Lake Ella Park: Tallahassee's Tranquil Oasis
Discover Tallahassee's hidden gem: Lake Ella Park, a scenic escape with a rich history, charming shops, and vibrant community events, perfect for a relaxing day out.
Lake Ella Park, a serene 12-acre haven in the heart of Tallahassee, offers a picturesque escape from the city's hustle. Originally a sinkhole known as Bull Pond, it transformed into a recreational gem in the early 20th century. Today, it features a scenic walking trail, charming shops and restaurants housed in historic cottages, and abundant wildlife, including ducks, geese, and turtles. Visitors can enjoy picnics, leisurely strolls, and community events, making it a beloved spot for both locals and tourists seeking a peaceful retreat and a taste of Tallahassee's charm. The park's blend of natural beauty, historical significance, and community spirit makes it a must-visit destination.
A brief summary to Lake Ella Park
- S Lake Ella Dr, Tallahassee, Florida, 32303, US
- +1850-891-6860
- Visit website
- Monday 12 am-12 am
- Tuesday 12 am-12 am
- Wednesday 12 am-12 am
- Thursday 12 am-12 am
- Friday 12 am-12 am
- Saturday 12 am-12 am
- Sunday 12 am-12 am
Local tips
- Visit on Thursday evenings for Food Truck Thursday, featuring a variety of local food vendors and live music.
- Take a stroll around the lake's walking trail for a scenic and relaxing experience.
- Explore the unique shops and restaurants housed in the historic cottages along the lake.
- Bring bread or birdseed to feed the ducks, geese, and turtles that inhabit the lake.
- Check the park's event calendar for community events, concerts, and seasonal festivals.
Getting There
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Walking
From the intersection of N Monroe Street and Tharpe Street, walk south on N Monroe Street for approximately 0.3 miles. Turn right onto Lake Ella Drive. The park will be on your right. This is a straightforward walk along a main road with sidewalks.
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Public Transport
StarMetro, Tallahassee's bus service, has several routes that stop near Lake Ella Park. From the C.K. Steele Plaza downtown, take routes B, K, E, SATE, or SATK. Get off at the stop closest to Lake Ella, such as Bronough at Seventh Sb, which is a one-minute walk to the park. A one-way fare is $1.25.
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Taxi/Ride-Share
From downtown Tallahassee, a taxi or ride-share to Lake Ella Park will take approximately 5-10 minutes, depending on traffic. Expect to pay around $8-$12. Popular ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft operate in Tallahassee.
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Driving
If driving from I-10, take exit 203 for US-27 S/Monroe St. Continue south on Monroe St for approximately 4 miles. Turn left onto Lake Ella Dr. Limited free parking is available around the lake. Be aware of parking restrictions during special events like Food Truck Thursday.
Discover more about Lake Ella Park
Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
Tallahassee Trust-Historic
1.7 km
Discover the rich heritage of Tallahassee at the Tallahassee Trust-Historic, a premier destination for history enthusiasts and curious travelers.
LeMoyne Arts
2.0 km
Experience the essence of local art at LeMoyne Arts in Tallahassee, a haven for creativity and unique handcrafted gifts.
Park Avenue Historic District
2.1 km
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LeMoyne's Chain of Parks Art Festival
2.1 km
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Storied Paths
2.1 km
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USS Tallahassee Bell
2.4 km
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Florida Firefighters Memorial
2.5 km
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Cascades Historical Plaza
2.9 km
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Discovery Playground
2.9 km
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Visit Tallahassee
3.0 km
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The Plant
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Apollo 14 Moon Tree
3.0 km
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Visit Tallahassee Visitor Center
3.2 km
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Jake Gaither House
4.3 km
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Lighthouse of the Big Bend
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Unmissable attractions to see
Fred O. Drake Park
0.2 km
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The Grove Museum
1.2 km
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Winthrop Park
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Florida's Governor's Mansion
1.3 km
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Taylor House Museum of Historic Frenchtown
1.6 km
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Carter-Howell-Strong Park
1.9 km
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Bloxham Park
2.1 km
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Ponce de Leon
2.1 km
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Knott House Museum
2.1 km
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Old City Cemetery
2.2 km
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Florida State University Museum of Fine Arts
2.2 km
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Goodwood Museum & Gardens
2.2 km
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Heritage Walk
2.4 km
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Kleman Plaza
2.4 km
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Riley House Museum
2.4 km
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Essential places to dine
Leon's at Lake Ella
0.2 km
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Masa
0.3 km
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Midtown Caboose
0.4 km
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Liberty Bar and Restaurant
0.5 km
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Black Radish Bar and Restaurant
0.5 km
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Table 23
0.6 km
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Bella Bella
0.7 km
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Clusters & Hops, wine retail & Restaurant
0.9 km
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VeneBites
1.0 km
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Kool Beanz Cafe
1.0 km
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Riccardo's Restaurant
1.2 km
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Food Glorious Food
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347 Grille by Coach Shula
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Uptown Cafe and Catering
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The Huntsman
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Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
Quarter Moon Imports
0.2 km
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Avant-Garb
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Memory Lane Antiques
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Diva's & Devil's HOUSE of STYLE
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Monkee's of Tallahassee
0.9 km
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Stone Age
1.3 km
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Gift Shop
1.7 km
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19 Boutique
3.0 km
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Bows and Arrows Boutique
3.1 km
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Picked
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Ooh La La Boutique
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Governor's Marketplace
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The Fuzzy Pineapple
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Bee's Knees
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Village Art Co-op
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Essential bars & hidden hideouts
The Brass Tap
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The Leon Pub, Inc.
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Hummingbird Wine Bar
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Blue Tavern
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4th Quarter Bar & Grille
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Level 8 Lounge
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926 Bar & Grill
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Poor Paul's Pourhouse
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Bar 1903
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Bullwinkle's Saloon
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Ken's Tavern
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Pockets Pool and Pub
2.6 km
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The Wilbury
3.0 km
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Warhorse Whiskey Bar
3.0 km
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Fermentation Lounge
3.1 km
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