It’s fascinating to think about how long the new St. Pete Pier has been in discussion. The first conversations began way back in 2004, when the City of St. Petersburg found that the pier structure’s upkeep cost too much and could no longer be funded. As a result, a new pier would have to replace the existing inverted pyramid pier.

Do you remember where you were in 2004? The President of the United States was George W. Bush and Barack Obama was still a little-known State Senator from Illinois. The top grossing movie of 2004 was Shrek 2. The top song of the year was Usher’s “Yeah!” featuring Lil Jon and Ludacris. And the founder of St. Pete Rising, Anthony Close, was in 5th grade.

Downtown St. Petersburg has also a changed significantly since 2004. Many of Beach Drive’s soaring condo towers hadn’t been erected yet, including Ovation, Parkshore Plaza, 400 Beach, and Signature Place. The Chihuly Experience wouldn’t open for another six years, The Dali Museum for another seven.

It wasn’t until 2009 that an official Pier Task Force was created. Two years later, a design competition was launched and Michael Maltzan Architecture’s “The Lens” design was selected out of a crowded pool of 29 submissions.

However, there was trouble in paradise. People didn’t like the design. Petitions were started and yard signs were planted in front lawns all over St. Petersburg urging city officials to “STOP The Lens!” In August 2013, the citizens voted to officially reject The Lens design. And so back to the drawing board we went.

After another sixteen designs were submitted in 2014, brand new discussions began. Meeting after meeting, vote after vote, the designs were narrowed down and “Pier Park” was chosen in 2015 to be our next waterfront oasis. Not long after, orders to dismantle the inverted pyramid pier were handed down.

Today, after three years of construction, the new 26-acre Pier District opens to the public. Unlike previous piers where all activity took place at the pier head, the new St. Pete Pier is activated along its entire length.

The new pier needs to be experienced in person. Nothing you read in this article will do it justice. But after visiting our new pier for the first time last night, I can assure you that no matter what type of day or night you are looking for, the pier has it all. 

BE RELAXED

There are an endless number of places to relax, be it on one of the many pastel-colored Adirondack chairs scattered throughout the pier, underneath Janet Echelman’s Bending Arc, on the tilted lawn, on the warm sand at Spa Beach, or at Pier Tiki on top of the pier head building with a frozen daiquiri in hand. Frankly, I could write an entire article on where to relax on the pier. 

BE ACTIVE

Looking to break a little sweat? Walkways on the new pier are wide, perfectly built to accommodate those on foot, bike, scooter, and tram. With a length of 3,000 feet and multiple routes to the pier head, runners and bikers will be in heaven. But don’t worry, there are plenty of areas to take in some shade too.

For those wanting to spend more time on the water, kayaks are available to rent at Spa Beach. Or throw a line in the water at the fishing dock situated at the very end of the pier, complete with fish cleaning stations, and Gator Jim’s Tackle and Bait Shop.

Before you go home, make sure the kids have released all of their energy at the splash pad and marine-themed playground.

BE EDUCATED

St. Petersburg has one of the most vibrant and walkable downtowns in Florida. But did you know we are home to an incredible, unique ecosystem as well? The Tampa Bay Watch Discovery Center features a 2,000 square foot exhibition hall with demonstrations on the benefits of oyster beds, recycling, mangroves and seawalls, and much more. An additional 1,000 square feet of classroom space is available for classes and field trips.

Don’t forget to stop by the St. Petersburg Museum of History. Although the museum has been around since 1921, every local should visit at least once. The museum is famous for housing the largest collection of signed baseballs and a full-scale flying replica of a Benoist XIV biplane built in 1984. An expansion of the museum is planned for the future, but awaits necessary funding.

And although we’ll need to wait until later in the year to enjoy it, the St Pete Pier will soon be home to the Benoist Plaza featuring the First Flight Monument commemorating the world’s first ever commercial flight piloted by Tony Jannus, who crossed Tampa Bay from St. Petersburg to Tampa. The sculpture has been crafted by St. Pete local Mark Aeling of MGA Sculpture Studio.

BE A FOODIE

Doc Ford’s Rum Bar and Grille is situated on the southern end of the pier approach. This 10,000 square foot restaurant serves authentic Florida fare and flavors from throughout the Caribbean Rim. With ample indoor and outdoor seating, views of Downtown St. Pete and Tampa Bay, there isn’t a bad seat in the house. Relax by the water while enjoying a Doc Ford’s Mojito and Yucatan Shrimp.

The Spa Beach Bistro is for the beach bums who don’t want to travel far for a bite to eat. You’ll find traditional café fare, wood-fired pizza, and grab-and-go items at this cute café adjacent to the beach. 

Inside the pier head building are three dining concepts from Chuck Prather, who also owns The Birchwood on Beach Drive.

Driftwood Café, a casual walk-up spot on the ground level offers coffee, snacks, and ice cream. 

On the fourth floor, Teak is the most upscale dining option on the pier. The restaurant will have a Florida-style menu with a seafood focus. Prices vary from item to item, but the cost per entrée is around $20. Teak will be family-friendly and will also offer vegan and gluten-free menu options.

Make sure you are on the roof at Pier Teaki for the sunset. This massive rooftop bar frames the city’s skyline perfectly and features unobstructed views. Grab a tiki drink and relax by a fire pit, in one of the tiki huts, or if you’re lucky inside the jaws of the tiki totem!

Near the entrance to the St Pete Pier are two restaurants that have been in operation well before today’s grand opening. 

Fresco’s Waterfront Bistro is a quintessential casual waterfront restaurant serving a wide selection of seafood and drinks. 

Hops and Props is more of a beer bar, but they also offer a small food menu with items like the Dirty Dog, Vienna beef hot dog topped with sloppy Joe pulled pork and spicy coleslaw, and a BBQ pulled pork sandwich served with Cigar City Cider BBQ sauce topped with spicy coleslaw.

BE ENTERTAINED

You never know what you might find at the pier. Throughout the day and night, pop-up musicians and performers will be scattered around the Pier District. Collier’s International and Big City Events have plans to host over 75 events per year at the pier.

Additionally, make sure to check out the Marketplace located directly in front of Hops and Props and the St. Petersburg Museum of History. Seventeen vendors inhabit market stalls and tents selling everything from artwork, popcorn, t-shirts, and caricatures. The marketplace will make its debut this weekend.

 BE PROUD

The St Pete Pier can be contentious, but only because we all want the best for it. Whether you would’ve liked to keep the inverted pyramid or see another design built, there’s no doubt in my mind that once you step onto the new St. Pete Pier, you’ll be in awe.

St. Petersburg, Florida is now home to the largest waterfront entertainment district in the Southeastern United States. All thanks to thousands of people, including the architects, landscapers, designers, builders, back office personnel, City Council, the Mayor, and countless residents who weighed in with their suggestions and opinions.

Each generation of St. Petersburgers have had their pier – this is ours. Enjoy it with friends, make memories with family, show it off to out-of-towners, and above all else, take pride in it.