Where to stay

Inner Florida doesn't have the party-focused atmosphere of the coastal cities, but the young average age of Tallahassee's population means that some neighborhoods come alive at night. Stay near Florida State University to take part in that raucous lifestyle, with budget-friendly hotels that are an easy distance from equally budget-friendly bars and clubs. Get a hotel in walkable Midtown for a more mature scene, with a large number of restaurants, bars, and shops, as well as accommodations that are also convenient for exploring the whole Tallahassee area.

Some of Florida's most beautiful nature lies just outside Tallahassee's borders, contributing to a delightful stay for those who get a hotel on the outskirts. See the landscapes filmed for the Tarzan movies every morning from a hotel in Wakulla Springs, where other residents of the neighborhood are largely reptilian. Keep a camera handy in the room to be able to snap pictures of alligators as they float by. Stay in Lakewood to spend days bird-watching, biking, and exploring through large, well-preserved parks and sanctuaries a short drive from the quiet residential neighborhood's accommodations options.

Tallahassee is a modern city, with some of Florida's most historic places a short drive away from the amenities of the city center. Just northeast, book a hotel in historic Monticello, known for its famous Saturday markets. Watch for the league of ghosts said to haunt the area's accommodations. Stay in one of Quincy's historic Victorian hotels and inns to spend the day in the contemporary atmosphere of the Gadsden Arts Center. Book a room near Florida's oldest surviving brick train station in tiny Lloyd, which is a quick drive to Tallahassee's attractions.