Among the delights in St Austell is the Eden Project, an intriguing environmental centre that offers a great day out for all the family. The town is within easy distance of some of the most beautiful beaches in the country and is known as the 'Cornish Riviera.' It is also close to other coastal pleasures including Carlyon Bay, Duporth and Porthpean. Other interesting places to visit in the town are The Lost Gardens of Heligan, Wheal Martyn, St Austell Brewery and Roseland Observatory.
Tourism makes a major contribution to the economy of St. Austell, since its location, close to the East Devon border, Truro and Falmouth makes it a great place to stay. The town's china clay mining industry has now declined but its history is celebrated at the popular Wheal China Clay Martyn Museum.