Planning a visit to the stunning St. Pete Pier? We want to ensure your experience is smooth and enjoyable right from the start, and that includes easy arrival and parking. Forget parking hassles and traffic woes – this guide provides all the essential information to get you to the pier, focusing on convenient routes like North 5th Street.
St. Pete Pier Address for Your GPS: 800 2nd Avenue NE, St. Petersburg, FL 33701
Operating Hours to Plan Your Visit: The Pier welcomes visitors starting 30 minutes before sunrise and remains open until 11:00 pm daily.
Marketplace Hours for Shopping and Local Finds: Explore the vibrant Marketplace on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays from 10:00 am to 6:00 pm.
Detailed Directions, Including a Smoother Route via North 5th Street:
For those arriving via I-275, simply follow the interstate signs leading to I-375. I-375 seamlessly transitions into 4th Avenue North. Continue on 4th Avenue North until it ends at Beach Drive, forming a T-intersection. To potentially bypass heavier traffic, especially during peak times, consider this alternative using North 5th Street: Turn left onto Beach Drive, then make a right turn onto 5th Avenue North. Follow 5th Avenue North and turn right onto Bayshore Drive. The entrance to the St. Pete Pier will be on your next left. This route via North 5th Street can offer a less congested approach to the Pier, particularly during busy periods.
On-Site Parking Options at St. Pete Pier:
The St. Pete Pier provides over 500 convenient on-site parking spaces, including six dedicated electric vehicle charging stations. For eco-friendly visitors, ample bike parking is available. The Pier is also easily accessible via the Downtown Looper and the Central Avenue Trolley, offering great public transportation options. Keep in mind that peak traffic and parking demand typically occur on Fridays between 4 pm and 9 pm, and Saturdays from 1 pm to 8 pm. Expect increased traffic and potentially longer waits during these times.
Image alt text: Illuminated St. Pete Pier entrance sign at night, welcoming visitors to the waterfront park.
Overflow Parking Just a Short Walk Away:
During peak periods, or if on-site parking is full, consider heading directly to overflow parking options located approximately 3 blocks from the Pier. The Sundial Parking Garage is easily accessible via 2nd Street North, just south of 2nd Avenue North. From there, a pleasant walk east on 2nd Avenue will lead you to the Pier. Alternatively, the Al Lang Parking Lot entrance is situated on 1st Avenue South between Beach and Bayshore Drive. To reach the Pier from this lot, simply walk north on Bayshore Drive. For a comprehensive list of St. Pete Parking Lots and Garages, please click here.
Payment for Dolphin and Pelican Parking Lots: Credit card, the ParkMobile App, or cash are accepted at Pay Machines located throughout both parking lots for your convenience.
Arriving by Boat to St. Pete Pier:
For those arriving by sea, limited boat slips are available for short-term tie-ups directly at the Pier! Docking is on a first-come, first-served basis, and reservations are not accepted. Find out more about our boat slip availability here.
Utilizing the Looper for Getting Around Town:
Exploring the vibrant Sunshine City with the Looper Trolley? Access the most up-to-date schedule to plan your travels here.
Travel from Tampa via the Cross Bay Ferry:
Visitors from Tampa can enjoy a scenic ride across the bay using the Cross Bay Ferry. The St. Petersburg Ferry Terminal is conveniently located in the Port of St. Pete, adjacent to the University of South Florida – St. Petersburg Campus and The Dali Museum. For ticket information and schedules, please visit www.thecrossbayferry.com.
Image alt text: The Cross Bay Ferry boat arriving at St. Pete Pier, offering a scenic transportation option from Tampa Bay.
SunRunner Bus Rapid Transit for Easy Pier Access:
Reaching the Pier has become even easier with the new SunRunner Bus Rapid Transit system. The closest stop to the Pier is 5th Street N (Stop #1111). Upon disembarking at Stop #1111 on 5th Street North, proceed down 1st Ave N towards the waterfront. You’ll pass Jannus Live on your right and Starbucks on your left. Once you reach South Straub Park, the entrance to the Pier will be directly ahead. For more detailed information, visit the SunRunner’s official site.
Important Note on Parking Costs: Parking rates at off-site locations are generally more economical than on-site parking rates, particularly if you plan to spend an extended time at the Pier.
Weekday Parking Rates (12:00 a.m. Monday through 5 p.m. Friday):
- First 4 hours: $2 per hour
- 5th hour: $3
- 6th hour: $4/hr
- Parking in lots is limited to 6 hours or less.
- 6-hour maximum cost: $15
Weekend Parking Rates (5 p.m. Friday through 11:59 p.m. Sunday):
- First 4 hours: $2.50 per hour
- 5th hour: $3.50
- 6th hour: $4.50/hr
- Parking in lots is limited to 6 hours or less.
- 6-hour maximum cost: $18
On-Street Parking Meters: Payment can be made with cash or credit card directly at the meter or via the Parkmobile App.
- First 3 hours: $2.50 per hour
- 4th hour: $5
- Parking is limited to 4 hours in these on-street locations.
- 4-hour maximum cost: $12.50
- Metered parking is enforced from 9 a.m. – 10 p.m., 7 days a week.
Image alt text: Panoramic view of St. Pete Pier extending into Tampa Bay, taken from the water, showcasing the park’s impressive structure.
With these comprehensive directions and parking tips, including utilizing routes like North 5th Street and understanding parking options, your visit to the St. Pete Pier promises to be stress-free and full of fun!
