Maclay Gardens State Park: A Secret Garden in Tallahassee

Discovering Tallahassee’s Hidden Garden

If you didn’t know it was there, you might drive right past. Tucked behind a web of overpasses and suburban streets in northern Tallahassee, Alfred B. Maclay Gardens State Park in Tallahassee feels like a hidden sanctuary. Step inside the gates and you’re transported to a different world. One of winding brick walkways, reflective pools, towering oaks, and lush seasonal blooms that unfold like a living work of art.

On our recent visit, the first thing that struck us was the majestic oak and pine canopy, draped in Spanish moss. The shaded brick walkways guided us into different sections of the gardens. We were struck by the sense of age and beauty rooted in the landscape.

Visitor Information: Hours, Location, and Fees

Maclay Gardens State Park covers 1,176 acres of rolling hills, gardens, and Lake Hall shoreline. Located off Thomasville Road, just minutes from the city’s busiest intersections, the park is open year-round (with special hours during bloom season). Entry is $6 per vehicle, with additional fees for swimming and special events.

History of Alfred B. Maclay Gardens

The gardens were first planted in 1923 by Alfred B. and Louise Maclay, New York residents who wintered in Florida. Inspired by classical garden design, the Maclays created a series of “garden rooms” connected by walkways, fountains, and reflecting pools. When Alfred Maclay passed away in 1944, his family donated the property to the state, and in 1953 it became part of Florida’s state park system. Today, it’s both a historic site and a living garden that continues to bloom season after season.

Garden Highlights: What to See

Even in summer, when blooms aren’t at their peak, we still spotted flashes of color from azaleas and crepe myrtles, a reminder of the garden’s year-round charm. The long rectangular reflecting pool proved to be a favorite photo spot (don’t be surprised to see it drawing influencers for shoots).

What surprised us most was spotting a small alligator sunning itself near the Black Pond, a reminder that Florida’s wildness is never far away, even in cultivated spaces.

The gardens also inspired us on a personal level: we found ourselves admiring the towering, centuries-old trees and making mental notes to plant more flowering trees back at home.

Best Time to Visit Maclay Gardens

The gardens are open year-round, but if you want the full effect of Maclay’s horticultural magic, visit January through April. This is when the camellias and azaleas burst into bloom, transforming the park into a painter’s palette of pink, red, and white. Spring also brings festivals and garden tours, making it the most popular time of year to visit.

We went in summer, and while the gardens were quieter, the shady paths and ancient trees made the experience no less inspiring. Still, I’m definitely going to return in spring. I can only imagine how breathtaking those peak blooms must be.

Things to Do Beyond the Gardens

Maclay Gardens is more than just flowers. The park also offers:

• Lake Hall Swimming Area – a sandy swimming beach with picnic tables, perfect for cooling off on hot summer days. (We didn’t swim this time, but it’s on our list for next visit!)
• Kayaking and Canoeing on Lake Hall – launch a kayak, canoe, or paddleboard to explore the calm waters of Lake Hall.
• Hiking and Biking Trails in Tallahassee – a mix of easy garden paths and longer forested trails for a dose of North Florida’s natural beauty.
• Wildlife Viewing Opportunities – from wading birds along the shoreline to deer in the woods, the park is a quiet refuge for local wildlife.

Why Maclay Gardens Should Be on Your Tallahassee Itinerary

Maclay Gardens is one of those rare places that feels like a hidden oasis in the city . It’s a park that rewards lingering: watching sunlight dance across the reflecting pool, listening to the hum of dragonflies, or catching the scent of camellias in bloom.

For our family, it sparked inspiration, from planting new trees at home to planning a return trip for the spring bloom. Whether you’re looking for a family day outdoors, a romantic walk, or simply a place to press pause in Tallahassee, this secret garden is worth finding.

Editor’s Note
On our recent family trip to Maclay Gardens State Park in Tallahassee, we were struck by the towering oaks and pines draped in Spanish moss. Even in summer’s quieter season, the gardens inspired us to plant more flowering trees at home. And spotting a small alligator near the pond reminded us that Florida’s wild heart is always close by!