Best St. Petersburg Tours & Excursions for Families, Couples, and Curious Travelers
Whether you're here for a quick getaway or a week-long escape, St. Petersburg—or “St. Pete” to the locals—offers more than just beautiful beaches. It’s a city brimming with personality, history, and adventure. Think sunset cruises with champagne, walking tours through mural-lined streets, or a half-day boat trip to find dolphins playing in the waves.
Whether you're traveling solo, planning a family outing, or looking to impress someone special, there’s a perfect St. Pete excursion just waiting to happen. This guide will help you discover the best St. Petersburg tours and excursions, from city tours that uncover the past to group tours that get you on the water. Let’s explore!
Start with the Water: Reel Coquina Charters
If you're only booking one tour in St. Pete, make it this one. Reel Coquina Fishing Charters is more than just a fishing trip—it’s your gateway to some of the best experiences on the water in St. Petersburg. This locally owned charter company runs small group tours that feel like you’re out with a friend who just happens to know all the best spots.
They offer a range of custom excursions: dolphin-watching trips that are perfect for families with young kids, thrilling shark fishing for the more adventurous, nearshore and deep-sea fishing for serious anglers, and private sunset cruises ideal for couples who want to do something memorable.
Trip Types Include:
- Sunset and Dolphin cruises with full Gulf views
- Shark fishing (yes, you’ll get a real shot at landing one)
- Deep sea offshore fishing
- Family-friendly fishing trips or private charters for groups
Pricing: Check out the pricing for our fleet. Everything’s included—gear, bait, and a captain who knows the water better than Google Maps.
Schedule: Flexible departures based on your plans. Morning, afternoon, and evening options available.
Who It’s For: Families, couples, first-timers, solo anglers, friend groups. Kids welcome, and the crew is great with beginners.
Ready to get on the water? Visit Reel Coquina Fishing Charters to book your day.
Egmont Key Island Tours – Hidden History Meets White Sand
This one’s for anyone looking to explore off the beaten path. Egmont Key is only accessible by boat, and it’s home to Civil War ruins, wild turtles, a lighthouse, and one of the prettiest beaches around. You can snorkel, shell, or just wander the shoreline. It’s a half-day escape that feels like a full-on adventure.
Ferry Info:
- Departs daily from Fort De Soto at 10am and 11am
- Returns around 2pm and 3pm
- Run by Hubbard’s Marina
Pricing: $25 per adult, $15 per child
Pro Tip: There are no facilities on the island. Bring snacks, water, sunscreen, and plan for nature.
St. Pete dolphin watching adventures
In St. Petersburg, alongside the thrill of fishing, Pete Dolphin Watching Adventures provides a calm yet equally exciting experience. On these trips, you'll get up close with dolphins in their natural environment, witnessing their playful antics.
Dolphin watching balances the focused, patient sport of fishing with spontaneous wildlife encounters. It's a perfect mix of St. Pete's coastal experiences, ensuring your trip is filled with diverse and unforgettable moments in the Gulf waters.
$40 to $100 per person
Skyway light spectacles
The Skyway Light, a beacon in St. Petersburg's skyline, stands as a symbol of the city's vibrant spirit. Going on a Skyway Light Excursion presents a unique opportunity to sail beneath this iconic structure as it casts a radiant glow over the bay.
These tours capture the essence of St. Pete's nightscape, offering a stunning backdrop for an evening on the water and leaving you with a luminous memory of the city’s grandeur.
$20 to $50 per person for guided tours
St. Petersburg Ghost Tours – Local Legends After Dark
These tours take you through the eerie side of St. Pete—haunted hotels, whispered legends, and strange happenings from the city’s past. Guides walk you through downtown after dark, adding storytelling and a bit of drama to make it more than just facts.
Cost: $25 per person
Time: Most tours begin around 8pm
Age Limit: Recommended for ages 10 and up
Why Go: It’s a fun, quirky way to see the city and hear the stories that never make it into the brochures
Downtown Walking Tours – Murals, Museums & Hidden Gems
If you’re the type who likes to get your steps in while learning something new, walking tours are a great way to experience the city. You’ll get an up-close look at historic landmarks, alleyway murals, and the evolving food and arts scene.
Cost: Many tours are “pay what you want,” others range from $20 to $30
Length: 90 minutes to 2 hours
Where It Starts: Usually around St. Pete Pier or Central Ave
What You'll See: Murals, local shops, architecture, and a deep dive into the city’s cultural side
If you’re a foodie then you’ll want to check out St.Pete’s Farmers market!
St. Petersburg's hidden treasures
Beyond the well-trodden paths, St. Petersburg harbors hidden gems ripe for discovery. Dive into the city's enigmatic technology museum, where innovation meets history, or wander the verdant escapes within secret city parks known only to locals.
These off-the-beaten-path explorations offer a glimpse into St. Pete’s less-traveled parts, where the echoes of the city's heartbeat offer a different rhythm for the adventurer looking to uncover the lesser-seen parts of this Floridian jewel.
Varies greatly, some free; guided experiences from $20 to $100
All-ages adventure
In St. Petersburg, the breadth of excursions caters to all, ensuring a great experience whether you're a toddler or a senior. Families can bask in the interactive displays at the Great Explorations Children’s Museum, enjoy the thrill of the Splash Harbour Water Park and other waterparks, or embark on a calm boat tour around the Pete Pier. Check out our blog on St. Petersburg amusement parks for more information.
The fishing charters join this family-friendly roster, providing educational and exciting trips where kids can learn to cast a line and adults can reel in the big one, making every outing in St. Pete an inclusive affair.
$25 to $100 per person, family discounts available
Savor the Flavors of St. Pete
St. Petersburg is not just a visual feast but a culinary one too. Food tours around St. Pete reveal a palette of flavors, from trendy bistros to classic seafood joints. Culinary excursions often include lunch stops where you can taste the local catch at the best restaurants.
For a more hands-on experience, join a fishing charter where you can catch your own meal. Imagine reeling in a fresh snapper or flounder, then later savoring it at one of St. Pete's fine eateries. This memorable experience combines the joy of fishing with the delight of dining. Check out or blog on St. Petersburgs farmers market for more options.
$50 to $150 per person, including meal costs
Clear Kayak Tours at Shell Key Preserve – Paddle Through Nature
Clear kayak tours offer a totally different perspective of the water. You glide over seagrass beds, watch fish and rays below you, and navigate through mangrove tunnels. It's quiet, peaceful, and ideal for anyone looking to unplug.
Cost:
- $69 for adults, $59 for kids (day tours)
- $74 for GLOW nighttime tours
Schedule: 2–2.5 hours, morning and sunset departures
Age Restrictions: Kids must be at least 3 for day trips, 12 for night tours
What to Expect: Small group tours with a guide, beautiful water, and plenty of photo ops
Discover more of the best natural springs and lakes around St Pete.
Day Trips Within Reach of St. Pete
For those looking to venture beyond the city, St. Petersburg is the perfect launchpad for memorable day trips. Visit the crystalline waters of Clearwater Beach, just a short drive away, or head to Tampa and one of its many amusement parks.
History enthusiasts can jump into the past at the Manatee Village Historical Park, while nature lovers can seek serenity at the Weedon Island Preserve. Each destination offers a unique experience, allowing you to explore the diversity and beauty of the St. Pete area and stay close to the city's heart.
$50 to $150 per person, depending on distance and included amenities
Still Deciding? Here's How to Choose
Not sure where to start? Think about who you’re traveling with and what you want from the day. Want to make the most of your arrival day? Take a quick city or pier stroll. Planning a romantic evening? A sunset cruise or a night kayak tour is a solid move. Looking to entertain kids? Shell Key, dolphin tours, or Egmont Key are perfect. Want an authentic “Florida” experience? Fishing with Reel Coquina is the ticket.
When the Florida sun is searing and you need a break from the heat, nothing beats splashing into a water park to cool off—check out our guide to the best water parks near St. Petersburg to help you beat the heat: The Best Water Parks to Cool Off Near St. Petersburg, FL.
Book Early, Explore Smart
St. Pete is packed with things to do, and many of the best tours fill up fast—especially those on the water. Whether you're here for a weekend or a week, taking the time to plan out a couple of well-chosen excursions will take your trip from good to unforgettable.
If you want help choosing the right experience—or you're ready to lock in a tour that hits the best parts of the city and sea—check out the full range of adventures from Reel Coquina Fishing Charters.
What is the most scenic tour in St. Petersburg?
The clear kayak tour through Shell Key Preserve is often considered the most scenic tour. It gives you a front-row view of the mangroves, marine life, and untouched coastal landscapes.
Which Petersburg museum is best for families?
Great Explorations Children's Museum is a top pick for families. It blends play and learning in a fun, interactive environment perfect for kids under 12.
How can I make a deeper connection with St. Pete’s local culture?
Join a downtown walking tour that dives into the city’s mural art, historical districts, and stories from locals—offering a real connection to St. Pete’s creative heart.
Are there any tours solo travelers can join in St. Pete?
Yes—clear kayak excursions at Shell Key, city walking tours, and ghost tours all welcome solo travelers and offer group settings where you can explore and meet others.
Where can I experience the natural beauty of the area?
Egmont Key and Shell Key Preserve showcase St. Pete’s natural beauty with white sand beaches, native wildlife, and water so clear you’ll want to stay out there all day.