Discover St. Pete’s Hidden History

Preserve the 'Burg's guided walking tours take guests on a detailed tour of downtown St. Petersburg and its historic neighborhoods. Participants see the jewels of St. Pete’s past while learning about the founding of St. Petersburg and its historic architecture. You are sure to have fun with our experienced tour leaders who come from varying backgrounds and each offer a special perspective on what makes St. Pete special!

Tour Details 

PTB's regular tour season extends from October through April with tours offered each Saturday. Tours start at 10 A.M. except for the third Saturday Gulfport tour that starts at 3 pm. Tours are a leisurely stroll with numerous stops, lasting approximately 2 hours. PTB also offers during the tour season a twice monthly one-hour downtown morning tour. During the warm summer months (May - September), evening tours are offered on select dates. Please check the calendar page for tour dates or send a message to us asking to be put on our email list to receive notices of upcoming tours.

PTB also hosts monthly bike tours!  

Join us for a Bicycles, Buildings and Neighborhoods bike tour! Don't have your own bike?  Coast Bike Share has you covered!  Check our calendar for tour dates, routes and meeting locations. We ride at a leisurely pace with a stop mid-point.  Tour is between 2-3hrs.  PTB is a Silver Level Bicycle Friendly Business recognized by the League of American Bicyclists!  

To download the Preserve the 'Burg tour brochure, click here.

Tour Schedule (October - April)

Specific details about upcoming tours are found on the calendar. Basic tour descriptions are below. 

"Original" Downtown Historic Walking Tour

Date: First Saturday of the Month at 10a.m.
Meeting Point: At the SE corner of 1st Ave. S & 1st St., next to the Saturday Morning Market entrance.
Description: Take a trip through historic downtown St. Pete seeing grand hotels, stately churches, and architectural treasures like the Snell Arcade, the Open Air Post Office, and Williams Park. See examples of how history is successfully being put  back to use while hearing stories about the founding of St. Pete.  (1.5-2hrs)

The Historic Waterfront Walking Tour
Date: Second Saturday of the Month at 10 a.m.
Meeting Point: At the SE corner of 1st Ave. S & 1st St., next to the Saturday Morning Market entrance
Description: Learn about the civic visionaries who transformed a working waterfront into one of the largest waterfront park systems in the country. In addition to seeing some of the best of the past, tour goers will also have a chance to learn about some of the newest buildings gracing the waterfront and what the city has done to encourage good design in those buildings.  (1.5-2hrs)

Historic Gulfport Walking Tour 
Date: Third Saturday of the Month at 3 p.m.
Meeting Point: Gulfport History Museum, 5301 28th Ave. S., Gulfport, FL.
Description: Stroll through funky, artistic and historic Gulfport, for a tour that looks at this small town on Boca Ceiga Bay and its collection of historic commercial & residential structures. Tour will be led by a Gulfport local, proud of their small town. (2hrs)

Westward Ho to Historic Kenwood Tour 
Date: Fourth Saturday of the Month at 10 a.m.
Meeting Point: Craftsman House Gallery and Cafe, 2955 Central Ave.
Description: Enjoy the feel & character of Historic Kenwood, one of the country’s premier bungalow neighborhoods on this historic tour, led by residents who love to talk about their special neighborhood. The tours typically include a peek inside one of the neighborhood’s restored bungalows. After the tour, guests can choose to enjoy a drink or lunch on the wonderful front deck at the Craftsman House, an ‘airplane’ bungalow and the neighborhood’s original model home.  (1.5-2hrs)

Historic Neighborhood Walking Tour 
Date: Fifth Saturday of the Month at 10 a.m.
Meeting Point: Check our calendar for details. 
Description: St. Pete is lucky to have a collection of traditional and historic neighborhoods that have maintained their character and sense of place.  PTB offers tours through many of these special neighborhoods on a rotating basis.  (1.5-2hrs)

Cost

Walking tours are free to PTB members and just $10 for non-members and guests. 

Bicycle tours are $15 for PTB member and $25 for non-members and guests.  This fee includes a Coast Bike Share rental should you need a bicycle. You are welcome to ride your own bicycle. 

The non-member walking tour fee may be applied toward membership if you choose to join that day.   Interested in membership to Preserve the 'Burg? 

Reservations or more info

Online reservations are recommended as many tours fill. Payment is preferred online but can be made at tour via cash or credit card.  For information on upcoming tours and to verify starting location or other details, check our calendar and register before the tour fills!  

Private Tours

Need a private tour for your school, conference attendees, or other group? Private Tours are customized to meet your group’s individual needs and can be conducted on a bus, trolley, or as a walking tour. To arrange a private tour send an email or leave a message on our phone line at (727) 824-7802.