The Guide To Tallahassee + Free Printable Guide

Oh, Tallahassee...
You are such a beautiful, vibrant, and inviting city...

It seems that Tallahassee doesn't get the love that other Florida cities get... Other popular Florida cities may have the ocean, but there is something special about Tallahassee.

For starters, if you’re a Foodie, Tallahassee is an absolute Foodie paradise. This capital city has a multitude of stellar restaurants! Any and everything you ever wanted to try or experience is right in the heart of the city.

With menus and creative touches as varied as Tallahassee’s landscape, dining in Florida’s Capital City includes authentic regional cuisine, down-home favorites, award-winning fine dining and even a place that serves hot dogs more than 10,230 ways.

Having recently moved to Tallahassee, I wanted to share my love for this grand city and its food. This post may contain affiliate links, which means I may earn some money if you click on one. Read the full disclaimer here.

Tallahassee is the perfect city for everyone. Whether you are single, married, or with children there is something for everyone, any taste, and preferences!

With that, there is a lot of ground to cover in Tallahassee, but I will keep it short and sweet and share with you some of the sweetest spots that Tallahassee has to offer!

Where To Stay:

If you are traveling to Tallahassee there's a lot to choose from including charming bed and breakfasts, boutique hotels, and don't forget Airbnb. Many are walkable to our top restaurants. One tip if you are traveling, do not come when legislation is in session. You'll never get a room. Here are a couple of top selections to consider:

• Aloft Tallahassee Downtown: Aloft Tallahassee presents Southern hospitality with contemporary design. Located in the heart of downtown Tallahassee, Aloft is convenient to the Capitol complex, Florida State University, and Florida A&M University, and it is within walking distance of downtown restaurants, clubs, museums and parks. Amenities include bistro, pool and W XYZ bar with live music.
• The Governors Inn: The Governors Inn features the original exposed stable beams, with a taste of the past. The plaque outside each room named for a historic Florida Governor, provides a glimpse of Old Florida, weaving the tapestry of Florida’s days gone by.
• Hotel Duval: Hotel Duval is a historic, boutique hotel and a proud member of the elite group of Autograph Collection hotels. Located in downtown Tallahassee, we are close to the state’s Capitol, state museums, Florida State University and Florida A&M campuses, and so many more of the area’s top sites to visit.

Where to Eat:

As mentioned earlier, Tallahassee is a Foodies paradise with a multitude of stellar restaurants. By now you're aware of Yelp! and know that you can check for reviews and suggestions in your neighborhood. Here is a list of a few places that I found was next level on the scale of deliciousness!

• Shell Oyster Bar: Shell Oyster Bar is a family run establishment set back in a business district in what looks like a shack. Don't let the unassuming looks of this gem fool you. Offering fresh local seafood and serving right-from-the Apalachicola Bay oysters on the half -shell. They serve soda but you are welcome to bring your own alcohol in.  I warn you, there is a small lot and they pack them in from all walks of life. The food is beyond delicious, with the best coleslaw you will ever have. in. your. life.
• The Wilbury: This is such a great eclectic spot right in the Gaines Street area. Known for their BBQ specialties, they have the best Local and National talent coming through the are 2-3 nights per week. Seating is either inside or outside by the 1967 Airstream food truck strung with lights and a graffiti painted exterior. Matlow described the food as "kind of like barbecue meets deli." The meats, from chicken, brisket, pork belly and pulled pork, are smoked and served with optional sides. While the menu may seem small at first glance, you will have trouble making a selection from the enticing list of options.
• Madison Social: Great spot for brunch! The line is out the door, so get there early! It’s typical brunch food (including Mimosas) but everything is really distinctive and fit for a king! The whole menu is appetizing! Madison Social also has events and a monthly challenge, so get in on the fun!
• Avenue Eat & Drink: Avenue Eat & Drink seeks to inspire everyone from culinary novices to seasoned foodies. Their Southern-inspired menu evolves year-round with local produce, organic meats, and unique flavor creations. Their brunch Applewood Smoked Bacon Benedict was truly divine.

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What To See/Do:

• Biking: Tallahassee is so lovely most of the year but most especially in the spring and summer that everyone stays active. You can rent bikes on almost any corner of the city. There are tons of parks, murals, and places to eat, so consider renting a bike and riding around.
• Springtime Tallahassee: Please join us to experience true Southern hospitality with one of the largest and most celebrated parades in the southeast. The fun doesn't end there. Come see the famous Jubilee in the Park featuring handcrafted items, a Children's Park, local entertainment stages, and national entertainment acts. It's no wonder our little event has grown to attract over 150,000 attendees.
• Railroad Square: I don't even know where to start with Railroad Square. Railroad Square is an eclectic, hip place. From vintage clothes shopping to visiting a couple art galleries, seeing a play, eat from a converted train caboose while listening to live music, playing bocce ball at a craft brewery, coffee bar, and more. Railroad Square has got to be hands down one my favorite places in Tallahassee. The best way to experience it is to explore it yourself.
• 22nd Floor of Capital Observatory and Gallery: Enjoy panoramic views of Tallahassee and the surrounding landscape from the 22nd floor observatory which also includes a gallery displaying works by many of Florida’s most prominent artists.
• Challenger Learning Center / IMAX Theatre and Planetarium: In downtown Tallahassee, check out “Mission Control” and the Space Station laboratory at The Challenger Learning Center. The five-story Planetarium also brings the night sky to life for those who reach for the stars. After this interactive adventure, kick back and relax with a soda and popcorn while experiencing at the IMAX and IMAX 3D Theater. Visit challengertlh.com for planetarium and IMAX times and admission prices. Space Mission Simulator open to the public the second Saturday of the month, registration required.
• Governor's Mansion: Modeled after Andrew Jackson’s home, “The Hermitage” featuring antique furnishings and gifts from international dignitaries. Twelve of the state’s governors have called this southern mansion home. Tours available by appointment (850) 717-9345. Free.
• Historic Capitol Museum: Restored to its 1902 appearance, with stained glass dome and candy-striped awnings, this building houses the Florida Legislative Research Center and Museum, former House and Senate Chambers, Supreme Court, Governor’s Suite and features Florida memorabilia and special exhibits.
• Lake Ella: This beautiful park with its cottages historic to the location, are now filled with shops. Perfect for a stroll while enjoying a cup of coffee or an ice cream cone purchased from one of the cottage shops surrounding the lake. Free.

Night Life:

• Level 8 Lounge: For the best experience of cocktails, live music, and views of the sun setting on downtown. Level 8 Lounge is one of Tallahassee’s best night spots, uniquely combining sophistication in a casual atmosphere. Come enjoy our delicious, shareable Social Bites; our humidor of handpicked cigars; import, domestic, and regionally-sourced crafted beer; an eclectic selection of seasonal wines; and, of course, a variety of classic and creative cocktail.
• The Moon: The Moon is Tallahassee's premier variety showcase for entertainment, hosting major concerts featuring country, rock, reggae, rap, jazz, R&B, and more. Since 1985, The Moon has been home to hundreds of headliners, including: George Clinton, Willie Nelson, Bassnectar, Dionne Warwick, Hall & Oates, The Tempations, Bonnie Raitt, George Strait, The Judds, B.B. King, Kenny Chesney, Joe Cocker, Pat Benatar, Billy Preston, Chris Tucker, and many more.
• Bradfordville Blues Club : For the serious Blues fan the BBC has a different artist each weekend, usually with different touring acts on Friday and Saturday nights. Club appearances in the past have included such notables as Bobby Blue Bland, Bobby Rush, the late Jimmy Rogers, Duke Robillard, Kenny Neal, Big Daddy Kinsey and the Kinsey Report, Big Jack Johnson, E.C. Scott, Eddie Kirkland, Johnnie Marshall, Darryl Nulisch, Sandra Hall, Ms. Lavelle White, Son Seals and a host of others.

Have you been to Tallahassee?

What were your favorite things to do and see in Tallahassee?