The St. Pete Pier Has it All - for Family Fun in Florida

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What’s Your Favorite Memory from Summer?

The St. Pete Pier has become one of our favorite memories this summer. When it comes to our family, just add a little water, sunshine and amazing food and we are all happy campers!

My husband and I are big advocates of exploring new places, but we also love creating new yearly traditions. I am so excited to start a new tradition before my kids head #backtoschool of strolling the new gleaming St. Pete Pier. I love that it is so close to home and it is full of fun for everyone, from first-time visitors to long-time residents!

The St. Pete Pier is 26 acres that seamlessly combines the gorgeous blue waters of Tampa Bay with the beauty of downtown St. Petersburg’s parks. It is a great place to stroll, bike, dine, drink, shop, swim, take in a concert and more.

Our Families Top 3 Must Do’s at St. Pete Pier

1. unique kid’s areas!

We loved exploring the family playground + splash pad + beach access right off the splash pad! The kids could spend all day here (especially with ice cream and snow cones right there)!

Family Play Areas

Also check out these 6 Family Friendly Trips In Florida!

2. The St. Petersburg Museum of History

This must-see museum is open 7 days a week and offers some of the most unique exhibits you’ll find anywhere. I really enjoyed seeing the history of the Pier and this special Tampa Bay Area. Still, the kids were most excited about the 3,000-year-old Egyptian mummy + the collection of over 5000 signed baseballs!

Other Things to Discover on the Pier

Tampa Bay Watch Discovery Center – Explore interactive exhibits, participate in daily programs led by educators, and discover what’s in their touch tank. Plus they have boat-based eco-tours that depart regularly from their slip on the Pier.
Beautiful Public Art – While exploring the pier you will see the Olnetopia – A ethereal bronze water-like sculpture, and the Bending Arc – which is a flowing billowing net sculpture. The “Bending Arc” measures a massive 76 feet at its highest point and 428 feet at its widest and is perpetually in motion with the wind, and at night it is lit with beautiful colored lights. The First Flight sculpture is an incredible life-sized sculpture of the Benoist. The gleaming sculpture commemorates the world’s first commercial plane flight around Tampa. The Myth (Red Pelican) – an origami-style rendering of the city bird in brilliant red… plus, if you look closely as you walk around the Pier; there are smaller red pelicans on display throughout the district!

Related: Florida Vacations Worth Staying for: Anna Maria Island Staycation

3. All the Good eats!

You just might find you’ve worked up quite an appetite, or thirst after exploring all St. Pete Pier has to offer. We ate our entire body weight in shrimp, Caribbean bread, and tostadas at Docfords + of course we got ice cream! The kids are still talking about it!

Places to Eat at the St. Pete Pier

So if you are planning a trip to the Sunshine State, or if you are a local like us, I encourage you to grab your family and friends and visit The St. Pete Pier. It’s a great place to soak up some fun under the warm Florida sun! Plus, while in this area you could check out Tradewinds Water Park, the amazing natural springs of Weeki Wachee, or visit the gorgeous Anna Maria Island.

I would love for you to share your favorite summer memory or summer traditions below, it’s so fun to hear what other families are doing and get inspired ideas for our next summer!