Trip ideas while visiting Tallahassee in Florida
Alfred B. Maclay Gardens State Park is a 1,176-acre botanical paradise located in Tallahassee, Florida. The park showcases one of the most beautiful garden collections in the southeastern United States, featuring hundreds of camellias, azaleas, and other ornamental plantings that transform the landscape into a living work of art throughout the year. The gardens were developed starting in 1923 by Alfred Barmore Maclay, a New York financier, and his wife Louise Fleischman Maclay. What began as a private estate has become a beloved public space where visitors can wander through meticulously designed garden rooms, reflective pools, and natural areas.
The land that now comprises the gardens has a rich history dating back to the antebellum period. Originally part of the Andalusia Plantation, the property later served as a quail-hunting estate called Lac-Cal before being purchased by the Maclays in 1923. Alfred Maclay named his new estate Killearn, after his ancestral village in Scotland, and spent the next two decades developing the gardens that would bear his name. After Maclay’s death in 1944, his wife Louise continued to nurture and expand the gardens before opening them to the public in 1946. In 1953, she donated approximately 307 acres of the estate to the State of Florida, establishing what would become Alfred B. Maclay Gardens State Park. The gardens were officially renamed in 1965 to honor Alfred Maclay’s legacy, and the property is recognized as part of the Killearn Plantation Archeological and Historic District, listed on the National Register of Historic Places since 2002.
The centerpiece of the park is the ornamental garden, a masterpiece of floral architecture featuring a picturesque brick walkway that winds through distinct garden rooms. The design includes a secret garden, a walled garden, and a striking reflection pool built in 1935. Throughout these spaces, visitors discover hundreds of camellias and azaleas that bloom in spectacular fashion during the cooler months. At the front of the park, a Native Plant Arboretum maintained by the Magnolia Chapter of the Florida Native Plant Society showcases Piedmont azaleas, Florida flame azaleas, Eastern red columbine, white wild indigo, English dogwood, and Florida anise. Three lakes grace the park property: Lake Hall, Lake Overstreet, and Lake Elizabeth, each contributing to the scenic beauty and recreational opportunities available.
The park offers extensive outdoor recreation opportunities for visitors of all ages and interests. More than a dozen miles of hiking and biking trails wind through the property, providing opportunities to explore diverse habitats ranging from manicured gardens to mature hardwood forests. The trails are popular among birders, who come to spot species including wood storks, anhingas, and roseate spoonbills. Water activities are a major draw at the park, with Lake Hall providing swimming facilities during summer months while canoe and kayak rentals allow visitors to explore the lake’s calm waters. Fishing is permitted on all three lakes, with anglers commonly catching bass, bream, and catfish. Picnic areas scattered throughout the park provide perfect spots for family gatherings, and horse trails allow equestrian visitors to explore the property on horseback.
The best time to visit the gardens depends on what you wish to experience. Winter and early spring from January through April represent the high blooming season when camellias, azaleas, and other flowers create their most spectacular displays. This period also coincides with guided tours of the historic 1909 Maclay House, furnished to appear as it did during the family’s residence. Summer months bring lush green foliage and comfortable conditions for hiking and water activities, though afternoon thunderstorms are common. Fall offers another excellent window for visiting when cooler temperatures make extended outdoor exploration comfortable. Regardless of season, visitors should plan to arrive early in the day, particularly on weekends, to secure parking and enjoy the gardens before crowds arrive.