Goodwood Museum and Gardens
Explore a grand 1830s estate with stunning gardens and a rich history of Old Florida.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, peaceful strolls
Goodwood Museum and Gardens
Best Time
Fewer crowds, peaceful strolls
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Explore a grand 1830s estate with stunning gardens and a rich history of Old Florida.
"A peaceful and historic spot with beautiful grounds and knowledgeable guides."
🚶♀️ Free Ground Access
Enjoy the beautiful grounds and gardens for free! House tours have a fee, but exploring the estate is a wonderful experience.
⏰ Check House Tour Times
House tours are scheduled at specific times. Arrive early or check the schedule online to ensure you don't miss out.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Historic Main House
The grand 1830s residence
Step back in time within this beautifully preserved antebellum home, filled with artifacts and stories of Old Florida.
Expansive Gardens
Throughout the estate
Wander through blooming azaleas, camellias, and jasmine on this beautifully landscaped estate, a true horticultural delight.
Historic Outbuildings
Scattered across the grounds
Discover charming carriage houses and other historic structures that offer a glimpse into the estate's past.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing Your Visit for the Best Experience
Exploring the Grounds and House
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚶♀️ Free Ground Access
Enjoy the beautiful grounds and gardens for free! House tours have a fee, but exploring the estate is a wonderful experience.
⏰ Check House Tour Times
House tours are scheduled at specific times. Arrive early or check the schedule online to ensure you don't miss out.
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
You'll be doing a lot of walking to explore the expansive grounds and historic outbuildings.
🌸 Best for Spring Blooms
Visit in spring to see the azaleas, camellias, and jasmine in full bloom for a truly magical experience.
Tips
from all over the internet
🚶♀️ Free Ground Access
Enjoy the beautiful grounds and gardens for free! House tours have a fee, but exploring the estate is a wonderful experience.
⏰ Check House Tour Times
House tours are scheduled at specific times. Arrive early or check the schedule online to ensure you don't miss out.
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
You'll be doing a lot of walking to explore the expansive grounds and historic outbuildings.
🌸 Best for Spring Blooms
Visit in spring to see the azaleas, camellias, and jasmine in full bloom for a truly magical experience.
📅 Event Calendar
Goodwood hosts various events like weddings, community gatherings, and seasonal festivals. Check their calendar! 
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise Goodwood Museum and Gardens for its beautiful, free-to-explore grounds and the rich history offered by its house tours. The knowledgeable guides and blooming gardens are frequently highlighted as major draws. However, some guests note that certain garden areas and outbuildings could benefit from further restoration.
"Lovely place for an afternoon stroll. Come explore the grounds of this majestic estates, it’s completely free! We visited when all the azaleas, camellias, and jasmine were in bloom so it was entirely lovely! We didn’t get to see the inside of the house since we got there just after the last scheduled tour but from the photos it looks like it would be worth a visit as well. A lot of history in this place from around 100 -115 years ago that is being restored. Unfortunately, some of the gardens look quite neglected and the greenhouses fallen down and unrestored. Other than that, lovely place!"
Irina Guthrie
"Such a peaceful and historic spot in...!
The grounds are beautiful with big oak trees and gardens that feel a little wild but charming. Walking around is free, and if you have time, the house tour is worth it the guides are knowledgeable and bring the history to life.
They also host weddings, events, and even community gatherings here, so it has a nice local feel.
Parking is easy, and there’s even a little coffee spot on-site which makes it a perfect place to spend an afternoon."
Daniel Brooks
"Huge, beautiful plantation with plenty of exhibitions of Old Florida. Although we didn’t go into the museums ($12/person) we enjoyed walking around and taking in the peaceful gardens with the beautiful weather. If I lived in Tallahassee, I would come by and buy the plants and herbs they were selling, they had so many varieties! Can’t wait to come by again."
Regan Benites
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Goodwood Museum and Gardens is located in Tallahassee, Florida. It's easily accessible by car, and parking is generally straightforward. For those looking for nearby amenities, it's situated within a mile of Tallahassee Memorial Hospital.
Yes, parking is available and generally easy to find at Goodwood Museum and Gardens, making it convenient for visitors arriving by car.
While specific public transport routes aren't detailed, it's advisable to check local Tallahassee transit options. Many visitors arrive by car due to the estate's size and location.
Goodwood Museum & Gardens sits atop the highest of Tallahassee's seven hills, at an elevation of 212 feet, offering scenic views and a unique landscape.
Absolutely! Goodwood Museum and Gardens is a perfect destination for a day trip, offering free access to its grounds for leisurely exploration and the option of an insightful house tour.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Wandering the grounds of Goodwood Museum and Gardens is free! However, there is a fee for tours of the historic house.
The grounds are generally accessible for strolling, but house tours operate on a specific schedule. It's best to check the official Goodwood Museum & Gardens website for the most up-to-date hours and tour times.
While the exact price can vary, house tours at Goodwood Museum and Gardens typically have a per-person fee. Visitors have found the tours to be well worth the cost due to knowledgeable guides.
It's recommended to check the Goodwood Museum & Gardens website for information on advance ticket bookings, especially if you plan to visit during peak times or for special events.
While the grounds are always free to explore, specific events or promotions might offer free admission to the house tours. Keep an eye on their official announcements.
🎫 🏛️ Onsite Experience
You can explore the historic 1830s main house, wander through beautiful gardens with blooming flowers, and discover charming outbuildings like carriage houses. The estate also hosts various events and community gatherings. +1
Absolutely! Visitors rave about the knowledgeable guides who bring the history of the home and its previous owners to life. It's considered a highlight by many.
The gardens are described as beautiful and charming, with some areas feeling a bit wild. While some parts are meticulously maintained, others might show signs of restoration or neglect.
Goodwood is a popular venue for weddings, baby showers, fashion shows, and community events. They also host seasonal festivals and performances.
Photography is generally allowed on the grounds, and it's a picturesque location. For professional shoots or events, it's best to inquire about specific policies.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
There's a small coffee spot on-site that visitors have mentioned, perfect for a quick refreshment during your visit. For more substantial meals, you'll find various restaurants in the surrounding Tallahassee area.
Picnicking on the grounds might be permissible, especially during non-event times. It's advisable to check their specific policies regarding outside food and beverages.
Goodwood Museum and Gardens does not have a full-service restaurant. However, they do have a coffee spot on the grounds for light refreshments.
During special events like festivals or community gatherings, food vendors are often present, offering a variety of local treats and refreshments.
Being close to Tallahassee, you'll find a wide range of dining options nearby, from casual cafes to more upscale restaurants, catering to various tastes and budgets.
📸 📸 Photography
The historic main house, the blooming gardens with their vibrant flowers, and the charming outbuildings all offer fantastic photo opportunities. The estate's natural beauty and historical architecture make it very photogenic.
For professional photoshoots, it's essential to contact Goodwood Museum and Gardens directly to inquire about their policies, any required permits, or fees.
Yes, Goodwood Museum and Gardens is a highly sought-after venue for wedding photography due to its picturesque grounds, historic architecture, and romantic ambiance.
While general photography is usually permitted, it's always wise to be mindful of other visitors and any specific rules posted on-site, especially inside the museum house.
The 'golden hours' – shortly after sunrise and before sunset – often provide the most flattering light for photography, highlighting the estate's beauty. Weekday mornings can also offer fewer distractions.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Look out for family-friendly events hosted throughout the year, such as seasonal festivals or community gatherings, which can add an extra layer of fun to your visit. The natural beauty of the gardens, with its blooming flowers and large trees, can spark curiosity and provide educational opportunities about nature and history.
💍 Couples & Wedding Planners
+1Wedding planners and couples can utilize the various spaces available, from the grand house to the charming carriage houses and sprawling lawns, to create a unique and memorable event. The estate's historical significance adds a layer of timeless elegance to any occasion.
+1🚶♀️ Solo Explorers & History Buffs
This is an ideal spot for a peaceful 'field trip,' as suggested by one Reddit user, offering a quiet environment to appreciate history and architecture. You can spend hours wandering the estate, discovering hidden corners, and imagining life in a bygone era.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
A Glimpse into Old Florida History
Beyond the main house, the estate boasts several historic outbuildings, including charming carriage houses, which further illustrate the lifestyle and operations of a large plantation. These structures, along with the main residence, are part of an ongoing restoration effort, showcasing a commitment to preserving this significant historical site for future generations.
Visitors often highlight the knowledgeable tour guides who bring the history to life, sharing fascinating details about the home's previous owners and the socio-economic context of its era. This immersive experience makes Goodwood a must-visit for anyone interested in Florida's early years and architectural history.
Exploring the Enchanting Gardens
While the gardens are a highlight, some visitors note that certain areas might appear somewhat neglected or unrestored, particularly the greenhouses. However, this rustic charm also adds to the estate's character for many. The grounds are known for their large oak trees, contributing to the peaceful and shaded atmosphere, making it an ideal spot for a relaxing afternoon stroll.
Beyond their aesthetic appeal, the gardens also serve as a venue for community events and even feature plants and herbs for sale, connecting visitors with the local agricultural heritage. The elevation of the estate also provides a unique vantage point, contributing to the overall tranquil ambiance.
A Premier Venue for Events
+1The venue hosts a variety of events, from intimate baby showers to larger community gatherings and even fashion shows. Its versatility allows for different types of celebrations, and the on-site coffee spot can cater to smaller refreshment needs. The estate's natural beauty and historical significance contribute to memorable occasions for all attendees.
+2When planning an event, it's advisable to book well in advance due to its popularity. The estate's unique charm and the dedicated team ensure that events held at Goodwood are both beautiful and well-organized, making it a top choice for memorable celebrations in Tallahassee.
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