A Unique and Picturesque Waterfront Setting
The former image in downtown St. Petersburg, Florida for their pier on Tampa Bay, was an upside down pyramid. The former St. Pete Pier with its unusual architecture provided years of service to the St. Petersburg downtown. Personally, we visited many times for the variety of fun events held there of Halloween Costume Contests, Christmas Boat Light Parades, dining at the Columbia Restaurant, or just enjoying the scenic waterfront views from the Pier and its restaurants. As with anything, the St. Pete Pier was aging and not so gracefully. Thus it was necessary to tear it down and build a replacement. Deciding the best replacement became a major issue with conflict between the city and the citizenry over what the next pier should look like.
The wait is over! The new St. Pete Pier opened in July 2020 in the midst of the Corona Virus Pandemic. After so much drama about the Pier and challenges for finding the best architectural idea for these 26 acres of waterfront property in downtown St. Petersburg, we are off to check it out.
Our spontaneous visit has several challenges. For first time visitors let us share our mistakes:
- Going on a Sunday, even though we are in a Pandemic, the Pier is crowded and all indoor restaurants have wait lines of at least one hour.
- An August Florida day with temperatures in the mid-90’s and “feels like in the 100’s” is not the best day for this type of outside activity. It is a long walk from the entrance of the Pier to the end, especially in the sun.
- We did not wear hats, which would have vastly helped in the heat.
- We did not research the new St. Pete Pier ahead of time to better know what to expect. Accordingly, without any prior knowledge the Pier is a bit confusing. Our narrow-minded focus is the Pier building since that the primary focus in the former pier. Afterwards the “light bulb” comes on and we have a better appreciation of this new waterfront park and all that it offers.
- Due to the high temperatures, we do not explore all areas and return on the same path going out that we took in. As a result we miss a lot of the special attractions and features of the St. Pete Pier.
- While we are not sure the length from the Gateway to the end of the Pier, it is a long stroll. There is a Tram system but we chose to walk. Others may want to check into the frequency of the Tram.
Take a Stroll with Us Down the New St. Pete Pier|
he new St. Pete Pier is the blending of the scenic greenery of downtown St. Petersburg Parks, the blue waters of Tampa Bay, and the walkways to the end of the Pier all being in harmony. Much of the area at the beginning of the Pier is a peninsula with the final area being a pier out into Tampa Bay. Rather than a traditional pier that juts out so many yards into a bay, the new Pier brings a blend of unique walkways, paths to stroll, a variety of children’s activities, outdoor eateries, and more as one walks from the Gateway to the Point at the very tip. The Pier is a creative path with points of interest and intrigue along the way. A map of the St. Pete Pier shows there are 28 different places or things to see, do, or observe as one walks along and around the Pier.
We start our walk at the Gateway at the beginning of the Walking Waterfront, a wide walkway, where we are pleased to find some partial shade. We pass the Fresco’s Waterfront Bistro and also spot the St. Petersburg Museum of History. (Will definitely check this out in the future.) Continuing on the walkway we stroll past numerous independent vendors in unique kiosks selling an array of local products. This is the Marketplace that creates a welcome and unique “bazaar” type setting.
We pass the St. Petersburg Municipal Marina with its array of boats/yachts. Next admire we and attempt to understand the Bending Arc. It looks like floating and billowing woven twine in bright colors of white and blue. Later we learn it is an aerial sculpture composed of 1,662,528 knots and 180 miles of twine. The Bending Arc is the newest permanent work of Janet Echelman that spans 424 feet and measures 72 feet at its tallest point. Watching the Arc gently sway with the breeze is intriguing. Next to the Arc is the Pier Plaza is a shaded structure, as well as, a café for grab-and-go food with plenty of tables and chairs. We notice children playing and giggling as they cool off in the Splash Pad. Ahead is a large expanse of lush green grass that looks like a steep hillside. It is called the Tilted Lawn. A fun place for children to slide down and adults to take in the scenic Bay. The Pier peninsula narrows allowing a strong breeze off the Bay. AH! The breeze is awesome on this HOT Florida day
As we continue on the Pier, we spot a huge restaurant perched on a piece of land that juts into the bay. It is Doc Ford’s Rum Bar & Grille. We do check here for possible place for lunch. Not today! There is over a 1-hour wait. We learn that Doc Ford’s gets its name from the primary character in novels by Randy Wayne Wright. He is known for his best-selling books of over 20 Florida-themed novels. Note: I am reading one of his exciting novels now.
Now we have a good view of the new Pier building at the end of the pier. There are Pier Point Restaurants located in the building. First we just take the steps to see the magnificent views out over the Fishing Deck. Yes, the St. Pete Pier has a dedicated Fishing Platform for a favorite pastime of many Floridians – “Fishing.”
Boasting three eateries, we check out the views and the dining options at the Pier. On the ground level is the Driftwood Café offering ice cream and snacks. Taking the elevator to the fourth floor, we exit into Teak an upscale dining venue with fantastic views of Tampa Bay and the St. Pete skyline. We are able to sneak a few pictures of the magnificent views. It is necessary to sign up downstairs for dining at Teak. Today it is a 45 minute wait. There is also Pier Teaki, a modern version of a tiki bar. Below are scenic views from Teak.
We are hungry and ready to cool off, so we head back to Beach Drive to find a place for lunch that doesn’t have a wait. Crossing Beach Drive, we spot Stillwaters Tavern and are quickly seated in a welcoming and cool booth. Refreshing iced tea and a cold craft beer are welcome on this hot Florida day. Our lunches of their version of a Philly Cheese steak and the Buttermilk Fried Chicken Salad are great. Afterwards we stroll through the Sun Dial to our car in the Public Parking Garage for the Sun Dial.
A Few Things We Missed at the Pier
Here are some things we missed on this visit to the St. Pete Pier. These are predominantly on the north side of the pier peninsula and we walked along the south side. Our recommendation is to walk the full loop to better see and experience all the Pier has to offer. (Note the information below is from the St. Pete Pier website).
- Bioswale and Picnic Area The “Bioswale” is an eco-friendly area and a tree-populated park that’s ideal for a picnic. There is plenty of seating and shade, as well as, grassy areas and flowers creating a charming little world unto itself. It overlooks the North Basin facing toward Vinoy Park and the Vinoy Renaissance Resort.
- Spa Beach Park & Spa Beach Now St. Petersburg actually has a true beach Downtown. The Spa Beach Park provides a grassy lawn for beach volleyball and other activities. Plus kayakers and paddle-boarders can launch from this area.
- Coastal Thicket If there’s one thing you need in Florida it is shade. Fortunately, the new St. Pete Pier is designed to provide shade in spades. The Coastal Thicket, which runs along the north side of the Pier, invites you to take a relaxing walk or bike ride through an oasis of native Florida plants, trees and shrubs. Vegetation includes large trees like the wax myrtle, myrtle oak and white buttonwood, as well as sabal palms, palmettos, sea oats, and native grasses.
Parking in Downtown St. Petersburg
For those new to downtown St. Petersburg or not frequent visitors, parking can be a challenge.
- There are two Parking Lots at the Pier, not sure how quickly they fill up.
- The street parking in the downtown area is now all metered utilizing a new technology. No coins accepted. You call a number in order to sign up and put in your credit card number. When we called it cost $5.00 just to set up the program to use this electronic parking. We opted not do that.
- We parked at the large Parking Lot by the Sun Dial. It is less expensive and the car is in covered parking. Great on this hot day to get into a cool car and not one that is over 100 Degrees.