Welcome home!
Welcome home! As a new resident, someone can often feel overwhelmed getting to know the place they live. What’s the best route to take to work? What time should I get on the road to avoid the morning rush? Where can I get the best cup of coffee? Some of these questions can only be answered with time and repetition, but some must be answered by getting out and exploring. Tallahassee is the capital city of the third largest state in the US, and while most people think of it as simply a town for government and education due to its two major universities, state college, and multiple college satellite campuses, it's so much more. As one of the over 200,000 people who now call Tallahassee home, you're about to discover a city that blends historical significance with cultural vibrancy through a unique walking tour of one of its most trafficked areas, while simultaneously tracking down your new favorite cup of joe.
Practical Tips for Your WalK
- This complete route spans roughly 1.5 miles and takes 45-60 minutes, not counting stops
- Early mornings are ideal, especially during Tallahassee's warm summers
- Look for blue emergency lights along the trail for added security
- Regardless of where you begin, there are convenient parking options at each stop
- Bring water and wear comfortable shoes - most sections lack shade and some require walking on the street
Starting Point
Argonaut Coffee
Starting at the lower level of the Cascades Garage brings you directly to Argonaut Coffee, where a newly built wood-slat fenced area and the aroma of freshly brewed coffee welcomes you to the local coffee spot. This Greek-themed café menu features specialty drinks named after prominent Greek figures, alongside traditional coffee options and non-coffee selections like smoothies and juices. While the interior is limited in space, the recently expanded outdoor seating area provides ample space to savor your drink, read a book, and enjoy treats from the kitchen or their local partner Tasty Pastry Bakery.
Cascades Park
Where History Meets Recreation
Your journey continues in Cascades Park, a 24-acre example of urban revitalization. What you see today - a vibrant recreational space filled with the sounds of children's laughter at the splash pad and rollerbladers gliding by - has a fascinating history. Built in 1971, closed due to soil contamination, then thoughtfully redesigned and reopened in 2014, the park offers multiple walking loops where you can explore the Smokey Hollow commemoration, the Adderley Amphitheater, and the Korean War Memorial. The fresh air and blooming flowers create an inviting atmosphere that leads you on toward your next coffee destination.
The Journey South
Capital Cascades Trail
When you're ready to continue, a four-minute walk south from Argonaut through the park takes you past a small lake and historic railroad tracks to the Capital Cascades Trail. Turn right here, but be sure to mind your space - this popular path is frequently used by local cyclists and runners. The trail leads you to the Pedestrian Bridge, an elevated pathway offering safe passage over the busy South Monroe Street while providing spectacular views of the city. After passing the iconic TLH Sculpture - a favorite photo spot for locals - then crossing over South Adams Street, you'll see your next destination.
Lucky Goat Coffee
A Local Success Story
The aroma of freshly roasted coffee and baked goods will guide you to Lucky Goat Coffee Co. on South Adams, marked by the navy blue Never Forgotten Coast mural. This bright white building, reached after a 0.4-mile walk, is home to one of six locations of this local coffee company. Inside the spacious interior, you'll find a mix of students studying and friends catching up - a beautiful snapshot of Tallahassee's community. Their simple menu features classic coffee selections, cold brew-based specialty drinks and Tasty Pastry Bakery goods. They're perhaps most famous for their seasonal roasts, as locals eagerly await the annual return of their Snowflake Crunch blend, making the fresh beans a perfect souvenir of your walk.
Urban Evolution
Foxtail at SOMO Walls
The next leg of your journey requires some careful navigation - there are no sidewalks along this stretch of FAMU Way. But the 900-foot walk past Proof Brewing Company (housed in the historic Coca-Cola bottling plant) leads you to one of Tallahassee's most exciting new developments: SOMO Walls. Inspired by Miami's Wynwood Walls, this budding arts district in the South Monroe neighborhood showcases vibrant murals that transform the urban landscape. Here you'll find Foxtail Coffee, a Winter Park-based chain that, since its 2024 opening, has seamlessly integrated into Tallahassee's coffee culture. The space perfectly captures the artistic energy of the SOMO district, with colorful local art complementing the warm coffee shop atmosphere. Bonus: they also have Kelly’s Homemade Ice Cream for the perfect scoop or affogato.
Through the Capitol Complex
From Foxtail, your path leads through the heart of Florida's capital city, where the landscape shifts dramatically from arts district to government center. The uphill climb along Monroe Street guides you past a series of state office buildings to the historically significant intersection of Jefferson and Monroe Streets, where you'll find a convergence of Tallahassee government: the Leon County Courthouse, Tallahassee City Hall, and both the historic and modern State Capitol buildings. As you walk North on Monroe, then West on Jefferson, you’ll find yourself under a canopy of Spanish moss as you pass various memorials including the Veterans Memorial and World War II Memorial, along with historical markers that tell the story of Tallahassee's role in Florida's history.
Fun fact: both Capitol buildings are open to the public. The Historic Capitol Museum gives you a full picture of what the beginnings of the Florida Legislature looked like and the 22nd floor of the modern Capitol is a 360-degree aerial view of Tallahassee. Renovations have brought both buildings into the 21st century and are worth checking out to learn how state government runs in Florida.
Final Destination
La Florida
Your walk culminates at La Florida Coffee & Wine, where the sophistication of the capital city truly shines. Located near the Capitol complex, this establishment transcends the traditional coffee shop model. As both a daytime café and evening wine bar, it captures the dual nature of Tallahassee life. The space buzzes with the conversations of state officials during legislative sessions while maintaining a welcoming atmosphere for locals. Live jazz music and rotating local art exhibitions make it an ideal spot to conclude your tour while contemplating your new city's unique character.
This walk offers more than just great coffee - it's an introduction to Tallahassee's past and present, where historical sites and modern development create a unique urban space. As you explore these spaces, you'll begin to understand why so many people choose to call Tallahassee home. Welcome to your new city - we're glad you're here to add your own chapter to its story.
All images captured by Chelsea Workman. Map provided by Apple Maps.