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Fun Things to Do at The St. Pete Pier and Must-Visit Spots

Fun things to do in St Pete 🌊

 

The St. Pete Pier offers a unique experience that goes beyond what one would expect from a typical pier! Situated on 26 acres of prime waterfront property, St. Pete Pier is the perfect place to enjoy a relaxing stroll, bike ride, or even a picnic with friends and family. The attraction offers stunning panoramic views of Tampa Bay and St. Petersburgh, making it a picture-perfect spot for capturing memorable moments.

 

But that’s not all! The Pier has lots of attractions and activities to suit all tastes, which go from upscale cuisine to unique shopping experiences. Indulge yourself in some shopping therapy at the many boutique stores or grab a bite to eat at one of the many restaurants and cafes!

 

📍600 2nd Ave NE, St. Petersburg, FL 33701

Traveling to the Pier 🚗

First things first, how to get there? The St. Pete Pier offers over 500 on-site parking spaces, and offers various ways of transport.

  • 🛻 Parking:

    📍Dolphin Parking Lot: Located north of the marketplace.
    📍Pelican Parking Lot: Located south of the Pavilion & Pier Plaza.
    📍Metered street parking: Available outside the pier complex.

  • 🛥 Boat:

    The pier now offers short-term docking with no reservations, entirely first come first served.

  • ⛴ Cross Bay Ferry:

    Traveling from Tampa? Take the ferry and avoid the hassle of traffic. The St. Petersburg Ferry Terminal is in the Port of St. Pete, adjacent to the University of South Florida.

  • The Looper 🚃

    Exploring St. Pete on the Looper? The St. Pete Pier is Stop 19, alongside the St. Pete History Museum, and the Museum of Fine Arts.

Places to check out at the St. Pete Pier 👀

Photo credit 📷 Doc Ford's

Doc Ford's Rum Bar & Grille 🥩

Enjoy some Mojito and Yucatan Shrimp while listening to live music. This casual sports bar has a  stunning view of downtown St. Pete and Tampa Bay!

Our recommendation: Order the Grouper sandwich and a Jai Lai beer. It’s our go-to order whenever we find ourselves at the pier. Looking for something else? No problem! You’ll love the shrimp, grits, or some ribeye steak.

📍610 2nd Ave NE, St. Petersburg, FL 33701

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Fresco's Waterfront Bistro 🦞

If you’re looking for a great place to relax and enjoy a delicious meal with a stunning view of the St. Pete marina, look no further than Doc Ford’s Rum Bar and Grille.

Our recommendation: This restaurant is the perfect spot for lunch, brunch, or dinner. For those looking for a tasty brunch, breakfast tacos are a great option, while seafood lovers will enjoy the lobster roll. The new york strip is a must-try.

📍300 2nd Ave NE, St. Petersburg, FL 33701

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Photo credit 📷 Spa Beach Bistro

Spa Beach Bistro 🍕

If you’re in search of a casual dining spot that offers lighter options, along with delicious pizza, then the Spa Beach Bistro is the perfect place for you. The outdoor café is situated just a few steps away from the beach.

Whether you’re looking to relax in the sun or enjoy a snack while watching the waves, Spa Beach Bistro is an ideal spot. From salads and sandwiches to pizzas, the menu is sure to satisfy all tastes. Our recommendation: Make sure you don’t miss out on their crispy-crusted Pizzas!

📍501 2nd Ave NE, St. Petersburg, FL 33701

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Photo credit 📷 Driftwood Cafe

Driftwood Cafe 🥞

Our choice for a perfect brunch. Driftwood Cafe is definitely worth checking out: we highly recommend avocado toast with smoked salmon, which is both delicious and healthy.

Our recommendation: Pancakes are also a must-try, as they’re fluffy, light, and served with a variety of toppings. They also serve some delicious ice cream! Don’t miss out!

📍800 2nd Ave NE Ground Floor, St. Petersburg, FL 33701

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Photo credit 📷 Teak

Teak 🍝

At the end of St Pete Pier, there is a fine dining restaurant with breathtaking views and a nautical-themed environment. Highlights of the menu include teak-spiced fish spread served with plantain chips, pan-roasted grouper, mahi tacos, and so much more.

Whether you’re in the mood for a light snack or a full meal, this restaurant has something to offer. The spectacular views, combined with the delicious food, make it a must-visit spot on the pier.

📍800 2nd Ave NE 4th Floor, St. Petersburg, FL 33701
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Photo credit 📷 Pier Teaki

Pier Teaki 🍹

This is one of our favorites! It’s a Polynesian-inspired rooftop tiki bar and restaurant with a beautiful view that overlooks Tampa Bay and Downtown St. Pete.

They have fire pits, tiki torches, and totems to add to the theme. Our recommendation: Their menu has tiki classics like mai tais and rum runners. They also serve snacks to go with your drinks like popcorn coconut shrimp and mahi ceviche.

📍800 2nd Ave NE 4th Floor, St. Petersburg, FL 33701

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Photo credit 📷 St. Pete Pier

Marketplace 🛍

This pier really has everything!

If you love buying unique items, check out the marketplace. It features independent vendors selling their one of a kind products under a solar roof structure. It’s the best way to support local artisans.

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Admire the art 🎨

If you're looking for places to visit in St Petersburg with art, the pier is surrounded by public artwork!

'Bending Arc'

Artist: Janet Echelman

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'First Flight'

Artist: Mark Aeling

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'Myth (Red Pelican)'

Artist: Nathan Mabry

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'Morning Stars'

Artist: Xenobia Bailey

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Photo credit 📷 St Pete Pier

Photo credit 📷 St Pete Pier

Photo credit 📷 St Pete Pier

Enjoy the beach ☀️

You can’t have a pier without a beach! Lay out on the shoreline and soak up that Florida sun. You can also head over to the fishing platform if you prefer to drop a line or take a scenic stroll through the waterfront.

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Kid-friendly things to do 😎

The St. Pete Pier is family-friendly! There are tons of things for both adults and kiddos to do.

Majeed Foundation Splash Pad

Glazer Family Playground

Discovery Center and Wet Classroom

St. Petersburg Museum of History

Unique things to do in St Petersburg FL

 

As local experts on all things St. Pete, it’s safe to say that the new St. Pete Pier is a must-visit destination for anyone exploring the city. From stunning waterfront views and art installations to delicious restaurants and fun-filled activities, there’s something for everyone at the pier!

 

Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a long-time resident, the St. Pete Pier offers an unforgettable experience that you won’t want to miss.

 

Download the UNATION app and check out our weekend guide for more things to do in Tampa Bay!

Curated by

risingdawn

risingdawn | Visit Profile >

Hello! I’m an author and visual artist here to share my knowledge on the Tampa Bay Area. I love the local art, markets, and delicious food.

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