Quick answer: The St. Pete Pier is a 26-acre, $92 million waterfront district that opened July 6, 2020, a short walk from the St. Pete Marathon course. It has its own beach, five restaurants, a massive public art installation, and a marine life exhibit, making it the single best spot in St. Petersburg to spend a morning before or after your race.
The St. Pete Pier is downtown St. Petersburg’s signature waterfront landmark.
It’s a 26 acre, 92 million dollar district that opened July 6, 2020, replacing the city’s earlier inverted pyramid pier.
It’s also one of the easiest, most walkable stops for anyone in town for the St. Pete Marathon race weekend.
St. Pete Pier’s Spa Beach sits at the base of the pier.
It’s a genuine sandy beach, walkable from most of downtown St. Petersburg.
It’s a low key spot to recover with your feet in the sand the same afternoon you finish the race. No car required.
The pier has five places to eat and they cover a pretty wide range.
Doc Ford’s Rum Bar and Grille sits toward the base of the pier. It usually has the liveliest atmosphere, a solid pick if you’re celebrating with a group after the race.
Head out to the far end and you’ll find Teak in the Pier Point building for a proper sit down dinner.
Pier Teaki is right next to it, good for a drink and something casual.
The Driftwood Cafe is there too, for a lighter bite.
All of them look out over Tampa Bay, so really you can’t go wrong. Pick based on whether you want a carb load before the race or a celebration meal after it.
The pier opens 30 minutes before sunrise and closes at 11 p.m.
The Marketplace runs Friday through Sunday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
For race weekend specifically, an early morning visit avoids both the heat and the crowds. It also pairs naturally with a shakeout run along the same waterfront the marathon course follows.
There are about 500 parking spots right on site, along with plenty of room to lock up a bike if you’d rather ride.
If you’re staying downtown for race weekend, you honestly might not need a car at all.
Both the Downtown Looper and the Central Avenue Trolley pass nearby. Walking often ends up just as fast once you factor in finding a spot.
Once you’re actually on the pier, that tram mentioned earlier covers the full length with four stops. No need to walk the whole thing twice if your legs are still recovering.
Run past the pier on race day
Secure your spot for the St. Pete Marathon and see the waterfront up close.
The St. Pete Pier offers the Tampa Bay Watch Discovery Center, a splash pad, a fishing deck, a weekend marketplace, five restaurants, and its own beach, Spa Beach. Amazing vibes and great for people watching. Awesome running culture. Live music. And lots more.
Yes. Spa Beach sits at the base of the pier and is walkable from most of downtown St. Petersburg. Super peaceful energy.
The pier sits near the St. Pete Marathon route, making it one of the most walkable landmarks in the city for race weekend visitors.
The pier opens 30 minutes before sunrise and closes at 11 p.m. Restaurant and Marketplace hours vary. No matter the time of day, or night, everyone loves it!