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Discovery Center and Pier

4.6

·9 reviews·Traverse City, United States

A vibrant waterfront destination featuring the Tampa Bay Watch Discovery Center, playgrounds, splash pads, dining, and stunning bay views.

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Weekday mornings

Fewer crowds, ideal for Discovery Center

CrowdLow

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Discovery Center and Pier

Best Time

Weekday mornings

Fewer crowds, ideal for Discovery Center

CrowdLow

Highlights

Must-see attractions

A vibrant waterfront destination featuring the Tampa Bay Watch Discovery Center, playgrounds, splash pads, dining, and stunning bay views.

4.6

(9 reviews)

"Kids of all ages have lots of fun activities to do. 10 year old's rating was it was excellent!"

TIP

🎟️ Discovery Center Admission

Admission fees apply to the Discovery Center. Check current prices for adults, seniors, military, and children.

☀️ Beat the Heat

The Splash Pad and Discovery Center offer great ways to cool down and escape the Florida sun.

Quick Facts

Hours

Rating

4.6 · 9 reviews

Address

13170 S W Bay Shore Dr, Traverse City, MI 49684, USA

Website

discoverypier.org

👶 Good for kids♿ Wheelchair accessible🅿️ Accessible parking

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Tampa Bay Watch Discovery Center

St. Pete Pier

Explore marine life with interactive displays, live animals, and a touch tank. Perfect for curious minds!

St. Pete Pier Playground

St. Pete Pier

A vibrant and engaging playground area, ideal for kids to burn energy and have fun.

Splash Pad

St. Pete Pier

Cool off and make a splash at this fun water play area, a hit on warm Florida days.

Pier Views and Walkways

St. Pete Pier

Enjoy stunning panoramic views of Tampa Bay and the St. Petersburg skyline.

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Planning Your Visit

Timing Your Visit

The St. Pete Pier offers a variety of attractions, but crowds can build, especially on weekends. Consider visiting on a weekday morning for a more relaxed experience, particularly if you're aiming for the Tampa Bay Watch Discovery Center. Check their specific hours as they can vary.

Discovery Center Focus

While the entire St. Pete Pier is a destination, the Tampa Bay Watch Discovery Center is a key attraction. It's a great spot for families and those interested in marine life, offering interactive exhibits and a touch tank. Note that admission fees apply specifically to the Discovery Center.

Best Times

When

Weekday mornings

Why

Fewer crowds, ideal for Discovery Center

Crowd

Low

When

Weekend afternoons

Why

Lively atmosphere, family fun

Crowd

High

When

Sunrise

Why

Misty mornings, beautiful light

Crowd

Low

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

Looking for family fun at the St. Pete Pier this weekend? 🌞 Check out these must-do activities: 1️⃣ Play and explore at the playground 🛝 2️⃣Cool off at the Splash Pad 💦 3️⃣ Discover marine life at the TBW Discovery Center 🐠 What’s your family’s favorite activity at the Pier? 🌊

stpetepier

0 likes • 3.1K views

🎟️ Discovery Center Admission

Admission fees apply to the Discovery Center. Check current prices for adults, seniors, military, and children. +1

☀️ Beat the Heat

The Splash Pad and Discovery Center offer great ways to cool down and escape the Florida sun.

Experience the St. Pete Pier in beautiful Downtown St. Petersburg, Florida! Located over Tampa Bay, the St Pete Pier offers a Tampa Bay Discovery Center, many boat tours, restaurants, bars, and so much more! Next time you’re looking for a fun day outdoors, check out the @stpetepier on Tampa Bay! 🤩🏖️🌇 • • • • • #stpetepier #stpetersburgflorida #stpete #tampabay #thingstodo #thingstodoinstpete #th...

thingstodotampabay

13.1K likes • 362.3K views

Let’s come together for an unforgettable fundraiser benefitting Big Brothers Big Sisters of Northwest Michigan, Mt. Holiday, and Discovery Center and Pier! The Discovery Cruise on August 25th promises to be an amazing experience with a meal prepared by acclaimed chef Andrew McCrillis, drinks from Bos Wines, Audacia Elixirs, and more. Purchase tickets in link in bio @myupnorthkids and @performanc...

traverse_city_now

27 likes • 997 views

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Family Fun Focus

The playground, splash pad, and Discovery Center make it a top spot for family outings.

👟 Comfortable Footwear

You'll be doing a lot of walking to explore the pier and its attractions.

📍Tampa Bay Watch Discovery Center 700 Second Ave NE St. Pete (St. Pete Pier) Located on the St. Pete pier, the Tampa Bay Watch Discovery Center is a must do! Check out live animals, interactive displays and more! 🐟 Admission: 13 and up $8, Seniors (60+) $6, military $3, teachers $3, children (4-12) $3, 3 and under are free ⏰ Hours: 7 days a week, 10 am- 5 pm 🦀 Interactive displays, touch tank...

toddlerfriendlytampabay

333 likes • 17.3K views

Tips

from all over the internet

🎟️ Discovery Center Admission

Admission fees apply to the Discovery Center. Check current prices for adults, seniors, military, and children. +1

☀️ Beat the Heat

The Splash Pad and Discovery Center offer great ways to cool down and escape the Florida sun.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Family Fun Focus

The playground, splash pad, and Discovery Center make it a top spot for family outings.

👟 Comfortable Footwear

You'll be doing a lot of walking to explore the pier and its attractions.

📅 Check Hours

Discovery Center hours can vary, so confirm them before your visit.

What Travellers Say

4.6

(9 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors praise the St. Pete Pier for its beautiful waterfront views, family-friendly amenities like the playground and splash pad, and the engaging Tampa Bay Watch Discovery Center. It's a vibrant spot for a day out, though some note the Discovery Center's exhibits could be updated and the overall experience might be brief.

"the actual kids museum is closed and moved to the mall at least temporarily, but the dock is still gorgeous, along with a fun playground and clean bathrooms."

Sam Q

"We visit every time we are in the area. There's nothing else like it around. The kids love the water table, but overall this place is small and hard to spend more than an hour at. Exhibits haven't changed much, if at all, since our first visit a few years ago."

Steve Mika

"Kids of all ages have lots of fun activities to do. 10 year old's rating was it was excellent! !"

Sylvia Heggen

What People Like

Beautiful bay views

Family-friendly activities

Engaging Discovery Center

What People Dislike

Exhibits could be updated

Can be crowded

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

The St. Pete Pier is located in downtown St. Petersburg, Florida. It's easily accessible by car, with parking available nearby. Public transportation options may also serve the downtown area.

Yes, there are parking options available near the St. Pete Pier. It's advisable to check for any specific parking fees or restrictions, especially during peak times.

The St. Pete Pier is a great destination for walking and biking, with scenic paths leading to it. It's a popular spot for a leisurely stroll or a bike ride along the waterfront.

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

Access to the St. Pete Pier itself is generally free. However, specific attractions like the Tampa Bay Watch Discovery Center have an admission fee. +1

Admission prices for the Discovery Center vary by age and status, typically around $8 for adults, with discounts for seniors, military, teachers, and children. Children 3 and under are often free. +1

Yes, the Discovery Center and Pier have hosted special events and fundraisers, such as the 'Discovery Cruise' benefiting local charities. +1

The playground and splash pad areas on the St. Pete Pier are typically free to use, making them popular spots for families.

🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience

You can explore the Tampa Bay Watch Discovery Center, enjoy the playground and splash pad, dine at various restaurants, take boat tours, and simply walk around to enjoy the bay views. +2

Absolutely! The pier is very family-friendly with a dedicated playground, a splash pad, and the interactive Tampa Bay Watch Discovery Center. +1

It's an educational space featuring live marine animals, interactive exhibits, and a touch tank, offering a hands-on learning experience about Tampa Bay's ecosystem. +1

Yes, there are restrooms available throughout the St. Pete Pier for visitor convenience.

The St. Pete Pier offers numerous picturesque spots for photography, especially during sunrise and sunset, with beautiful waterfront and city skyline views.

🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining

Yes, the St. Pete Pier features a variety of dining options, from casual eateries to more upscale restaurants, catering to different tastes and budgets. +1

You can find a range of cuisines, including seafood, American fare, and more, with options for quick bites or full meals.

📸 📸 Photography

The entire pier offers great photo opportunities, especially along the waterfront, with views of the bay and the St. Petersburg skyline. Sunrise shots are particularly stunning.

Yes, the western-facing views over Tampa Bay make the St. Pete Pier an excellent location for capturing beautiful sunset photographs.