Marianna Travel Guide

Discover the best things to do, places to visit, where to eat, stay, and shop in Marianna, Florida with this comprehensive tour guide.


Introduction to Marianna

Marianna is a charming town located in the Florida Panhandle region of the United States. Known for its rich history and natural beauty, Marianna offers plenty of outdoor activities, cultural attractions, and great food. Whether you’re a history buff, nature lover, or foodie, Marianna has something for everyone.

List of Places to Visit in Marianna

Some of the top places to visit in Marianna include:

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

  • Florida Caverns State Park: Take a tour of the only dry-air caverns in the state of Florida, with striking limestone formations, underground waterways, and a subterranean world full of adventure.
  • Florida State Hospital Museum: Learn about the history of mental health treatment in Florida at this museum, which is housed in the oldest psychiatric hospital in the state.
  • Chipola College Center for the Arts: This state-of-the-art facility hosts cultural events throughout the year, from concerts and plays to dance performances and art exhibits.

Natural Attractions of Marianna: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

  • Blue Springs Recreation Area: Take a dip in the crystal-clear waters of this natural spring located in the heart of Marianna and enjoy kayaking, paddleboarding, or fishing.
  • Chipola River: Enjoy a scenic paddle down this waterway that meanders through different ecosystems, with plenty of opportunities to spot wildlife, including otters, turtles, and alligators.
  • Florida National Scenic Trail: Lace up your hiking boots and explore Florida’s natural beauty on foot, with over 1,000 miles of trails, including a section that passes through Marianna.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Marianna

Marianna has plenty of great trails for hiking and biking, including:

  • Chipola River Greenway: A 6.9-mile trail that runs along the banks of the Chipola River and offers scenic views and plenty of opportunities to spot wildlife.
  • Florida Caverns State Park Trails: Over 9 miles of hiking and biking trails that wind through longleaf pine forests and offer breathtaking views of sinkholes, ravines, and underground caverns.
  • Bear Paw Escape Trail: A 1-mile loop trail that takes you through a beautiful pine forest and offers great birdwatching opportunities.

Best Things to Do in Marianna: Activities and Tours

  • Airboat Adventure Tours: Take a ride on an airboat and explore the natural beauty of the Apalachicola River and the Gulf of Mexico.
  • Marianna Ghost Walk: Get a spine-tingling tour of Marianna’s ghostly history, with tales of haunted houses, restless spirits, and ghostly apparitions.
  • Cannabis Farms Tour: Learn about the emerging cannabis industry in Florida and take a tour of a local farm where you can see the plants up close and learn about their cultivation.

Week-Long Itinerary for Marianna

Day 1: Arrive in Marianna and take a stroll through the charming downtown area, checking out the historic buildings and shopping for souvenirs.

Day 2: Visit the Florida Caverns State Park and take a tour of the caves, then spend the afternoon hiking or biking on one of the park’s many trails.

Day 3: Enjoy the great outdoors with a paddle down the Chipola River, either on your own or with a guided tour.

Day 4: Learn about the history of mental health treatment in Florida with a visit to the Florida State Hospital Museum, then take in a show at the Chipola College Center for the Arts.

Day 5: Take a tour of a local cannabis farm and learn about the emerging cannabis industry in Florida.

Day 6: Spend the day at Blue Springs Recreation Area, swimming in the crystal-clear waters and enjoying water sports and fishing.

Day 7: Wrap up your week with a spooky Marianna Ghost Walk and a farewell dinner at one of the town’s many great restaurants.

Food and Drink Scene of Marianna

Marianna has a great food and drink scene, with plenty of local specialties to try.

Must-Try Dishes

  • Grits and Gravy: A Southern classic, made with creamy grits and savory sausage gravy.
  • Fried Catfish: Fresh catfish is lightly battered and fried to perfection, served with hushpuppies and coleslaw.
  • Gator Tail: For the adventurous eater, gator tail is a delicacy in Florida and can be served fried, grilled, or blackened.

Local Beverages

  • Sweet Tea: A staple in the South, sweet tea is a refreshing beverage made with black tea and plenty of sugar.
  • Craft Beer: Marianna has a growing craft beer scene, with several local breweries offering unique and delicious beers.
  • Florida Wines: The warm climate and sandy soil of Florida make it an ideal place for growing grapes, and several local wineries offer tastings and tours.

Where to Stay in Marianna: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

Marianna has plenty of great options for accommodation, including hotels, hostels, and guesthouses.

Some popular options include:

  • Hampton Inn Marianna: A modern hotel located near downtown Marianna, with comfortable rooms and a complimentary breakfast.
  • Marianna Inn & Suites: A budget-friendly option with clean and spacious rooms, a pool, and free Wi-Fi.
  • Rivertown Inn: A cozy bed and breakfast located in downtown Marianna, with comfortable rooms, a wrap-around porch, and a complimentary breakfast.

What to Buy in Marianna: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

  • Florida Caverns State Park Souvenirs: A great way to remember your visit to Florida Caverns, with t-shirts, hats, and other souvenirs available at the park’s gift shop.
  • Peanut Butter: Marianna is known for its peanuts, and you can find locally made peanut butter at several shops and markets around town.
  • Art and Crafts: Marianna has a thriving arts and crafts scene, with several local artisans offering handmade jewelry, pottery, and other unique items.

Local Culture and Customs of Marianna

Marianna is a friendly and welcoming town, with a strong sense of community and a deep appreciation for its history and natural beauty. Visitors to Marianna should be respectful of local customs and traditions, and take care to leave the town better than they found it.

Best Time to Visit Marianna

The best time to visit Marianna is in the spring or fall when the weather is mild and pleasant. Summers can be hot and humid, with frequent thunderstorms, while winters can be cool and rainy.

Do’s and Don’ts of Marianna

Do:

  • Embrace the great outdoors and explore the natural beauty of Marianna.
  • Take a tour of the town’s historic buildings and learn about the rich history of the area.
  • Try the local cuisine, including fresh seafood, Southern classics, and unique Florida specialties.

Don’t:

  • Litter or otherwise damage the natural environment.
  • Disrespect local customs and traditions.
  • Ignore safety warnings when exploring the great outdoors.

Safety and Health

Safety in Marianna

Marianna is a relatively safe town, with low levels of crime. However, visitors should take common-sense precautions, such as locking their cars and securing their valuables.

Health in Marianna

Marianna has a good healthcare system, with several hospitals and clinics offering quality medical care. Visitors should take care to stay hydrated, wear sunscreen, and protect themselves from mosquito-borne illnesses such as Zika and West Nile virus.

Getting to Marianna: Transportation Options and Logistics

Marianna is easily accessible by car, with several major highways passing through the area. The town is located about 70 miles west of Tallahassee and about 100 miles east of Pensacola.

Airports Near Marianna

The closest airports to Marianna are the Tallahassee International Airport and the Northwest Florida Beaches International Airport, both about 70 miles away.

Bus Stations Near Marianna

Greyhound operates a bus station in nearby Dothan, Alabama, about 25 miles from Marianna.

Other Options

Uber and Lyft are available in Marianna, as are several local taxi companies.

How to Get Around in Marianna

The best way to get around Marianna is by car, as the town is spread out and many of the attractions are located outside of the downtown area. Biking and walking are also good options for exploring the town.

Where to Go Next from Marianna: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

Marianna is located in a beautiful part of Florida, with plenty of nearby destinations and excursions to explore, including:

  • Apalachicola: A charming town on the Gulf of Mexico known for its oysters, fishing, and historic architecture.
  • Tallahassee: The capital of Florida and home to several universities, museums, and cultural attractions.
  • Panama City Beach: A popular destination for beachgoers, with white sand beaches, clear blue water, and plenty of water sports and activities.

Conclusion

Marianna is a hidden gem in the Florida Panhandle, with a rich history, natural beauty, and a vibrant cultural scene. Whether you’re looking for outdoor adventures, cultural immersion, or just a relaxing getaway, Marianna has something for everyone. Plan your trip now and discover all that this charming town has to offer.