Whether you are a local or traveling from out of town, there is no shortage of exciting places to visit in Tallahassee. If you have a sweet tooth, then head to Lofty Pursuits, an artisan ice cream shop, to satisfy your cravings.
Cascades Park
If you are a nature lover, you may enjoy exploring the Cascades Park. It is part of a trail system and has interactive fountains and a war memorial. It is also a great place to spend a day with the family. A family-friendly destination with a wide variety of activities for the whole family, Cascades Park has everything you could want in a day out.
The 24-acre Cascades Park was originally a storm-water management facility, but it has since been converted into a dynamic green space. The park is a popular destination for visitors and is a proud accomplishment of the city. Visitors to the area will be enchanted by the park’s stunning green space. It is also home to several cultural and historical homages. A water-filled walk-in fountain with 70 water jets and a light show will add to the park’s beauty.
There are many things to do in Tampa. The area is famous for the great springs and beaches, and you can also take a boat ride to Biscayne National Park, which is home to coral reefs, mangrove forest, and islands in the Florida Keys. You can also visit Busch Gardens, a famous theme park, and the Tampa Theater, which has several performances.
Goodwood Museum
The Goodwood Museum is an historic home built in the 1830s and now a museum. The estate has been preserved as a house museum since 1990 and features 18 historic buildings and 20 acres of coastal preserve. The estate also contains the Sea Turtle Rehabilitation Facility and a nature-themed gift shop.
The main house is an 1830s plantation house, and the other historic structures are all antebellum. The museum has a beautiful collection of art and architecture from the time period. It also features the oldest fresco ceilings in Florida, and many beautiful porcelain, textiles, and glassware. The museum also hosts special events.
Another fascinating place to visit in Tampa is the Tampa Bay Automobile Museum, which houses a unique collection of vintage cars, including early 20th century cars. The museum also features pioneering rear-engine and front-wheel-drive cars. Visitors can enjoy the museum’s 19,000 square feet of gallery space.
Wakulla Springs State Park
Wakulla Springs is located 14 miles south of Tallahassee, Florida, and 5 miles east of Crawfordville, Florida. The springs are protected within the Edward Ball Wakulla Springs State Park. It is an excellent place to take a break from the heat and bustle of Tallahassee and enjoy the natural beauty of the area.
This park offers a rich history that dates back to prehistoric times. The area was home to early Native Americans, who made their homes on the shore. Later, filmmakers realized the primeval quality of the swamps and used it as a location for films such as Tarzan’s Secret Treasure (1941) and Creature from the Black Lagoon (1954). Today, visitors can swim in the same swamp where mastodons once roamed and experience wildlife up close. Visitors can also take guided boat tours to see alligators and manatees. There is even a 1930s Spanish style lodge with original elevators and colorful painted ceilings depicting wildlife.
This 6,000-acre wildlife sanctuary is only a thirty-minute drive south of Tallahassee, FL. It’s famous for its springs, which are around 70 degrees Fahrenheit year-round. Many Hollywood movies have been shot at the park, and it’s a great place to visit for a relaxing day.
In addition to the springs, visitors can also take a relaxing boat ride. The tours are not glass-bottom, but they are covered and only cost $8 for adults. Tours last 45 minutes and cover a two-mile loop. You’ll get a good view of the water and the spring.
For hikers, there are a number of trails at the park. One of them circles the spring, which showcases ancient trees. Another trail leads through an upland forest to a karst window.
Lake Ella
Lake Ella is a centrally located lake in Tallahassee, Florida. Located south of Tharpe Street and north of Downtown, the lake is about 12 acres in size. It was once a cattle pasture but now serves as a recreation area, stormwater pollution control, and flood protection. Visitors to the area can enjoy a picnic in the picnic area or a swim in the lake.
Before it was developed, Lake Ella was known as Bull Pond. It was the location of many Black Church Baptism ceremonies in the late 1800s. In the mid 1900s, it was a popular honeymoon destination. Before tourism became popular in the area, it was a place where locals gathered every year on May 20th to celebrate Emancipation Day. Lake Ella was once a part of the Old Spanish Trail that connected St. Augustine and San Diego. Before the city of Tallahassee was developed, Lake Ella was out in the country. During this time, water treatment plants did not exist.
The historic Cottages of Lake Ella were built in 1925. At one time, these cottages were home to a Tallahassee Motor Motel. Now, they are home to a number of small, locally owned businesses, including the Black Dog Cafe, American Legion Post 13, and Head Over Heels. In addition to quaint shops, Lake Ella is also home to a number of events and festivals. The locals often support small businesses by patronizing them.
While you’re in town, stop by Fred Drake Park and Lake Ella. This 6.5-acre lake is a popular spot for families. Kids will love feeding the ducks that live here. It also offers picnic tables and a food truck that runs on Thursdays.