Best Road Trips from Tallahassee
December 19, 2022 Tally Student Survival Parents, Students Social Share
Road Trips from Tallahassee
Tallahassee is undoubtedly an incredible place. The city brings together locals and college students to create a tight-knit community, with exciting happenings throughout the entire year. Despite our endless love for all things “Tally,” we completely understand the need to get out every once in a while. Whether you just finished crushing final exams or have the weekend free, there are plenty of great road trips you can take from Florida’s capital city.
We decided to create a list of the best trips you can take within 3 hours from Tallahassee. Follow along to find new and exciting places hiding in plain sight in Florida. Splash around in the plentiful sandy beaches, hike along wooded areas, or get a history lesson on the oldest city in the U.S.! We’re here to ensure that wherever you head to out of Tally next is the perfect destination for you.
Edward Ball Wakulla Springs State Park
If you prefer staying close to home, Wakulla Springs is a great option for your next day trip. Just 20 minutes south of Tallahassee lies the 6,000 acres of wildlife sanctuary, and one of the world’s deepest freshwater springs! The State Park has been listed on the National Registery of Historic Places and designated as a National Natural Landmark, so it’s truly a sight to see. While here you’ll likely find outdoor activities like bicycling, bird watching, geocaching, horseback riding, and even scuba diving. Be sure to be on the lookout for active wildlife like manatees and alligators! Spring into your next road trip at Wakulla Springs.
Address: 465 Wakulla Park Dr, Wakulla Springs, FL 32327
Miles from Tallahassee: 13.9 miles
Open hours: Daily 8am-sundown
Price: $6 entry fee per vehicle, $4 for single occupant vehicles, $2 for pedestrians
Havana, FL
Don’t be confused with the Cuban city, this Havana is located right below the Florida/Georgia line! A short 25 minutes north of Tallahassee and you’ll reach what locals call “Florida’s Friendliest Small Town.” The town dates back to 1906 after the completion of the Georgia, Florida, and Alabama railroad and previously boomed as the “Shade Tobacco Capital of the World.” The cute little town now boasts its collection of specialty shops with vintage collectibles. It even runs through the North Florida Arts Trail—an online directory including antique and vintage shops around the state. So, if you’re looking for a road trip that sprinkles in history with fun, Havana is your place.
Address: 711 N Main St, Havana, FL 32333
Miles from Tallahassee: 16.5 miles
Open hours: Havana’s business hours may vary
Price: Free to enter, store/business prices may vary
St. Marks National Wildlife Refuge
Get lost in nature on your next road trip! Only 30 minutes south of the city is St. Marks. The National Wildlife Refuge started out in 1931 as a winter habitat for migratory birds. Now visitors can leisurely explore the area, which spreads across 83,000 acres! While here you can bird watch, visit a historic lighthouse, take hikes through the wooded areas, and go fishing year-round. They also offer educational programs put on by environmental specialists. If you happen to take the trip in October, don’t miss their annual Monarch Butterfly Festival! Spread your wings and fly far enough away from Tally on your next road trip and check out St. Marks.
Address: 1255 Lighthouse Rd, St Marks, FL 32355
Miles from Tallahassee: 22.6 miles
Open hours: Outdoor areas sunrise-sunset, Visitor Center Mon-Fri 8am-4pm, Sat-Sun 10am-5pm, St. Marks Lighthouse 10am-2pm
Price: $5 entry fee per vehicle
Apalachicola National Forest
Right under an hour southwest of Tallahassee lies the largest national forest in Florida! Apalachicola is home to an expanse of green trees, with 85 miles of trails for biking and hiking. The forest has a tranquil ecosystem, with diverse plants and animal species. Although several reviews claim just driving through the woods is worth the trip—Apalachicola has plenty of exciting stuff to get into. The national forest’s rivers offer water-based activities like fishing, boating, and kayaking. Have a four-legged friend with you? No problem! Pets are permitted as long as they remain on-leash. What are you waiting for? Natural beauty just a short drive away from Tallahassee.
Address: FL-12, Sopchoppy, FL 32358
Miles from Tallahassee: 38.5 miles
Open hours: Ranger District Office Mon, Wed 8am-4:30pm, Fri 8am-4pm
Price: No entry fee
Madison Blue Spring State Park
Dive down into the deep blue waters of Madison Blue Springs State Park on your next road trip! The hour-long drive east of Tallahassee is more than worth it. Along the west bank of the Withlacoochee River contains one of the state’s first magnitude springs. Choose how you want to discover the crystal-clear water: swimming, paddle boarding, scuba diving, or tubing! At 82 ft wide and 25 ft deep, the swimming hole is too cool to miss. The spring area is surrounded by limestone and scenic woodlands and was voted #1 swimming hole in the country by USA Today! We’d say Madison Blue Springs is a perfect destination for the whole family. Reserve your single-day admission pass online.
Address: 8300 N.E. State Road 6, Lee FL 32059
Miles from Tallahassee: 68 miles
Open hours: Daily 8am-sundown
Price: $4 to $5 per vehicle, $2 for pedestrians, bicyclists, and extra passengers
Florida Caverns State Park
Ever wonder what the world looks like underground? A short hour drive northwest of Tallahassee is the only state park in Florida with air-filled caves! Venture beneath the Earth’s surface (as low as 65 feet deep!) and uncover the geological beauty of Florida Caverns State Park. Tours of the caverns are offered Thursday-Monday and are sold on a first come, first-serve basis. They’ve even installed a new LED lighting system in the caves to get a closer look. Witness one of Mother Nature’s finest creations with the limestone cave formations that date back thousands of years! Get out of Tally and underground for your next city escape. For information on group tours, call (850) 526-2650 or head to FloridaCavernsGiftShop.com. 65 ft lowest point
Address: 3345 Caverns Rd, Marianna, FL 32446
Miles from Tallahassee: 69.7 miles
Open hours: Park hours daily 8am-sundown, Cave tours Thurs-Mon
Price: Entry fee $5 per vehicle
St. George Island
Welcome to St. George Island, a small but cozy town along the Gulf of Mexico. Since Tallahassee is landlocked, plenty of students and locals may get the itch to head seaside. Lucky for you, this miniature paradise is only an hour and 45 minutes southwest of Tally! With only around 100 inhabitants, you’ll soon feel the chaotic city life melt away into the ocean. The 22-mile barrier island offers its popular beaches, natural marshes, and conserved wildlife for all its visitors to enjoy. The calm waters are perfect for all ages, so bring the family and relax on the breathtaking beach, rent a boat, or scooter your way around one of the last unspoiled islands in Florida.
Address: 2B E Gulf Beach Dr, Eastpoint, FL 32328
Miles from Tallahassee: 76.4 miles
Open hours: Daily 8am-sundown
Price: St. George Island State Park entry fee $6 per vehicle
Mexico Beach
Believe it or not, we’re still in Florida! Mexico Beach is a quaint coastal city with small-town charm. Right under two hours southwest from Tallahassee, the area is known for its exciting wildlife sightings like dolphins, sea turtles, and manatees. Take in the colorful beach bungalows, the white-sandy beaches, and emerald waters. There are also several refurbished parks around the city if you’d prefer to stay on land! Looking for your next biggest catch? Mexico Beach’s marina and charters are available to all visiting fishermen (& fisherwomen!) One unique aspect about Mexico Beach: No traffic lights! Disconnect from the big city chaos and head over to a small town with big charm on your next road trip.
Address: 9434 US-98, Port St Joe, FL 32456
Miles from Tallahassee: 98.3 miles
Open hours: Beach access daily 8am-2am
Price: Entry to beach access is free
Panama City/Panama City Beach
If you need a time zone difference to feel like you’ve really gone far on a road trip, Panama City is for you. It’s the largest city between Pensacola and Tallahassee and is just a quick two-hour trip west from downtown Tally. Panama City has plenty of arts and entertainment to check out like the Martin Theatre and Panama City Center for the Arts. Head another 20 minutes west and you’ll reach the Spring Break capital – Panama City Beach! Tripadvisor named it one of the top 3 beaches in the United States, meaning it’s definitely worth the hype. With 27 miles of idyllic beaches, water parks, and massive beach parties like the upcoming Spring Break Week 2023—you simply can’t go wrong with a trip out to Panama City!
Address: 16051 Front Beach Rd, Panama City Beach, FL 32413
Miles from Tallahassee: 105.7 miles
Open hours: Open Daily
Price: Entry to beach access is free
Destin Beach
Welcome to Destin, your next ideal road trip from Tallahassee. A quick two and a half hours west from home and you’ll reach what’s referred to as “The world’s luckiest fishing village!” The beach is situated near the Continental Shelf – meaning it’s likely you’ll find large grouper, king mackerel, and tuna only 20 miles offshore. Who needs dinner reservations when you can catch your own meal? Destin is also known for its golf courses, the Destin Harbor Boardwalk, and Henderson Beach State Park. Climb over sand dunes or visit during annual events like the Destin Fishing Rodeo and Destin Seafood Festival! So pack your bags and head to Destin—we’d say your road trip “Destin-y” awaits!
Address: 102 Harbor Blvd, Destin, FL 32541
Miles from Tallahassee: 159 miles
Open hours: Beach access daily from sunrise to sunset
Price: Henderson Beach State Park is $6 per vehicle, other Destin beaches have free entry
Providence Canyon State Park
Ever wanted to see the Grand Canyon without going all the way to Arizona? If you drive north of Tallahassee for two and a half hours, you’ll soon reach Providence Canyon State Park. It’s called Georgia’s “Little Grand Canyon” and considered one of the seven natural wonders of the state. Witness the 1,003 acres of orange, red, and pink rare geological formations from the trail. They’ve also got a museum, picnic areas, and designated camping if you want to extend your stay. Dogs are welcome on the trails but must remain on-leash at all times. For those who don’t consider it a road trip unless you’ve left the state, Providence Canyon is the place for you! Important: Canyon edges can collapse, so stay behind the fences. Any carving or climbing of the canyons may result in a fine.
Address: 8930 Canyon Rd, Lumpkin, GA 31815
Miles from Tallahassee: 139 miles
Open hours: Sept 15-April 14 7am-6pm, April 15-Sept 14 7am-9pm
Price: $5 parking
Pensacola Beach
Experience even more of Florida Gulf Coast’s beauty by driving over to Pensacola Beach. The resort community is three hours west of Tallahassee and lies along the barrier island of Santa Rosa. Explore the Pensacola Beach Boardwalk for shopping and food until you reach the picturesque pier. With pristine, sugar-white beaches, simply relax under the sun and watch your worries wash away in the waves. Follow the Pensacola Beach Eco Trail for educational information on all of Pensacola’s abundant wildlife. Plus, Pensacola Beach has been heavily awarded over the years—most recently being voted among Trip Advisor’s top 15 beaches in the U.S. and Smart Asset’s 4th most affordable beach town in 2021! Affordable and fun? Sounds like the perfect beach getaway to us.
Address: 41 Fort Pickens Rd #2005, Pensacola Beach, FL 32561
Miles from Tallahassee: 205 miles
Open hours: Beach access open to public daily
Price: Beach access is free
St. Augustine
Go back in time and visit the oldest city in the entire nation! Three hours southeast from Tallahassee is Florida’s not-so-hidden gem: St. Augustine. Among the many things you can say about this place, it’s historical, it’s interesting, and it is a TON of fun. Stroll along the historic downtown center and spot Spanish colonial architecture, or visit the town’s birthplace at Ponce de Leon’s Fountain of Youth. The city also features the sandy St. Augustine Beach and The Castillo de San Marcos—a 17th century fortress that overlooks the city’s inlet. When planning your next trip out of Tallahassee, make sure to include St. Augustine in your route!
Address: 170 St George St, St. Augustine, FL 32084
Miles from Tallahassee: 205 miles
Open hours: Fountain of Youth and Castillo de San Marcos both open daily 9am-5pm
Price: Fountain of Youth Adults $19.95, Seniors $17.95, Children 6-12 $9.95, Children under 5 are free; Castillo de San Marcos 16+ $15, minors 15 and under are free
Looking to stay in Tally? No worries, we’ve got you covered with our events calendar and food & fun page to make the most of your time in Tallahassee.