As well as being the capital of Florida, the most weird and wonderful state in the US, Tallahassee is also a stunning town that is quickly becoming a preferred destination for young professionals. The Downtown Tallahassee neighborhood is one of the most historic areas in Florida!

For a quick bite of history, "Tallahassee" is a Muskogean word meaning "Old Town" and has been a center of agriculture and trading for centuries. After conquistador Hernando De Soto invaded in 1538, the Spanish built the Mission San Luis de Apalachee in the northwestern area of the already-existent town. Tally was eventually declared the capital city of the new Florida Territory in 1824.

The Downtown Tallahassee Neighborhood

Bordered by Tally thoroughfares East Tennessee Street, Gadsden Street, West Street, Augustine Street, and South Bronough Street, Downtown is the epicenter of state politics. It is also one of the most historic and naturally beautiful spots in Florida. Located just east of FSU, Downtown features monuments, museums, breathtaking parks, events, and delectable dining options. It also boasts several charming apartment communities perfect for young, energetic professionals and aspiring politicians. 

Play Tourist

One of the best ways to get to know a city you're considering moving to is to play the tourist. The Downtown Tallahassee neighborhood is eminently walkable, or you can rent two wheels at the Great Bicycle Shop or Bicycle House Tallahassee. If you want to get some culture and take in some of the city's great arts and history, don't miss these entrancing attractions:

The Knott House Museum

Originally built in 1843 by George Proctor, the Knott House is now part of the Museum of Florida History, sponsored in part by the Florida Department of State. It was inhabited by the Knott family for many decades, and now visitors will enjoy beautifully preserved Victorian furnishings and décor and gorgeous Old Florida architecture.

The Florida Historic Capitol Museum

Since 1845, this impressive edifice has graced the Downtown Tallahassee neighborhood and offers a stunning selection of educational exhibits, historic photographs, and interactive multimedia displays.

The Museum of Florida History

Immensely popular with local school kids, the Museum of Florida History features an enthusiastic staff and well-curated exhibits on a variety of historical topics. The museum also has a diverse collection of historical artifacts, clothing, and artwork.

Challenger Learning Center, IMAX Theater and Planetarium

This is another superb educational destination to visit with family or space-fixated friends and can also be rented out for unique private events. The Center has a super realistic space mission simulator and is an educational outreach facility for Florida A&M University in conjunction with the FSU College of Engineering.

Cascades Park

This sprawling recreation venue offers something for everyone. The park has a vast array of amenities, including a state-of-the-art amphitheater, an interactive splash zone, pristine green areas, and miles of trails. This is the perfect urban green space to have a picnic, get some exercise, and enjoy live events.

Good Eats

Part of Downtown Tallahassee's appeal is the growing number of innovative eateries that are beginning to flourish. From seafood to comfort food to the latest trends, Downtown has a little something for everyone. Check out this list of some of the top eats in the neighborhood!

Andrew's Downtown, 228 South Adams Street

A Downtown institution, Andrew's has been serving up some of the best cuisine in Tally since 1949. Relax on their spacious outdoor patio and inhale some local favorites like the fried green tomatoes, the Gulf grouper sandwich, or the mouthwatering prosciutto and Brie melt with blueberry compote.

Harry's Seafood Bar and Grille, 301 South Bronough Street

A simply fabulous place for date night, Harry's pleases the palate with decadent New Orleans-inspired dishes like French baked scallops, Boudin balls, and crab crusted redfish Royale with beurre blanc. A smiling bartender serves up cold craft cocktails with a twist, like the Southern Mule and Front Porch.

Il Lusso, 201 East Park Avenue, #100

This is an old-world European chop house that's been mystically recreated in the Downtown Tallahassee neighborhood. Il Lusso is renowned for excellent service, fine dining, and an expertly curated wine list. The impressive menu offers luxurious delights like charred octopus, fresh pasta made in-house daily, Wagyu steaks, salt-cured foie gras, and truffle compound butter.

Chuck's Fish, 224 East College Avenue

Chuck's is a rustic, Old Florida seafood house with great service, a unique atmosphere, and the freshest Gulf seafood available. The restaurant is named after a famous civil rights attorney, and offers impressive menus for lunch, dinner, and brunch, as well as an award-winning sushi bar.

Bird's Aphrodisiac Oyster Shack, 325 N Bronough St

A real old-school style no-frills Florida seafood shack, Bird's serves up the freshest Gulf oysters on the half shell, as well as gigantic burgers with an amazing array of toppings, onion rings, fries, ice cold beer on tap, and cheap cocktails.

Drink and Be Merry

If you're more of a creature of the night, don't worry, the Downtown Tallahassee neighborhood has several hip drinkeries that you and your crew will enjoy. Here's a selection the neighborhood's top tipples:

Level 8 Lounge, 415 North Monroe Street

This chic indoor/ outdoor rooftop lounge at the Hotel Duval features lovely views, tapas, live music, and exotic cocktails. Book a room at the hotel and enjoy a romantic staycation right in Downtown.

Bar 1903, 209 East Park Avenue

Located in the historic Walker Library building, this classy cocktail bar serves up an impressive list of libations as well as tempting small plates with ingredients sourced from their nearby urban farm.

Clydes & Costello's, 210 South Adams Street

A fun and free-spirited bar, Clydes & Costello's has a classic atmosphere and affordable drinks. It's definitely the perfect place to have a few drinks with friends and enjoy events like ladies' night and top DJs.

Brick House Restaurant and Bar, 402 West College Avenue

Situated in a converted historic home in Downtown, the Brick House is a welcoming gastropub with a casual ambience. Relax at a table with friends on the outdoor patio for a leisurely brunch with fun cocktails like the Breakfast Shot, or a PB&J, featuring Screwball peanut butter whiskey.These are the opinions of writers and not the opinions of RentTally.com or any of our advertising partners.