Top Five Spots for Nature Lovers Near Tallahassee, Florida

Whether you are a Tallahassee local or just visiting for a few days if nature is your thing then you are in luck! While the panhandle may not be the first destination that comes to mind when considering a vacation to Florida, there are a number of wonderful state parks and beautiful nature in this ecological diverse area.

The first must see destination for any nature lover is Edward Ball Wakulla Springs State Park. Whether you are interested in an invigorating swim one the deep freshwater spring, or looking to see manatees, alligators, turtles, and flying fish, Wakulla Springs has something for you. Affordable daily boat tours offer patrons the opportunity to see wildlife up close and personal and a great opportunity for photos of the majestic Wakulla River. This park is conveniently located within a twenty minute drive of Tallahassee and makes a great day trip for a picnic and bird watching.

The second destination is the Waicissa River located only thirty minutes south of Tallahassee in the quaint town of Waicissa, Florida. This wide river is the home to a myriad of wildlife so enjoy the opportunity to bird watch, maybe do a little fishing, or rent a canoe and paddle down to Blue Springs. In the summertime this is a popular local swimming spot complete with a diving board and rope swing. In the fall head to the river early in the morning and enjoy the serene sounds of wildlife and revel in the beauty of the clean clear water.

The third must see destination near Tallahassee is Alfred B. McClay State Garden's located right in the heart of Tallahassee. These gardens were planted in 1923 and offer months of beautiful blooming plant life. In addition to the gardens you can stroll along one of the many walking trails or check out on of the many seasonal events ranging from jazz in the park to workshops on gardening. If you like canoeing or kayaking take a paddle around Lake Hall and enjoy the peaceful surroundings right in the center of the capitol city.

The fourth destination for all nature lovers is a quaint roadside stop at Alligator Point on the Gulf of Mexico. Whether you are on a day trip to the beach or traveling through, this is a great spot to stop and admire the beauty of the ocean. Take a stroll on the white sand beach and checkout the unique tree stumps that line the water line. What makes this stop special is the 1960's style picnic area and very clean restrooms. Located forty-five minutes from Tallahassee this is the perfect location to pack the camera, a bottle of champagne, and enjoy the sunset.

The fifth and final destination is the first place I visited when I came to Tallahassee. It's not quite as close as the others but definitely worth the drive. St. George Island is just a bit farther than Alligator Point and offers an amazing experience for any nature lover. As you drive over the long bridge that connects the island to the mainland admire the expansive Gulf of Mexico and check out the fisherman in the bay. Once you arrive on the Island, the first thing you will see is the historic light house, climb up and check out the view. Whether you visit one of the many public beaches or drive down to Dr. Julian G. Brice State Park, you will be surrounded with white sand beaches and breezy island living. One of the main perks of this island paradise is the lack of resort development and few tourist. Populated mostly by beach houses and bungalows this is a great place to kick back and relax. Known as the Forgotten Coast, this beautiful island makes the perfect day trip for visitors and locals of Tallahassee.

Sources:
http://www.floridastateparks.org/MACLAYGARDENS/