As a college student, it can be easy to get bored with your surroundings and start craving an adventure with your friends. If you’re looking for something fun to do the next time you feel like getting out of Tallahassee, consider taking a day trip and check out these spots!
Seaside
Courtesy of Coastal Living
My friends and I first went to Seaside last year and we completely fell in love, which is also why this location is at the top of my list! You can hit up the beach, take in the white sand and crystal blue water and take pictures next to their iconic pavilions. You can rent bikes and explore the beach town or grab a bite to eat at one of the restaurants or food trucks. There is also a cute bookstore that doubles as a record shop if you walk up the stairs! If you’re into film, you probably know that Seaside is where The Truman Show starring Jim Carrey was filmed. If you visit Seaside today, you can walk up to Truman’s house for pictures. Make sure to pay attention to the time change when you travel here, especially if you need to make it back to Tallahassee at a certain time!
Thomasville, Ga.
Courtesy of Atlanta Magazine
Thomasville is a great place to go to walk around with friends and enjoy the picturesque scenery that makes for a perfect Instagram picture. There are a ton of cute retail shops and restaurants that you can pop into for some good food or an antique souvenir. There is also a Taste of Thomasville Food Tour where you can try food from six local eateries! You can tour the Lapham-Patterson House and walk through a Victorian home or visit the historic Big Oak. The Rose Garden is also a gorgeous Thomasville attraction to visit, especially during their annual Rose Festival.
Providence Canyon
This past year, my friends took a trip to Providence Canyon State Park in Lumpkin, GA. For this trip, you’ll need to make sure you leave early in the morning to have enough time at the park – trust me, it’s worth it. Providence Canyon is a great place to go hiking with your friends, especially if you’re a first-time hiker because this is a beautiful place to start! You can walk around inside the canyons and then hike back up for an aerial view from the top. The canyons are covered in bright red clay and greenery, making the perfect backdrop for a morning hike and an eye-catching picture for Instagram. It can get muddy here with the red clay, so make sure you wear shoes you don’t mind getting dirty!
St. George Island
Courtesy of Florida’s Forgotten Coast
If you’re looking for a beach option that’s a little closer than Seaside, check out St. George Island! Not only is the beach beautiful, but it is also very welcoming because of the beach town around it. There are a ton of ocean-front cafes and restaurants to eat at near the beach and they have open seating so you can enjoy the sun and breeze. Whether you’re looking for vegan options or some fresh seafood, there are plenty of high-rated food-spots here! There are also tons of dog-friendly beaches and restaurants if you want to bring your dog along with you! You can also go paddling here or check out one of the lighthouses!
Wakulla Springs
Courtesy of 30a
Edward Ball Wakulla Springs State Park is the world’s largest and deepest freshwater springs surrounded by an ancient cypress swamp, and it’s only located 14 miles south of Tallahassee. Here, they boast about their sapphire water and cypress swamps that make the perfect backgrounds for a picture. Both Creature from the Black Lagoon and Tarzan’s Secret Treasure were filmed here, proving how unique and beautiful the park is. You can take guided boat tours here, see the manatees, go on a picnic or go scuba diving!