About The St. Pete Pier in St. Petersburg FL
With a history that dates back more than 130 years, St. Pete Pier is set to open its doors to the public on July 6. The city’s pier tradition goes way back, and the new one is set to continue that legacy. The first pier in St. Petersburg was constructed in 1889 when John C. Williams convinced Russian nobleman Peter Demens to bring the Orange Belt Railway to town. The new Pier was also the first in the country to feature a glass elevator and restaurants on the fourth and fifth floors.
While St. Pete Pier has undergone several redesigns, the current structure will remain for many years. The new pier will be built on a permanent foundation that extends into Tampa Bay. Once complete, the Pier will offer visitors hours of fun for all ages, including kids and families. Visitors can enjoy a splash pad, playground, nature discovery center, Spa Beach, open-air market, and tons of dining options. St. Pete Pier has been a destination for sunbathers and tourists for over a century, and its latest addition will open in 2020.
St. Pete Pier is also home to a beach that has been around for decades. The Spa Beach features a natural bay shoreline and chairs. While it’s not the largest beach in town, it’s still a pretty decent swimming area. The Pier also has a kayak launch point, a splash pad, and a family playground with a variety of equipment for the entire family. Once you’ve had your fill of water, head to The Marketplace to get some souvenirs or eat a meal.
In addition to the beaches, St. Pete Pier is home to the Mahaffey Theater, which opened in 1965. This historic theater has hosted live performances and continues to do so. The pier is located right downtown, so a stroll along the waterfront is an excellent way to relax after a day of fun on the pier. If you’d like to enjoy fine dining at the end of the pier, try Teak. This restaurant specializes in American fare, with a Floridian emphasis. Reservations are recommended.
The Florida Winery makes pure fruit-derived wines using specialized fermentation and aging processes. The wines produced here have distinct fruit flavors and can be enjoyed at their restaurant or as a souvenir. Besides tasting wines and enjoying the beach, you can also shop for gifts at the gift shop. If you’re staying at a hotel or an Airbnb, you can stock up on delicious Italian food while visiting St. Petersburg. You can even go fishing while you’re at it.
For a more fun experience, consider taking a scavenger hunt. These self-guided games encourage you to explore the city by solving puzzles and using your instincts to find the answers. You’ll learn the history of the city while enjoying a light-hearted challenge. And the fun part is that you’ll get to see how much the city has changed in the last century! So, what are you waiting for?
Several restaurants on St. Pete Pier have waterfront views. Fresco’s Waterfront Bistro is one such spot. The tiki-themed restaurant has a full bar, but you can’t buy alcoholic drinks outside the venue. You can also relax on the pier. The colorful chairs and benches offer a great view of the water. The Driftwood Cafe is another place to enjoy a snack or a quick drink.
One of the most famous attractions in St. Pete FL is the Dali Museum. It houses the largest Salvador Dali collection outside of Europe. It is also home to an avant-garde center and cafe. There are plenty of other places to explore in St. Petersburg, so you’ll have plenty to choose from. If you’re looking for an artistic experience, St. Pete will not disappoint. With so many things to do, you’re bound to find something that suits your taste.
If you want to take a break from the crowds, you can take a private boat or ferry to Egmont Key State Park, a wildlife sanctuary on a small island south of St. Pete. This park is also home to several types of seabirds and Gopher tortoises. There’s also a 19th-century fort and a hidden beach for shelling. The park also has two fishing piers, which are a great place for catching your catch.
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