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The St. Pete Pier Photo Tour

By Dawn Henthorn, About.com

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Welcome to The Pier

St. Pete Pier Welcome©DC Stultz
The Pier has been a landmark of downtown St. Petersburg since 1899 when Peter Demens hooked up the Orange Belt Railroad to a half-mile wharf. D. F. Brantley started the first Pier Pavilion in 1895, but it is the 1926 Million Dollar Pier, torn down in 1973 to house today's inverted pyramid structure, that long-time residents remember.

Located at the end of a mile-long approach, this five-story architectural marvel features shops, restaurants, its own aquarium, live music and even boat docks.

On the ground floor of The Pier you can stroll through unique shops or grab a quick snack, and just outside a variety of activities are offered — from boat and Segway tours to feeding pelicans or peddling a surrey bicycle around the waterfront.

The top floor of The Pier combines both the tropical dining of Cha Cha Coconuts with a huge observation deck, giving the visitor a truly unique observation point on Tampa Bay.

The Pier is open 365 days a year, rain or shine, Monday through Thursday from 10:00 a.m. until 9:00 p.m., Friday and Saturday from 10:00 a.m. until 10:00 p.m. and Sunday from 11:00 a.m. until 7:00 p.m. Attractions and restaurant hours vary.

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