The new St. Pete Pier is now open!

The St. Pete Pier District is now open, full of restaurants and activities. As a mom who's spent countless weekends exploring this incredible waterfront destination, I can honestly say it's become our family's go-to spot for everything from casual Saturday outings to special celebrations.

The new Pier is a full-on 26-acre attraction that extends in all directions. When I first heard about the massive redesign, I was worried it would lose the charm of the old Pier we'd grown up with. But after our first visit last summer, when the kids were bouncing between attractions and my husband actually looked up from his phone to admire the view, I knew this transformation was something special.

Contents

1. Getting There and Getting Started

2. Something for Every Family Member

3. Where Kids Can Be Kids

4. The Splash Pad Discovery

5. Dining with a View

6. Active Adventures and Quiet Moments

7. Shopping and Little Treasures

8. A Space for Everyone's Needs

9. Planning Your Visit

Getting There and Getting Started

The Pier experience begins at the Gateway, immediately west of Bayshore Drive, and there will be several ways for visitors to make their way out to the Pier Point. I've learned through trial and error that arriving early on weekends makes a world of difference. We usually get there around 9 AM, which gives us time to grab coffee at the Gateway before the crowds descend. The walk from the parking area is manageable even with little ones—my seven-year-old makes it without complaining, which is saying something.

Along the way, a variety of stops and attractions will offer activities for people of all ages. Last month, we spent an entire afternoon just meandering through the different zones, and I was struck by how everything was thoughtfully designed. There's this wonderful flow to the space that lets you move naturally from one area to the next without feeling rushed or overwhelmed.

Something for Every Family Member

This place has something for everyone. One of our favorite discoveries has been the variety of waterfront restaurants scattered throughout the district. We've celebrated birthdays at the upscale dining spots and grabbed quick lunches at the more casual eateries when we're in between activities.

The St. Petersburg Museum of History (located nearby at 335 2nd Ave NE, a short walk from the Pier) became an unexpected hit during a particularly rainy Saturday. My kids, who typically need to be dragged through museums, were actually engaged by the interactive exhibits about St. Petersburg's past. We spent almost two hours there, and they retained more information about local history than I ever managed to teach them. The museum's location within the Pier District makes it easy to pop in when you need a break from the sun or when the weather doesn't cooperate.

Where Kids Can Be Kids

The Family Park has been a revelation for us. I can actually sit on a bench with my book while the kids burn off energy in a safe, enclosed space. The playground equipment is modern and well-maintained, with options for different age groups. 

Just steps away, Spa Beach Park offers a completely different vibe. This is where we go when we want actual beach time without driving to the Gulf. The sand is soft, the water is calm, and I've watched my kids grow more confident in their swimming abilities here. The protected nature of the beach makes it ideal for younger children, and I've noticed other parents relaxing more here than at some of the more crowded Gulf beaches.

The Splash Pad Discovery

The Splash Pad deserves its own paragraph because it's saved more than one meltdown-prone afternoon. Picture this: It's 92 degrees, we've been walking around for two hours, and someone (usually my youngest) is getting cranky. The Splash Pad is our reset button. The kids can cool off, I can sit in the shade nearby, and everyone's mood improves dramatically. I've packed bathing suits and towels in the car year-round specifically for spontaneous Splash Pad sessions.

One particularly memorable afternoon, we met another family from our neighborhood there completely by chance. While the kids played together in the water jets, I had an actual uninterrupted adult conversation. Small victories! (fellow parents you know what I mean).

Dining with a View

Enjoy an upscale meal on the fourth floor of the Pier Point building as you take in the views of St. Pete's cool skyline. We did this for our anniversary last year (my parents took the kids for the night), and it reminded me why I fell in love with this city in the first place. 

The sunset views are absolutely spectacular, and the food matched the ambiance. But here's the thing I appreciate most: Many of these restaurants are surprisingly family-friendly during daytime hours. We've brought the kids for lunch, and the staff has been accommodating without making us feel like we're disrupting the more sophisticated atmosphere.

The variety of dining options means we can match our restaurant choice to our mood and budget. Sometimes we grab tacos and eat at the outdoor tables where the kids can be a little louder and more energetic. Other times, we opt for a sit-down meal where they practice their table manners (well, they try).

Active Adventures and Quiet Moments

You can just go for a leisurely stroll or a run amid the gorgeous scenery downtown St. Pete. I've started doing solo morning runs here twice a week, and it's become my meditation time. There's something about running along the waterfront as the sun comes up that sets a positive tone for whatever chaos the day might bring. My husband, who's taken up cycling, loves bringing his bike and doing loops around the district.

But the Pier isn't just for the athletically inclined. My mother-in-law, who has mobility challenges, can navigate most of the main pathways comfortably. We've pushed strollers, walked with elderly relatives, and accommodated various fitness levels without anyone feeling left out or exhausted.

The Pier's marina offers transient boat slips for vessels up to 250 feet. Our neighbors have a small boat, and they've taken us out on the bay several times.

You can also rent a paddle boat to explore beautiful Tampa Bay. We did this once on a whim, and it became one of those perfect family memories. Yes, my arms were sore for two days afterward, and yes, there was bickering about who got to steer. But watching my kids' faces as we paddled around, spotting fish beneath us and pelicans overhead, made every moment of coordination and effort worthwhile.

Shopping and Little Treasures

Shopping opportunities are woven throughout the district in a way that feels organic rather than overwhelming. We're not big shoppers as a family, but I appreciate having options for those moments when we need a souvenir or when I want to grab a unique gift. My daughter loves the shops with local artwork and jewelry, and I've found several pieces that remind me of special Pier visits.

A Space for Everyone's Needs

The Pier is as much for people who thrive on non-stop activity as it is for those who want a place for solitary contemplation. This balance is what keeps us coming back. On high-energy days, we can pack in activities from morning until the kids are exhausted. On lazy Sundays, we can find a quiet spot, bring a picnic, and just watch the water.

Perfect for morning runs, afternoon sunbathing or evening strolls. I've experienced the Pier at all these times, and each offers something different. Morning has that fresh, optimistic energy. Afternoons get busier but in a lively, festive way. Evenings, especially around sunset, take on an almost magical quality. 

Planning Your Visit

The St. Pete Pier is open daily from 7 AM to 10 PM (Gateway hours: 7 AM to 11 PM). Parking is available at metered spaces along Beach Drive and in nearby garages ($2-3/hour).

Click to explore the Pier online before visiting in person! I always check the website before we go, especially for special events or if we're planning to eat at one of the restaurants that takes reservations. The online map has been invaluable for planning our route, particularly when we're meeting friends and trying to coordinate where to gather.

As a mom who's constantly juggling schedules, budget constraints, and varying energy levels, the St. Pete Pier District has become an invaluable resource. It's affordable entertainment (most activities are free or very reasonably priced), it's accessible, and it genuinely offers something for each member of our family. Whether you're a local looking for a new weekend routine or a visitor wanting to experience the best of St. Pete's waterfront, the Pier District deserves a spot on your itinerary.

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