St. Pete Pier — Attraction in Saint Petersburg

I think of this place as a great outdoor park. Anytime I visit St. Pete I leave time for a walk on the pier.

There are clean bathrooms easily available. A good deal of space for everyone. A splash park and another play park for the kids. A small beach that allows you to get into the Bay.

Several places to eat along the pier, on the end of the pier, and if your own a budget, $$$ there is a hotdog stand outside on the far side of the end of the pier. They have enough to keep you going if you don't want a full meal at one of the other spots. You can picnic here too; I have done that, and it works really well.

We really enjoy watching people fish at the end of the pier and just all the people watching. There are roller skaters, and joggers and then just us locals and tourist out for a walk and looking out over the water. Boaters are in the waters with other types of watercraft. A small airport gives a bit more to watch if you just want to sit and take things in.

It can be very hot, so be prepared but there are spots for shade, there is also a great deal of area without shade. I have never had bugs bother me, but you might consider that a possibility. You are near the Bay.

We have seen schools of stingrays, dolphins, and all types of other saltwater creatures passing by, around, and under the pier.

There is a small market at the start, your typical sort of tourist town stuff. I think it's there every day.

We have seen some fun "Join in if you like" drum circles on some evenings and it's really quite nice once the sun has gone down. This tends to go on under the giant blue and white string art / almost canopy area.

Parking is easy and some spots are covered. There are several lots along the pier. I have always been able to find a spot unless there is a special event going on. If that is the case there is street parking and several garages in town that are close.

I took the tram this last visit, it runs I think every 15 minutes with several stops, so if you don't want to walk the whole distance, you can tram as you like. We just rode to the end, then walked our way back.

We typically will walk into town and hit one of the pizza shops or go for Mexican. There are some upscale places right near the water, but some more affordable options if you look around and go a block or two in.

There is no charge to go on the pier. We do expect to pay for parking when we go. I don't know of any...

The St. Pete Pier in St. Petersburg, Florida, is a beloved landmark that offers visitors a unique and unforgettable experience. Situated on the waterfront of Tampa Bay, the pier is a hub of activity and entertainment, with something for everyone to enjoy.

One of the highlights of the St. Pete Pier experience is the stunning views of the bay and the city skyline. Whether you're strolling along the pier, dining at one of the waterfront restaurants, or simply relaxing on a bench, you'll be treated to breathtaking vistas that showcase the beauty of the area. The sight of sailboats gliding across the water, the sun setting over the horizon, and the twinkling lights of the city at night create a picturesque backdrop that is sure to leave a lasting impression.

In addition to the scenic views, the St. Pete Pier offers a variety of activities and attractions for visitors to enjoy. From shopping at the marketplace to exploring the interactive exhibits at the Discovery Center, there is no shortage of things to see and do. The pier also features a fishing deck, a splash pad for kids, and a playground, making it a great destination for families looking to have some fun in the sun.

One of the newest additions to the St. Pete Pier is the Pier Approach, a vibrant and lively area that hosts events, concerts, and festivals throughout the year. From live music to food trucks to art installations, there is always something happening at the Pier Approach, making it a popular gathering spot for locals and tourists alike.

Overall, the St. Pete Pier experience is a must-visit for anyone looking to soak up the sun, enjoy the beauty of the waterfront, and immerse themselves in the vibrant culture of St. Petersburg. With its stunning views, diverse activities, and lively atmosphere, the pier offers a little something for everyone, making it a destination that is sure to delight and inspire...

Beautifully landscaped and interesting area. Great for relaxing and watching the views of water and cityscape. I'm giving it a 4 because although I thought it was really cool and pretty... it was also very dangerous in areas for children. Some of the design flaws are really scary! Be careful on the second floor overlook area especially. In the corner is a little "ramp" with an incredibly low railing that anyone including ANY child could easily step/ fall off to the concrete far below. I'm glad I looked before thinking it was just a dead end and safe corner. My son could have easily gone over if I hadn't been extra vigilant. There were other areas of safety concern all over. Watch your children here! The easily climbable railings, wide and steep stairs, open drop offs, etc. We used two different trolleys which was nice but again was unsafe for children. When they stop it's surprisingly unexpected and quick. They step on the brake so hard it sends you flying forward off your seat. No seat belts or harnesses. Hold your children tight because they will slam forward into whatever is in front of them. I'm glad we were cautious because there was no warning given. Everyone else on the trolly was commenting and complaining. We walked the rest of the way. The aquarium was cute and informative but super tiny. Some of the exhibits were not functional during our visit. Didn't think aquarium was worth the $5 per person admission. You do have to pay to park. Personally I really miss how the Pier used to be. Great...