St. Petersburg Sightseeing Tours: 5 Hot Spots You Can’t Miss

Nature lovers and history buffs will love St. Petersburg sightseeing tours, which entertain guests and provide an escape from everyday schedules. Whether exploring the Gulf Coast’s shores or enjoying a quiet hike, the city offers natural attractions for relaxation. Additionally, these spots are perfect for a day with family or alone time to reflect and exercise. See our picks for the top St. Petersburg sightseeing tours.

Top 5 St. Petersburg Sightseeing Tours to Try on Vacation

The Sunken Gardens

In downtown St. Petersburg, find a 100-plus-year-old garden, a living museum telling the story of the town’s cultural and natural history. Home to more than 50,000 tropical plants and flowers, guests can tour the garden or meander through its many paths, seeing cascading waterfalls and demonstrations. The garden features some of the oldest tropical plants in the area. The Sunken Gardens also hosts horticulture programs, field trips, and special events and workshops.

Egmont Key State Park

Another top spot for St. Petersburg sightseeing is Egmont Key State Park. Accessible only by private boat, visitors can enjoy several trails that lead to historic sites, as well as opportunities for swimming, fishing and relaxing on beaches. Egmont Key mostly serves as a wildlife refuge, and tells the history of both American independence and Seminole tribe. The park is so remote, there is no drinking water or retailers, so pack food, water and sunscreen ahead of time.

Sawgrass Lake Park

At this park, walk through one of the largest maple swamps on the Gulf Coast. The 400-acre Sawgrass Lake Park is home to a mile-long boardwalk and half-mile dirt trail, both perfect for wildlife viewing. In fact, the park is known as one of the best spots in Florida for bird-watching. Other things to look for include: butterflies and plants and animals, all in their natural environment. For a surprise, keep an eye out for alligators, turtles, herons, wood storks and more.

Weedon Island Preserve

Doubling as an educational facility and history center, Weedon Island Preserve is offers another St. Pete sightseeing spot. Measuring more than 3,100 acres, the preserve is home to aquatic and upland ecosystems with plants and animals. Visitors will find guided tours and nature hikes, boardwalks, and special programs and events.

The Weedon Island Preserve Cultural and Natural History Center attracts history and culture lovers, and was designed with the help of Native Americas. Inside, connect to native culture through interactive exhibits, where guests can even travel underwater.

Boyd Hill Nature Preserve

Explore Boyd Hill Nature Preserve to see woodlands, marshes, an island, pioneers and more. This nature preserve also provides ample opportunities for wildlife viewing. The 245-acre park offers 6 miles of trails and boardwalks, an aviary, guided tours, and overnight camping facilities. One attraction is Lake Maggiore Island, home to anhingas, turtles and alligators. The Sand Scrub Trail is one of the most endangered habitats in the world and once was a vast scrubland dating back 12,000 years.

Want to see more of St. Petersburg? Read about the famous Dali Museum and other top museums.