Merry Pier
1 / 10

Merry Pier

4.6
·407 reviews·St. Pete Beach, United States

Unpretentious pier offering fishing gear rentals, bait, seafood snacks, and scenic boat tours in historic Pass-a-Grille.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Late afternoon

Catch the sunset & boat tours

CrowdMedium
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Merry Pier

Merry Pier

Best Time

Late afternoon

Catch the sunset & boat tours

CrowdMedium
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Unpretentious pier offering fishing gear rentals, bait, seafood snacks, and scenic boat tours in historic Pass-a-Grille.

4.6
(407 reviews)

"Wonderful people work here! And they have a super nice dog too!"

Vertical photo
TIP

🎣 Rent Gear & Bait

Easily rent fishing poles and purchase live bait like shrimp for a successful outing.

🐬 Book Boat Tours

Secure your spot on sunset cruises for dolphin sightings and stunning views.

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Quick Facts

Hours

Rating

4.6 · 407 reviews

Type

Store

♿ Wheelchair accessible🅿️ Accessible parking

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Fishing on the Pier

Fishing on the Pier

Merry Pier

Rent poles and bait for a fun fishing session, catching various species. Great for kids and adults alike!

Sunset Dolphin Cruises

Sunset Dolphin Cruises

Merry Pier

Enjoy breathtaking sunset views and spot playful dolphins on a memorable boat tour.

Pelican Feeding Frenzy

Pelican Feeding Frenzy

Merry Pier

Watch pelicans eagerly await fish scraps, a fun and eco-friendly spectacle.

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Planning Your Visit

Fishing Fun & Boat Tours

Merry Pier is your go-to for fishing adventures and scenic boat tours. Rent gear, buy bait, or book a charter to explore the waters. Check operating hours as they can close early, but staff are often accommodating for last-minute anglers. Reddit

Pass-a-Grille Charm

Located in the relaxed Pass-a-Grille area, Merry Pier offers a glimpse into local life. Enjoy the beach, browse boutiques, and soak in the historic atmosphere. It's a great spot for a casual outing or a base for exploring nearby Shell Key. Instagram

Best Times

When
Late afternoon
Why
Catch the sunset & boat tours
Crowd
Medium
When
Morning
Why
Great for family fishing
Crowd
Low

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

Who knew we would see the last clip in the video 😬Skyway Bridge, the bridge connecting St pete to Sarasota and some of the best beaches like Anna maria island, siesta key, long boat key, etc and a fishers dream If you’re not into fishing def park your car and walk underneath the bridge $4 pervehicle and $4 per adult 😉 #skyway #tampabay #sunshineskywaybridge #fishingspot #floridalifestyle #outdoor ...
@laughandlift_
92.6K likes • 5.8M views

🎣 Rent Gear & Bait

Easily rent fishing poles and purchase live bait like shrimp for a successful outing. Reddit

🐬 Book Boat Tours

Secure your spot on sunset cruises for dolphin sightings and stunning views. Reddit

your next dinner experience in st.pete 📍rumfish grille on st.pete beach #stpetersburgflorida #stpete #tampabay #restaurant #aquarium #fishtank #fishtanks #florida #floridacheck #tampa #stpetebeach
@lisalollirock
83.6K likes • 807.9K views
Merry Pier is named after Captain Kenneth B. Merry, a resident of Pass-a-Grille since 1900.  Captain Merry lived in Pass-a-Grille for 83 years. The pier has been an important part of Pass-a-Grille since 1902 when the Merry family opened a general store on the end of the dock that he and his wife built at the end of 8th Avenue.  It was the first store on the Gulf Beaches and originally sold bait a...
berkeleybeachclub
16 likes • 544 views

🐶 Friendly Staff & Dog

Expect helpful service from the pier staff and their resident dog! Reddit

🌊 Pelican Spectacle

Don't miss the fun of watching pelicans feed on leftover fish scraps. Reddit

Good morning, from the Merry Pier. ☀️ 57 degrees and gorgeous. #StPeteBeach #birdsofinstagram #Chilly #Windy #MerryPier #Fishing
cityofstpetebeach
54 likes • 869 views

Tips

from all over the internet

🎣 Rent Gear & Bait

Easily rent fishing poles and purchase live bait like shrimp for a successful outing. Reddit

🐬 Book Boat Tours

Secure your spot on sunset cruises for dolphin sightings and stunning views. Reddit

🐶 Friendly Staff & Dog

Expect helpful service from the pier staff and their resident dog! Reddit

🌊 Pelican Spectacle

Don't miss the fun of watching pelicans feed on leftover fish scraps. Reddit

What Travellers Say

4.6
(407 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors rave about Merry Pier's friendly staff, excellent fishing opportunities, and enjoyable sunset dolphin cruises. The pier is a great spot for families, offering affordable fun and a chance to see pelicans feed. While the shop closes relatively early, the overall experience is highly recommended for its charm and value.

"This is a great little place! We were unable to get here before 4:30, and the shop closes at 5:30. They got us a pole and bait to rent for that hour, and were kind and helpful about doing that so close to their closing time. We were visiting from out of town and this was the only opportunity for fishing, so we were extremely grateful. We didn't see an end time on the website, or we might not have tried to get here in the first place. But I'm glad we made the trek (1 1/2 hours). The last boat had also just came in, and they were getting the caught fish ready for the people who caught them. That was well organized and fun to watch. They feed the left over fish parts to the eagerly awaiting pelicans, I'm sharing a video. So fun, less waste and happy pelicans and people. Highly recommend this place if you want to fish and need to rent a pole, or can go out on the boat. Wonderful people work here! And they have a super nice dog too!"

Hethyr Fouse

"This was my second sunset tour with this group. Wonderful experience, great value, and can't beat the views. Our tour yesterday evening enjoyed seeing several dolphins in the bay, as well. Captains were both professional and kind."

Kimberly McKane

"Cute little pier with benches to watch fishermen and look at the views. We waited here for our shuttle out to shell key. Inside you can book fishing tours, and they have snacks and drinks, a few souvenirs, and they sell from what I assume is a local crochet lady. I bought a squid and a clam."

Sarah Gunlock

What People Like

Friendly and helpful staff
Great fishing opportunities
Memorable sunset cruises

What People Dislike

Early shop closing time

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

Merry Pier is located in the Pass-a-Grille area of St. Pete Beach. You can drive and find street parking nearby, though it can be busy. It's also accessible via local transit options that serve St. Pete Beach. Instagram

Street parking is available near Merry Pier in Pass-a-Grille. During peak times, it might be challenging to find a spot, so arriving earlier is recommended. Reddit

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

While the pier itself may be accessible, the shop and charter services have specific operating hours. It's best to check their closing times, as they may not be open late into the night. Reddit

The shop at Merry Pier typically closes around 5:30 PM, though this can vary. It's advisable to confirm their hours before your visit, especially if planning a late afternoon or evening trip. Reddit

For saltwater fishing from a pier in Florida, a recreational saltwater fishing license is generally not required if you are fishing from a licensed pier. Merry Pier is a licensed pier, so you likely won't need a separate license. Reddit

There's a fee for renting fishing poles and purchasing bait. Boat tours and fishing charters will have separate pricing. Specific costs can be obtained by contacting the pier directly or visiting their shop. Reddit

🎫 🎣 Onsite Experience

You can rent fishing gear, buy bait, book fishing charters or sunset dolphin cruises, and enjoy the views. There are also snacks, drinks, and souvenirs available. InstagramReddit

Yes, Merry Pier offers fishing pole rentals and sells various types of bait, including live shrimp and frozen squid. Reddit

Absolutely! Merry Pier offers sunset tours where you can often spot dolphins, and fishing charters for a more dedicated angling experience. Reddit

Anglers at Merry Pier have reported catching various species, including snapper and other common Gulf Coast fish. The type of fish can depend on the season and conditions. Reddit

Yes, Merry Pier is a fantastic spot for families. Kids enjoy the excitement of fishing, watching the pelicans, and the overall relaxed atmosphere. Reddit

🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining

Merry Pier has a shop that sells snacks and drinks. For more extensive dining options, the surrounding Pass-a-Grille area offers casual seafood spots and bars. Instagram

The shop at Merry Pier typically offers snacks, drinks, and some basic provisions. It's a convenient place to grab a quick bite while fishing or waiting for a boat tour. Reddit

📸 📸 Photography

Capture stunning sunset views over the water, playful dolphins during boat tours, the lively pelican feeding, and the charming Pass-a-Grille beach scene. InstagramReddit

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