I have a free day and want to go exploring, what is there to do in the Tallahassee area?

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Blue Cascade is in close proximity to some of Tallahassee's best nature spots.

Want to know what to do in Tallahassee? Tallahassee, Florida and the surrounding areas provide a rich source of natural beauty, history, wildlife and fun. There is so much to do and see, and something for everyone.

The Tallahassee Museum is a great place to check out Florida’s native wildlife. Taking a walk through the museum boardwalk will allow you to view Florida Panthers, Black Bear, Red Wolf and Alligators, to name just a few. The Aviary has birds of prey, and the Big Bend Farm lets you visit a reconstructed farm from the 19th century. For something to do in Tallahassee a bit more exciting, Tallahassee Tree to Tree Adventures provides zip-lining courses inside the museum. There are three courses to choose from including one for children. The Soaring Cypress course is two hour course that takes you over Florida’s Cypress wetlands. Entrance fees into the Tallahassee Museum and zip-lining are separate.

If you would like to take a beautiful walk through gardens featuring flowers native to the Tallahassee area, Alfred B. Maclay Gardens State Park is definitely something you should check out. The picturesque Maclay Gardens has been the location of many marriages for Tallahassee couples. A brick lined pathway takes you through the secret garden, reflection pool and walled garden. For something a bit more active, bicycling, canoeing, fishing and hiking are also available at Maclay Gardens.

The St. Marks National Wildlife Refuge is 68,000 acres of protected marsh lands and estuaries providing a safe habitat for Florida wildlife and for wintering migratory birds. This is a favorite spot for photographers, providing a plethora of material for breathtaking pictures. Hiking trails are available throughout the refuge. If you like to canoe or kayak, the St. Marks River to Lighthouse Paddling Trail begins at the St. Marks boat ramp through the limestone rock islands and marsh grass and ends at the St. Marks Lighthouse. It takes about 3 hours to paddle through the 6 mile trail and there is a place to take a break and have a picnic at Apalachee Point/ Rock Island.

About an hour west of Tallahassee, Marianna Caverns is a Florida State Park and is the only state park in Florida to have cave tours for the public. The walking tour lasts 30-45 minutes and provides visitors with a show of stalactites, stalagmites, flowstones and draperies, some of the formations have names like the wedding cake and the Christmas tree. Marianna caverns is a neat way to learn about Florida caves. After the cave tour, you can take a beautiful hike through the nature trails, rent a canoe and go canoeing down the Chipola river. Check the Florida State Parks website for more information.

Just south of Tallahassee, Wakulla Springs is another Florida State Park that has one of the largest and deepest freshwater springs in the world. Glass bottom boat tours provide opportunities to see tons of wildlife including, alligators, turtles, deer and birds. In 1941, the first “Tarzan” movie starring Johnny Weissmuller was filmed at Wakulla Springs as well as several scenes for the 1953 film, “Creature from the Black Lagoon”. This is a beautiful place to visit and is rich in history and wildlife. Other activities at Wakulla Springs include swimming, hiking, snorkeling and the Ball Room restaurant provides you a beautiful view of the Springs while enjoying a delicious meal.

With so much to do in Tallahassee, this is just the tip of the iceberg to discover, explore and learn about North Florida. I hope you enjoy them as much as I do.

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