There’s no need to spend a fortune on entertainment when there are plenty of fun and free activities to enjoy in Tallahassee. From parks and museums to festivals and concerts, you’ll find something for everyone in this list of freebies.
Cheap and Free Things to do in Tallahassee
Florida State Capitol
The Florida Historic Capitol Museum is a great place to learn about the history of the politics and people of Florida. You can get tours of the current Florida capitol by appointment. Or you can simply head to the top floor for amazing views of the city! Also make sure to check out the Florida Historic Capitol Museum while there too. It is the former capital building!
Railroad Square Art Park
Railroad Square is a neighborhood located in downtown Tallahassee, Florida. The area is home to many local businesses, restaurants, and shops. The neighborhood is also known for its vibrant art scene, with several galleries and studios located in the area. Railroad Square is a popular destination for both residents and visitors to Tallahassee.
If you’re looking for a place to enjoy some local flavor, Railroad Square is the perfect spot. With its variety of shops and businesses, there’s something for everyone in this unique neighborhood. From delicious food to one-of-a-kind art, Railroad Square has something for everyone to enjoy.
St. Mark’s Light House
The St. Marks Lighthouse is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Tallahassee, Florida. The lighthouse is located on the Apalachee Bay and offers spectacular views of the Gulf of Mexico. Visitors can also enjoy a variety of activities such as fishing, swimming, and kayaking. The St. Marks Lighthouse is a great place to visit for a day or a weekend getaway.
It’s free to get in with a National Park pass or pay $5 a car. The lighthouse is an additional $2 per person.
St. Marks National Wildlife Refuge
If you feel adventurous you can bike the St. Marks trail all the way to the coast. It is LONG (10 miles each way) but completely flat. I definitely wouldn’t take small kids but if you like long bike rides, it is a nice one. Plan to eat at the Riverside cafe at the end or pack a lunch!
San Marcos De Apalache State Park and Fort
The San Marcos Fort is a wonderful place to visit. The fort was built in the early 1600s and has been well preserved. It is a great place to learn about the history of the area and to see some of the beautiful architecture. The fort is open to the public from Monday through Friday 9:00am to 5:00pm, and on Saturday and Sunday from 10:00am to 4:00pm. Admission is free for children under the age of 12, and $2 for adults.
Lake Ella
Lake Ella is a beautiful lake located in the heart of Tallahassee, Florida. The lake is surrounded by a park and has a walking path that goes around it. There are also benches and picnic tables for people to enjoy the scenery. The lake is home to ducks, geese, and other birds. It is a great place to relax or take a walk.
J.R. Alford Greenway Trail
The J.R. Alford Greenway Trail in Tallahassee, Florida is a great place to enjoy the outdoors and get some exercise. The trail is 3.5 miles long and includes a variety of terrain, including woods, wetlands, and prairies. There are also several bridges that cross creeks and rivers. The trail is open from sunrise to sunset and is free to use. Dogs are welcome on the trail as long as they are on a leash.
Tom Brown Park
Easily the most popular park in Tallahasse, Tom Brown has something for everyone. The park features a variety of activities and amenities for visitors to enjoy, including a playground, picnic pavilions, hiking trails, RC tracks, and a dog park. Always free!
Miccosukee Canopy Road Greenway
The Miccosukee Canopy Road Greenway is a wonderful place to walk, run, or bike. The Greenway is located on the north side of town and offers beautiful views of the surrounding area. The Greenway is also a great place to take your dog for a walk, as there are plenty of places to stop and rest along the way.
Canopy Roads
If you are just looking for a cool day drive – check out the canopy roads in Tallahassee. These roads are lined with trees that provide a natural canopy, making them one of the most scenic drives in the state. There are three – Centerville, Miccosuckee and Meridian.
The Grove Museum
The Grove Museum in Tallahasse, Florida is a history museum that tells the story of the state’s early development. The museum is located in an old plantation house that was built in 1843. The house has been restored to its original condition and is decorated with period furniture. The museum also has a collection of artifacts from the plantation era. Visitors to the museum can learn about the lives of the people who lived and worked on the plantation. The Grove Museum is open Monday through Friday from 9:00am to 4:30pm. Admission to the museum is free.
A.J. Henry Park
Great little park located in Killearn. Great little fishing dock and playground. The best part is it is shaded – perfect for hot summer days!
Natural Bridge Battlefield State Park
Natural Bridge is the site of the second largest Civil War battle in Florida and where the St. Marks River drops into a sinkhole and flows underground for one-quarter of a mile before reemerging.
A monument at the site commemorates the Confederate soldiers who defended Natural Bridge. There are picnic and fishing areas surrounded by woodlands for a comfortable place to relax and reflect back on Florida’s history.
A reenactment of the battle is held at the park every first full weekend in March and guided tours are available upon request.
Gardens at Goodwood
The Gardens at Goodwood in Tallahassee, Florida are a beautiful and peaceful oasis in the middle of the city. The gardens feature a variety of plant life, including camellias, azaleas, magnolias, oaks, and pines. The Gardens at Goodwood also have a butterfly garden and a pond with koi fish. Visitors to the gardens can take a self-guided tour or participate in one of the many events that are held at the gardens throughout the year.
There is an admission fee to visit the museum, but you can visit the gardens for free.
Bradley’s Country Store
Bradley’s Country Store is a family-owned and operated business that has been serving the Tallahassee community for over 50 years. They offer a wide variety of smoked sausage you can purchase. They even have sausage dogs for lunch. Make sure to check out the candy section!
Bradley’s Country Store Old Fashioned Fun Day (Saturday before Thanksgiving)
This great event is held annually on the Saturday before Thanksgiving! Enjoy live music, clogging, cane grinding, syrup making, wagon rides, and a wide variety of food and arts and crafts. They even have a special area for the kids with pony rides and a petting zoo! Free parking and free admission.
Cascades Park
Cascades Park is a 24-acre (9.7 ha) public park located downtown. The park is located on the site of a former paper mill, and features a waterfall, walking trails, and a playground. The park also has an amphitheater that hosts concerts and other events.
Maclay State Gardens Botanical Garden
Not free but definitely cheap and a great day adventure. There is a great playground and a swimming area with picnic tables. You can easily spend the day here. Make sure to check out the gardens!
The cost is $6 per car – up to 8 people so pack them in!
FSU Art Museum
The FSU Art Museum is located on the campus of Florida State University. The museum was founded in 1970 and its collection consists of over 4,000 works of art from a variety of cultures and time periods. The museum is open to the public Tuesday through Saturday 10am-5pm and Sunday 1pm-5pm. Admission is free.
Museum of Florida History
The Tallahassee Museum of History is dedicated to preserving and promoting the history of Florida. The museum houses a wide variety of exhibits on the state’s past, from its earliest days as a Spanish colony to its modern role as a tourist destination. The museum also hosts a variety of events and programs throughout the year, making it a great resource for anyone interested in learning more about Florida’s rich history.
Wakulla Springs
Wakulla Springs is one of the deepest and largest freshwater springs in the world. Wakulla Springs is located south of Tallahassee.
The spring forms the headwaters of the Wakulla River, which flows south for about 15 miles (24 km) before emptying into Apalachee Bay. The river is popular for canoeing, kayaking, tubing, and swimming. The spring and river are also home to a variety of wildlife, including alligators, turtles, otters, fish, and birds.
Wakulla Springs has been a popular tourist destination for over a century. The spring and river were featured in the 1954 film, Creature from the Black Lagoon. Today, visitors can take boat tours of the river, swim in the spring, and explore the surrounding parkland for an additional fee.
The cost to get into Wakulla Springs State Park is $6 per person for anyone over the age of six. Annual passes are available for $60. The park is open from 8:00 am until sundown 365 days a year.
Lake Jackson Mounds Archeological State Park
The park is located on the south side of Lake Jackson, east of Tallahassee.
The park contains six Native American mounds built between 250 and 950 AD. The largest mound is 38 feet (12 m) high. The park also has a museum with exhibits on the history of the area.
The park is open daily from 8:00am until sunset. Admission is free.
Although Florida State University is a great school, it is important to remember that you don’t have to be a prospective student to enjoy touring the campus. There are plenty of other reasons to visit FSU, whether you’re interested in the athletics program, the vibrant student life, or simply want to explore a beautiful college campus. Regardless of your reason for visiting, Florida State University is definitely worth a look.
