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The 5 Best Historical Tours in St Petersburg
St Petersburg, Florida, might be best known for its beaches and sunny weather, but it also offers some surprisingly rich history and heritage. Unlike many coastal cities, St. Petersburg's history is deeply rooted in Native American culture, early aviation, and Victorian architecture. We particularly enjoy the Jungle Prada Site History Tour for its engaging look at Florida's ancient peoples, and the Segway Tour for its lively way of exploring historic neighborhoods. Whether you're into archaeology, architecture, or local stories, there's a tour that will make history come alive for you.
For travelers eager to see the city through a variety of lenses, this list includes walking, biking, boat, and even golf cart options. Our favorites include the Native American archaeological site experience and the bike tour that offers a relaxed way to soak in the city’s historical highlights. If you’re curious about Florida’s indigenous culture or Victorian-era landmarks, these tours will provide a memorable glimpse into St. Petersburg’s past.
Quick Overview
This list includes a mix of walking, biking, Segway, boat, and golf cart tours, each highlighting different aspects of St. Petersburg’s history. From the Jungle Prada Site, which reveals Native American artifacts and ancient mounds, to the Segway tour that zips past Victorian homes and historic sites, there’s something for every type of explorer. For a relaxing sunset experience, the Scenic Sunset Cruise offers a beautiful way to end a day. And for those who want a bit of everything, the Golf Cart Tour provides a fun, accessible way to see the city’s highlights.
Below, you'll find detailed descriptions of each tour, helping you decide which fits your interests, budget, and time frame.
1. St. Petersburg Jungle Prada Site History Tour
For around $14, the Jungle Prada Site History Tour stands out for its focus on Florida’s prehistoric and Native American history. This 2-hour guided experience takes you to the best-preserved American Indian site in Tampa Bay, home to a massive midden mound created by the Tocobaga tribe. The site includes artifacts from the midden and a walk up to a well-maintained Native American mound, making history tangible.
Led by a knowledgeable guide, this tour explores the Tocobaga people’s lives and the arrival of the Spanish conquistadors in 1528. The lush setting, complete with roaming peacocks, adds a lively backdrop. The small-group format ensures more personalized attention, and the onsite museum helps connect artifacts to stories of ancient Florida. Many visitors praise the engaging storytelling and the opportunity to see ancient shells still embedded in the ground.
Bottom Line: If you’re interested in archaeology and Native American culture, this tour offers an affordable, hands-on way to connect with Florida’s deep past. It’s perfect for history buffs, families, or anyone curious about indigenous life before European contact.
2. Saint Petersburg Historic Segway Tour
At number 2, the Saint Petersburg Historic Segway Tour combines fun with education. For just $70, you’ll learn about the city’s Victorian architecture, historic landmarks, and even where the world’s first commercial flight took off—an aviation milestone directly tied to Florida’s history. This 2-hour guided ride takes you along Tampa Bay, past the St. Petersburg Pier, and through scenic neighborhoods.
What makes this tour special is the guided Segway training, which makes everyone comfortable regardless of experience. The audio headsets ensure you catch every fascinating detail, from the Tocobaga tribe’s princess—who inspired Disney’s Pocahontas—to the historic waterfront parks. Many reviewers rave about the guide’s knowledge and the smooth, easy pace.
Highlights include a visit to the Museum of History and several iconic spots in downtown St. Petersburg. The activity suits those who want to cover a lot of ground without feeling hurried, with plenty of opportunities to ask questions.
Bottom Line: The Segway tour offers a lively, engaging way to learn about St. Petersburg’s history while enjoying a unique ride. It’s ideal for active travelers or those who want a memorable, interactive experience.
3. St Pete History and Heritage Biking Tour
For those who prefer pedaling over walking, the St Pete History and Heritage Biking Tour provides a relaxed way to explore downtown St. Petersburg. At $75, this 2-hour ride takes you through the city’s streets, uncovering historic sites and architecture from its founding to today. The small group and use of bikes and helmets make it accessible and comfortable.
Led by a local guide, the tour highlights points such as the historic waterfront, Victorian-era buildings, and the neighborhood of Old Northeast. The casual pace allows plenty of time for questions and photos—perfect for travelers who want to absorb the city’s stories without rushing. One reviewer appreciated the tour for making Florida’s history “fun and engaging,” especially in the outdoor biking environment.
Best suited for: Active travelers who want a scenic, less hurried introduction to the city’s past.
Bottom Line: A solid choice for those who enjoy biking and want to combine sightseeing with storytelling—especially if you’re looking for a morning activity to leave the rest of the day free.
4. Scenic Sunset Cruise from Historic Johns Pass, Free Beer and Wine
For a different kind of history experience, the Scenic Sunset Cruise offers a relaxing 1.5-hour trip through protected bay waters. For $49, you’ll enjoy a cruise that highlights the natural beauty of Boca Ciega Bay and the Gulf beaches, with the bonus of a stunning sunset. While not strictly a historical tour, it offers plenty of insight about the wildlife and the area’s history, including the creation of Johns Pass by a hurricane in 1848.
The cruise departs from Johns Pass Village, a lively spot with shops and restaurants. Many reviewers mention the peaceful ambiance, the chance to see dolphins, and the enjoyable entertainment as the music volume boosts during the sunset. The experience is best for those who want a laid-back evening with a touch of local lore.
Potential drawback: Limited focus on detailed history, but the scenic views and relaxed vibe more than compensate.
Bottom Line: Ideal for travelers seeking a peaceful way to appreciate the area’s natural and historical landscape while enjoying a drink and a sunset.
5. Guided Golf Cart Tour of Historic St. Petersburg
The Golf Cart Tour offers a casual, fun way to see the city for about $35. Covering roughly 1.5 hours, this guided ride explores landmarks such as the St. Pete Pier, North Straub Park, and historic neighborhoods like Old Northeast. The relaxed pace and open-air golf carts make it accessible for all ages and fitness levels.
Although the reviews are currently blank, the format promises a lively overview of St. Petersburg’s historic sites, with plenty of opportunities to ask questions and get local stories. This tour is perfect for travelers who want a quick, flexible way to see a variety of neighborhoods without the effort of biking or walking.
Best suited for: Families, seniors, or those with limited mobility who still want to absorb the city’s charm.
Bottom Line: The golf cart tour offers an easy, social way to get a broad overview of St. Petersburg’s historic core.
$35.00 per person
How to Choose
Picking the perfect historical tour depends on your interests, mobility, and how you like to explore. If archaeology and Florida’s indigenous past excite you, the Jungle Prada Site is hard to beat. For a lively, tech-savvy experience, the Segway Tour combines fun and education. Budget travelers or those wanting a mix of history and scenery may enjoy the Sunset Cruise, while active explorers can opt for the Bike Tour.
When planning, consider the time of day—morning tours tend to be cooler and less crowded, while sunset cruises are perfect for relaxing after a day of sightseeing. Booking early is always wise, especially for popular slots or special experiences like sunset cruises.
Final Thoughts
St Petersburg offers a surprising variety of historical tours that cater to different interests and mobility levels. For immersive archaeology, the Jungle Prada Site tops the list. Active travelers will appreciate the bike and Segway tours for their combination of fun and learning. If you want a laid-back scenic experience, the sunset cruise will not disappoint. Lastly, for a quick, accessible overview, the golf cart is an easy option.
Whatever your choice, these tours provide a meaningful way to connect with the city’s past, from its Native American roots to Victorian architecture. Be sure to book early, bring your curiosity, and enjoy discovering the stories that make St Petersburg unique.