tours old town parking

Sightseeing to Frightseeing – Old Town Trolley Tours

With so much to see and do throughout beautiful San Diego, one of the best ways to experience as much as possible during a trip here is by taking a guided tour of the city. Old Town Trolley Tours is the company many San Diego visitors choose to trust with their sightseeing needs. Their trolley tours feature enjoyable, informative commentary as you ride, while letting you hop-on and hop-off at a dozen of San Diego’s most memorable destinations.

Save on your visit to the Old Town Trolley Tours! Old Town Trolley Tours is included on the San Diego Explorer Pass . Save an additional 5% on the Explorer Pass with Coupon Code: GO5CMANTIS The discount stacks on top the current sale prices! Promo expires on May 31st.

Old Town Trolley Tours History

Old Town Trolley Tours has been in business for over 30 years now. They got their start in Key West, Florida, where three friends lived and worked restoring that community’s historic areas to their former glories. As they took note of the growing interest in Key West, which was drawing visitors from all over the world, they decided to establish their own tour company. The result was Old Town Trolley Tours, which now operates in several cities all across the United States.

What’s to See on an Old Town Trolley Tours

An Old Town Trolley Tour in San Diego stops at 12 different sites: Old Town Market, Maritime Museum of San Diego , Embarcadero Marina, Seaport Village , Marriott Marquis, Gaslamp Quarter , Petco Park , Barrio Logan, Hotel del Coronado , Coronado , Balboa Park , and Little Italy . You can hop-on and hop-off your trolley at any or all of these attractions, making an Old Town Trolley Tour a terrific way to experience San Diego’s many charms.

An Old Town Trolley Tour isn’t just about the convenience of being ushered around the city in style, moving with ease from San Diego landmark to San Diego landmark. As you ride along, your well-informed local guide will provide you with an entertaining and knowledgeable narration that’s sure to expand your knowledge about this remarkable city.

Old Town Trolley’s hop-on, hop-off tours in San Diego are available in your choice of 1-day or 2-day formats. Old Town Trolley also offers a few other tours in the San Diego market. These include the Ghosts & Gravestones Frightseeing Tour, which lasts approximately 90 minutes and takes you to some of San Diego’s most haunted sites. Stops include Pioneer Park, El Campo Santo Cemetery, and the Whaley House, all purported to be haunted. In fact, the Whaley House has so many documented paranormal experiences that the Travel Channel has named it the most haunted house in America. The San Diego City Lights tour, which proudly bills itself as San Diego’s only historic trolley night tour; and San Diego Seal Tours , a one-of-a-kind tour experience that lets you see San Diego by bus and boat, all on the same outing. No matter which San Diego tour you choose, Old Town Trolley Tours won’t disappoint.

For the brave adventurer, Old Town Trolley Tours offer 90-minute Ghosts and Gravestones Frightseeing Tours.

Tips for Riding with Old Town Trolley Tours

• If you were to ride your Old Town Trolley Tour from start to finish without getting off a single time—while most people decide to take advantage of the hop-on, hop-off privileges, certainly some individuals do just enjoy the ride in this fashion—it would last you about two hours. Otherwise, it’s easy to turn the tour into an entire day’s adventure.
• Each stop on the tour route is scheduled to be visited by a trolley once every 30 minutes. However, conditions beyond Old Town’s control (traffic, weather, number of passengers at a given stop) can conspire to slow things down from time to time.
• The trolleys are not heated, so while San Diego’s weather is more often than not lovely, you’ll want to dress in layers if the forecast calls for cooler temperatures.
• If you’re looking to buy your Old Town Trolley Tours tickets in person, head to San Diego’s Old Town Market. There’s also plenty of parking available here.
• Old Town Trolley Tours can accommodate individuals in wheelchairs, but they request 24-hour advance notice to make such arrangements possible.

• Map & Guide
• Request Visitor's Info

Old Town Trolley Tours

Hosting a narrated tour of St. Augustine with 22 stops throughout the historic district.

At the Old Jail. 167 San Marco Avenue St. Augustine, FL 32084

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Old Town Trolley Tours offers visitors a fully narrated tour of St. Augustine and a convenient way to get around downtown, with 22 stops along the way.

The Old Town Trolley Tour route encompasses seven miles of fascinating history as recounted by one of Old Town Trolley's highly-trained and certified tour guides/conductors. The tour provides an excellent overview of St. Augustine, and free parking available at the Old Town Trolley Welcome Centers makes it easy to get around town without the hassle of searching for parking.

One full loop takes about an hour and a half to complete. Trolleys depart every 20 minutes, so it's easy to hop off at a stop and hop back on without a long wait.

Discounted attraction packages to other St. Augustine attractions can be purchased at the Old Jail and all the other Old Town Trolley ticket depots throughout town. Free parking is available at the Old Jail at 167 San Marco Ave.

The trolley tickets are good for one day of sightseeing, and a ticket for a second consecutive day is available for a nominal fee.

The trolley ticket includes free admission to the St. Augustine History Museum, complimentary shuttle service to most local hotels, and Beach Bus service to St. Augustine Beach.

The last trolley tour of the day goes out at 4:30 p.m.

Old Town Trolleys welcome service animals, those trained to provide specific tasks. No other pets are allowed on the trolleys.

For more information about their accessibility services, click here. 

Specialty Tours

Ghosts & gravestones tour.

Departing nightly at 8 p.m. from 27 San Marco Avenue, the Ghosts & Gravestones Frightseeing Tours invite guests on a spooky adventure to experience St. Augustine's darker side. A "Ghost Host" will chauffeur attendees to some of St. Augustine's most famous haunted spots, entertaining them with tales of the strange, creepy, and tragic sides of the city's history.

This special tour is also the only ghost tour in town that offers guests access to the Old Jail and The Chamber of Horrors at Potter's Wax Museum. This tour is rated PG13 and may be scary for younger kids, so parental discretion is advised. For more information, and to purchase tickets, please click here.

Ghost Town Trolley Tour

A haunting journey around the spookiest locations in St. Augustine, the Ghost Town Trolley Tour travels through the Ancient City for an hour. The hosts may or may not be ghosts and do provide lively tales about the people who lived here and those who may have never left. 

The stories include historical facts, descriptions of paranormal experiences, and personal accounts. The open-air trolley passes by the City Gate, Huguenot Cemetery, and the Old Jail  — one of the most haunted buildings in St. Augustine.   For more information, and to purchase tickets please click here.

Old Jail After Dark

Old Town Trolleys now offers a special 10-person tour of the Old Jail after sunset. Visitors can use the latest equipment to participate in paranormal investigations. The Old Jail is recognized as one of the more haunted places in St. Augustine, and the stories of these ghosts are not usually happy ones. This tour is limited to ten, allowing guests a more intimate experience and the opportunity to hear the stories and use the equipment to seek spirits and communicate with them. For more information and to purchase tickets, click here.

Wedding Trolley

Old Town Trolley Tours also offers charters on its special wedding trolley. For information about a private charter, please go here .

Restaurants nearby

Dunkin' Donuts — Uptown

Alms + Fare

Subway: Historic

Cortesse's Bistro

Places to Stay nearby

Hilton Garden Inn -- Historic District

Holiday Inn St. Augustine

Best Western Historical Inn

Admission | Ticket Prices

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Old Town Trolley Tours Boston

Old Town Trolley Tour

1227 reviews

Old Town Trolley Tours of Boston 4.3

• TROLLEY STOPS

With nearly 500 years of history, including rule by Spain, Britain, and the U.S., St. Augustine is full of sights and attractions that entertain and educate. For over 30 years, Old Town Trolley has provided tours highlighting the best of the city.

Hop aboard one of our trolleys and you’ll experience Transportainment ® , a delightful combination of transportation and entertainment.

Old Town Trolley Tour is the best way to see the city. Because we cover the entire city, you can avoid costly parking and city driving. The tour is also designed so that you can hop on and off and explore on your own at any time.

• 1 day of free unlimited re-boarding
• Hop On & Off at 22 Old Town Trolley Stops
• Tripadvisor Travelers' Choice Awards Winner 2024
• Open air sightseeing perfect for taking pictures
• Fully Narrated Tour of St. Augustine
• More than 100 Points of Interest
• 100% Satisfaction Guarantee
• FREE Admission to St. Augustine History Museum
• FREE Beach Shuttle to Alligator Farm and the Beach
• Complimentary hotel shuttle service

St. Augustine Old Town Trolley Tours

Relive the story of the first settlement in North America as you visit Castillo de San Marcos, the Spanish fort built in the 17th century. Visit the world famous spring that Ponce de Leon deemed the Fountain of Youth, where you can actually sample the water. Explore the site of the first Mass in America at the Mission of Nombre de Dios. Experience early St. Augustine as you tour old St. Augustine Village, featuring houses from the 18th and 19th centuries.

Old Town Trolley Tours makes many stops including the Old Jail, St. Augustine History Museum, Potter’s Wax Museum, the Spanish Military Hospital, and the Ximenez-Fatio House. You’ll also see the Gonzalez-Alvarez House, the oldest documented colonial house in Florida, lived in by British, Spanish and American colonists. Visit the San Sebastian Winery; Explore Flagler College, built by Henry Morrison Flagler, an industrialist, railroad pioneer and oil magnate, who originally used the building as a hotel then known as Ponce de Leon hotel.

There’s no better way to see all the St. Augustine attractions than with Old Town Trolley Tours. Look for the orange and green trolleys for the best sightseeing tour in town!

1. Old Jail 2. Visitor Information Center 3. Potter’s Wax Museum 4. City Gates 5. Colonial Quarter 6. Best Western / Bay Views 7. St. George Street 8. Churches 9. Villa Zorayda Museum 10. Lightner Museum 11. Lincolnville Museum & Cultural Center 12. St. Augustine Distillery 13. San Sebastian Winery 14. Plaza de la Constitucion 15. Oldest House 16. St. Augustine Municipal Marina 17. Castillo de San Marcos 18. Ripley’s Believe it or Not 19. Old Town Trolley Welcome Center 20. Mission of Nombre de Dios 21. Old Senator Tree & Villa 1565 22. Fountain of Youth

Booth Locations

Stop 1 – The Old Jail 167 San Marco Ave, St. Augustine, FL 32084

Stop 2 – Visitor Information Center 10 West Castillo Dr, St. Augustine, FL 32084

Stop 3 – Potter’s Wax Museum 31 Orange St, St. Augustine, FL 32084

Stop 4 – The City Gates 3-17 Orange St, St Augustine, FL 32084

Stop 7 – St. George Street Hypolita & St. George Street

Stop 14 – Plaza de la Constitucion 38 Cathedral Pl, St Augustine, FL 32084

Stop 19 – Old Town Trolley Welcome Center 27 San Marco Ave, St Augustine, FL 32084

Old Town Trolley Tours

Daily. Tours depart continuously every 15 minutes. Tour length: 90 minutes. 9:00 am to 4:30 pm.

July 4: Last tour is at 3pm. Thanksgiving: Last tour is at 3pm. December 24: Last tour is at 3pm. December 25: Closed.

Reservations are NOT needed or accepted.

Hours of operation may be extended during holiday weekends and during peak season. Please call (904) 829-3800 for details.

First Tour of the Day:

Stop #1: The Old Jail: 9:00 am Stop #2: Visitors Information Center: 9:07 am Stop #3: Potter’s Wax Museum: 9:11 am Stop #4: City Gates: 9:15 am Stop #5: Colonial Quarter: 9:16 am Stop #6: Best Western/Bay Views: 9:18 am Stop #7: St. George Street: 9:22 am Stop #8: Churches: 9:25 am Stop #9: Villa Zorayda Museum: 9:30 am Stop #10: Lightner Museum: 9:35 am Stop #11: Lincolnville Museum & Cultural Center: 9:50 am Stop #12: St. Augustine Distillery: 9:40 am Stop #13: San Sebastian Winery: 9:42 am Stop #14: Plaza de la Constitucion: 9:50 am Stop #15: Oldest House: 10:00 am Stop #16: St. Augustine Municipal Marina: 10:04 am Stop #17: Castillo de San Marcos: 10:06 am Stop #18: Ripleys Believe It Or Not: 10:08 am Stop #19: Old Town Trolley Welcome Center: 10:10 am Stop #20: Mission of Nombre de Dios: 10:15 am Stop #21: Old Senator Tree: 10:19 am Stop #22: Fountain of Youth: 10:22 am

Last Full Tour of the Day: Please note that guests taking this tour will not be able to use the on/off feature.

Stop #1: The Old Jail: 4:30 pm Stop #2: Visitors Information Center: 4:37 pm Stop #3: Potter’s Wax Museum: 4:41 pm Stop #4: City Gates: 4:45 pm Stop #5: Colonial Quarter: 4:46 pm Stop #6: Best Western/Bay Views: 4:48 pm Stop #7: St. George Street: 4:52 pm Stop #8: Churches: 4:55 pm Stop #9: Villa Zorayda Museum: 5:00 pm Stop #10: Lightner Museum: 5:05 pm Stop #11: Lincolnville Museum & Cultural Center: 5:20 pm Stop #12: St. Augustine Distillery: 5:10 pm Stop #13: San Sebastian Winery: 5:12 pm Stop #14: Plaza de la Constitucion: 5:20 pm Stop #15: Oldest House: 5:30 pm Stop #16: St. Augustine Municipal Marina: 5:34 pm Stop #17: Castillo de San Marcos: 5:36 pm Stop #18: Ripleys Believe It Or Not: 5:38 pm Stop #19: Old Town Trolley Welcome Center: 5:40 pm Stop #20: Mission of Nombre de Dios: 4:45 pm (Entry gates close at 5pm; 4pm on Sunday) Stop #21: Old Senator Tree: 5:49 pm Stop #22: Fountain of Youth: 5:52 pm

7 things to do in St. Petersburg for an Old Florida flavor

By: Author Bonnie Gross

Posted on Last updated: August 26, 2024

St. Petersburg has long shed its image as a boring place where retirees kill time gossiping on rows of green benches, but if you haven’t visited it lately, you might be surprised at what a young and lively place it has become.

Happily, one thing that makes St. Petersburg a delight is the lingering bits of Old Florida that have been preserved.

St. Petersburg is renowned for its bike paths, it has more than a dozen craft breweries, its streets are decorated with colorful murals and several large, impressive museums have opened in recent years.

Amid all the new, St. Petersburg has preserved many historic buildings and some of Florida’s most beautiful tree-lined historic neighborhoods. Somehow, it even retains miles of original brick roads.

My husband and I visited St. Petersburg in the steamy summer for two reasons: It’s a city where you can spend the hot afternoons in museums and the mornings and evenings at a gorgeous beach.

In the morning, we got up early and walked the beach at one of our favorite Old Florida beach towns, Pass-a-Grille. At night, we came back to Pass-a-Grille to enjoy a West Coast treat: the sunset over the Gulf of Mexico.

Along the way, we filled our four days with lots of activities —  and we didn’t even get to everything on our list.

7 things to do in St. Peterburg

See St. Petersburg’s waterfront by bike on the North Bay Trail

My favorite thing on this list of St. Pete things to do is to bicycle this very scenic bike trail along the expansive waterfront in downtown St. Petersburg and then into a gorgeous historic neighborhood.

The best part of the North Bay Trail is the three miles from near the Salvador Dali Museum downtown north along the shore of Tampa Bay to waterfront Coffee Pot Park. (The North Bay Trail continues three miles north of here for a 12-mile roundtrip, but is not as scenic and has frequent street crossings north of Coffee Pot Park.)

You can’t beat the scenery and all the parks you can access on the southern three miles along Tampa Bay. On a bike, you can easily ride through both peninsulas extending into the bay – Demens Landing Park and St. Pete’s Pier – as well as pause at the many parks along the way. One unusual stop is Gizella Kopsick Palm Arboretum , 605 11th Ave. Northeast, St. Petersburg, a small free arboretum filled with a vast variety of palms from around the world.

The mile of the North Bay Trail along Coffee Pot Boulevard has waterfront views on the east and the handsome homes of the tree-shaded Historic Old Northeast on the west. Rather than continue on the trail after Coffee Pot Park, I recommend riding through the residential streets and enjoying the beautiful homes.

Let me warn you: The North Bay Trail is just my speed — sort of slow. It’s a multi-use trail, with walkers, joggers, skateboarders, strollers and dog walkers all enjoying the route through downtown. Yes, you have to repeatedly go around slower-moving users with a constant refrain of “on your left,” but there are only two street crossings in this three-mile stretch. If you like long walks or if you jog, you might enjoy this trail on foot.

There are several “bike share” concessions downtown convenient to the path, including at the pier.

Bike riders should note that the most famous bike trail in St. Peterburg is the 50-mile long Pinellas Trail, described here in a Florida Rambler story . It is one of the state’s best bike trails. You can connect the two trails at First Avenue Southeast at Bayshore Drive, immediately across from Demens Landing, which is where the Pinellas Trail originates.

We started our bike ride on the North Bay Trail across from the Dali Museum, parking at Albert Whited Park, 480 Bayshore Dr. Southeast, St. Petersburg, wedged between the water and the small downtown airport. This park has restrooms, picnic tables, a fenced playground and a fabulous view of the bay and the St. Pete Pier.

Here’s a PDF of a St. Petersburg bike map.

Meander the historic St. Petersburg Sunken Gardens

When Americans started visiting Florida by car in the 1920s, they couldn’t get enough of Florida’s exotic plants, flowers and trees. Colorful gardens were popular roadside attractions for decades. Most are gone now, but St. Petersburg’s Sunken Gardens is better than ever after more than 100 years.

Starting in 1911, George Turner Sr., a plumber and avid gardener, drained a lake in a sinkhole and used the rich soil to plant fruit trees, flowering bushes and even Royal Palm trees. Visitors began paying him a nickel to see it.

Well, the ticket price has gone up, but many of the original plants and trees are still there. In 1999, the city saved the attraction, which is now open seven days a week right in downtown St. Petersburg.

Winding trails offer exquisite vistas past manmade waterfalls, over arched bridges with views of koi ponds and orchids. There is a flock of flamingoes and colorful parrots and macaws.

You can see it all at a leisurely pace in an hour. Many of the plants and trees are not uncommon; if you’re a Florida gardener, you’ll recognize many.

The admission ($15 adults; $12 seniors; $6 children) may seem steep for many visitors. But garden lovers will find it worth it. In addition, there’s a good chance of getting a discount ticket via Groupon , as we did: $18 for two.

Sunken Gardens 1825 Fourth St. North, St. Petersburg (727) 551-3102

Taste Old Florida at Ted Peters Smoked Fish

Located in St. Pete since 1951, Ted Peters Smoked Fish is run by the fifth generation of the founders, who keep the fish-smoking flame alive.

Ted Peters didn’t invent smoked fish dip; he made it famous. His innovation was putting the smoking operation right out front, where the smell would attract folks to stop on their way to and from the beach. The quality of his fish dip and his German potato side dish remain big draws over the decades. It’s also famous: It has been featured in media coverage from Guy Fieri’s Diners, Drive-ins, and Dives to the New York Times.

You can get the fish dip take-out from the bar or buy pieces of smoked fish by the pound from the separate smoking house. In summer 2024, the price of to-go fish dip is a bargain at $5.99 for a half pint. (The equivalent container of smoked fish dip sold at my local Publix is at least $9.99.)

Outdoor seating for the restaurant operation is an inexpensive meal, starting with $7.59 hamburgers. But come prepared: Ted Peters is a cash-only business .

Ted Peters Smoked Fish 1350 Pasadena Ave. South, St. Petersburg (727) 381-7931

Take the African American Heritage Trail for history & good food

This historically black neighborhood, which dates to the dark days of segregation in St. Pete, was centered around “The Deuces,” the nickname for 22nd Street South.

Today, there is a walking trail with 19 markers telling the story of the neighborhood from its pioneers through the Civil Rights era of the 1960s.

The tour starts at the Carter Woodson African American Museum, a free museum currently offering an exhibit on “The Right To Swim.”

A popular restaurant that makes a good stop in the neighborhood: Lorene’s Fish and Crab House is known for its fried fish and sides like collard greens and mac-and-cheese.

Dr. Carter G. Woodson African American Museum 2240 Ninth Ave. South, St. Petersburg (727) 323-1104

Lorene’s Fish and Crab House 927 22nd St. South, St. Petersburg (727) 321-7297

Visit the Vinoy, a grand hotel from the 1920s

The Vinoy is one of those big pink Mediterranean Revival hotels so popular in the early boom years of Florida development. It has a tower and the sort of architectural detail that suggests a European palace.

Built in 1925, it was popular with the rich and famous – from Presidents Calvin Coolidge and Herbert Hoover back in the day, through Marilyn Monroe and Joe DiMaggio and on to George Clooney and Brad Pitt.

Inside the Vinoy you’ll find magnificent spaces and craftsmanship. A glass chandelier by artist Dale Chihuly hangs in the grand ballroom and everything from the floor tiles to the vintage appearance of the lobby elevators reminds you of its heritage.

You’re welcome to walk through the lobby and admire the place, and don’t miss the museum-like history display at the south end of the lobby. A timeline tells the story of the Vinoy, including how it closed as a hotel and housed troops during World War II. There are examples of its original china and many historic postcards from St. Pete’s glory days.

One story I found fascinating is how over the years, the Vinoy deteriorated and tastes changed, until, in 1974, its last season before an 18-year closure, room rates fell to $7 a night. The Vinoy sat vacant until it reopened in 1992 after a $93 million renovation. The rates are a bit higher now: A room for $320 is an off-season bargain.

The Vinoy was a major spur to downtown development in St. Petersburg, where once sleepy Beach Drive is now filled with restaurants and bars and people.

The Vinoy Renaissance St. Petersburg Resort & Golf Club 450 Seventh Ave Northeast, St. Petersburg  (727) 894-1000

Here’s another way to experience the glamour of the Vinoy: Tours and high tea are offered at 2 p.m. Thursday through Sunday by reservation ($140 per person for at least two people). Reserve at 727-404-5251. Tours are open to the public.

Stroll downtown to see historic buildings

Downtown St. Petersburg is a very walkable place full of vintage buildings, many repurposed for modern use. We enjoyed a private walking tour by Tour St. Pete , with an informative guide who is a long-time volunteer at the St. Petersburg Museum of History. (Price was $25 per person.)

You can easily do your own tour using the excellent free audio tours from the Florida Humanities Council, which you can download here .

We loved all the historic buildings, but my favorites are the 1916 Open Air Post Office and the 1928 Snell building and arcade , which are next door to each other on Fourth Street South between Central Avenue and First Avenue North.

Both are highly decorative Mediterranean Revival buildings. The 1916 Open Air Post Office is modeled after a 1419 children’s hospital designed by famous Italian artist Filippo Brunelleschi. (It’s remarkably similar; Brunelleschi is most famous for designing the dome of the cathedral in Florence.)

The post office was completely open air, right up to 1969, and the St. Pete tourism promotion machine made sure everyone in America knew that St. Pete was so warm and sunny that its post office could be open air.

Located across the alley, the Snell Building has a lovely arcade, once even grander. (Look for the tile mosaic of Venice on the western wall; it’s the last of many originally there.) Also notice the glass bricks in the sidewalk: They light the building’s rare basement.

1916 Open Air Post Office 3135 First Ave. North, St. Petersburg (800) 275-8777

Snell Building and Arcade 405 Central Avenue

Hang out on the St. Pete Pier

The first pier in St. Petersburg dated to 1889 and over the years, piers have served many purposes and had several iterations.

The newest pier design opened in 2020 and it has more shade, recreation, art, activities and transportation options than in the past, winning widespread accolades and recognition.

While the pier is all new, there are two things that Old Florida fans will want to see here.

First, the St. Petersburg Museum of History, founded in 1922 is located at the start of the half-mile-long pier.

Second, farther down the pier, there is a monument and extensive markers telling the story of the Benoist Airboat, considered the world’s first airliner. It began service here in 1914 with a 23-minute flight 21 miles across the bay to Tampa. Tickets were $5 each way. Much more about the airboat (we’d call it a seaplane) is found in the Museum of History.

In front of the history museum are two things I loved: A statue of a newsboy and a green bench. Both represent icons special to St. Petersburg. The newsboy references the famous offer by the Evening Independent that it would give away the newspaper free on any day the sun doesn’t shine – a promotion gimmick that worked beautifully to forever link the idea of St. Pete and sunshine.

The green bench, of course, references the famous benches that lined St. Petersburg streets by the thousands. Originally popular with tourists, after World War II the benches were more often filled with bored looking gray-haired retirees and came to epitomize the image of St. Pete as a geriatric destination.

Late-night comedian Johnny Carson made fun of St. Pete, where he said old-age tonic Geritol was on tap, and where the city catered not to the “newly-wed, but to the nearly dead.”

The benches were quietly “disappeared” by the 1970s, and the one in front at the base of St. Pete’s Pier is your rare opportunity to sit in one.

While you’re at the pier, here are a few tips:

• You’ll end up parking downtown (here’s parking information ), so when you get to the pier, which is a half-mile long, it’s good to know there is a free shuttle that goes up and down the pier every 10 minutes making four stops.
• The structure at the end has a restaurant, Teak , with absolutely dazzling views. We got drinks and fish tacos at the open-air bar at the top level. It’s pricey but you cannot beat the views of both the skyline and the bay. The Teak restaurant accepts reservations; the rooftop bar does not and there can be a wait during busy times. Going 5-ish on a summer weekday, we were able to get a good table in the shade immediately but a bit later others had to wait. Other waterfront alternatives on the pier are  Doc Ford’s Rum Bar and   Fresco’s Waterfront Bistro .
• Take your time exploring the pier; there’s a lot to see. For example, that big fish net overhead is an art installation composed of 180 miles of twine called “Bending Arc” by Janet Echelman. (Go under it and look at the sky through it.) There is also a beach here, a playground and a splash-pad water for kids.
• For another Old Florida experience, you can take a tour boat from the pier to historic Egmont Key in the mouth of Tampa Bay. We visited it (via Fort De Soto Park) and wrote about Egmont Key here for Florida Rambler . The Pelican’s boat ride is an hour long; it goes past the St. Petersburg skyline and under the Sunshine Skyway.  Here’s more about the Pelican tour to Egmont Key , which costs $59 for adults; $39 for kids.

St. Pete Pier 600 Second Ave Northeast, St. Petersburg (727) 822-7437

More things to do in St. Petersburg

Remember how I said I wanted to go to museums? Well, in St. Pete, you have a vast choice. Here’s a Florida Rambler story on the many excellent museums that have opened .  

We went to the newest addition: the Museum of the American Arts and Crafts Movement , which opened in fall 2021 in an eye-popping five-story building with a grand atrium full of natural light and a spiral staircase that is itself a work of art.

We’ve made more than one visit to the Dali Museum , which I love, even though I’m not even a fan of Salvador Dali’s works. Next time we visit, we’ll see the The James Museum of Western and Wildlife Art or perhaps the Imagine Museum or the Chihuly Collection or the Museum of Fine Art St Petersburg , all of which get excellent reviews. (This is one thing that makes St. Petersburg a good place to visit in the summer; there are so many excellent indoor activities.)

We enjoyed local craft beer everywhere we went; St. Pete is a great beer town. Here’s a Florida Rambler story on how to sample local beers and local art. Arts & Brew walk: Explore St. Petersburg brewpubs and galleries

More things to do in St. Petersburg area

Dunedin: Delightful biking, breweries, beaches & more

Safety Harbor Spa: Healing waters are star of charming town

Pass-A-Grille: Top beach; charming old town in St. Pete Beach

Fort De Soto Park is Tampa Bay treasure

Best camping near Tampa Bay: 9 choice campgrounds

Paddleboarding Tampa Bay area: 5 awesome destinations

Frog Creek: Little-known Tampa Bay kayak trail

Egmont Key: 5 things I love about this wild island

Emerson Point Preserve: Four reasons to discover this jewel in Palmetto

Hillsborough River State Park adds ‘glam’ to its camping options

The author, Bonnie Gross, travels with her husband David Blasco, discovering off-the-beaten path places to hike, kayak, bike, swim and explore. Florida Rambler was founded in 2010 by Bonnie and fellow journalist Bob Rountree, two long-time Florida residents who have spent decades exploring the Florida outdoors. Their articles have been published in the Sun Sentinel, the Miami Herald, the Orlando Sentinel, The Guardian and Visit Florida.

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Janice Taylor

Tuesday 1st of August 2023

Chief's Creole Cafe closed in April, 2023.

Bonnie Gross

Thank you! We'll update.

Saturday 16th of July 2022

Bonnie, I always enjoy your informative and fun articles and pictures.

Friday 15th of July 2022

Bonnie, I have really enjoyed reading your articles, especially the one about Egmont Key. We live in Tampa but in August go to Pass-A-Grille to explore the other side of Tampa Bay. I have never been to Ft. De Soto, so this time will make sure we do it and visit the Egmont Island. Ted Peters Smoked Fish is also on my list. I am very happy I came across your site. This is fun.

Monday 4th of July 2022

As always, so informative and interesting! We've been to St Pete several times and have missed most of these places. The Dr. Carter Woodson museum is worth visiting and Chief's Creole Cafe was splendid.

alton l foreman

St. Pete and it's beaches are a hidden gem but now they have been discovered..

This post includes affiliate links from which Florida Rambler may earn a modest commission if a purchase is made. This revenue directly supports the creation of original content for your enjoyment.

The St. Pete Pier™

It’s more than just a PIER. It’s an exPIERience.

Welcome to the new St. Pete Pier! This gleaming new attraction on the city’s picturesque waterfront promises limitless fun for everyone, from first-time visitors to long-time residents. Its 26 beautiful acres seamlessly combine the peaceful blue waters of Tampa Bay with the vibrant greenery of downtown St. Petersburg’s parks, creating the ultimate place to stroll, bike, dine, drink, shop, swim, take in a concert and more. So get together with your family and friends and visit. It’s time to soak up some fun under the warm Florida sun!

RESERVATIONS ARE NOT REQUIRED TO VISIT THE ST. PETE PIER

Discovery Center and Wet Classroom

This must-experience facility is run by Tampa Bay Watch , a highly respected environmental organization dedicated to the protection and restoration of the Tampa Bay estuary. In this unique learning outpost, you’ll interact with exhibits in a climate-controlled indoor classroom, as well as an outdoor wet classroom and observation deck.

Bending Arc

Internationally renowned artist and Tampa Bay native Janet Echelman has created one of her famous billowing net sculptures to dazzle Pier visitors. “Bending Arc” measures a massive 72 feet at its highest point and 424 feet at its widest – required 180 miles of twine and more than 1.5 million knots. The artist titled the sculpture Bending Arc in reference to MLK’s words: “The arc of the moral universe is long, but it bends toward justice.”

Marketplace

Located just past the Pier’s Welcome Plaza, the Marketplace features an array of independent vendors selling unique items in kiosks and 10’x10’ tents. A solar roof structure provides shade as you browse the selections and meet the sellers.

Building an award-winning exPIERience

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Parking in St. Petersburg

Those who aren’t fortunate enough to have their own driveways or designated spots at their office buildings must find or make accommodations to park their cars and get to where they need to go. St. Petersburg parking facilities allow anyone driving in the city to park their cars downtown with no hassle for a fixed daily or monthly fee. Rates may be further reduced depending upon where one parks inside the garage.

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• ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT

Rapper, DJ Fatman Scoop dead at 53 after collapsing on stage in Connecticut

HAMDEN, Conn. -- Fatman Scoop, who topped charts in Europe with "Be Faithful" two decades ago and later contributed to hits by other artists, died after collapsing on stage at a show Friday in Connecticut, according to officials and his family. He was 53.

The cause of his death wasn't immediately clear.

He was performing at Hamden Town Center Park when he collapsed Friday evening, town chief of staff Sean Grace said Saturday. Mayor Lauren Garrett posted on Facebook that he had a medical emergency. Concertgoers and paramedics tried to aid the artist, who was taken to a hospital, she wrote.

His family wrote in an Instagram post Saturday that "the world lost a radiant soul, a beacon on stage and in life."

If the world knew him as an artist who got clubgoers moving, his family cherished him as "the laughter in our lives, a constant source of support, unwavering strength and courage," his relatives wrote.

"His music made us dance and embrace life with positivity. His joy was infectious and the generosity he extended to all will be deeply missed but never forgotten," they added.

Fatman Scoop, born Isaac Freeman III, was from New York City's Harlem neighborhood and broke out with 1999's "Be Faithful." What started as a minor success in the U.S. took off in Europe with a 2003 re-release, hitting No. 1 on the singles charts in the U.K. and Ireland.

The next year, he appeared on the U.K. television series "Chancers," in which musicians mentored artists who wanted to make it in the U.S., the BBC reported. He also was a contestant on "Celebrity Big Brother 16: UK vs USA," which was filmed in the U.K. and aired in 2015.

But Scoop -- sometimes stylized as Fat Man Scoop or FatMan Scoop -- was perhaps best known for his feature role on Missy Elliott's "Lose Control," a 2005 song of the summer that also featured Ciara. The track won a short-form music video Grammy at the 2006 award show.

The same year as "Lose Control," he was featured on Mariah Carey's "It's Like That." He also was featured on tracks from Timbaland, David Guetta, The Situation and Skrillex, among other artists. In 2018, he reunited with Elliott and Ciara for a remix of the latter's "Level Up."

Elliott praised Scoop's "VOICE and energy" Saturday on X, saying he had contributed to many songs that made people happy over more than two decades.

"Your IMPACT is HUGE & will be NEVER be forgotten," she added.

His longtime booking agency, MN2S, described him as an artist with "boundless enthusiasm," a passion for music and a voice and personality that "made an indelible mark on the industry."

His MN2S representative, Sharron Elkabas, said in a statement Saturday that she had spoken to him a few days earlier.

"He was in such good spirits. It's hard to believe he is no longer with us," she said.

Associated Press writer Mallika Sen contributed.

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• ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT

Rapper, DJ Fatman Scoop dead at 53 after collapsing on stage in Connecticut

HAMDEN, Conn. -- Fatman Scoop, who topped charts in Europe with "Be Faithful" two decades ago and later contributed to hits by other artists, died after collapsing on stage at a show Friday in Connecticut, according to officials and his family. He was 53.

The cause of his death wasn't immediately clear.

He was performing at Hamden Town Center Park when he collapsed Friday evening, town chief of staff Sean Grace said Saturday. Mayor Lauren Garrett posted on Facebook that he had a medical emergency. Concertgoers and paramedics tried to aid the artist, who was taken to a hospital, she wrote.

His family wrote in an Instagram post Saturday that "the world lost a radiant soul, a beacon on stage and in life."

If the world knew him as an artist who got clubgoers moving, his family cherished him as "the laughter in our lives, a constant source of support, unwavering strength and courage," his relatives wrote.

"His music made us dance and embrace life with positivity. His joy was infectious and the generosity he extended to all will be deeply missed but never forgotten," they added.

Fatman Scoop, born Isaac Freeman III, was from New York City's Harlem neighborhood and broke out with 1999's "Be Faithful." What started as a minor success in the U.S. took off in Europe with a 2003 re-release, hitting No. 1 on the singles charts in the U.K. and Ireland.

The next year, he appeared on the U.K. television series "Chancers," in which musicians mentored artists who wanted to make it in the U.S., the BBC reported. He also was a contestant on "Celebrity Big Brother 16: UK vs USA," which was filmed in the U.K. and aired in 2015.

But Scoop -- sometimes stylized as Fat Man Scoop or FatMan Scoop -- was perhaps best known for his feature role on Missy Elliott's "Lose Control," a 2005 song of the summer that also featured Ciara. The track won a short-form music video Grammy at the 2006 award show.

The same year as "Lose Control," he was featured on Mariah Carey's "It's Like That." He also was featured on tracks from Timbaland, David Guetta, The Situation and Skrillex, among other artists. In 2018, he reunited with Elliott and Ciara for a remix of the latter's "Level Up."

Elliott praised Scoop's "VOICE and energy" Saturday on X, saying he had contributed to many songs that made people happy over more than two decades.

"Your IMPACT is HUGE & will be NEVER be forgotten," she added.

His longtime booking agency, MN2S, described him as an artist with "boundless enthusiasm," a passion for music and a voice and personality that "made an indelible mark on the industry."

His MN2S representative, Sharron Elkabas, said in a statement Saturday that she had spoken to him a few days earlier.

"He was in such good spirits. It's hard to believe he is no longer with us," she said.

Associated Press writer Mallika Sen contributed.

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• CONNECTICUT
• MEDICAL EMERGENCY
• CELEBRITY DEATHS
• U.S. & WORLD

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Our Trolley Guests Have Spoken!

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Old Town Trolley Tours of Savannah 4.6

Parking Information For Old Town Trolley Savannah

ONE SIMPLIFIED PARKING EXPERIENCE

Getting to the trolley by car? Awesome! Here’s a handy guide that’ll help you figure out where to park. By comparing locations and prices you’ll be able to determine the perfect spot for you and your family to start off your day, saving you time and a few headaches along the way.

Use Our Interactive Map

• Select the stop you’ll be starting at
• Click on the parking button to see all the parking areas closest to that stop
• Select your parking location and click on “get directions”
• Navigate using Google Maps and your location services

Click here to use interactive map

Parking Recommendations

Below is a list of available parking locations near all of our tour stops. Please note that these are not managed by Old Town Trolley, and prices are subject to change.

Visitors Center Parking Lot Address: 301 Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd. The first hour is free and then it’s $1 per hour for each hour after that. There’s a meter for guests to enter their license plate number and pay. We are happy to provide complimentary parking for our ticket holders. Space is limited and is on a first come first served basis. See in Google Maps

Liberty Street Parking Garage Address: 401 West Liberty Street Location: Liberty & Montgomery Streets Sunday-Friday: 5am until 1am • Saturday: 5am to 3am. Daily Rates: $1.00 per hour; maximum $10.00. Evening Rates: Monday-Friday: 6pm till closing: flat rate of $2.00. Weekend rates: 5am Saturday until 3am Sunday: Flat rate of $1.00 per day. 5am Sunday until 1am Monday: Flat rate of $1.00 per day. See in Google Maps

No metered parking available in this area.

Exclusive Stop: Old Town Trolley Welcome Center Address: 214 West Boundary Street We are happy to provide complimentary parking for our ticket holders. Space is limited and is on a first come first served basis. See in Google Maps

Stops # 4, 5, 6, 7

Metered parking is available in the Historic District and varies from $1.00 to $2.00 per hour depending on the street. 8am – 8pm Monday to Saturday. Sunday is free.

Limited free parking.

City Market Metered parking and pay station space pricing varies.

Whitaker Street Parking Garage Address: 7 Whitaker Street Location: Whitaker just past Bay Lane Hours of Operation: 24 hours a day/7 days a week. See in Google Maps

Robinson Garage Address: 132 Montgomery Street Location: York and Montgomery Streets Hours of Operation: 24 hours a day/7 days a week. Daily Rate: $1.00 per hour; maximum $10.00 per day. Evening Rates: Monday-Friday: 6pm to 7am: Flat rate of $2.00 before 6pm. Weekend rates: 7am Saturday until 7am Sunday with a flat rate of $3.00 per day. 7am Sunday until 7am Monday with a flat rate of $3.00 per day. See in Google Maps

Metered parking available.

There are 3 small parking lots along River Street. Parking can be problematic in this area. You may take advantage of parking up on Bay Street. Metered parking and Pay Station space pricing varies. When parking for the Ghosts & Gravestones Tour , keep in mind that the intersection of Lincoln Street and Bay Street offer the closest parking.

Lincoln Parking Garage Location: 20 Lincoln Street See in Google Maps

Parking at Meters and Pay Station spaces are free Monday – Friday after 5 p.m. and free all day on Saturday & Sunday.

State Street Parking Garage Address: 100 East State Street Location: State & Abercorn Streets Hours of Operation: Sunday-Friday: 5am to 1am; Saturday: 5am to 5pm. Daily Rate: $1.00 per hour; maximum $10.00. Evening Rate: Monday-Friday: 6pm til closing: Flat rate of $2.00 before 6pm. Weekend rates: 5am Saturday until 5am Sunday: Flat rate of $3.00 per day. 5am Sunday until 1am Monday: Flat rate of $1.00 per day. See in Google Maps