin State Forest. Apart from the gorgeous Lake Talquin, you can also go camping, hike, and boat. What’s more, there are forest trails that you can use for off-road cycling or simply walking in the woods. The lake’s the perfect relaxing spot.

20. Elinor Klapp-Phipps Park

Elinor Klapp-Phipps Park is another wild urban park that lies at 670 acres of land filled with streams, tulip poplars, and magnolias. Additionally, the park offers space for outdoor activities, such as hiking, biking, and horseback riding. The park doesn’t require any entrance fees.

21. District 850

Tallahassee is also famous for its District 850, a district dedicated to entertainment through various activities, like ax throwing or escape rooms. In addition to that, District 850 has many restaurants and facilities suitable for birthday parties and celebrations.

The activities available at District 850 are:

Laser tag
Axe throwing
Bowling
Arcade & bar games
Dark ride
Escape rooms
Ropes course
Children’s parties
Adult birthday parties
Corporate events
Private suites
Leagues

22. Apalachicola National Forest

As Florida’s largest national forest, Apalachicola National Forest offers numerous water and land activities. Therefore, you can cycle or hike various trails or fish and boat on Ochlockonee or Apalachicola rivers. Apalachicola National Forest also provides ample space for primitive camping.

Discover more about Florida here.

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