With an abundance of sunny days and temperatures hovering around 70 degrees, Florida’s capital city is an ideal place to visit as a chill sets in around other parts of the country. Aside from balmy weather, Tallahassee has a wealth of green spaces, fascinating museums, and with Florida State University and Florida A&M University, there is never a lack of unique events and activities to experience.

I attended Florida State University many years ago. Back then, school was my main focus, but as someone who has loved to travel her whole life, even as an undergraduate, I carved out time between classes to explore Tallahassee and the surrounding areas.

I have relished returning to Tallahassee over the years to visit college friends and continue exploring now that I don’t have to hit the books. These are the places I always find myself visiting again and again when I’m in town.

1. Tallahassee Museum 

There is no better place to get an education about the natural and human history of Tallahassee than the Tallahassee Museum. The museum is situated on 52 acres outside of town and most of the exhibits are outdoors, because who wants to be inside on a beautiful north Florida day?

Being an animal lover, my favorite exhibit is Wildlife Florida, where a variety of native mammals, reptiles, and birds that are unable to live in the wild spend their days in large enclosures that mimic their natural habitats. An elevated boardwalk affords you views of black bears, bobcats, and the endangered Florida panther. Other exhibits include Old Florida, where you can explore a historic schoolhouse and Baptist church, learn about the daily lives of Tallahassee’s early settlers at Big Bend Farm, and immerse yourself in nature along the half-mile trail leading through a longleaf pine forest.

Since much of the museum is outdoors, be prepared with bug spray, sunscreen, and comfortable shoes. The boardwalks are wheelchair accessible. Keeping with the natural theme, there is little pavement and most of the grounds are covered with thick mulch.

2. Canopy Roads 

For a scenic drive like none other, take a tour along one or all of Tallahassee’s canopy roads. Canopy roads are defined by the towering native trees that cover the road like sweet gums, hickory trees, and live oaks draped in spindly Spanish moss. Nine official canopy roads now…