Canopies & Cocktails in the Capital: 48 Hours in Tallahassee

Lafayette Heritage Trail is the ideal place to spend a relaxing afternoon. Located along the banks of Upper Lake Lafayette and Piney Z Lake, the 3.6-mile long trail offers plenty of scenic views and a wide variety of terrain. Take a quick jog through the canopies or enjoy a leisurely walk along the elevated bridgeway. You can pick up Lafayette Heritage Trail from one of two locations—the east end at JR Alford Greenway, or the west end at Lafayette Heritage Park. Both locations offer maps, bathrooms, and lots of parking.

Referred to as the “best garden in Florida,” the Alfred B. Maclay Gardens State Park is a must-see. Located on almost 2,000 acres, the park itself is quite large and requires at least three hours to fully explore. Home to one of the largest assortments of camellias and azaleas found anywhere in the South, the gardens are bursting with color year-round. Be sure to visit the Reflection Pond for some incredibly peaceful views and amazing photo opportunities. And keep an eye out for alligators! You may get lucky and spot one sunning on the banks of Lake Hall.

Located in the heart of downtown Tallahassee, just minutes from Florida State University, the DoubleTree is the perfect place to escape for a weekend. All rooms at the DoubleTree offer incredible views of the Capitol Building and surrounding Chain of Parks. Plus, you can’t go wrong with complimentary fresh cookies every day. Even if you aren’t staying at the hotel, try to grab a drink at Eve on Adams—the hotel’s trendy rooftop lounge that offers incredible 360-degree views.

Looking for an unforgettable dining experience in the heart of the Capital City? Then look no further than Il Lusso. This modern, Italian-style restaurant is not only set in a beautiful location—with its giant windows, high ceilings, and sleek marble—but the menu is truly exceptional. You can enjoy everything from fresh, homemade pasta to dry-aged cowboy ribeyes to buttery, seared scallops. Complement your meal with a delicious craft cocktail or a glass of wine from their extensive wine list.

Housed in an old library building, Bar 1903 is history reimagined. What was once the Walker Library has since been converted into a trendy cocktail bar, where visitors can choose from any number of drinks found in a 16-page leather-bound menu. The building and its interior haven’t changed much since 1903. The bar is a two-story masterpiece, with a loft-style layout, ambient lighting, and antique wooden finishes. However, the space is small and can only accommodate 35 people at a time, so reservations are highly recommended.

A visit to Tallahassee wouldn’t be complete without a stop at the Florida State Capitol. There are actually two capitol buildings in Tallahassee—the newer 22-story capitol that was built in 1977, and the older “historic” capitol that was built in 1845. The historic capitol is directly behind the new capitol, and the contrast between the two buildings is reason enough to visit. Enjoy a walk along the pristine lawns and admire both the different architectural designs and the Stormsong statue. If you have some time, check out the museum inside the historic capitol to learn more about the Sunshine State's impressive political history.