Off the Agenda, On the Water

When you plan a Meeting or Events in St. Pete-Clearwater the big advantage is all of the opportunities to create a truly memorable group excursion for your attendees. And although our calm Gulf waterways make it a snap to watch a spectacular sunset or spot dolphin, manatees, seabirds and other wildlife, there’s lots to do inland as well. With a vibrant art scene, exceptional restaurants, lush gardens, and thrilling attractions, the hardest part of your planning process will be making a choice between all of the options. Below are a few great ideas to stir your imagination, and as always, our team is available to help you find the perfect selection from the hundreds of amazing experiences to be enjoyed.

Get Attendees Moving

For groups looking to build in some activity, the Gulf's warm, calm waters make for easy, low-pressure team-building. Kayaking and paddleboarding trips let attendees explore mangrove tunnels and open water at their own pace. These outings work well as a mid-conference reset — low commitment, high payoff, and easy to scale for groups of nearly any size.

Shell Key Excursion

The St. Pete-Clearwater area is a peninsula, which means you're never far from the water. Hidden gems like Shell Key offers some of the finest locations for exotic tropical shelling found anywhere on the Gulf Coast of Florida. Shell Key is also a shorebird sanctuary, home to one of the densest shorebird nesting populations in the country.

Sunset Cruise             

Sunsets on the water are especially unforgettable. VSPC can create your perfect event aboard a luxury yacht or sailboat. Caterers are at your service to showcase the tastes of the sea and provide libations for all to enjoy while taking in a beautiful Gulf sunset. Sailing, salt water fishing and power boat cruising are all options for private charter celebrations that will leave lasting memories.

Explore the Culture Beyond the Coast

St. Pete-Clearwater's excursion options extend well past the waterline. A visit to the Dalí Museum gives groups a chance to explore one of the world's most significant collections of surrealist art, housed in a building nearly as striking as the work inside it. The recently expanded Clearwater Marine Aquarium offers both a unique event space and a hands-on look at the region's marine rescue work — a reception here can double as an experience in itself. For something with a more hands-on creative bent, glassblowing demonstrations and classes give attendees a chance to try something new, and often walk away with a keepsake from the trip.

Keep It Simple with a Local Favorite

Not every excursion needs to be elaborate. A trolley tour around downtown St. Pete or along the beaches offers an easy, low-lift way to help attendees get their bearings and see the destination beyond the hotel property — a good option for groups short on time or looking to bookend a longer day.

Let Us Help You Choose

With hundreds of experiences to choose from, the goal isn't finding something good — it's finding the right fit for your group, timeline, and budget. Visit St. Pete-Clearwater's meetings team can help narrow the list down to the excursions that make the most sense for your event, whether that's a barrier-island sunset event or a quick trolley tour between sessions.