Cruising Historic St. Petersburg: 90-Minute Guided Golf Cart Tour of the Pier, Vinoy & Old Northeast
Glide past the St. Pete Pier, Vinoy Hotel, and tree-lined Old Northeast on a 90-minute guided golf cart tour that stitches together architecture, waterfront history, and local color. Perfect for visitors who want a low-effort, photo-ready introduction to downtown St. Petersburg.
The Experience
Before You Go
Protect against sun and heat
Florida sun is intense—wear sunscreen, a brimmed hat, and lightweight UV-blocking clothing even on overcast days.
Bring a refillable water bottle
Bottled water is included, but a refillable bottle reduces waste and keeps you hydrated for post-tour exploring.
Charge your camera or phone
The route offers many quick photo stops—ensure your device has power and spare storage for panoramic city and bay shots.
Plan arrival time for parking
Pier parking and downtown lots fill up during events and weekends—arrive 15–20 minutes early or use nearby public transit.
Local Knowledge
Hidden Gems
- •Grenada Terrace stone gates and quiet side streets in Old Northeast
- •Mirror Lake’s Carnegie library and the small civic buildings around it
Wildlife
- •Bottlenose dolphins occasionally visible from the pier
- •Brown pelicans and ospreys hunting the bay
Conservation Note
Local groups focus on Tampa Bay water quality and reducing single-use plastics on the pier; bringing refillable bottles and staying on designated paths helps protect shoreline habitat.
St. Petersburg’s waterfront was intentionally preserved early on—developers like Charles Roser and William Straub championed public bayfront parks, while C. Perry Snell shaped much of the Old Northeast architectural character.
Photographer's Notes
- • Boardwalk at St. Pete Pier for wide bay panoramas
- • Vinoy Park lawn facing the hotel and water
- • Round Lake or Mirror Lake for vintage architecture and street scenes
What to Bring
Refillable water bottleEssential
Keeps you hydrated and reduces single-use plastic—use the pier refill stations between stops.
Sunscreen (SPF 30+)Essential
Protects skin from strong coastal sun during exposed cart rides and short walking stops.
Wide-brim hat or capEssential
Provides shade and reduces glare when photographing the waterfront and architecture.
Lightweight rain shell
Afternoon showers are common in summer—pack a compact waterproof layer just in case.
Common Questions
Where do we meet?
Meet at the entrance to the St. Pete Pier along Bayshore Drive NE; the golf cart is parked nearby and the guide will check you in there.
How long is the tour and how much walking is involved?
The tour lasts 90 minutes with minimal walking—short stops for photos and brief stretches; most of the time is spent seated in the golf cart.
Is this tour wheelchair accessible?
The tour is low-impact but the golf cart has a low step; contact the operator in advance to discuss mobility needs and accommodations.
Are pets allowed?
Service animals are permitted; general pets are not indicated—confirm with the operator before booking.
What's the cancellation policy?
Full refund available if canceled at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure; tours may be canceled for bad weather.
Are guides local?
Yes—guides are local and share neighborhood history, architecture highlights, and recommendations for dining and longer walks.
Book This Experience
Check AvailabilityDuration
1.5 hours (90 minutes)
Location
St. Petersburg, Florida
Difficulty
easy
Fitness Level
Minimal fitness required; guests should be able to get in and out of a low step vehicle and stand for short stops.
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