Brick path leading to the Maclay house. Photo courtesy of Florida State Parks.
3540 Thomasville Rd
Tallahassee, FL
Alfred B. Maclay Gardens State Park is a wonderful place to get out and stretch your legs during a long trip. During blooming season, flowers paint the walk with beautiful colors and during the off season you can see every shade of green, says Jennifer of Two Kids and a Map, who brings us this review. I was on a road trip from Pensacola to Jacksonville, Florida with my two children by myself and we desperately needed a pit stop! The kids were getting hungry and anxious and I was tired of listening to the whining. Unfortunately, the exit I chose is awful for quick interstate stops. There are several lanes of traffic and it is difficult to turn around to get back on the Interstate. I spotted the trademark Florida State Park sign and followed it to the entrance. It was a perfect stopping place for us. The children got to run along the path of the gardens and burn off some steam. There was so much to look at: a hidden garden, a lake and a pond, and the beautiful home. The kids enjoyed looking for bugs and eating a picnic lunch on the grounds before we got back on the road.
Date last visited: July, 2009
Distance off the interstate: Approximately 1 half mile off of Interstate 10.
Hours and Admission Prices: $6.00 per vehicle to enter the park. During the blooming months, it is an additional $6.00 an adult and $3.00 a child to enter the gardens. However, during the off season (May through December) touring the gardens is free.
Bathrooms and Food Services: Bathrooms are available and there are picnic areas if you bring your own meal
Other tips: Be sure to get your Real Florida Passport stamped while you are there. You can walk down to the house and back in about 30 minutes if you do not stop too many times!
Website: http://www.floridastateparks.org/MACLAYGARDENS/
Directions: Located one half mile north of I-10 on U.S. 319
View Larger Map
