Things To Do in Downtown Tallahassee: Best Attractions, Food & Hidden Gems

Tallahassee is one of the most beloved cities in the United States. As Florida’s capital, it is home to captivating landmarks, rich history, and vibrant cultural attractions. If you are interested in Florida’s political heritage, visit the Florida State Capitol Complex. Art enthusiasts can discover the city’s creative spirit in the Railroad Art District, where galleries, studios, and public art bring the local culture to life. No matter the season, there’s always something to experience in Florida’s capital city. To help you make the most of your visit, we have put together recommendations on what to pack, essential travel tips, the best photography spots, and top things to do in Downtown Tallahassee.

Note: Planning a group trip to Tallahassee? BUSXOXO’s Florida charter bus rental makes navigating the city easy, direct drop-off at each attraction, no parking stress, and the whole group travels together.

Things To Do in Downtown, Tallahassee

Seek the best of Downtown Tallahassee by touring the Florida State Capitol Building for its panoramic views, Cascade Park for musical performances and Tallahassee events. Stroll through the colorful streets of the Railroad District for its creative wall arts. Learn about the State’s Past in the Historic Capitol Museum. Now let’s go into detail on these top sights in this city. 

Visit the Florida State Capitol Complex

Florida State Capitol Complex consists of two significant Buildings: the Florida State Capitol Building and Florida Historic State Museum. This is also recognized as the New Capitol; it is a very vital building in Florida where laws, rules and regulations are debated and passed. Florida Historic State Museum is located just behind the State Capitol Complex. It is also known as the Old Capitol because it was restored to its original 1902 architectural style. 

• Florida Capitol Highlights: Restored chambers of lawmakers, Beautiful Vibrant Glass Dome, Red-and-white striped awnings, Artistic murals, Tallahassee City overlook, Modern Capitol Tower, Exhibit displays. 
• Entry Tips to Florida Capitol: Inside Tour is free. Reservations are not mandatory but recommended. If not, arrive early to get your passes. Also, check out the list of prohibited items inside on their official website. Reserve a guided tour with the welcome center and inform them of any plan changes. 

Explore Cascades Park in Downtown Tallahassee

Cascades Park is a popular outing location that offers relaxation and entertainment. Additionally, Cascades Park Tallahassee hosts numerous events and outdoor activities at their big space. Kids can cool off in this fountain during summer with sliding structures and shaded seating areas for parents. This park is the best urban public park that you must visit. This is one of the best downtown attractions.

• Events at Cascade Park: All kinds of state festivals, community events, musical concerts, live performances and many more in the Adderley Amphitheater. 
• Cascades Park Activities To Do: Scenic Trail is best for morning walks or evening strolls, outdoor spaces for family picnics, interactive Fountain and Playscape for kids, Dining at The Edison Restaurant in the park. 

Walk Through Railroad Square Art District

Formerly a forgotten warehouse, this street has now transformed into a loud, animated district loved by locals and tourists. Small artists showcase their talents on the walls here. The walls are filled with art and graffiti and striking buildings make it a top selfie spot in Tallahassee. You won’t find such variety in any other location in Tallahassee. 

• What To See In Tallahassee Square Art Park: Railroad Square is home to thriving small businesses like Vintage Shops, antique stores, and locally made clothes stalls. For kids, Tallahassee Railroad Square has a pinball arcade and an indoor rock climbing gym. 
• Highlight of Tallahassee Art District:  The First Friday Gallery Hop is celebrated on the first Friday of every month from 6 pm to 9 pm. This is a must-attend event. 

TIP: Check the Railroad Square website to know what’s happening daily.

Museum Of Florida History

This museum in Tallahassee collects and maintains the antiques that are related to the history of the state. The Museum of Florida History in Tallahassee was opened in 1977 and it focuses on preserving the old times of Florida and its current culture and biodiversity.

What to Expect in the Museum of Florida History

It displays Portraits and murals like Beyond the Vote: Florida Women’s Activism and Living the Dream: Twentieth Century Florida. Each artifact has detailed demonstrations, making it easier to know about them. Some Artifacts date back as early as 12000 years ago. 

Florida Historic Capitol Museum

This structure was almost demolished during the construction of the New Capitol but was later saved due to public protest. Tallahassee Capitol Museum was reconstructed into its old 1902 style. Each of its chambers, including the governor’s office, was built again to look exactly like it was before. Hence, it is called the Florida Historic Museum. Each chamber has its own importance in influencing the functioning of past and present Florida.

Sights inside the Florida Historic Museum

Herschel Shepherd, while redesigning this building, decided to enhance it by adding a glass dome and red & white awnings. Outside every chamber, you will find interactive displays and multimedia presentations explaining the significance of each room in the past. A documentary named “ Florida in the Balance” will be shown at the entrance of capitol museum tallahassee for you. 

Unique Things To Do in Tallahassee Downtown

Downtown Tallahassee also features small yet beautiful boutiques and cozy bookstores for clothes and antique pieces to take home. In addition to that, Tallahassee City has other notable landmarks like the Smokey Hollow Neighborhood, relaxing landscapes and plazas for fun and art. Now let’s check a few of these hidden Gems that you need to stop by. 

Smokey Hollow Historic Area

Located in the north of Cascade Park, the Smokey Hollow Tallahassee neighbourhood was home to black residents, churches and restaurants. But during the 1960s, this black community was demolished due to urban renovation. Former residents of this community played a major role in developing the memorial of the Smokey Hollow community.

Prominent Landmarks

The Smokey Hollow Memorial was made to honour the memory of this dispersed community. This Smokey Hollow commemoration features fruit trees, community gardens, spirit houses and a historic barber shop. Shotgun houses get their name from their unique narrow floor plan. These are the narrow open houses where if you shoot your gun through the front door, it will turn to the back door without actually harming anyone. 

Kleman Plaza 

Located in the heart of Tallahassee, Kleman Plaza is a five-acre urban complex featuring spacious underground parking, an IMAX theater and a vast green space inside the building. This green park is named Dorothy Inman-Johnson Park after the first African American female city commissioner & former mayor of Tallahassee. While the Plaza is named after former city mayor Dan Kleman.

Events on Kleman Plaza

This is a multifunctional public area designed for Tallahassee events, musical concerts and live performances. It also hosts various city festivals, gatherings and outdoor yoga retreat classes. In addition, it offers many amenities like dining, nightlife, museums and shops etc. It is a few steps away from Florida State University and the Florida Capitol Building. 

TIP: Check out the Fever Up Kleman Plaza’s official website to keep up with their shows and Tallahassee Florida activities. 

Local Murals & Street Art Spots

Downtown Tallahassee is filled with murals and quirky art which enhance its beauty. Walking across the streets & sidewalks, you can view numerous artworks from small artists, community paintings, university student collections, etc. COCA also maintains detailed catalogs for these vibrant arts known as the Outdoor Public Art Directory. For more such beautiful artwork, stroll through the route starting from the Birds Bus Shelter to the Gaines Street Public Art Walk. 

Art in Tallahassee

Railroad District is a momentum of art galleries where small artists show their creativity in the streets, stores, walls, etc. Towards South Monroe Street, you can check out the SoMo Walls. There you will find stunning graffiti & murals on forgotten shipping containers. Next is the Downtown Public Artwork, which features over 30 art sculptures, monuments, memorials and murals. 

Small Boutiques & Bookstores

Tallahassee Downtown and Nearby locations provide fantastic bookstores and boutiques for you to shop in. These stores are filled with international jewellery, vintage clothes and apparel and gift shops. 

• Tallahassee Shopping Center: On Railroad Square, the two popular boutiques are The Other Side Vintage and Crystal Portal. The Diva’s & Devil’s House of Style is yet another top store where you can find clothes inspired by 60s, 70s and 80s designs.  If you want to purchase some antique pieces for your home, Rabbit Creek Market and Memory Lane Antiques & Collectables are best for you.
• Bookstore Recommendations: For book lovers, we would recommend Midtown Reader, Common Ground Books, Fat Cat Books and Goodwill bookstores with tons of books and friendly staff. You will find several More boutiques and bookstores lining the streets of downtown Tallahassee.

Quiet Green Spaces For Relaxing

Cascade Park has amazing spots and scenic landscapes for relaxation, walking and cycling. Most of these green spaces are state parks and lakeside areas. 

Tallahassee Green Landmarks

First on the list is Lake Ella and Fred Drake Park, which is a top spot for relaxation in Downtown, embracing water and shaded by trees. You might as well get a glimpse of ducks and turtles around here. Next is the A.J. Henry Park, which offers a peaceful escape from daily work. It overlooks wooded trails, small ponds and stunning views. Another park is Miccosukee Canopy Greenway, with plenty of shaded spots to take a break if you’re tired. For those looking for a forested escape, Elinor Klapp-Phipps Park is for you. This is an ideal location for peace and picnics.  

Outdoor Activities in Tallahassee

Tallahassee is also popular for its numerous outdoor activities, including 700 miles of trails for both adults and kids.

• Tallahassee Museum offers treetop fun, Zipline adventures and canopy crossings, which is Located at 3945 Museum Dr, Tallahassee, approximately 10 minutes from downtown.
• For water retreat activities like boating or swimming, Wakulla Springs is the best(Swim in the designated swimming zone only, as gators also reside in these waters).
• For fishing and paddling, we would suggest Lake Iamonia, which is Located approximately 12 miles north of Tallahassee, easily accessible by car.
• Magnolia Trail, Red Bug Trail and Cadillac West Trails are best for Mountain biking.
• If you are looking for RV parking and camping, Big Oak RV Park is the premium RV spot, and this park is located at 4024 Mahan Dr, Tallahassee, a 10-minute drive from downtown.

Best Restaurants in Tallahassee Downtown

You will see many Southern dishes, coastal food, farm-fresh cuisines and some local comfort foods in Tallahassee, Florida restaurants. Some restaurants give out waterfront views while some reflect the city views.  Below are some spots that we would suggest you must visit. 

Coffee Shops in Tallahassee

• Uptown Cafe: You can enjoy the cafe’s signature dishes are buttermilk biscuits, omelets, banana bread French toast, fresh salads and sandwiches, with outdoor seating. They are open Tuesday to Saturday from 7 am to 3 pm; Sunday it’s 8 am to 2 pm and Monday is closed. 
• Lucky Goat Coffee: This is a Tallahassee local coffee shop best for serving roasted coffee, espresso, cold brew, chai and matcha teas. Operating hours are from 7 am to 6 pm on weekdays, including Saturday, while on Sunday it’s open from 8 am to 6. 
• Black Dog Cafe: This gourmet cafe is famous for its waterfront views of Lake Ella and outdoor patio seating. It offers coffee, tea, sodas, pastries, along with some wine and local craft beer for you to enjoy. On weekdays, they open from 7 am to 8 pm, while on weekends it’s 8 am to 6 pm. 

Lunch Places in Tallahassee

• The Hawthorn Bistro & Bakery: This bakery specializes in making artisan sourdough and sandwiches. It features Southern gourmet delicacies with a touch of European methods. You will also find the food of the day written on a board in front of the counter. This restaurant is open all week, even on weekends, from 9 am to 6 pm. 
• Backwoods Crossings: This is a unique restaurant where they grow their own veggies and raise animals on the farm. Their menus are filled with locally caught crabs, blueberries and ducks. Not to mention their menu changes every week. It’s open 11 am every day and closes at 9 pm from Sunday to Thursday and at 10 pm on Friday & Saturday.
• Kool Beanz Cafe: This award-winning restaurant has colourful, vibrant rooms and changes menus daily to focus on fresh ingredients and bold flavours. It operates on 2 timings- the 1st hour is from 11 am to 2:30 pm, while the 2nd hour is 5: 30 pm to 10 pm. It opens on Saturday from 5; 30 to 10 pm.  It’s closed on Sundays. 

Tallahassee Dining

• Sage Restaurant: This is the best place where you must go to dine. They offer food made from scratch, with fresh ingredients, excellent service and a pleasant environment. They are open from 11 am to 1:30 pm, 5 pm to 8:30 pm on Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday; Friday it’s 11 am–1:30 pm, 5–9 pm and Saturday  11 am–2 pm, 5–9 pm. It is closed on Sundays.
• Savour: This is another top restaurant featuring South American gourmet, chandeliers and a bar. Popular dishes here are Burnt Ends, Wedge Salads, Pork Chop, Sous Vide Flank Steak, Charbroiled Filet Mignon and Peanut Butter Bananas Foster. It opens at 5 pm and closes at 9 pm(Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday) or 10 pm(Friday and Saturday). Sunday and Monday are closed. 
• The Huntsman: This underrated restaurant is best for its wine and bar area. In addition, it has many delicious food options like martinis with roasted oysters, antelope frites and bison ribeye & Gluten-free chocolate cheesecake.  It opens from 5 pm to 11 pm on weekdays. It’s open till 12 am on Friday and Saturday. Closed on Sundays. 

Bars in Tallahassee

• Level 8 Lounge: This bar sits at the top of the Hotel Duval and features beers, live music and stunning views of the city. Level 8 Lounge serves wines, cocktails, and beers to enjoy at the bar seating both inside and out. Open every day from 4 pm till 11 pm. 
• Bullwinkle’s Saloon: This is one of the best bars that you will find in the town. You will find this bar across the street from the Florida State University Campus. If you are a Moose member, you will get free special night drinks. Open from 8 pm till 2 am every day except Sunday. 
• The Blue Tavern: Looking for both a bar and coffee shop? Check out Blue Tavern. Enjoy their beers, wines, coffees, salads, soups and sandwiches while live music plays in the background.  Also, they do not accept reservations. Open from 5-11 pm and closed on Sunday and Monday. 

Best Snap Spots in Downtown Tallahassee

Even though the whole city is full of spots to fill your camera, some places are to be kept separate for their sweeping and unique views in Downtown Tallahassee.  

Capitol Observation Deck

At the top floor i.e the 22nd floor, of the Florida State Capitol Building is the observation deck from where you can get panoramic and stunning views of Downtown Tallahassee. The East Side has the best view of the Old Capitol against the city. Also, do not use the camera flash, as they are not permitted inside. 

TIP: Visit time is 9 am to 11 am. 

Cascades Park Fountains at night

For the best Interactive Fountain view shot from the west side of Prime Meridian Plaza or slightly above the fountain on the walking area, you will get the best view of vibrant water jets against the dark sky. The fountain displays dancing water, lights and music repeating every 7 minutes in Cascade Park. 

TIP: The best shot is from 8 pm to 9 pm. 

Railroad Square Murals

The walls of buildings and shops, even containers, are filled with some striking graffiti and artwork, making it a top selfie point in Tallahassee. Visit Railroad Square Art Park during sunset and at night for those bright views. Some artwork that you must check out are The Florida Panther Mural, The Art Garden Mural and Cap City Video Themed Lounge Wall. 

TIP: Visit time is from 6 pm to 9 pm.

Historic Buildings & Streets

Some top landmarks in Tallahassee for photography are the Grove Museum for its lovely mansion and beautiful garden. Must shoot the colourful dome & awnings in Florida Historic Capitol Museum. Don’t forget the eye-catching wall art in Tallahassee Railroad Square District. St. Marks Lighthouse is another such beautiful location for its surrounding water views.

TIP: Visit before the afternoon arrives, like between 9 am and 11 am. 

Best Seasons To Visit Downtown Tallahassee

The best time to visit here is mostly during spring or fall. You can comfortably explore the city and attend festivals without the heavy summer days. 

Spring

March, April and May are the spring months of Florida. Despite being the peak tourist months of Florida, Tallahassee stays surprisingly uncrowded. The Nature State Park is in full bloom, adding to the beauty of the city. The temperatures are particularly warm, dry and soothing. Springtime Tallahassee Festival is set to start in these months. Additionally, visit the Alfred B. Maclay Garden State Park to see its vibrant colours.

Summer

The Florida summer season is from June to September. If you’re travelling to Tallahassee in these months, reserve your stay two months in advance. You will find it difficult to book hotels during these months due to the graduation ceremonies at FSU. You will feel the crowd till the end of July. Locally, this season in Tallahassee is referred to as the wet season because of frequent afternoon thunderstorms despite the hot summer days. 

Autumn

October and November are the beloved Fall seasons of Florida. The city again comes to life with Halloween and Homecoming festivals. The hot summer days began to leave as the cold winter days began to arrive. The weather is perfectly pleasant- not too cold, not too hot- making it the perfect time to explore the city for its hidden gems, historical sites and downtown areas. This is another peak tourist season. 

Winter

December, January and February are wintertime in Tallahassee. In Tallahassee, winters are shorter while summers are longer. Winter season marks the start of Tallahassee downtown winter festivals. On the 1st January, the whole city lights up with the celebration of New Year’s. Evenings and nights in Tallahassee Winter come to life with performances and music shows. If you are expecting snow, it is extremely rare here. And the temperature at night drops significantly, so wear accordingly. 

Luggage Hacks For a Tallahassee Trip

• Always check the luggage weight and size restrictions before leaving the house. And weigh your luggage at home to save time and money during airport checking. 
• People tend to overpack for their trip out of nervousness. To prevent doing that, make a list of essentials and check it twice before leaving. Do not overpack. 
• Pack a casual set of clothes like denim jeans, tank tops, t-shirts along with your pajamas, jackets, knitted sweaters, innerwear and activewear like shorts. 
• Pack swimsuits if you plan on swimming. Must bring sandals, heels, sunscreen and sunglasses. 

Opening Hours of Attractions in Tallahassee

Disclaimer: Hours of operation are subject to change, especially on state holidays or during special events. Please verify the latest visiting hours before your trip.

Visitor Tips For Downtown Tallahassee

• Keep a copy of all your reservations- rental cars, restaurants, hotels, etc with your passport carefully. Also keep some cash in hand. 
• The Closest Major International Airport is the Tallahassee International Airport. You can navigate in Tallahassee either through public transportation, i.e StarMetro or rent a car, which is a more practical option as the attractions and FSU are far apart. 
• It is strongly advised to pre-book your hotel rooms and dining restaurants as they fill up very quickly. But no bookings are needed in the case of Florida Complex and Parks. 
• Tallahassee Hotels: To enjoy the pristine beauty of Florida, The Lodge at Wakulla Springs is a great choice. But if you want to stay close to downtown, then Hotel Duval, Hotel Indigo Tallahassee, Drury Plaza Hotel Tallahassee or Governor’s Inn are some other options for you. 

Conclusion

Downtown Tallahassee, Florida features a blend of music, art and history, making it best for all types of travellers. You will find a lot of things to do in Tallahassee, Florida, like shopping, dining, nightlife, street art, etc. Along with that, the Florida Capitol Complex will take you back into the past Florida with its restored chambers, paintings and murals.