Tallahassee FloridaBEACHES & WATERFRONT ESCAPES
Listed below are the best beaches and waterfront escapes near Tallahassee, Florida.
1. Edward Ball Wakulla Springs State Park
HISTORIC NATURAL SPRING
Edward Ball Wakulla Springs State Park features one of the world's largest and deepest freshwater springs where visitors can take a refreshing dip in the crystal-clear waters. The park offers boat tours where guests can view wildlife, walk across a natural limestone bridge, and explore the surrounding forest trails. This first-magnitude spring maintains a year-round temperature of 70 degrees, making it a perfect swimming destination during Florida's hot summers.
2. Mashes Sands' Bald Point State Park
CLOSEST BEACH TO TALLAHASSEE
Mashes Sands' Bald Point State Park is the closest beach to Tallahassee, just 36 miles from the city. The park features pristine shorelines where the Gulf of Mexico and Ochlockonee Bay meet, creating diverse coastal habitats for wildlife viewing and outdoor recreation. Visitors can enjoy swimming, fishing, kayaking, and hiking along scenic trails while taking in breathtaking waterfront views.
3. Carrabelle Beach
POPULAR ACCESSIBLE GULF BEACH
Carrabelle Beach is a popular destination located just 50 miles from Tallahassee, making it accessible in under an hour's drive. The beach features covered pavilions, public bathrooms, and plenty of parking with no state park entrance fees. Because of its proximity to the city, it can become crowded with swimmers and sunbathers on weekends, so visitors are advised to arrive early or plan weekday trips.
4. St. George Island
RESORT-STYLE BEACH EXPERIENCE
St. George Island offers the nearest resort-style beach experience to Tallahassee, with miles of undeveloped shoreline and crystal-clear Gulf waters. Visitors can enjoy swimming, shelling, fishing, and water sports in a relaxed barrier island setting known for its natural beauty and family-friendly atmosphere. The island provides amenities including vacation rentals, restaurants, and shops while maintaining a less crowded feel than many Florida beach destinations.
5. Dog Island
SECLUDED ISLAND PARADISE
Dog Island is one of Tallahassee's best-kept secrets, offering visitors a chance to enjoy soft sand and Florida sunshine in complete solitude. Accessible only by boat, ferry, or small aircraft, this remote island paradise remains relatively undiscovered by tourists. Visitors can experience pristine beaches where it's not uncommon to be the only person enjoying the shoreline, creating a truly tranquil escape.
6. Madison Blue Spring State Park
CRYSTAL-CLEAR NATURAL SPRINGS
Madison Blue Spring State Park features a stunning crystal-clear spring where visitors can swim from the spring bowl directly into the Withlacoochee River. The deep blue swimming hole invites swimmers, snorkelers, and cave divers to float in azure waters surrounded by limestone formations. Accessed by a broad wooden staircase, this popular swimming destination includes picnic areas and trails, though it can become crowded on weekends.
7. Wacissa Springs
OLD-FASHIONED SWIMMING HOLE
Wacissa Springs serves as the birthplace of the Wacissa River and offers an old-fashioned swimming hole experience that's awe-inspiring due to the sheer size of the spring basin. The beautiful, clear waters provide ideal conditions for swimming, canoeing, kayaking, and wildlife observation in a natural setting. This spring system features multiple karst windows where underground water emerges to create a tranquil recreational area popular with locals and visitors alike.
8. Lake Ella
URBAN WATERFRONT RETREAT
Lake Ella is a scenic urban lake located in central Tallahassee on US 27, just south of Tharpe Street and north of downtown. The lake is surrounded by a paved walking path, charming shops, and green spaces that offer residents and visitors a peaceful retreat within the city. While swimming isn't permitted, visitors can enjoy feeding ducks, picnicking, attending community events, or simply relaxing by the water in this beloved city landmark.
9. Juniper Lake
FISHING AND RECREATION DESTINATION
Juniper Lake is a popular fishing spot in DeFuniak Springs that offers boat and canoe access for water recreation. The lake has an average depth of 7 feet with a maximum depth of 18 feet, making it ideal for anglers seeking various freshwater fish species. Amenities include grilling facilities and picnic areas, creating a complete outdoor recreation destination for families looking to enjoy a day on the water.
10. Merritts Mill Pond
SPRING-FED PADDLING PARADISE
Merritts Mill Pond is a clear, spring-fed waterway near Tallahassee that offers exceptional paddling opportunities to discover hidden springs like Shangri-La and Hole-in-the-Rock. Paddlers can access the water via two public ramps or a fee ramp at Florida Caverns RV Resort along US 90 in Marianna. The crystal-clear waters and submerged caves make this destination particularly appealing to kayakers, canoeists, and underwater explorers seeking natural beauty in North Florida.