St. Petersburg Pier Review - An Urban Paradise

We have always loved going to St. Petersburg, but with the addition of St. Petersburg Pier, we love it exponentially more. If you are looking for a weekend getaway trip from Orlando, St. Petersburg Pier (and the nearby Dali Museum) should definitely be at the top of your list.

Pier Point Building (Photo Cr: Tampabay.com)

We visited the extremely popular attraction on Easter weekend, the weather was cool and sunny, so naturally our experience was exceptional. My husband, who is a Landscape Architect, couldn't stop giving praises to the master minds behind St. Pete Pier.

The view from the top of Pier Point building

There were so many people from all walks of life; families, couples, groups of friends, and even street performers! Despite the amount of visitors, there were still plenty of space and points of interest for everybody. After social distancing for over a year, I sure miss and grew to really appreciate a happy crowd ambience. Life felt close to being normal again : )

Enjoying a nice stroll towards the Pier Point

Things to Do with the Kids (and Adults alike)

Taking the tram from the parking lot to the Pier Point (and vice versa.)

Wonder if there's space for folded strollers.

Burn off energy at Glazer Family Playground

Photo Credit: stpetepier.org/explore/

Picnic or chill out underneath the Bending Arc

Fancy a picnic? (Photo Credit: Brian Adams)

Cool off in the Fountain/ Splash pad at the Pier Plaza

When is downtown Orlando getting a splash pad?

Build a sand castle on Spa Beach

Photo Credit: stpetepier.org/poi/spa-beach/

Marvel at the history of Benoist Airboat Exhibit

Photo Credit: https://stpetepier.org/poi/benoist-exhibit/

Discovery Center and Wet Classroom

Tampa Bay Watch Discovery Center was a lovely way to spend 20-30 minutes away from the sun. Keep in mind it is very small with very limited exhibits, don't compare it to a children's science museum, think of it as a big interactive classroom. We are a family that promotes learning through activities and experience, so the standard admission of $5 per adult and $3 per kid were very reasonable. All the proceeds also go to Tampa Bay Watch, a dedicated organization who protect and restore the Tampa Bay estuary through scientific and educational programs. They also have a little gift shop that you can visit, without having to pay for the entrance fee.

Our youngest's favorite thing to do, however, was running down the tilted lawn in front of the Pier Point building. We reached a consensus that it was the best time of his life to date.

I have no idea what the name of this building is.

We didn't try any of the restaurants because I had my mind set on Thai Noodles in Pinellas Park. (If you want to try authentic Thai food then visit Patti's Kitchen Thai Street Noodles.) The day we went the building was also extremely packed, so if you're going on a busy day with someone who's immunocompromised, it's better to eat at other venues and avoid the main building. You can walk around the main building premises and enjoy the architecture and the surrounding view that way.

Don't miss the St. Pete Pier on your next visit to St. Petersburg or make it a day trip from Orlando, it will be a day well spent. Guaranteed : ) Check out the parking information at St. Pete Pier prior to your visit, it's a very popular destination! St. Pete Pier is also dog-friendly, but all pets in the park must be on a leash, and are not allowed on the Splash Pad or on Spa Beach.

If you like this family friendly St. Petersburg Pier Review, please "Like" and "Share," and you can also support my blog by shopping on www.amazon.com/shop/mamaceleb or check out my list of summer essentials here!