St. Pete-Clearwater Trade Partner Hub
Find exactly what you’re looking for via the links below…
Suggested tour operator partners: Specialist Operators
Get to know St. Pete-Clearwater: Map | What St. Pete-Clearwater Is Best Known For | Top Things To Do | Recommended Hotels | Recommended Restaurants & Bars
Essential information: When to Visit | Weather | Flights & Essential Travel Info
FAQs: Your most frequently asked questions
Training, incentives & competitions: Training Requests | Incentives & Competitions
Fact sheets, visual assets, & key contacts: Fact Sheets | Visual Assets | Key Contacts
St. Pete-Clearwater Prize Giveaway
Answer three simple questions below to be in with a chance of WINNING a goodie bag containing a beach bag filled with variety of additional surprises.
Entries close on 20th September at 23:59.
Enter Here
St. Pete-Clearwater Area Map
To view and download a detailed map of St. Pete-Clearwater, complete with driving times to neighbouring areas, click on the above image or click here.
What St. Pete-Clearwater Is Best Known For
There’s a wealth of experiences in store for all kinds of visitors. We’ve selected what we think your clients will love most.
Beaches
St. Pete-Clearwater offers 35 miles of award-winning, spectacular white-sand beaches and breath-taking sunsets. St. Pete-Clearwater’s beaches have consistently been named among the best in TripAdvisor’s Travellers’ Choice Awards. In 2021, St. Pete Beach was named America’s #1 Beach and the World’s #5 Beach. In 2023, Clearwater Beach was voted ‘Best Beach in the South’ by USA Today! Clearwater Beach not only has brilliant white sands but is also a hub of activity with a nightly celebration at Pier 60 filled with crafters, buskers and live music, and a great place to watch the sunset. On laid-back St. Pete Beach, visitors build the perfect sandcastle, fly over the water parasailing, or go stand-up paddleboarding on the Gulf of Mexico.
Arts & Culture
Foodie Heaven
St. Pete-Clearwater has a diverse, palette tantalising selection of Floridian and international fare fit for any foodie on a quest for the best food and drink.
Some of Florida’s freshest seafood can be experienced along the coastline, international cuisine on central avenue, and master crafted cocktails all over. Locally, there’s Greek, Latin American, Spanish and Cuban heritage, influencing the many flavours that can be found throughout St. Pete-Clearwater – guaranteed to please. With over 50 micro and homegrown breweries, the most in Florida, the area is known as the ‘Gulp Coast’, famed for having artisanal, unique craft beers. Check out the brand-new beer passport for a commemorative gift as well as great deals and discounts!
Outdoor Adventure
Getting outdoors to experience the area’s natural beauty is paramount to getting a feel for the destination and must be built into any itinerary.
Adrenaline seekers can dial up the pace by paragliding or jet skiing along Clearwater Beach, explore Fort de Soto Park (a decommissioned army fort) by e-bike and get up close with dolphins in a clear kayak.
Those wanting to slow the pace can hop on a ferry from Clearwater Beach to stroll around Caladesi Island, which has been purposely left undeveloped to ensure it remains completely natural, rent a cabana on the beach, or indulge on a sunset cruise along the Gulf.
Families with young children should try the pirate boat trip departing from John’s Pass, ideal for giving parents a moment to relax as the ‘pirates’ take the wheel, whilst the ‘Little Toot’ excursion is a laid-back way of getting up close with dolphins along the coast.
Top Things To Do
- Clearwater Marine Aquarium: A renowned marine life rescue centre dedicated to the rehabilitation and release of injured sea animals
- Clear-bottomed kayaking around Caladesi Island and Honeymoon Island: Provides a unique and immersive way to explore the vibrant marine life and pristine waters of Florida’s Gulf Coast
- Dali Museum: Showcases an impressive collection of Salvador Dalí’s surrealist masterpieces
- Dolphin Tours with the Little Toot: Offers exciting close-up encounters with playful dolphins in their natural habitat
- Downtime along the 35-miles of award-winning white sugar sand beaches: Promises relaxation and stunning Gulf Coast views
- Evenings at the St. Petersburg Shuffleboard Club: Delivers a delightful blend of nostalgia, socializing, and friendly competition against the backdrop of a historic venue, making it a cherished pastime for locals and visitors alike
- E-Bike tours of the historical Fort de Soto Park: Offers an engaging way to explore its rich history, diverse wildlife, and scenic landscapes
- Hiking and trailbiking around Weedon Island State Preserve: Offers exhilarating outdoor adventures amid lush mangrove forests, scenic waterways, and abundant wildlife habitats, providing a unique glimpse into Florida’s natural wonders
- Imagine Museum: Features a stunning array of contemporary glass art from artists around the world
- James Museum of Western Wildlife Art: Exhibits an extensive collection of Western and wildlife art, celebrating the spirit of the American West
- Kayaking through Mangroves at Caladesi Island: Immerses adventurers into the tranquil beauty of Florida’s coastal ecosystems, where you can spot diverse wildlife and explore winding waterways
- Major League Baseball fixtures at the Tropicana Field Stadium: Hosts thrilling Major League Baseball fixtures, featuring the Tampa Bay Rays
- St. Pete Pier: Offers a picturesque waterfront experience with stunning views of Tampa Bay, featuring vibrant dining options, recreational activities and captivating sunsets
Recommended Hotels
The Beachcomber, St. Pete Beach (affordable, good for families)
The Don CeSar, St. Pete Beach (high-end, good for couples)
Holiday Inn Hotel & Suites, Clearwater Beach (value for money, good for families)
JW Marriott, Clearwater Beach (high-end, good for couples)
Opal Sands Resort, Clearwater Beach (high-end, good for couples)
The Postcard Inn on the Beach, St. Pete Beach (affordable, great for groups of friends)
Rumfish Beach Resort by Tradewinds / Tradewinds Island Grand Resort, St. Pete Beach (great value, perfect for families)
The Vinoy Resort & Golf Club, downtown St. Pete (high-end, good for couples)
Wyndham Grand, Clearwater Beach (high-end, good for families)
Zamora Hotel, St. Pete Beach (bay-side, affordable, good for families)
Recommended Restaurants & Bars
Allelo, Central Av. St. Pete (high-end Mediterranean food)
Bodega, Central Av. St. Pete (affordable Cuban food)
Doc Ford’s Rum Bar & Grille, St. Pete Pier (mid-range, voted #1 ‘Everyday Eats’ restaurant in the U.S. by Tripadvisor)
Dunedin Brewery, Dunedin (oldest microbrewery in Florida, short drive from Clearwater Beach)
Frenchy’s Rockaway Grille, Clearwater Beach (affordable seafood on the beach)
The Hurricane, Pass-A-Grille Beach (360 view of the beach, high-end)
Marina Cantina, Clearwater (Mexican, affordable)
Maritana at The Don CeSar, St. Pete Beach (high-end seafood and wine)
Pier Teaki, St. Pete Pier (rooftop tiki bar with views of downtown St. Pete)
Trophy Fish, Central Av. St. Pete (affordable seafood)
When To Visit
With events throughout all seasons, there is always an event on and these are regularly updated on the VisitSPC website! Some favourites are included below:
- St. Pete Pride runs through the entire month of June, where the masses gather to celebrate its thriving LGBTQIA+ community. As Florida’s largest festival, and one of the largest in the U.S., it is one not to miss
- SHINE Mural Festival (October): Local and international artists alike flock to the streets of downtown St. Pete in this annual art festival. With over 600 commissioned murals covering downtown so far, St. Pete has been transformed into a colourful culmination of top artistry. Joining one of the walking or e-bike tours to experience as many murals as possible, an ideal way to enjoy the festival
- March hosts both Florida’s largest sand sculpting competition (Pier 60 Sugar Sand Festival), along with the Indycar Firestone Grand Prix in downtown St. Pete – two events to pair together to see both sides of the destination: the action packed, and the unique
Weather
St. Pete-Clearwater nets on average 361 days of sunshine a year, so whenever your client chooses to visit, they will be able to bask in the glow of reliable Floridian sunshine. From a UK perspective, it is always best to avoid the summer holidays as costs generally increase across the board. Summer is often associated with a considerable jump in humidity levels too, so is worth noting for those who aren’t adept in the heat. It is an all-year-round destination, however March-May and September-November are considered the best weather conditions, prices and crowds. For families with children at school that cannot avoid the summer holidays, it’s still a great time and well worth a visit.
Flight Information & Essential Travel Information
Direct flights are available from the UK to Tampa International Airport with British Airways from Gatwick and Virgin Atlantic from Heathrow, where travellers can reach St. Pete-Clearwater within a short 30-minute drive. The flight time is between 8.5 and 10 hours. Direct flights to Orlando mean visitors can experience the magic of the parks and visit St. Pete-Clearwater in only 90-minutes by car, making it a top twin-centre choice!
- For entry to the U.S., it is mandatory for British citizens to obtain an ESTA Visa. This can be done online via the U.S. Embassy website and will be attached digitally to your passport for two years. This costs only $21 (US Dollars)
- Tipping culture in the U.S. means it is customary to tip anywhere from 15-20% on your coffee order, drinks at a bar, or for a meal out
- In St. Pete-Clearwater, throughout the year (without daylight savings), the destination is five hours behind GMT
Your Most
Frequently Asked Questions
Does St. Pete-Clearwater make for a great twin-centre combination with Orlando?
Absolutely! The area is often considered as the ‘beach therapy’ after a hectic, yet magical, stop in one of Orlando’s many parks. After a night, two, or seven, visitors leave feeling rejuvenated and relaxed. Being only a 90-minute drive, it is super easy to get to some of America’s best beaches.
Do you need a car to get around in St. Pete-Clearwater?
As with all U.S. destinations, there’s always benefits from a car for ease of getting around, however this is not necessary in destination. Once transferring from Tampa (via taxi, or coach), you can benefit from the localities well-connected public transport, running between downtown St. Pete and St. Pete Beach, and along all 35-miles of white sugar sand beach. No car needed!
What are some recommended restaurants and bars?
Where St. Pete-Clearwater has an extensive list of international and local flavours on offer, there is something to suit all palettes. Some favourites are below:
- Bodega (Central Av, St. Pete – affordable, Cuban)
- Lingr (Central Av, St. Pete, Nordic, Asian inspired)
- Pier Teaki (St. Pete Pier, view of downtown, bar food)
- Frenchy’s Rockaway Grill (Clearwater beach, standard pricing, American classics)
- 3 Daughters Brewing (brewery in Grand Central, St. Pete)
Which area would you recommend for a family stay?
Clearwater Beach is a consistent hit with families due to the wide range of sprawling resorts, water sports and activities on the beach, nightly celebrations at Pier 60, and proximity to the likes of the Clearwater Marine Aquarium. St. Pete Beach is also popular due to its considerable list of awards, with the two Tradewinds hotels remaining top sellers. Some of the top selling family friendly hotels are listed below:
- Tradewinds Island Grand Resort & Rumfish Beach Resort, St. Pete Beach
- Barefoot Beach Club, Madeira Beach
- Wyndham Grand, Clearwater Beach
Is St. Pete-Clearwater good for couples?
Whilst being great for families, St. Pete-Clearwater offers as much, if not more for couples, friends and solo travellers to get their teeth into! The world-renowned arts scene, range of water sports, top independent bars, clubs and events cater to all ages. Couples can enjoy soaking in the sunset on St. Pete Pier rooftop bar (Pier Teaki), groups can join a range of beach parties, and solo travellers can immerse themselves in the locality whether it be sunset yoga at the Dali, or one of the many walking tours.
Training, Incentives & Competitions
Training Requests
The team are always happy to provide training to your team, whether that be over zoom/teams, or in-person. Simply send TeamVSPC@rooster.co.uk an email with your enquiry, and we will get you booked in! Expect a high-impact, engaging session that will inspire – it’ll be lots of fun!
To become a St. Pete-Clearwater specialist, you can complete a short training course on this link here.
If you’d like to view a virtual training on demand, you are able to stream an online training session here.
All destination information can be found here. This involves top beach facts, details of things to do, and the extensive events program.
VisitSPC are also part of the Brand USA Discovery Program, so please do check this out for any further information, whilst you can feel free to send any further questions you may have to TeamVSPC@rooster.co.uk.
Incentives & Competitions
VisitSPC regularly run incentives and competitions, keep up to date with all the latest by signing up to destination updates here.
Fact Sheets, Visual Assets & Key Contacts
Fact Sheets
Visual Assets
The asset library, with copyright free imagery and video, can be accessed here – just search for what you want to see, and it will come up! This goes for social media assets also. If you need anything more specific, send any requests through to TeamVSPC@rooster.co.uk.
Key Contacts
Your contacts within the UK VisitSPC team are:
Peter Gregory (Senior PR & Marketing Executive) – peter.gregory@rooster.co.uk
Ben Williams (Marketing Manager – Destinations) – ben.williams@rooster.co.uk
Jayne Brooke (Marketing Director) – jayne.brooke@rooster.co.uk