Visit St Pete Clearwater hosted a dinner at Bang Restaurant in Dublin. ITTN’s Shane Cullen joined travel trade and media guests at the intimate event. Representing St. Pete-Clearwater in the UK is Rooster PR, with Jayne Brooke (Marketing Director) and Peter Gregory (Training & Events Manager) hosting the evening.
Jayne addressed the attendees, “This is almost starting again the resurgence of visits from St Pete Clearwater…”. She shared that the Irish travel trade and media should expect multiple visits a year to support the promotion of this sunshine paradise on the Gulf Coast of Florida. Peter echoed Jayne’s sentiments, sharing that ” the Irish market is going to be a very key sector to focus on” for St. Pete Clearwater. Jayne shared that a key focus is to build on the popularity of the demand for Orlando. In fact, St. Pete Clearwater is just 90 minutes away. Travellers can enjoy the theme parks but also experience the Gulf Coast of Florida and all that it offers… which is a lot.
As home to America’s Favourite Beaches, St. Pete-Clearwater boasts 35 miles of sugar-white sand with tranquil emerald green Gulf waters. It’s not just beaches. It is local fish shacks & world-class restaurants. It’s 500 murals & unparalleled museums. Legendary hotels & laid-back resorts. 200 mph Indy Car racing & serene nature preserves. It’s idyllic days & electric nights.
99% Sunshine
The area boasts 361 days, on average, of sunshine a year. In fact, St. Pete Clearwater earned the Guinness World Record for most consecutive sunny days at a staggering 768 days in St Petersburg, Florida. An impressive 99% sunshine.
Beach Bliss
Nestled on a sun-soaked peninsula on Florida’s west coast, separating the Gulf of Mexico from Tampa Bay, St. Pete-Clearwater boasts some of the very best beaches in the USA. It offers over 55 kilometres of white sandy shores & has earned a host of accolades, including:
- St. Pete Beach was named the #1 Beach in the U.S. for 2021 by Tripadvisor’s community of travellers
- USA Today named it the “Best Beach in the South“
- USA Today 10 Best Readers’ Choice Awards placed Clearwater Beach (#2), Treasure Island Beach (#3) and St. Pete Beach (#7) in the Top 10 ranking under the “Best Beaches in Florida” category.
- Clearwater Beach was recently named to Travel + Leisure’s list of the best white sand beaches in the world
- Sloppy Joe’s on the Beach (at Bilmar Beach Resort on Treasure Island Beach) ranked within the Top 10 under the “Best Beach Bar in the U.S.” category, too.
Beach Activities – A Few Highlights
Clearwater Beach offers an array of watersport rentals and boat tours, plus beach volleyball courts. There are plenty of shops, seafood restaurants and nightlife near this beach, named to Travel + Leisure’s list of top white-sand beaches in the world.
St. Pete Beach has a variety of water sports like parasailing, stand-up paddleboarding, windsurfing and kiteboarding. It’s also known for an active social scene with many beach bars and rooftop bars nearby. It has a laid-back attitude and coastal charm, which earned it the Number One Beach in the U.S. by TripAdvisor in 2021.
Madeira Beach is home to John’s Pass Village & Boardwalk, a hub for boutique shopping, waterfront dining and bars. Madeira Beach is also a central jumping-off point for fishing charters and boat tours.
Family Fun
Visit Clearwater Beach, Fort De Soto Park or Treasure Island for some family-friendly fun in the sun. Splash along the shoreline or build sandcastles with your kids on Clearwater Beach. Fort De Soto Park offers a giant tidal pool at North Beach with shallow water and shells that make it safe and fun for kids. Furthermore, it has nature trails, a historic fort and miles of gentle waves.
Accessibility
A number of local beaches offer manual beach wheelchairs at no charge, including Pass-a-Grille Beach, Honeymoon Island State Park and Fort De Soto Park. Clearwater Beach also has beach wheelchairs available for people with mobility challenges. Several local beaches also have Mobi-Mats, smooth, hard surfaces that allow for easier rolling on the sand for wheelchairs. Read the Guide to Accessible Beaches.
Fantastic for Foodies
The calibre of restaurants and culinary experiences saw St. Pete-Clearwater officially added to the Michelin Guide for 2025. From farm to fork, beachside seafood or Michelin Guide restaurants, St Pete Clearwater offers delicious finds for dining out.
The addition to the Michelin Guide highlights the talent and innovation of local chefs, many of whom have already earned acclaim in the UDA, including Wine Spectator Awards and appearances on Food Network and Top Chef. MICHELIN reviewers explored St. Pete-Clearwater, recognising four local establishments for their culinary excellence. Check out Fortu, Sushi Sho Rexley and Il Ritorno (all in St. Pete) as well as The Tides Market in Safety Harbor!
Art & Culture
Not just sun, sea and sand, this destination also offers a world-renowned art scene. “Over the years, visitors have discovered that St. Pete-Clearwater offers much more than its award-winning beaches,” said Steve Grimes, CMO of Visit St. Pete-Clearwater. “Our recent surveys have shown us that increasingly people are enjoying the white sand beaches and our inspired dining options, world-class museums, outdoor adventures and vibrant nightlife. St. Pete-Clearwater is evolving and continues to distinguish itself from other beach destinations.
“St. Pete-Clearwater continues to prove itself as one of the top destinations for local, domestic, and international travellers who come for our award-winning beaches and unforgettable experiences in our slice of paradise,” said Brian Lowack, President/CEO of Visit St. Pete-Clearwater.
A Snapshot of Opposities, Making an Ideal Fit for All
Visitors can enjoy picturesque Gulf sunsets & go beyond the beaches to explore the unique cultural heritage, interactive art exhibits, sporting and recreational activities, a culinary scene serving an innovatively delicious dining experience, & and great local shopping. St. Pete-Clearwater is a unique destination with spectacular beaches complemented by world-renowned museums, family fun & endless sunshine.
