Take This Summer Road Trip To Some Of The Most Jaw-Dropping Piers On Florida’s Gulf Coast
The beauty of living in a peninsula state is that you have access to water in almost every direction you turn. What’s more, is that because of the Gulf and coastal access, there tend to be more ways to enjoy that water – with jaw-dropping piers! Throughout The Sunshine State, there are roughly 35 different piers stretching out into the ocean or the Gulf, providing endless views of the rolling tide and the perfect platform to fish. We’ve compiled a list of the most stunning piers in Florida along the gulf side and turned it into one epic road trip. Whether you want to spend the trip casting a line from every pier and seeing what you can catch, or simply enjoying sunsets and surf, this road trip is sure to be a delight.
The entire trip takes just under 7 hours in driving time, but when you factor in stoppages and even an overnight stay, you might want to turn this into a fun weekend trek. You can find the entire road trip itinerary by clicking here.
The fishing pier in the downtown area of Cedar Key is the first stop along this trip. While it might not be the biggest pier on this trek, clocking in at 250-feet in length, is still is worth the stop. The pier is the perfect place to cast a line and clean your catch with a cleaning table on-site. Plus, you’ll have a bevy of restaurants nearby with impeccable waterfront views.
Address: Gulf of Mexico, Cedar Key, FL 32625
Pier 60 Clearwater in Clearwater Beach is as long as they come, stretching out 1,080-feet into the Gulf of Mexico. You’ll feel as if you’re walking on top of the rolling waves when you venture down this pier. Anyone looking to spend the day on Pier 60 will need to pay for a day pass, but we guarantee it’s worth the price, especially when you watch the sun setting on the horizon.
Address: 1 Causeway Blvd, Clearwater Beach, FL 33767
The historic Bradenton Pier, also known as the Bridge Street Pier on Anna Maria Island is certainly worth checking out, at least for the history alone. The pier goes back to the times when Bradenton Beach was Cortez Village! Take a leisurely stroll along this pier and you might just see a few manatees and dolphins enjoying the water.
Address: 1-15 Laverne Dr, Bradenton Beach, FL 34217
The Venice Fishing Pier is a 700-foot gem, which offers a fishing experience for anyone not coming equipped. Not only can you fish without a license here, but you also can rent a rod or a reel while you’re there. In addition, there is no fee to access the pier or the beauty that comes with it! Spend an afternoon enjoying this pier that stretches out over the aquamarine waters of the Gulf.
Address: 1600 Harbor Dr. S, Venice, FL 34285
We end this road trip at the famed Naples Pier, one of the premier locations for sightseers and sunset seekers. The pier is free to access and perfect for anyone who’s looking to catch red snapper, grouper, or snook. There is also a snack bar in the middle of the pier for anyone looking to spend a few hours listening to the surf and snacking over the water.
Address: 25 12th Ave S, Naples, FL 34102
So, what do you think about the most stunning piers in Florida? Who would you take this road trip with? We’d love to hear from you in the comments section!
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Address: Cedar Key Fishing Pier, Gulf of Mexico, Cedar Key, FL 32625, USA
Address: Pier 60 Clearwater, 1 Causeway Blvd, Clearwater Beach, FL 33767, USA
Address: Bradenton Historic Street Pier, 1-15 Laverne Dr, Bradenton Beach, FL 34217, USA
Address: Venice Fishing Pier, 1600 Harbor Dr S, Venice, FL 34285, USA
A New Jersey native with over 15 years of writing experience, Marisa has studied at both New York University and Florida International University. She has lived all over the country, including a decade stint in South Florida. Marisa is well-versed in exploration as she travels a good majority of the year in her self-converted Sprinter van. Her articles have been featured in various notable publications over the years, she has a published collection of short stories, and three completed screenplays under her belt.
