Given the city’s stunning location on the breathtaking coastline of Florida's Gulf of Mexico, St. Pete Beach is so much more than just a sun-soaked haven for beachgoers. Beyond the white sandy coastline and crystal-clear waters lies a treasure trove of natural ecological wonders just waiting to be explored. TradeWinds Island Resorts — situated on the shores of St. Pete Beach — serves as the perfect gateway for eco-adventurers seeking to immerse themselves in the area's pristine landscapes and diverse ecosystems. Here are just some of the St. Pete natural beauty, environmental attractions and events you’ll want to explore while you’re our guest.
Protecting Our Environment
Ensuring the integrity of the ecosystem starts with ground-level efforts. To that end, the TradeWinds Eco Team (founded in 2017) has worked to spread awareness and education about the importance of conservation to our coastal community. Each month our Eco Team partners with local non-profit organization Keep Pinellas Beautiful to host a Saturday morning beach clean-up.
This year we’re also hosting an Earth Day clean-up event on Sunday April 21 in partnership with Tampa Bay Watch as well as another for World Ocean Day on June 8 with Keep Pinellas Beautiful. But we’re not stopping there! This year TradeWinds partnered with Duke Energy to upgrade our outdoor lighting to be turtle-friendly, placed new signage in guest rooms to educate and encourage guests to reduce light pollution, and upgraded our restaurants’ take-out containers to reduce plastic.
Thanks to these events and eco-forward efforts, we were thrilled to receive a pair of amazing honors: the Environment-Friendly Business of the Year award (from the Tampa Bay Beaches Chamber of Commerce), and also the coveted title of 2023 Adoption Group of the Year from Keep Pinellas Beautiful!
Events to Watch For
Sunday, April 21 from 9 am – 12pm: TradeWinds Island Resorts and Tampa Bay Watch will host an Earth Day event featuring a Vertical Oyster Garden building seminar. Vertical Oyster Gardens (a.k.a. VOGS) are structures made of recycled oyster shells from local restaurants (including RumFish Grill), and are suspended from docks to create a hard substrate to which juvenile oysters can attach and develop. We welcome participants to join the fun and build their own “VOG” which they can take home, or donate to TBW. All VOGs donated will be distributed to local dock owners in the community in an effort to naturally filter our Tampa Bay waters, as well as provide food and habitat to wildlife. This event will also hold a beach clean-up and more educational resources from participating vendors such as Florida Marine Aquarium, Keep Pinellas Beautiful, and more.
Saturday, June 8 (time TBD): TradeWinds Island Resorts and Keep Pinellas Beautiful will host our second annual World Ocean Day event. We’ll be featuring a host of local installations from area ecological organizations who will be on hand to discuss their efforts and provide educational insight on current environmental tips. Refreshments and snacks will be provided and a group clean-up will take place at the end of the event!
Explore Scenic Parks
St. Petersburg is home to an array of scenic parks that truly showcase the region's commitment to preserving its natural beauty. A must-visit for nature enthusiasts is Fort De Soto Park, a sprawling 1,136-acre oasis that seamlessly combines history and ecology. Take a leisurely bike ride through the park's paved trails, revealing serene views of lush mangrove forests, salt marshes, and pristine beaches. The park's extensive network of trails provides an intimate encounter with the native flora and fauna, making it a paradise for bird watchers and wildlife enthusiasts, as well
The Weedon Island Preserve is another gem in St. Pete's ecological crown, offering a unique blend of coastal mangroves and upland ecosystems. Visitors can explore the preserve's boardwalks and trails, winding through the mangrove forests and tidal flats, providing a glimpse into the diverse habitats that thrive within this natural sanctuary.
Discover Beautiful Beaches
St. Pete Beach itself is certainly a testament to nature's beauty, with its powder-white sands and inviting turquoise waters. TradeWinds Resorts makes our home on this idyllic stretch, offering eco-conscious travelers a front-row seat to the wonders of the Gulf of Mexico. So spending some time strolling along the pristine shores, collecting seashells, and basking in the sun while taking in the breathtaking views of the horizon is a must-do while here.
For those seeking a more secluded beach experience, head to Pass-a-Grille Beach, a tranquil haven where the soft sands meet the gentle waves of the Gulf. This unspoiled stretch of coastline is a haven for nesting sea turtles, making it a vital conservation area for these magnificent creatures. Visitors can witness these aquatic animals during the nesting season and gain insight into the tireless efforts to protect and preserve the delicate balance of St. Pete's coastal ecosystems.
Visit Wildlife Sanctuaries
The Great Explorations Children's Museum is not only a delight for your visitors, but also an educational hub highlighting the importance of ecological conservation. The museum's interactive exhibits offer a hands-on experience, allowing visitors of all ages to appreciate and understand the delicate balance of St. Pete's environment. From marine life to native flora, the museum provides a comprehensive overview of the region's biodiversity.
For a more immersive wildlife encounter, venture to the Boyd Hill Nature Preserve, where the city seamlessly blends with nature. This 245-acre oasis is home to a myriad of indigenous plants and animals, including bald eagles, alligators, and gopher tortoises. Hike along the preserve's trails, breathe in the fresh air, and marvel at the untamed beauty that thrives within this urban sanctuary.
Embark on Eco-Tours
To truly appreciate St. Pete's natural beauty, embark on an eco-tour that unveils the secrets of the region's unique ecosystems. TradeWinds Resorts is keenly attuned to the desires of eco-conscious travelers, so we offer curated nature excursions (such as sunset cruises and shelling trips) that provide a deeper understanding of the area's ecological significance. You can also hop aboard a kayak and explore the mangrove tunnels of nearby preserves, led by experienced navigators who share knowledge about these coastal gems. Paddle through narrow waterways, witness marine life in its natural habitat, and gain a newfound appreciation for the intricate web of life that exists within the mangroves.
For those seeking a different perspective, embark on a dolphin-watching cruise that sails through the Gulf waters surrounding St. Pete Beach. These eco-friendly excursions not only offer the chance to witness these playful creatures in their natural habitat but also emphasize the importance of marine conservation.
Enjoy the Wonders of Nature at TradeWinds
St. Pete Beach, (with TradeWinds Island Resorts as your welcoming host) invites eager explorers to discover the area’s natural ecological wonders. By choosing St. Pete as your next eco-conscious destination, you’ll not only embark on a journey of discovery but also contribute to the preservation of these invaluable natural treasures for generations to come. When you’re ready to plan, take a look at our Special Offers, select the Florida travel deal that’s right for you, and reserve your stay! Then, pack your sense of adventure and join us in exploring the natural beauty that makes St. Pete Beach the perfect escape.
