Pier Sixty-Six has a long heritage in Fort Lauderdale – the yachting capital of the world. The prestigious marina and distinctive Pier Top tower have been beloved landmarks on the horizon for generations. As the city’s closest marina to the Atlantic Ocean, Pier Sixty-Six has long been a gathering place, where people meet for memorable experiences by the water. The imaginative reinvention of Pier Sixty-Six honors the heritage of this iconic site – and that includes the sky-high Pier Top.
The Pier Top has hosted many meaningful celebrations and spectacular parties over the years, from birthdays to anniversaries and even weddings and proms. The Pier Top has long been known for decadent brunches (bottomless Mimosas and Bloody Marys), celebrity guests and spectacular sunsets.
The panoramic views have always dazzled guests, as the gently revolving Pier Top reveals new vistas: the Intracoastal Waterway, downtown Fort Lauderdale and the Atlantic Ocean.
The Pier Top: Now Reopened
Soar to the 17th floor for an elevated cocktail experience – the return of a designated historic landmark with a seductive, modern twist. Pier Top’s revolving lounge offers unrivaled 360-degree ocean and skyline views. The menu features champagne-and-caviar service, signature cocktails and more.
Many people were concerned that the Pier Top might not reopen, especially after sustaining significant damage from Hurricane Irma in 2017. Happily, Pier Sixty-Six has now reclaimed its iconic place on the South Florida coast, with the world-renowned superyacht marina, the exclusive collection of exquisite marina residences and unparalleled culinary and lounge experiences, including the Pier Top.
Sunset Drinks – with a Glamorous Twist
The iconic revolving Pier Top lounge is a Fort Lauderdale favourite once again, with spectacular views across the vast Atlantic Ocean, Port Everglades, the turquoise waters of the Intracoastal Waterway, and the lights of downtown Fort Lauderdale twinkling on the horizon.
The atmosphere is distinctly glamorous, with cinematic views over the horizon and the city’s most intriguing residents and visitors. The gently curved bar and intimate seating allow clear sight lines to the horizon.
Pier Sixty-Six residents will enjoy priority access to the Pier Top – so secure a limited-edition waterfront residence now at Pier Sixty-Six.
The History of the Pier Top
The Pier Top first opened in 1965, but the history of Pier Sixty-Six goes all the way back to 1957, when this waterfront site was a very important fuel dock and gas station. The name even comes from Phillips 66: Phillips named its first gas station in Kansas to reflect the nearby Route 66, which now runs from downtown Chicago to the Santa Monica Pier in California. Pier Sixty-Six evolved in 1959 to include a 100-berth marina, a restaurant, and a “Waterway Wonderland” motel.
In 1965, the striking new 17-story hotel opened, with its crown jewel, the Pier Top. The ambition was to launch a new era of sophistication for Fort Lauderdale tourism, with this impressive hotel that matched the glamour of the resorts of Miami. The Pier Sixty-Six Hotel was an eye-catching new addition to the Fort Lauderdale skyline, and was compared to other iconic buildings, from the Space Needle in Seattle to the Eiffel Tower in Paris.
Googie Design and the 66 Theme
The eye-catching tower was designed by Phillips Petroleum architect Richard F. Humble, with distinctive mid-century lines. The actual style is called “Googie”, a futuristic look based on Googie’s, a coffee shop on the corner of LA’s Sunset Boulevard. The style is often seen in diners, gas stations, and drive-ins of the 1950s and 60s, with atomic and space-age themes (kind of a Jetsons vibe).
The 66 theme was woven into the tower’s design, as an homage to the company. There are 66 spires forming the starburst crown, and the sky-high Pier Top revolved once every 66 minutes. Even the elevator was reported to take exactly 66 seconds to reach the Pier Top (no stops).
The new hotel made waves in Florida and beyond, as did the rotating restaurant at its top. Generations of Fort Lauderdale residents – and guests of the hotel and marina – recall vivid memories of special occasions, exquisite food, and dazzling views.
Now reopened, the Pier Top is the glittering crown jewel of Pier Sixty-Six. Ensure you get on our list to receive the latest updates and news on Pier Sixty-Six events.
From Hollywood Celebrities to Local Friends
Historically, the Pier Top attracted a wide range of guests, from local luminaries to visiting Hollywood stars and starry-eyed couples staying at the hotel. Visitors felt almost giddy with excitement at the panoramic views. That’s why everyone in Fort Lauderdale chose the Pier Top for extra-special celebrations and romantic evenings – even marriage proposals.
In decades past, celebrities and notable guests flocked to the Pier Top, from Walter Cronkite to Frank Sinatra. The atmosphere (especially at the brunches and later in the evening) had a hint of Rat Pack glamour to match the glittering stars and lights of the city after sunset.
The drinks at the Pier Top were legendary, and its reputation as the premier cocktail lounge in Fort Lauderdale was secure. Sunny days make people extra-thirsty, and a refreshing cocktail with a fruit garnish was an instant reviver. Other guests stuck to the sophisticated classics, from martinis to Manhattans, whiskey on the rocks, and the extensive wine list. In the 1960s and 1970s, guests enjoyed drinks and dancing as the sun set. The famous Pier Top brunches always drew an enthusiastic crowd, with brunch classics such as Eggs Benedict and stacks of fluffy pancakes, as well as the traditional Bloody Marys.
Today, the Pier Top menu features champagne-and-caviar service, signature cocktails and more. The Pier Top is once again the place to go for an elevated (pardon the pun) evening of conversation and libation.
The Ultimate Waterfront Lifestyle
Pier Sixty-Six residents experience the best of the Fort Lauderdale lifestyle, including South Florida’s most exciting new waterfront restaurants, enticing poolside bars, and a warm welcome at the Pier Top lounge.
Be sure to get on our list for all the news from Pier Sixty-Six.