The St. Pete Pier™ is located at the waterfront gateway to St. Petersburg, on property owned by the city for over 130 years. It’s the centerpiece of the city’s downtown waterfront, St. Petersburg’s most beautiful and important asset. Image Credit: City of St. Petersburg

The Pier was integral to the St. Petersburg Downtown Waterfront Master plan, whose vision is “to protect, enhance, and promote St. Petersburg’s downtown waterfront as one of the premier waterfront destinations and attractions in the United States.” Image Credit:

Ten key elements, identified by a Pier Working Group composed of community members, factored into all design decisions for the Pier. They include fishing; dining; marine education; retail; observation; courtesy docks; cycling, walking, jogging; transportation options; flexible event space and bike and watercraft rentals. Image Credit: City of St. Petersburg

Looking back towards the city, the Pier borders the City Marina to the south, Vinoy Basin to the north, the downtown core at the western edge and the broad expanse of Tampa Bay to the east. Image Credit: Rich Montalbano

The Marketplace has provided opportunities for small, minority-owned businesses, who could not afford a brick-and-mortar presence, to showcase their offerings at the heavily trafficked Pier Gateway. Visitors can purchase clothing and accessories, jewelry, local crafts, packaged snacks, face-painting, even treats and wearables for furry friends! Image Credit: City of St. Petersburg

With 26 acres of activated space, the Pier District has something for everyone, whether they’re looking for lots of activity or a quiet place to meditate and relax. Amenities include a beach, several dining options, a market, playground, splash pad, and four public art installations. Image Credit: Rich Montalbano

The Pier showcases four public art installations by world renowned artists including “Bending Arc”, the largest floating net sculpture by Janet Echelman, who has roots in Tampa Bay. “Bending Arc” floats over the Family Park, which offers views in all directions, out over the water and above. Image Credit: Studio Echelman

Fitness classes are a daily routine at the Pier, providing a safe, and beautiful setting for various activities. This evening yoga class under the colorful, billowing arc provides a unique setting for exercise enthusiasts. Image Credit: Big City Events

The Pier is completely pedestrian-friendly, with cars eliminated from the Pier-over-water. Wide promenades allow cyclists, walkers and trams to safely navigate the shared space. Image Credit: Rich Montalbano

The tilted lawn, with its featured oculus, offers a unique place to picnic, relax and see spectacular views back at the city or out over Tampa Bay. Image Credit: Rich Montalbano

Pier Plaza is the hub and heart of the Pier District and serves as a gathering place for friends and families. It offers a splash pad, dining pavilion, tilted event lawn and ready access to Spa Beach. Image Credit: Rich Montalbano

The Splash Pad gives kids of all ages a place to cool off and have some fun. At night, the Splash pad transforms to a lighted water feature, offering a dazzling display for visitors. Image Credit: City of St. Petersburg

Five acres of greenspace replaced asphalt parking lots, providing several arcadian spaces for groups to spread out, picnic, enjoy a concert, play or simply take in the scenic views. Image Credit: Earthscape Play

Designed by one of the premier playground companies in North America, the Glazer Family Playground provides a nautical-themed play adventure for children ages 2 to 12. The focus is on natural and non-prescriptive play, engaging kids (and adults!) in a unique and creative way. The Committee to Advocate for Persons with Impairments in St. Petersburg helped ensure an inclusive design for people with disabilities. Image Credit: Earthscape Play

Located on the over-water walkway approaching the Pier Point, the Discovery Center presents all you need to know about Tampa Bay’s unique ecosystem in a way that’s entertaining and hands-on. It’s operated by Tampa Bay Watch, a long-standing, and well-respected environmental organization. Image Credit: City of St. Petersburg

Doc Ford’s Rum Bar & Grille is a lively, waterfront dining experience on the south side of the Pier and adjacent to new short-term boat docks and one of the Pier’s two parking lots. Doc Ford’s takes its name from the main character in 27 novels by Randy Wayne White. Image Credit: City of St. Petersburg

The Pier Head building offers 360-degree views from various levels. Pier Teaki, the rooftop bar, is a perfect place for friends to meet for a drink after work, watch the sunset or just relax and enjoy the sights. Image Credit: City of St. Petersburg

The Pier Head building, with spectacular views at each of its four levels, hosts a rooftop bar, a restaurant, café, gift shop, bait shop and huge fishing deck. Image Credit: Rich Montalbano