St. Pete Pier | St Petersburg

The St. Pete Pier is a sprawling waterfront destination located in downtown St. Petersburg, Florida, offering a variety of attractions and activities for both locals and tourists. The pier has undergone a significant transformation, reopening in 2020 after an extensive redesign. It spans 26 acres and extends out into Tampa Bay, making it a central hub for recreation, dining, shopping, and cultural experiences. Here’s a detailed breakdown of what you can expect when visiting the St. Pete Pier:

Location and Access

Address: 800 2nd Ave NE, St. Petersburg, FL 33701

Hours: Open daily, from 30 minutes before sunrise until 11:00 PM.

Parking: The pier features 500 on-site parking spaces, and there is also bike parking. For those traveling by public transport, the Downtown Looper trolley stops at the pier, and the Central Avenue Trolley also provides easy access.

Key Features and Attractions

1. Dining and Restaurants

The St. Pete Pier is home to a wide range of dining options, from casual bites to upscale dining experiences. Here are some notable spots:

Perry’s Porch: A restaurant offering an outdoor dining experience with beautiful bay views. Perry’s Porch serves dishes like trufflekopita, bucatini with bolognese, and fresh seafood. It’s open from 7 AM to 10 PM (9 PM on Sundays). The morning menu includes coffee and pastries, while lunch and dinner feature a variety of flavorful options.

Teak: This upscale seafood restaurant offers panoramic views of the water and specializes in fresh, sustainable seafood dishes, cocktails, and local brews.

Pier Teaki: A rooftop bar perfect for tropical drinks and enjoying sunset views over the bay. It’s ideal for relaxing while enjoying the ambiance.

Driftwood Café: Located at the end of the pier, Driftwood Café offers coffee, sandwiches, and gelato in a casual setting, making it a perfect stop for a quick bite.

Doc Ford’s Rum Bar & Grille: A Caribbean-inspired restaurant that specializes in seafood dishes and rum-based cocktails, providing a vibrant atmosphere by the water.

Fresco’s Waterfront Bistro: A laid-back spot with a spacious wrap-around deck offering seafood and brunch options, ideal for enjoying a meal with a view.

2. Art and Culture

The St. Pete Pier is a cultural hub, featuring public art installations and local history exhibits.

Bending Arc Sculpture: A striking 72-foot-tall netted sculpture designed by artist Janet Echelman, inspired by barnacle colonies and the natural environment of Tampa Bay. Although it was temporarily removed after hurricane damage, the sculpture remains one of the pier’s key art pieces.

Benoist Centennial Plaza: A life-size sculpture of the Benoist Airboat, which commemorates the first commercial flight across Tampa Bay in 1914, adding a historical touch to the pier’s artistic offerings.

Marketplace: The pier features an open-air market with independent local vendors selling artwork, crafts, and unique items. It provides a great place to pick up a souvenir or just explore what local artists have to offer.

3. Family-Friendly Activities

The St. Pete Pier is designed to be an inclusive space for families, with plenty of activities for kids and adults alike.

Glazer Family Playground: A colorful playground designed for children of all ages. It includes slides, swings, and climbing structures, offering a safe and exciting place for kids to play.

Majeed Foundation Splash Pad: A fun and interactive water feature with vertical jets of water. It’s a great place for kids to cool off on a hot day, especially during the warmer months.

Spa Beach: A sandy beach area where visitors can relax, sunbathe, or swim. It's a small but relaxing spot for those who want to enjoy the water without leaving the city.

Fishing Deck: For anglers, there’s a spacious deck designed for fishing, with gear available for rent or purchase at nearby shops. It’s an ideal spot for fishing enthusiasts to try their luck.

Tampa Bay Watch Discovery Center: An educational center that focuses on the ecosystem of Tampa Bay. It features interactive exhibits designed to teach visitors about the bay's environment, marine life, and conservation efforts.

4. Shopping and Events

The pier also serves as a venue for shopping and events.

Local Vendors: The Marketplace on the pier hosts several independent vendors who sell unique handmade goods, from crafts to jewelry and local art.

Events: The St. Pete Pier is a hub for cultural and community events, including live music performances, yoga classes, and outdoor movies. There are over 80 events held throughout the year, making it a dynamic place for entertainment.

5. Sustainability and Environmental Design

The St. Pete Pier was designed with sustainability in mind, incorporating environmentally friendly features into its layout.

Solar Panels: The pier includes solar-powered structures, such as market canopies and parking canopies, helping to generate renewable energy and reduce the environmental footprint.

Breakwaters: The pier is equipped with new breakwaters to protect the surrounding seagrass beds and enhance the restoration of Spa Beach. These breakwaters help mitigate erosion and provide a natural habitat for marine life.

Climate Resilience: The pier was constructed with future sea level rise in mind, with the highest points of the pier situated 11 inches above projected levels for 2100. This ensures the pier remains accessible and safe for future generations.

6. Accessibility

The St. Pete Pier is designed to be fully accessible to all visitors. Wide, paved paths, trams, and other accommodations ensure that people of all ages and abilities can enjoy the pier. The tram service runs the length of the pier, making it easy for visitors to navigate from one end to the other.

Conclusion

The St. Pete Pier is more than just a pier—it’s a vibrant destination offering something for everyone. Whether you’re visiting for a relaxing stroll, enjoying delicious meals with a view, taking in local art, or exploring the educational centers, there’s no shortage of things to do. The pier’s stunning views, diverse dining options, family-friendly activities, and commitment to sustainability make it one of the best places to visit in St. Petersburg, FL. Whether you’re a local resident or a tourist, the St. Pete Pier provides a memorable experience for all.