About
If you're a skeptic, you may yawn in boredom at the idea of visiting a pier on your vacation. But as the website for the St. Pete Pier claims, "It's more than just a PIER. It's an exPIERience."
Before we prove this point, let's explore the structure's history.
It all started in 1889 with the Orange Belt Railway's first Railroad Pier, built to move railcars across the water and make the city a valuable port. Throughout the years, different piers took their place. Some handled freight and travel, others created space for leisure, and all left their mark.
One that stands out in recent years is the "Inverted Pyramid," finished in 1973. This five-story, upside-down design was famous for its time. It drew crowds with shops, an aquarium, miniature golf, and a restaurant. But like the prior piers, it closed in 2013, and the city knew something fresh was needed.
The "something fresh" is today's St. Pete Pier, which opened in 2020. As stated earlier, "It's more than just a PIER. It's an exPIERience."
The 26-acre facility is jam-packed with places to discover, including green lawns, art displays, children's play fountains, and a variety of restaurants and snack spots.
Fishing gets its own deck, and the market area attracts locals and vacationers alike. And since the pier is near other landmarks, like The Dali Museum, you can combine multiple attractions into a one-day sightseeing adventure.
Whether a skeptic or eager to explore new places, St. Pete Pier is worth adding to any Tampa vacation itinerary. If you're still skeptical, please read on!
St. Pete Pier: Fun Facts & Cool Features
What makes this landmark unique is that it's a collection of attractions worth exploring in their own right. A prime example is the St. Petersburg Museum of History. Known locally as SPMOH, it's jam-packed with rotating and permanent exhibits and hosts special events.
The arts shape the visual landscape of St.Pete Pier, with works like The Bending Arc. This massive net sculpture, designed by renowned artist Janet Echelman, floats over the park. It's a mesmerizing, shape-shifting display that billows with the changing winds.
The Discovery Center is another popular attraction. As part of Tampa Bay Watch, this immersive exhibit features a display and touch tank filled with local fish and sea creatures found in the bay. For the ultimate adventure, book one of the various water and wildlife tours.
When the kids need to cool off, head to the Majeed Foundation Splash Pad. Located near Pier Plaza, this water park will entertain for hours with its jets and fountains.
Speaking of food and drinks, you're never far from being refreshed. Fresco's Waterfront Bistro is near the pier's entrance, serving lunch, dinner, and weekend brunch with breathtaking views of the bay. On the opposite end of the dock is Teak, which features a rooftop bar, Pier Tieki, offering picture-perfect views of Tampa and the surrounding waters.
Last but not least is the Fishing Deck that's at the tip of the pier. This spot is perfect for anglers to cast a line into the bay's deeper waters.
While we've only highlighted a few exciting features of this attraction, we hope your skepticism has waned and that you'll agree with the website's claim that "It's more than just a PIER. It's an exPIERience."
Local Tips
- Arrive early on weekends to find the best parking spots.
- To avoid parking, use the free tram services.
- Check the pier's event calendar for concerts, yoga classes, and markets.
- You'll need a Florida fishing license to cast lines from the Fishing Deck.
