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St. Petersburg Jungle Prada Site History Tour
5.0
464 Ratings
St. Petersburg
Embark on a historian-led walking tour of the Jungle Prada Site, home to the best-preserved American Indian mound in Tampa Bay. Discover the prehistoric Tocobaga village and the landing place of Pánfilo de Narváez’s expedition. Encounter wild peacocks and native plants, and uncover the hidden side of St. Petersburg, Florida!
Duration:
2 hours
Cancellation:
1 day
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Highlights
- St. Petersburg - The Jungle Prada Site is the best-preserved American Indian site in Tampa Bay. The highlight of our 75-minute guided Florida history tour is a huge Tocobaga Indian midden mound and adjoining village plaza. Hidden away in the historic neighborhood known as Jungle Prada, the main mound consists of tens of thousands of ancient conch and whelk shells, and is more than 900 feet long! The subtropical jungle landscape here is populated by dozens of beautiful free-roaming peacocks! The tour and the locations are loaded with Florida history that is explained in a vibrant and engaging way. In addition to learning about the lives of the Tocobaga Indians, you’ll also encounter the amazing story of Alvar Nunez Cabeza de Vaca, a Spanish conquistador who landed at the Jungle Prada with the 1528 Narvaez Expedition, and whose incredible journey of survival took him and three others from Florida all the way to the Pacific Ocean (1528 - 1536). If you are a Florida resident or a visitor interested in history and archaeology, the Jungle Prada Site Tour is a rewarding experience that will engage your mind and challenge your perceptions about the Sunshine State!
What's Included
- On-site parking available
- 75-minute guided tour led by a historian
What's Not Included
- Transportation to/from attraction
- Bottled water
Additional Information
The Jungle Prada Site History Tour is a historian-led walking tour of a private seaside garden and featuring the best-preserved American Indian mound in Tampa Bay. The Jungle Prada Site Complex is also thought to be the landing place of the 1528 expedition led by Pánfilo de Narváez, the survivors of which walked from Florida all the way to the Pacific Ocean (1528 – 1536). The privately-owned Anderson Mound has been lovingly preserved by members of the Anderson family for over 80 years.
You’ll meet wild peacocks, discover native plants used by the Tocobaga people, and explore a side of St. Petersburg, Florida you never knew existed!
Safety Statement:
Due to the historic nature of the property some surfaces are uneven. Please watch your step and use caution on the paths. Other potential risks include all those that naturally arise from walking through heavily wooded or natural areas.
- Pets are not allowed on the site
- Due to the historic nature of the property some surfaces are uneven. Please watch your step and always exercise caution. Other potential risks include all those that naturally arise from walking through heavily wooded areas.
Location
1700 Park St N
Park Street North
Take Park Street to the Jungle Prada building (corner of Park Street N. and Elbow Lane N.). Drive past the JP Tavern heading towards Boca Ciega Bay. Look for our A-frame sign and orange cones in the gravel parking area on your left. The entrance gate is at the end of that parking lot.
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Customer Ratings
5.0
(464 Ratings)
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Linda_i
Jul 29, 2024
Great tour - Our guide David was exceptional. So nice to do a tour when the person has a family history to the place. He was very nice, knowledgeable and funny. Everyone should do the tour!!
It was nice to learn the history of the area. I see the peacocks going to and from work every day. We even shared our knowledge of the peacocks from Seville, when clearwater mall now stands. David's presentation was great, love the old photos he found. I hope that the property always stays in his family. All should visit the Jungle Prada tour and please donate. I always wondered about the area, as I grew up in Clearwater and we would drive to St Pete to visit family. I always passed by his family's place but actually did not know it existed until I move to S Pasadena
Review provided by Viator
Michellehb2551sl
Jul 29, 2024
Very interesting tour with tons of varied and interesting info! - David does a great job. Very knowledgeable. Infectious enthusiasm. Articulate and friendly. A great way to enhance your visit to gulf shore Florida!
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466terril
Jul 25, 2024
St. Pete hidden gem - I'm a St. Pete native who loves to learn about the history of my area. I do several local walking or biking tours per year and this has become one of my favorites!! David, who leads the tour, is a great story teller and is quite knowledgeable about the history of our area and the Southeast in general. The property itself is an amazing slice of old Florida filled with historical artifacts. Added bonus are the peacocks that inhabit the property and like to show off!
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Amanda
Jul 25, 2024
Great experience - Great experience. Very interesting. Guide was super friendly and knowledgeable and willing to answer any questions.
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Ali_p
Jul 25, 2024
Educational and Great Atmosphere - Highly recommend! Our tour guide was very conscientious of his audience, and a font of knowledge. This property is a true gem with so much important history. It is a privilege to see. Left with a refreshed respect for our land caretakers.
Review provided by Viator
399phillipb
Jul 23, 2024
Great tour! - The history of this property and the Tampa area was really interesting! David is a great host and tour guide. We had a great visit and would highly recommend!
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Ami778
Jul 11, 2024
A fantastic visit to "old" Florida. - Our 16 yr old granddaughter was visiting and we thought this would be an outdoor event she would appreciate. Well, were we surprised! The 3 of us were like sponges, so immersed in Brians' talk, walk and explanation through stories about old Florida, the Tocaboca Indians, old pottery, tools, plant identification, etc. It was a hot day but being under the canapy of old Florida foliage, we were comfortable. We would recommend this to everyone because there is so much to see and love and learn, and right on the cool bay waters.
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Dixie
Jul 1, 2024
Excellent - Awesome! So informative on lots of history! The experience in a whole was great. You just got to go! I know I'm going back.
Review provided by Viator
Natalia
Jun 26, 2024
Yes worth it! Do this! - Fantastic! For history lovers or any life long learners! Learn history from an expert in a fun engaging way. Visit the small museum. Loved this!
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Jim_m
Jun 24, 2024
Great time and worthwhile - It was very enjoyable and David, our tour guide, was excellent and knowledgeable. We purchased some Chi tea and now have a new morning tea.
Review provided by Viator