Russell-Fields Pier: The Walk, the View, and the Photo

Russell-Fields Pier — the City Pier, the one at Pier Park — is 1,500 feet of wooden walkway out over the Gulf. It’s the free thing every spring breaker does once, and it’s better than it sounds.

What it is

A fishing pier with a small entry fee for walkers and a higher one for anglers. Walk to the end and you’re a quarter mile out over water clear enough to see the bottom, with the whole beach behind you.

When to go

• Sunset. The obvious answer, and the right one. Get there 30 minutes before.
• Morning after a front. The water clears up and the surfers are out.
• Any time you’re at Pier Park anyway. Rain-day plan included.

What you’ll see

Pelicans, dolphins on a good day, rays and fish under the pier, surfers on the west side, and the entire spring break beach from a distance that makes it look almost peaceful.

The photo

End of the pier, sunset behind, group in front. Everyone gets it. Nobody regrets it.

Nearby

Pier Park for food and the stuff you forgot to pack. Beach access on both sides. More things to do and the not-a-bar list.