St. Petersburg: Downtown Golf Cart Tour & Local Art Stops

Summary

Art, history & waterfront life on a St. Pete golf cart ride

You’ll ride through downtown St. Pete in a comfy golf cart with a local guide, stopping for waterfront views, colorful murals, and quiet parks. Expect stories you won’t find online, surprise art moments, and that feeling of being part of the city instead of just passing through.

What’s the experience like?

I’d never been in a street-legal golf cart before, let alone one cruising through downtown St. Petersburg with music playing and the breeze tangling my hair. Our guide, Chris, had this easy way of pointing out things you’d never notice on your own—like how the banyan trees at North Straub Park look almost like they’re hugging each other, or the way the old Studebaker factory’s bricks still hold onto the Florida heat. I kept catching whiffs of salty air mixed with fresh-cut grass as we zipped between parks and murals.

We stopped for a bit at the St. Pete Pier—there was a guy fishing off the edge who nodded at us like we were regulars. The view out over Tampa Bay was all bright blue and sailboats; I tried to take a photo but honestly it didn’t do it justice. Chris told us about Salvador Dalí’s mustache (which apparently had its own rules?) as we rolled past the museum’s wild glass curves. I kept thinking how weirdly peaceful it felt to see so much art and water in one afternoon, without ever having to look for parking or worry about traffic lights.

The best part might’ve been when we passed through Old Northeast—oak trees arching overhead, neighbors waving from their porches like they knew us. At some point I realized we’d covered half the city without breaking a sweat or missing any of those little details you only get from someone who lives here. Oh, and there was this moment at Gizella Kopsick Palm Arboretum where everything just smelled green—hard to explain but it stuck with me.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Explore Downtown St. Pete Highlights

• Ride Deluxe Street Legal Golf Cart
• Explore Downtown St. Pete areas and art
• Cruise down Central Avenue
• Pass vibrant murals and cafes
• Learn about Chihuly Collection
• Stop at Tampa Bay Rays Stadium
• Pass old Studebaker factory
• Pass Albert Whitted Airport
• Pass Dali Museum
• Pass Mahaffey Theater
• Pass Rowdies Soccer Stadium
• Visit Benoist Park waterfront
• Stop at St. Pete Pier
• Pass Museum of Fine Arts
• Visit majestic banyan trees
• Stop at North Straub Park
• Pass St. Pete Yacht Club
• Pass Vinoy Renaissance Resort
• Cruise Vinoy Park waterfront
• Pass North Shore Park
• Pass Old Northeast neighborhood
• Cross bridge to Snell Isle island
• Visit Kopsick Arboretum
• Cruise Beach Drive downtown

Top questions

How long is the guided golf cart tour in St. Petersburg?

The tour duration isn’t specified exactly but covers multiple downtown neighborhoods with several stops for photos and breaks.

Is pickup included for the St. Pete sightseeing tour?

No hotel pickup; tours meet at The Hollander Hotel in downtown St. Pete.

What attractions are included on this golf cart tour?

You’ll pass or stop at places like Salvador Dalí Museum, Chihuly Collection, North Straub Park, St. Pete Pier, Gizella Kopsick Palm Arboretum, Old Northeast neighborhood, and more.

Are food or drinks provided during the tour?

You get unlimited water onboard plus discounts at certain cafes if you show proof of purchase from the tour.

Is this tour suitable for families with kids?

Yes—infants need a child safety seat; all ages are welcome if accompanied by an adult.

Can people with limited mobility join this golf cart tour?

The tour is suitable for most fitness levels but not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries or pregnant travelers.

Where can I park before joining the tour?

Street parking is available near The Hollander Hotel; pay at kiosks as needed.

What’s special about doing a day trip around St. Petersburg by golf cart?

You cover more ground than walking while getting up-close views of neighborhoods, art spots, parks, and waterfront areas—all with live commentary from a local guide.

What’s included

Your day includes meeting your licensed local driver-guide at The Hollander Hotel in downtown St. Pete before setting off in a deluxe street-legal golf cart equipped with Bluetooth stereo and comfy seats. You’ll have unlimited water onboard, use headsets to hear stories clearly as you cruise between stops (with time for bathroom breaks and plenty of photos), plus get discounts at local cafes when you show your booking confirmation—so yeah, lunch or coffee is sorted if you want it along the way.