Moonrise Over the St Pete Pier

Published on 12/03/20: The evening moonrise has been incredible this week in St Pete! Made for a beautiful backdrop as we watched the Cross-Bay Ferry cruise past the pier on its way to downtown Tampa.

We’re all lucky to live where we do! We look forward to riding the ferry soon and will post our thoughts.

The St. Pete Pier offers much to do for young and old. The playground for kids is massive and something that Colt loves. Plus next door to the playground is a casual counter service restaurant with pizza, ice cream, full bar and more. On the weekends they often have live music nearby as well. A win-win for adults and kids.

Then for adults you have a couple nice dining options on the pier itself. The views from the restaurants are fantastic as they look back at the Saint Petersburg skyline in one direction and Tampa Bay in the other direction.

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The moon rising over Tampa Bay is a spectacular sight that combines the beauty of a natural celestial event with the urban and natural landscape of the area. Tampa Bay, located on the west coast of Florida, offers a picturesque view where the moon’s ascent can be observed over the bay’s shimmering waters, city skyline, and surrounding nature.

Key Aspects:

1. Timing:

• Moonrise: The time of moonrise varies depending on the day and the moon phase. It generally occurs around sunset, but exact times can be checked using a moonrise calendar or app. During a full moon, the moon rises shortly after the sun sets, creating a dramatic and colorful twilight scene.

2. Viewing Locations:

• Waterfront Parks: Parks like Bayshore Boulevard, Ballast Point Park, and Curtis Hixon Waterfront Park offer clear views of the horizon over the bay.
• Rooftop Bars and Restaurants: Venues such as the Tampa Riverwalk and rooftop spots in downtown Tampa provide elevated perspectives for an unobstructed view.

3. Phenomena:

• Supermoon: Occasionally, the moon appears larger and brighter than usual due to its closer proximity to Earth. This “supermoon” effect is particularly striking over open water.
• Moon Illusion: When the moon rises, it may appear larger near the horizon due to atmospheric effects and visual perception, even though its actual size doesn’t change.

4. Best Times:

• Full Moon: A full moon is particularly stunning as it rises fully illuminated. This can be a great time for photography and enjoying the reflection on the bay.
• Moon Phases: Different phases of the moon provide varied lighting and shadows, with crescent or gibbous phases offering a different but equally captivating view.

5. Atmospheric Conditions:

• Weather: Clear skies are ideal for moon viewing. Tampa’s relatively mild climate often provides favorable conditions, but checking local weather forecasts is always a good idea.
• Tides: The tide can affect the reflection of the moon on the bay’s surface. High tides might offer better reflections, while low tides might expose more of the shoreline.

6. Photography Tips:

• Use a tripod for stability, especially in low light.
• Adjust your camera settings to capture the moon’s details and the bay’s reflection. A longer exposure time might help in capturing the light and colors of the scene.

Whether you’re a local or a visitor, witnessing the moonrise over Tampa Bay can be a memorable experience, offering a blend of natural beauty and urban charm.