It's almost July, which means we're really getting into the heat of summer. Regardless of what you're doing this summer, whether it be straight up chillin', taking classes, an internship, working a full-time job, or a combination of those, summer is the prime time to do so many activities that you just can't do during the school year. If you're not working and you're low on funds, or even if you're just trying to not break the bank, you can still have fun this summer! There are so many things to do, for every kind of person and every kind of group.
The adventurers
For the adventurous type, there are endless excursions to fill up your summer days. There are tons of state parks and forests to go to and they're almost always inexpensive, if not free. Plus, there is always the spontaneous option to find a new park, beach, or just a new place to explore.
Here are some of the best places that are just a few hours from Tallahassee:
1. Cheaha State Park
2. Chattahoochee National Forest
3. East Palisades Trail
4. Seminole State Park
5. Silver Spring
6. Rainbow Springs
7. Devil's Den
8. Chahaba River
If you're closer to Tallahassee and worried you can't get away for a camping or weekend trip, don't worry because there are tons of hidden treasures all around us!
1. St. Marks National Wildlife Refuge
2. Bald Point State Park
3. Wakulla Springs
4. Wacissa Springs
5. St. George Island
6. Big Lagoon State Park
Looking for something right in town?
1. JR Alford Greenway
2. Leon County Sinks
3. Lake Talquin
4. St. Marks Trail
5. Take a canoe out at the Rez
The did-it-for-the-Instagram travelers
We all have that friend (or maybe are that friend) that knows which VSCO filter they're going to use for a picture they haven't even taken at a place they haven't even been. Lucky for you, summer is the perfect time to go to some great Instagram-worthy destinations, snap some candid pictures, and edit all of them during the drive home.
If you have time to splurge on a weekend getaway, here are the go-to places for your summer feed:
1. Sloss Furnaces National Historic Landmark in Birmingham, AL
2. Rainbow Row in Charleston, SC
3. Literally anywhere in Seaside, FL
4. Downtown Nashville, TN
5. Five Points in Jacksonville, FL
6. Georgia Theatre in Athens, GA
7. Hilton Head, SC
8. Bourbon Street and Café Du Monde in New Orleans, LA
9. Jackson Street Bridge in Atlanta, GA
Still trying to keep your feed on point while you're in Tallahassee?
1. Railroad Art Square
2. Tallahassee nurseries
3. Alfred B. Macklay Gardens
4. The bridge by FSU's Medicine school
5. The abandoned cement factory
6. Top of the Capitol building
The lazy crowd
Maybe you're not that into going on big adventures or spending a day trying to get the perfectly artsy shot, and that's okay! Having a laid-back or even slightly lazy summer isn't bad, and sometimes it's exactly what you need.
Here are some ideas for when you don't want to do much this summer:
1. Grab a hammock or a blanket and go to a nearby park
2. Read a new book
3. Look into free nearby concerts
4. Start a new hobby like working out or drawing
5. Get a friend and go for a road trip with no destination
6. Learn how to cook something new
7. Or, an all-time favorite, spend a day watching Netflix or old movies and just RELAX
No matter who you are or what you're doing this summer, take advantage of all the time and opportunities at your fingertips. Now go pack your bags, before July is gone, too!
