Tallahassee is a vibrant city in northern Florida. It is the capital city of the state, rich in history and architectural heritage. Founded in 1824, Tallahassee has played a great role in the development of Florida, serving as the political center and a hub for education and culture. The city’s historical significance is evident in its well-preserved landmarks and buildings that tell the story of its past. Tallahassee’s history dates back to the settlement of the Americas, with the region being colonized by Europeans in the 16th century and becoming part of Spanish Florida. In 1819, the Adams–Onís Treaty ceded Spanish Florida, including modern-day Tallahassee, to the United States starting the present history, and there are a lot of things to see and explore.

You can begin a walking tour at one of the most well-known and iconic structures in Tallahassee, the Florida State Capitol. The modern Capitol building was completed in 1977, and it stands tall with a sleek design, but you can also see the historic Old Capitol in front of the new construction. It was built in 1845 and has been restored to its 1902 appearance. The Old Capitol now serves as the Florida Historic Capitol Museum. The museum provides a fascinating look into Florida’s political history, and the old and new together highlights heritage and progress. Across the street to the east, you can visit another museum, housed in the Union Bank building fra 1841. It is now a museum, archive and research center for African American history.

From here, you can walk to nearby Cascades Park, which is a beautiful urban park that offers lush greenery, tranquil ponds, and scenic walking trails. Continue your downtown Tallahassee tour by visiting the John G. Riley Center and Museum, an African-American historic house in downtown Tallahassee. The museum highlights the contributions of African-Americans to the city’s history. Next, you can make your way to the Knott House Museum, built in 1843 and known for its role in the Civil War. This historic house offers a glimpse into 19th-century life and the significant events that took place there, including the reading of the Emancipation Proclamation in Florida.

Leaving the area around the Florida State Capitol, you can visit the Grove Museum, one of Florida’s best-preserved antebellum Greek Revival residences, which was home to two Florida governors and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Tallahassee is also home to the beautiful Westcott Building on the Florida State University campus. It was constructed in 1910 as the administration building for the Florida State College for Women. Its architecture and the Ruby Diamond Concert Hall make it a central landmark on campus and a testament to the city’s educational legacy.

Another must-visit site is Mission San Luis, a National Historic Landmark a bit west of modern day downtown Tallahassee. The mission was built in 1656 at the place that served as the western capital of Spanish Florida from 1656 to 1704. The mission offers fascinating stories of the Apalachee people and Spanish colonists through reconstructed buildings and exhibits. For those interested in antebellum history, the Goodwood Museum & Gardens northeast of downtown is a notable heritage site. This plantation house, built in the 1830s, offers insights into the region’s history and features beautifully preserved gardens.