Celebrating St. Pete/ Clearwater
Words by Portia Jones
Situated on a sun-drenched peninsula separating Tampa Bay from the Gulf of Mexico, the laid-back beach cities of St. Pete/ Clearwater offer a dreamy, responsible escape to the shore with a downtown twist. Just 90 minutes from the theme park capital of Orlando, this forward-thinking twin city destination is a relaxing alternative to the high-octane coasters and bright lights of Mouse Town.
Part of Florida’s Pinellas County, St. Pete/Clearwater is part of an array of unique communities and coastal neighbourhoods, each with a distinct character, offering an authentic and beachy lifestyle experience for travellers who want to explore beyond Florida’s famed theme parks.
Thanks to responsible beach management and strict visitor rules, Clearwater and St. Pete have some of the bst beaches in Florida.
Averaging 361 days of sunshine annually, St. Pete/Clearwater is ideal for a family beach break with its Caribbean-style climate and warm waters for bathing and water sports. Enjoy miles of white sand beaches, boutique shopping, and a contemporary arts and culture scene packed with museums, galleries and off-beat festivals. Visitors can feast on sustainably-caught grouper sandwiches, join a dolphin-spotting tour, kayak in emerald waters, explore street art in downtown St Pete and enjoy the nightly sunset celebration at Pier 60.
Sustainable Beach life
Those pristine beaches are a big draw for sun-seekers and families who want a seaside vacation with plenty of activities and opportunities to unwind. Thanks to responsible beach management and strict visitor rules – including no alcohol and no dogs – Clearwater and St. Pete have some of the best beaches in Florida, where you can relax on sugar-white sand, swim in warm Gulf waters and photograph its famous fiery sunsets.
In addition to the natural and cultural attractions, the cities and surrounding regions are committed to environmental stewardship. Several sustainability initiatives and conservation programmes are now in place to preserve its natural heritage and delicate coastal habitats, including membership in the American Flood Coalition, which works to make the area more resistant to flooding. From eco-friendly resorts and renewable energy initiatives to wildlife conservation and community engagement, this sunny destination sets the bar high for sustainable travel experiences and responsible tourism practices. Here, you’ll find a range of beach clean-ups and conservation programmes, as well as marine life rescue, rehabilitation and public education programmes to protect delicate ecosystems and magnificent landscapes.
On a broader scale, St. Pete/ Clearwater is integrating sustainability into its decision-making and policies, which address environmental, economic, and social equity challenges that will have a profound effect on residents and future visitors. Along with lofty climate goals, the region prioritises protecting and restoring its wildlife-rich coastal habitats. These attract many tourists – eager to spot resident dolphins, armadillos, turtles, white-tail deer and sea birds. The Tampa Bay Estuary Program and its partners have implemented several projects to restore and enhance wetlands, seagrass beds, and oyster reefs, which serve as crucial habitats for various species and contribute to the estuary’s overall health. Through these vital restoration efforts, St. Pete/Clearwater aims to improve water quality, enhance biodiversity, and create resilient ecosystems that should last for generations.
Green goals
Meanwhile, St. Pete’s Integrated Sustainability Action Plan (ISAP) contains ambitious climate action goals, including a transition to 100% clean energy. Clearwater is also becoming more proactive on climate goals since the city adopted the Greenprint 2.0 plan, which details environmental initiatives to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Marine conservation is crucial to the city’s environmental stewardship, and the
Clearwater Marine Aquarium (CMA) plays a significant role in marine protection, rehabilitation, and public education. Along with eco-focused leisure activities attractions and protected natural spaces, hotels and resorts in the county are making numerous eco improvements.
Florida’s Green Lodging Program lists hotels and resorts that have made a commitment to conserving and protecting the state’s natural resources, so you can see how green your stay truly is. St. Pete/Clearwater is currently home to 13 Green Lodging-rated properties – including The Don CeSar, Hyatt Regency Clearwater and RumFish Beach Resort by TradeWinds & TradeWinds Island Grand Beach Resort.
These green hotels and resorts incorporate a range of sustainable features from water conservation, recycled building materials and Florida-friendly landscaping to exterior lighting designed to protect sea turtle hatchlings.
Meanwhile, travelling without a car is slowly becoming more accessible in Florida with new train stations and routes that link up major cities like Orlando and Miami. In St. Pete/Clearwater, you’ll find walkable downtown and coastal areas and a low-cost trolley service that connects the area’s attractions, neighbourhoods, and beaches. With continued eco commitments and environmental initiatives, if you’re looking to travel more responsibly in St. Pete/ Clearwater, there are plenty of ways to have a more sustainable visit. Discover eco-minded attractions, restaurants serving locally sourced food, bike trails and public transport options, all with the aim of helping you reduce your impact and keep your holiday green.
Making changes in St. Pete/ Clearwater
St Pete is introducing more solar energy to the city, promoting electric car and creating more energy efficient programmes.
In 2020, Clearwater enrolled in Duke Energy’s Clean Energy Connection program, which could result in 40 per cent of the electricity the city government received from the utility sourced from solar system
Clearwater has established emission reduction goals based on the GHG inventory results and aims to Reduce city-wide greenhouse gas emissions 25% below 2007 levels by 2035.
The Don CeSar Hotel in St. Pete uses special lighting on its exterior, designed to protect sea turtle hatchlings from being misdirected away from the Gulf.
4 Faves in St. Pete/ Clearwater
Clearwater Marine Aquarium, Rescue and REhabilitation Center
Located on Clearwater Beach, this renowned, non-profit marine preservation hub is dedicated to rescuing, rehabilitating, and releasing injured marine animals along the Gulf Coast. Along with engaging exhibits and interactive displays, there is a strong focus on education – inspiring visitors to make sustainable choices and become stewards of the oceans. Here, you can observe the rehabilitation process up close and learn more about the resident dolphins, turtles and playful otters, and the specialised medical care they receive from veterinarians and animal experts.
The Fred Marquis Pinellas Trail Loop
Following the path of an old railroad, the Fred Marquis Pinellas Trail Loop covers 75 miles and stretches from Tarpon Springs to St. Pete, with connections to Palm Harbor, Dunedin, Clearwater, Safety Harbor, Largo, Seminole, South Pasadena and Gulfport. Whether you’re cycling, walking, skating or scooting, the trail provides a scenic and sustainable way to get around the area. Using a disused railroad that had been abandoned, the trail winds its way along the coast with plenty of sea views, as well as dipping in and out of the interesting towns that line the route. At whatever pace you take the trail at, you’ll find plenty of rest areas, benches and water fountains to keep you fresh.
Sunken Gardens
In the heart of downtown St. Pete, Sunken Gardens is the oldest living museum in the area and is a beautiful botanical haven and one of the last remaining Florida roadside attractions. Along with bountiful plants, there’s a focus on sustainable landscaping practices and diverse educational, horticultural, and cultural activities to preserve these historic gardens. With a century-long history, the gardens feature a remarkable collection of lush plants and foliage, some of which are among the oldest in the region. Stroll through this sub-tropical oasis and explore a living collection of plants, flowers and trees as you wander among the demonstration gardens, cascading waterfalls, parrots and a flock of flamingos.
Honeymoon Island State Park
Beneath its pristine beaches, saltwater marshes, and coastal forests, Honeymoon Island State Park is committed to sustainability and preservation. This ecological gem showcases a harmonious balance between human recreation and environmental conservation, making it an ideal destination for those seeking an idyllic escape into nature.
Want to find out more?
Read more from the Sustainable Florida supplement of Charitable Traveller, and find out more about the Sunshine State’s sustainability practices, or head to the St. Pete/ Clearwater page to find out more about sustainability in the area.
by net effect