We Visited the New 2021+ St. Pete Pier - Is It Better or Worse?

Living in Florida, Travel
February 18, 2022

2020 edition of St. Pete Pier is finally opened.

The previous iteration of the pier was The Inverted Pyramid opened to in 1973. In 2013 it was closed for a new pier.

8 years later, 2021, the new pier opens to the public. It actually re-opened in 2020 but we just visited at the end of 2021.

Is it better or not than what it was?

We've been to the Inverted Pyramid Pier many times before and the new Pier feels small and empty. The finishing dock area in the back is substantially decreased in size.

But they did expand the area walking up to the new pier to make up for the size.

We enjoyed the walk.

The Inverted Pyramid was all concrete and had no trees, no palm trees or any type of shade as you made your walk to the building. Now, there is some shade in the beginning of the walk and there is a lot more greenery and connection to water than before.

There is a cool new area of walkways in the middle.

The new pier doesn't seem like a landmark. I didn't like how it was hidden pretty much the entire walk. It is only until the last part of the trip the Pier is revealed. The Inverted Pyramid could be seen as far as the intersection of Bayshore Dr NE and 2nd Ave NE.

The new Pier looks great from aerial shots from the water and up above, a view most will never actually experience. So entire new pier experience feels underwhelming.

Driftwood Cafe was great. I had two cups of Cafe Latte. There is enough benches in shade to enjoy the java. Especially in the cold months of Florida. We didn't try any food but maybe next time.

The Inverted Pyramid did need a revamp. It was outdated.

The new pier was a great place to visit. We enjoyed the walk, the experience and the coffee on a cold, windy November day.

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