Spend your summer in the best parks in Tallahassee, FL

The weather is heating up and now that classes are out, we have a lot more free time on our hands. Instead of staying inside binge watching Netflix, you should take this opportunity to get outside and enjoy some nature.

Here are some of the parks in Tallahassee, FL, that allow you to get outside.

Tom Brown Park

This park is always great because there are so many activities. There are walking trails and bike trails to enjoy. A popular activity at Tom Brown Park is the frisbee golf course. However, if you’re not playing frisbee, watch out – I have been hit by a rogue frisbee before. Those things are hard.

An added bonus are the dog parks there. So on top of enjoying nature, you can see adorable dogs having the time of their lives. Also, if you’re feeling super adventurous, you can find the railroad tracks next to the trails and walk alongside them. I definitely felt like a member of Rick Grime’s Walking Dead crew.

Cascades Park

I personally really enjoy this park because of the awesome amphitheater. I had the amazing opportunity to see one of my favorite bands, The Avett Brothers, play at Cascades Park. I was able to make a lasting memory here that I will never forget. The concert also included local food trucks that served food and beer.

Another cool aspect about this park is that there’s an interactive water fountain. I mean come on, that is pretty cool. There are paved trails that are multi-use and surround lovely ponds, making this park the perfect place to relax downtown. If you’re looking for a beautiful urban park, this is the place to go.

Alfred B. Maclay Gardens State Park

This park is a historical and botanical state park and it’s gorgeous. The park has gardens to explore and it also includes Lake Overstreet, which allows guests of the park to enjoy things like canoeing and kayaking. This park is extremely well kept and has a classy feel to it.

The main trail is paved with brick and there are areas to sit and overlook the gardens or the lake. Within the Secret Gardens, there is a little pond that has flowers blooming at its edges. I definitely recommend this park to anyone who wants a relaxing day outdoors. The whole park is buzzing with nature. But seriously, there are a lot of bugs flying around this park.

Lichgate on High Road

This is a unique, historic park. It is a park that is small and tucked away. If you’re driving on High Road, it is easy to miss. When you walk into the park, you are greeted by a huge live oak tree that towers over you. It is truly a magnificent sight, but make sure you don’t sit or climb on it because it’s extremely old. It is estimated this oak is around 300 years old.

What also makes this park unique is the English Tudor style cottage on the property. It looks like a work of a fairytale, and there are certain days when you are allowed to go inside. This park also has little references to Shakespeare that any English literature enthusiast would love. It allows you to enjoy nature and also be surrounded by history.

BONUS: Providence Canyon State Park

This has to be one of the coolest places I have visited during my time at Florida State University. This park is located in Lumpkin, Georgia, but it is definitely worth the hour and a half drive. It is a place that allows you to discover what they refer to as the “Little Grand Canyon.”

This park has breathtaking sites and exciting trails above and below the canyons. While hiking, I have seen numerous FSU students also taking advantage of this awe-inspiring park. You need to check it out before you graduate – you won’t be disappointed.

Go forth and appreciate nature. We are so lucky to have these places to explore, so take advantage of them.