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.
What Is the St. Pete Pier?
The St. Pete Pier is downtown St. Petersburg’s signature waterfront landmark, a 26-acre, $92 million district that opened July 6, 2020, replacing the city’s earlier inverted pyramid pier. It sits directly on the St. Pete Marathon course, making it one of the easiest, most walkable stops for anyone in town for race weekend.
Things to Do at the St. Pete Pier
- The Bending Arc. A massive, shape-shifting net sculpture by artist Janet Echelman that floats above the park and changes with the wind and light.
- Tampa Bay Watch Discovery Center. An immersive marine exhibit with a touch tank of local fish and sea creatures, a genuine hit with kids.
- Majeed Foundation Splash Pad. A water play area at Pier Plaza, ideal for cooling off after a warm race weekend.
- Fishing deck and Marketplace. A dedicated fishing deck plus a weekend marketplace of local vendors.
Spa Beach: A Real Beach at the Pier
Spa Beach sits at the base of the pier, 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.
Restaurants at the St. Pete Pier
The pier complex houses five restaurants, ranging from casual to upscale, several with direct views of Tampa Bay, worth building into a pre-race carb load or a post-race celebration meal.
Best Time to Visit the St. Pete Pier
The pier opens 30 minutes before sunrise and closes at 11 p.m., with the Marketplace running 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, and pairs naturally with a shakeout run along the same waterfront the marathon course follows.
Run past the pier on race day
Secure your spot for the St. Pete Marathon and see the waterfront up close.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is there to do at the St. Pete Pier?
The St. Pete Pier offers the Bending Arc sculpture, the Tampa Bay Watch Discovery Center, a splash pad, a fishing deck, a weekend marketplace, five restaurants, and its own beach, Spa Beach.
Is there a beach at the St. Pete Pier?
Yes. Spa Beach sits at the base of the pier and is walkable from most of downtown St. Petersburg.
How far is the St. Pete Pier from the marathon course?
The pier sits directly on the St. Pete Marathon route, making it one of the most walkable landmarks in the city for race weekend visitors.
What time does the St. Pete Pier open and close?
The pier opens 30 minutes before sunrise and closes at 11 p.m. Restaurant and Marketplace hours vary.