Top 15 Activities and Attractions in Perry, Florida

In Taylor County, where the panhandle meets the peninsula, Perry is a small town in a remote part of Florida. Since the 19th century, this area has relied on its abundant crop of longleaf pines for economic sustenance, both as lumber and as a source of turpentine.

Since the 1960s, the city has hosted the Forest Capital Museum. Nestled within its own small state park, this attraction provides a comprehensive understanding of Florida’s pines.

The grounds also serve as a venue for a diverse range of events, surpassing many larger cities. It is important to note that Category-4 Hurricane Idalia made landfall shortly after my visit to Perry, potentially impacting some locations on my agenda.

1. Forest Capital Museum State Park

If you have time for only one attraction near Perry, I would recommend this small state park dedicated to the history of forestry in Florida. Located a few miles from town by Perry-Foley Airport, the park is home to the Forest Capital State Museum.

The museum building is situated amid the longleaf pines that have underpinned the timber industry since the 19th century. This attraction, which opened in the 1960s, illustrates the extensive range of products derived from this singular tree.

Turpentine is a key product, and visitors can observe a functioning turpentine still alongside an array of antique turpentine tools. Additionally, the grounds feature a genuine 19th-century Cracker homestead, three pavilions, and a walking trail under the towering pines.

2. Florida Forest Festival

In the 1950s, frequent forest fires around Perry were detrimental to the local timber industry. In response, residents of Taylor County initiated a festival to promote forest fire awareness.

More than 70 years later, the Florida Forest Festival continues to celebrate one of Florida’s vital natural resources. This event is officially a one-day occasion, held on the last Saturday in October (Festival Day).

However, numerous activities take place in the weeks leading up to it. I visited in October and observed pageants earlier in the month, as well as a fireworks display at Perry-Foley Airport on the Thursday prior to the festival.

The day before Festival Day, various family-friendly activities occur downtown, including a dog contest, parade, and quirky bed race. When Festival Day finally arrives, attendees can enjoy a carnival, an enormous complimentary fish fry, arts and crafts, chainsaw competitions, a demonstration of heavy machinery, lumberjack shows, and much more.

3. Keaton Beach

The Taylor County shoreline is incredibly remote and undeveloped, representing Florida’s unspoiled coastline. Much of the shoreline is protected, with no significant settlements for miles.

The primary recreational area along the shore is Keaton Beach. Here, visitors can enjoy pristine sandy beaches, a pier, campgrounds, the county’s main boat ramp, and a children’s playground at Hodges Park.

Fishing is a popular pastime at Keaton Beach, and during summer, individuals flock to the area for scalloping. It is important to mention that I authored this post immediately following Hurricane Idalia’s landfall, so recreational amenities may be unavailable upon your visit.

4. Downtown Perry

If you haven’t explored the heart of Perry in a while, you may be surprised by the vibrant atmosphere. Within just a few blocks of the Taylor County Courthouse, there is an abundance of small businesses to discover.

For me, downtown Perry is particularly notable as a dining destination. There are excellent local pizza establishments, a bakery, several cafes and coffee shops, and a venue offering smoothies.

In addition, there are several shops featuring fashion accessories, home decor, clothing, and flowers. Head south and you will find two parks located on either side of US 221.

On the west side is a beloved splash pad, while on the east side, a boardwalk guides visitors over the swampy ground adjacent to Spring Creek.

5. Hampton Springs Hotel Historic Site

I have a particular affinity for slightly eerie destinations like the ruins of this hotel, located just west of Perry. Once a luxurious establishment, the Hampton Springs Hotel Historical Site was constructed in 1908 at the site of renowned sulfur springs, famous for their purported therapeutic benefits.

This extensive complex included a covered pool, casino, ballroom, stables, tennis courts, a 9-hole golf course, and even its own railway depot.

However, circumstances changed with the advent of WWII when the hotel was repurposed as barracks for military personnel stationed at Perry-Foley Airport. Then, tragedy struck in 1954 when the structure was consumed by fire.

Now enveloped in lush vegetation, the ruins have been excavated, and the grounds continue to be well-maintained.

6. Taylor County Sports Complex

Public sports complexes shouldn’t be as beautiful as this facility situated on US 19, a couple of miles from downtown Perry. The Taylor County Sports Complex rests among stately live oaks, alongside Woods Creek, which meanders through the site.

This location is perfect for a leisurely walk, and I particularly enjoy the paved path, extending over a mile and partially shaded by the magnificent mature trees.

In terms of amenities, the complex includes three ballfields, six soccer fields, two basketball courts, two tennis courts, two playgrounds, and five picnic pavilions.

7. Taylor County Historical Society

One notable building that captured my interest in downtown Perry is the historic Bank of Perry, dating back to 1903. This establishment served as a branch of the First National Bank from 1909 to 1930.

Presently, the building houses the Taylor County Historical Society, founded in 1971. If you find yourself in town on a Thursday afternoon, you can stop by to delve into the history of Perry and the broader county.

Exhibits cover various topics. Naturally, sawmills and timber are prominent, but there is also Civil War memorabilia and information regarding the prehistoric cultures along the Aucilla River. A fascinating rarity found here is a century-old Victrola hand-crank record player.

8. Smokin’ in the Pines BBQ Festival

Source: Smokin’ In The Pines BBQ Festival / Facebook

Every September at Forest Capital Museum State Park, a significant competitive BBQ event is held. The Smokin’ in the Pines BBQ Festival offers more than just delicious food; it also features live music, encompassing Southern-style country, rock, and blues.

Moreover, visitors can enjoy arts and crafts, an antique car show, and numerous family-friendly activities. It is an enjoyable day out for all ages while also being a serious competition.

During my visit, the open event alone featured a prize pool of $10,000. Additionally, there are substantial awards for sauce competitions and the People’s Choice, with categories available even for children aged 6-13.

9. Florida State Bluegrass Festival

Source: Florida State Bluegrass Festival / Facebook

For a small rural town, Perry hosts a considerable number of fairs and festivals. The final festival I will discuss is the Florida State Bluegrass Festival, also held at the Forest Capital Museum State Park.

This event takes place at the end of March and celebrates a music genre that is emblematic of Appalachia. The Florida State Bluegrass Festival features some of the best Bluegrass performers in the nation over an unforgettable weekend.

In addition to the music, there is a highly competitive chili cook-off with substantial cash prizes. Furthermore, attendees can enjoy great food and a plethora of arts and crafts vendors.

10. The Parkside Café and Coffee

Source: The ParkSide Cafe & Coffee / Facebook

Now, I would like to highlight some of the remarkable establishments in downtown Perry. One standout is this café located near the historic Live Oak, Perry & South Georgia Railway station, established in 1918.

In addition to its unique building, this café makes for a perfect stop amid a stroll, as it sits adjacent to a vast expanse of oak-dense parkland to the south of the tracks.

The Parkside Café and Coffee is comfortable, inviting, and affordably priced. I must say, I was particularly taken with their selection of specialty lattes.

My personal favorite is the Train Wreck, featuring flavors of coconut, caramel, and chocolate. Though it may sound unconventional, it pairs excellently with a bacon, egg, and cheese croissant, ensuring a gratifying experience.

11. Graves Drive-In

Located just five minutes outside of Perry on US 221, you will find a restaurant rich in history. The Graves Drive-In dates back to 1950 and was originally part of a long-defunct drive-in movie theater.

The Graves family continues to own and operate this nostalgic fast-food establishment. I often believe that a simplified menu is a positive indicator, and my experience here confirmed that notion.

Their specialty undoubtedly lies in cheeseburgers. Additionally, the homemade chili is worth trying, whether served with a burger, hot dog, or fries. If you visit on Fridays, be sure to check out the mullet dinner, accompanied by Florida-style swamp cabbage.

12. Perry Golf & Country Club

If you are interested in a round of golf, there is a semi-private course situated on the southwestern outskirts of Perry. The Perry Golf & Country Club, established in 1952, was in the process of enhancing its greens during my visit.

This well-maintained 9-hole facility features Bermuda grass greens, with a slope rating slightly exceeding the typical standard for a Florida-based course. A couple of memorable holes include #2, a par-3 over water, and #4, a challenging par-4 with a dogleg left.

13. Johnson’s Bakery

Source: Johnson’s Bakery / Facebook

On a particularly charming stretch of US 221 downtown, there exists a bakery that is difficult to overlook.

Johnson’s Bakery has gained a reputation for its delightful sweet treats, which include donuts, cookies, pound cake, and apple fritters. These donuts certainly outshine the offerings from larger brands, while the cream-filled Long John stands out as the highlight.

This establishment also provides a variety of more practical lunch options, including sandwiches such as burgers and BLTs, as well as paninis and excellent salads. I personally enjoyed the Everything Salad, which included pecans, craisins, and seasonal fruit.

14. Iron Horse Mud Ranch

At one of the premier off-road mud parks in the state, you will discover over 500 acres of remote swampland to explore via high-powered mud trucks, ATVs, or UTVs (side-by-side vehicles).

The Iron Horse Mud Ranch features five distinct mud recreation areas, as well as a professional freestyle area and an extensive truck obstacle course.

What impressed me the most were the additional amenities available, including RV and tent campsites, two outdoor shower facilities, food vendors, a beach and tiki area, along with a performance stage and tug pad.

15. Steinhatchee Falls Park

Situated along the Steinhatchee River, approximately half an hour from Perry, are two scenic protected areas. This river flows just over 30 miles from Mallory Swamp in Lafayette County to the Gulf of Mexico.

Located just north of the town of Tennille, the river briefly disappears underground for about half a mile before resurfacing. The location where the river reemerges is known as Steinhatchee Rise.

Within the Rise area, visitors can hike along the river for more than three miles through oak hammocks and pine flatwoods. The trail culminates at Steinhatchee Falls Park, a broad stretch of the river where the water cascades over low yet wide limestone ledges.