The Skyway Fishing Pier State Park, located in Florida, is a popular destination for anglers and outdoor enthusiasts alike. With two piers, the North Pier and the South Pier, the park offers ample opportunities for fishing, sightseeing, and enjoying the beautiful coastal scenery. In this article, we’ll explore the cost of visiting the Skyway Fishing Pier State Park in 2024, as well as other important information to help you plan your trip.
Admission Fees
To access the Skyway Fishing Pier State Park, visitors must pay an admission fee. The cost varies depending on the type of vehicle and the number of people in the group. Here are the current admission fees for 2024:
$4.00 per vehicle (up to 8 people per vehicle)
$12.00 for oversized vehicles (such as campers and RVs)
$4.00 per adult (12 years and older)
$2.00 per child (6 to 11 years old)
Free for children 5 years old and younger
Annual Entrance Passes and all Military Entrance Passes are valid for a 33% discount on admission fees.
Hours of Operation
The Skyway Fishing Pier State Park is open 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, including holidays. This allows visitors to enjoy the park at any time, whether they prefer fishing during the day or night, or simply taking in the stunning views of the Sunshine Skyway Bridge and Tampa Bay.
Fishing Licenses and Rentals
One of the main attractions of the Skyway Fishing Pier State Park is the opportunity to fish from the piers. Visitors who wish to fish must have a valid fishing license, which is included in the admission fee when fishing from the piers. However, if fishing outside the pay station at the entrance to either pier, a separate fishing license is required.
For those who don’t have their own fishing equipment, both the North Pier and South Pier offer rental equipment at their respective bait shops. The cost for rental equipment is $8.00 per person per day.
Getting to the Skyway Fishing Pier State Park
To access the Skyway Fishing Pier State Park, visitors must first cross the Sunshine Skyway Bridge, which has a toll of $1.50 per vehicle. Once on the bridge, follow the signs to the fishing pier, which is located before the highest part of the bridge.
The North Pier is located at 11101 34th Street South, St. Petersburg, FL 33711, while the South Pier is located at 7901 US HWY. 19 South, Palmetto, FL 34221.
Facilities and Amenities
The Skyway Fishing Pier State Park offers several facilities and amenities to enhance visitors’ experiences:
Bait shops at both the North Pier and South Pier, offering live bait, frozen bait, tackle, snacks, and rental equipment
Restrooms
Opportunities to catch a variety of fish, including pompano, king mackerel, Spanish mackerel, grouper, sharks, tarpon, cobia, mangrove snapper, sheepshead, and sea bass
Whether you’re an avid angler or simply looking for a peaceful spot to enjoy the outdoors, the Skyway Fishing Pier State Park is a must-visit destination in Florida. With its affordable admission fees, 24-hour accessibility, and diverse fishing opportunities, it’s no wonder the park attracts visitors from all over the state and beyond.