Meaningful Travel

Seminole Bee Farms

Be a beekeeper for a day at Seminole Bee Farms! Learn fun facts about bees and honey (for example: Did you know the mangroves that protect our shoreline also influence the flavor profile of local honey?) Learn from experts while getting up-close-and-personal with our buzzy locals. 

15th St. Farm

The "farm-to-table" experience is elevated at 15th Street Farms in St. Petersburg, where you can enjoy farm tours, European-style group dinners and yoga accompanied by curated farm breakfasts that bring out a state of zen. 

Get Up & Go Kayaking

With Get Up & Go Kayaking Tampa Bay in Tierra Verde, you can experience the beauty and wonder of Gulf waters on a guided eco-tour through the pristine marine habitats surrounding Shell Key Preserve. Paddle in clear acrylic kayaks that let you see directly into the watery world below, from seagrass beds to marine life moving beneath you. Choose from a daytime outing or “sunset glow” tour, each offering a unique perspective. No matter when you go, you’ll come away with a sense of awe and lasting memories.

This award-winning kayak outfitter also offers a Clearwater Beach clear kayak tour where visitors paddle near a rookery to spot beautiful birds, and potentially see dolphins, rays and other wildlife in the clear water.

Hubbard's Marina

Explore with purpose at Hubbard’s Marina, a family-run business in Madeira Beach that has welcomed visitors to local waters for generations. Here, time on the Gulf becomes something more – a chance to connect with local traditions, marine life and the rhythms of the coast. Choose from a range of experiences, from fishing charters and sightseeing cruises to shelling and camping trips at Shell Key. Whether you’re casting a line or cruising the coastline, each outing offers a deeper appreciation for the waters that define this destination. You can feel good about supporting Hubbard's Marina, a certified 1% for the Planet member contributing 1% of annual sales to environmental nonprofits and supporting the long-term stewardship of St. Pete-Clearwater.

Tampa Bay Watch Discovery Center

See marine preservation in action at the Tampa Bay Watch Discovery Center at the St. Pete Pier in downtown St. Petersburg!  This nature-focused attraction is home to interactive displays and a touch tank, and also offers boat tours in a nearby estuary.  Visitors with an adventurous spirit can ask about volunteering to help with oyster bed restoration. Tampa Bay Watch also offers camps, educational opportunities and volunteering at its location in Tierra Verde.

Brooker Creek Preserve

Despite being the largest natural area in St. Pete-Clearwater, Brooker Creek Preserve in Tarpon Springs is truly a hidden gem. Beautiful trails and boardwalks offer opportunities to see birds and other wildlife in diverse habitats (including wetlands, pine flatwoods and oak hammocks), particularly if you arrive early... the preserve opens at 7 a.m. and it's absolutely worth it to set your alarm to experience this place. That said, the preserve is beautiful any time of day. Guided hikes and interpretive programs are offered frequently, as well as classes and exhibits in the Environmental Education Center. Admission is free to this natural treasure.

Dunedin Fine Art Center

Tap into your creative side at the Dunedin Fine Art Center, where art and cooking workshops invite you to try something new. Afterward, wander through gallery spaces filled with rotating exhibits in a bright, welcoming setting. Younger visitors can join the fun, too, with a dedicated children’s museum, plus classes and camps designed to spark creativity. This is a place to create, explore and be inspired at any age.

St. Nicholas Boat Line

About 15 miles of Clearwater Beach lies the city of Tarpon Springs, settled by Greek immigrants around 1905. With them, came their skills as sponge divers. Today, visitors can see a traditional sponge-diving demonstration aboard the St. Nicholas Boat Line, departing from Tarpon Springs' historic sponge docks since 1924. You'll watch as a diver wearing 170 pounds of traditional diving equipment descends into the Anclote River to harvest live sponges. Tip: No reservations are needed, and if you're traveling with your dog, this boat tour is pet-friendly.

Fort De Soto Park

At Fort De Soto Park, camp in an RV or tent under the stars, and wake up to bird calls and the sound of the wind in the palms. Campsites are set right along the shoreline, making this one of the most scenic and desirable campgrounds in Florida (tip: book as early as possible). Spend your days strolling white sand beaches, fishing, kayaking, biking scenic trails and exploring the park’s Spanish American War-era fort. Spread across five interconnected islands, the park is home to a rich and diverse ecosystem, making every visit a chance to discover something new.

Weedon Island Preserve & Natural History Center

At Weedon Island Preserve, the story of the land unfolds both indoors and out. Inside the Cultural & Natural History Center, exhibits bring to life the Indigenous communities who lived here for thousands of years, offering visitors insight into their traditions, tools and deep connection to this delicate coastal environment. Outside, you can follow winding boardwalks, climb to the top of an observation tower, paddle through mangrove tunnels, cast a line in quiet waters, or pause to spot birds and wildlife.

Florida Botanical Gardens

Wander through 100 acres of lush, living landscapes at Florida Botanical Gardens in Largo, where winding walkways lead you through wetlands, native habitats and peaceful park trails. Along the way, discover themed garden spaces, a playful children’s garden and seasonal highlights like the dazzling Holiday Lights in the Gardens. Admission is free, except during select events. The gardens welcome you to bring your well-behaved dog on leash.

Sans Market

Perhaps you're someone who loves to shop, but you want to feel good about what you're purchasing and its impact on the environment. Enter Sans Market on Central Ave. in St. Pete, where all products are "sans" (or without) single-use plastics, extra packaging and toxins. Buy gifts for a friend (or treat yourself) from an excellent selection of natural beauty products (including handmade soaps, goat milk moisturizers and shower steamers) and household products such as candles and aromatherapy sprays. 

The Chef Upstairs

Dining takes on a creative twist at The Chef Upstairs in St. Pete, where meals become hands-on, interactive experiences. Join themed events like “Appy Hour” or “Night Out,” where you’ll cook, learn and connect alongside others in a lively, welcoming setting. With a focus on fresh, farm-to-table ingredients and shared experiences, it’s a delicious way to engage with the local food scene – and the people behind it. The Chef Upstairs also offers interactive cooking birthday parties and summer kids' camps.

Heritage Village

Step into Florida’s past at Heritage Village in Largo, where shaded paths wind past preserved homes, schools and community buildings that bring early Pinellas County to life. Along the way, exhibits highlight the region’s deep reliance on the water – including traditional boat-building and maritime history that shaped daily life along the Gulf. Your visit offers a chance to slow down, explore and connect with the stories that helped define this coastal community.

Keep Pinellas Beautiful

Give back and enjoy getting outside in nature with Keep Pinellas Beautiful, a local organization dedicated to preserving the area’s natural beauty. Through beach cleanups, tree plantings and other eco-friendly events, you can roll up your sleeves and make a positive impact alongside local community members. It’s a simple way to care for the places you visit.

Dolphin Sands

Stay with purpose at Dolphin Sands Clearwater Beach, a certified ocean-friendly hotel where your beachfront escape supports a healthier coastline. Set along a private stretch of sand, this eco-conscious retreat has gone above and beyond to protect critically endangered sea turtles through thoughtful conservation efforts. Relax, recharge and rest easy knowing your stay helps preserve the beauty of Clearwater Beach both for future generations travelers as well as endangered marine life.

The Fold

Choose a stay that gives back at The Fold, a B Corp–certified retreat where coastal comfort meets conscious travel. Thoughtfully designed with sustainability in mind, this boutique property blends modern, minimalist style with eco-friendly touches throughout its guest rooms, suites and shared spaces. Enjoy views of the Intercoastal Waterway, walk a short distance to the beach, unwind in serene surroundings and enjoy a stay that feels as good as it looks. Excellent amenities include boat slips, a pool, a waterfront deck, and grills for barbecuing.