Things to Do in Tallahassee

Visit here, and you're sure to soak up plenty of that beautiful Florida sunshine while exploring museums and interesting archaeological sites. Go back 800 years with a visit to Lake Jackson Mound Archaeological State Park. Mission San Luis gives you a glimpse of the Spanish colonial days, while the Tallahassee Antique Car Museum is a nod to the golden age of the automobile. Tallahassee also has a century-old flower garden that's begging to be explored. A fragrant walk through the posies, especially during leaf-peeping season, is a delightful way to spend an afternoon.

Florida Historic Capitol Museum

Dating back to 1845, the Florida Historic Capitol Museum was destined for the wrecking ball in the late 1970s, but was saved by private citizens who financed the restoration. Walk the grand staircase leading to the reception desk and you’ll get that first taste of elegance. Don't miss the governor's private office, decorated with the mahogany desk used by Governor William Sherman Jennings from 1901 to 1905. Also recreated from the Jennings governorship is his cabinet meeting room, the stenographer's office and the Supreme Court Chamber. Check out the Gallery at the Historic Capital to see the latest rotating exhibits. Rumor has it that soldiers bunked in this lower level of the capitol building during the Civil War.

Mission San Luis

Step into Mission San Luis and you're walking in the footsteps of the Apalachee Indians. See where they lived in harmony with new arrivals from Spain in this fort/mission combination. At its peak, more than 1,400 people called the place home, including an Apalachee chief and Spain's deputy governor. This is a working archaeological site, where scientists are still finding artifacts and preparing the church for restoration. Pick up a map at the visitor center, then follow the paved path past the council house, Spanish house, kitchen friary and church. A shorter path leads you to the fort and to a nature trail. Pack a picnic lunch and make a day out of it.

Tallahassee Antique Car Museum

Does walking by a '55 Chevy or a '64 Mustang make you swoon? Do you grin at the sight of a Model T? If you answered yes to any of these questions, then visit the Tallahassee Antique Car Museum and feast your eyes on these whips. You’ll even find steam-powered vehicles, throaty-engine muscle cars and the horse-drawn hearse that carried Abraham Lincoln to his final resting place. The kids will get a kick out of the pedal car collection. Antique boats, motorcycles and sports memorabilia are just some of the other items on display here.

Tallahassee Museum

The Tallahassee Museum sits on the shores of Lake Bradford and nature trails lead you to one part of the museum to the next. Love dinosaurs? The 20th Century Dinosaur Exhibit, created by artist Jim Gary, features dinosaurs made from discarded auto parts. Some sculptures in this outdoor exhibit look much like the real thing, but others need a bit of imagination to figure out. Another family favorite is Big Bend Farm. The restored 1880s farmhouse is staffed by park personnel in period costume, doing everything from grinding wheat to working in a blacksmith shop—the kids will even get to see some farm animals.

Alfred B. Maclay Gardens

Walk the paved and natural grass pathways through a garden that first took root in 1923. Alfred B. and Louise Maclay created this floral paradise for their winter estate, which they donated to the state of Florida. It's now a state park, with ample opportunities to hike, bike and ride horses along more than 5 miles of trails, but what makes this park so unusual is the garden. Head to Maclay Gardens between January and the end of April, and you'll find almost everything in full bloom. Scarecrows pop up among the plants in October, and in December the camellias are in full bloom. Special events include the Tour of Gardens event in May and the Kids Fishing Day held at Lake Hall in June.

Lake Jackson Mounds Archaeological State Park

Lake Jackson Mounds Archaeological State Park covers an area where Native Americans lived more than 800 years ago. Walk the trails leading to four earthen mounds, believed to be part of the Southeastern Ceremonial Complex. Two of the mounds are open for exploration. As you walk around the park, let your mind wander. Scientists have already discovered that an ancient village sat at the base of the mounds, which later became part of a plantation during the 1800s. Can you imagine what life was like in this picturesque setting? Bring lunch and set up your spread at the area’s many picnic tables.

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