From 1843 until 1911, St. Clair Shores was a part of Erin Township, parts of which make up today's Eastpointe, the Grosse Pointes, and St. Clair Shores. In 1911 the township's name changed to Lake Township. Lake Township existed until 2009 when residents of the village of Grosse Pointe Shores (that portion of Grosse Pointe Shores in Macomb County located within Lake Township) voted to incorporate as a city.

Each year St. Clair Shores hosts a popular Memorial Day Parade. The City is also known for its "Nautical Mile" - a strip of Jefferson Avenue between Nine Mile and ten Mile roads featuring many retail establishments, boat dealers, and marinas.