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Though it might seem quiet on the surface, there are so many things to do in Dunedin FL...
I’m a Tampa Bay local, and spend countless hours exploring with my family. Dunedin is truly one of the hidden gems that flies under the radar.
The city is quaint and artsy, has plenty of green spaces, and of course the beautiful beaches are also nearby. Dunedin definitely ticks all the boxes for a chill yet, fun destination!
As a local expert, I spend a lot of time exploring Tampa Bay. In this article, I cover my most loved destinations by locals and a few hidden gems.
I do my best to keep the current hours of operation and pricing up to date. However, business information can change at any time. I highly recommend checking hours and pricing for your travel dates on their official websites provided below.
History of Dunedin
Dunedin is Pinellas County’s oldest town. It has its roots as a settlement in 1852. “Dunedin” comes from “Dùn Èideann,” the Scottish Gaelic word for “Edinburgh”.
At one time in history, Dunedin was a bustling trading center. It used to have the largest fleet of ships and boats in all of Florida!
What Is Dunedin Known For?
Given the name, it’s not surprising that Dunedin is well-known for its Scottish history and festivities.
Dunedin is also known to have some of the most delicious restaurants and breweries. Plus, world-class beaches and baseball teams are all part of Dunedin’s rich history.
Annual Events in Dunedin
It won’t be hard to find things to do in Dunedin FL, as there are lots of events held throughout the year. There are especially a lot of annual events that celebrate the city’s Scottish heritage. The Dunedin Highland Games has been held for over half a century!
The arts are also a big deal in Dunedin. Many arts and crafts festivals are held every year. My favorites are the Annual Art Harvest and the Downtown Dunedin Craft Festival.
Dunedin Location & Map
Dunedin is located in North Pinellas County on Florida’s West Coast. This charming town is 20 miles south of Tampa International Airport (TPA). Depending on traffic, it is roughly a 30-minute drive.
St Petersburg-Clearwater International Airport (PIE) is also 12 miles away and offers budget carriers such as Allegiant Air.
Add your directions to the above Google Maps to estimate distance from your destination to Dunedin.
How Easy Is It to Get Around Dunedin?
You might take for granted just how easy it is to get around Dunedin. There’s plenty of free parking all throughout the town! There are even free parking with public boat dock access.
You can also catch the Jolley Trolley, which runs to Tarpon Springs. It makes several stops, including one at Clearwater Beach. To see when and where the trolley stops, you can check its online tracker.
Where to Stay in Dunedin FL
There are plenty of places to stay, from budget to luxury hotels in Dunedin FL. If you’re looking for walkability, look no further than these two charming bed and breakfasts:
For a luxury hotel, the Historic Fenway Hotel is an experience in itself. Located just outside of town, you’ll feel like you went back in time to another era. The Grand Lady of Dunedin is part of the Marriott’s Autograph Collection offering a boutique hotel experience and rooftop bar. With over 20 million dollars in renovations, it’s Mediterranean Revival style has been brought back to its prior gradeur.
If you plan to spend most of your time at Honeymoon Island or Caladesi Island State Park, you may want to consider the Hampton Inn & Suites.
Caladesi Island State Park
One of the best things to do in Dunedin FL is bask in the vibrant nature. Caladesi Island Park is a great place to do just that! It is one of the finest, unspoiled beaches in Pinellas County.
The 20-minute ferry ride from Honeymoon Island is the most convenient route since it’s only accessible by boat. However, you can rent a private boat or kayak. Park fees vary depending on which route you prefer.
I like Caladesi Island State Park slightly more than Honeymoon Island because it’s more remote. However, nature lovers like myself, will enjoy them both! Go early if you like your solitude. As an added bonus, you’ll usually have better luck seeing bottlenose dolphins.
Caladesi Island is also a great place for outdoor activities such as shelling, fishing, swimming, and exploring hiking trails.
- Hours: Open all year, 8 am until sundown
- Recommended Hotel Near Caladesi Island State Park: Hampton Inn Dunedin
🌴 Read Next: 18 Top Rated Best Beaches in St Petersburg, Florida
Dunedin History Museum
I wasn’t kidding when I said Dunedin has a rich history and culture. The Dunedin Historical Society has compiled thousands of artifacts at the Dunedin History Museum. This is one of my favorite small town museums in Pinellas County.
The Dunedin History Museum also has frequent events and parties. There is an interactive exhibit section which is a lot of fun with kids. My son especially liked the Germination Game, where you place your hand into covered containers, and guess what it is.
After you finish, they have a lovely gift shop with pieces made by local artists.
- Address: 349 Main Street, Dunedin, FL
- Hours: Closed Mondays; Tuesday to Saturday 10 am to 4 pm; Sunday 12 pm to 4 pm
- Pricing: $7 dollars for adults; $5 for children and seniors
- Website: Dunedin History Museum
Explore Dunedin on Historic Bike Tour
The west coast town of Dunedin may be small, but it’s packed full of history. Discover amazing facts and see sights you wouldn’t normally get to, on a historical bike tour.
You’ll get to learn more about the Kellogg Mansion, Hammock Park, the Fenway Hotel, and plenty more places along the way on this 3- hour tour.
Bike tours are one of my favorites because you’ll get to enjoy the outdoors, learn about the area, and not have to deal with the hassle of renting equipment on your own. Plus, you’ll get plenty of local tips to make it all the more interesting!
Honeymoon Island State Park
Honeymoon Island State Park offers a tranquil beach getaway near Dunedin Florida. You’ll get to see explore an untouched island with no commercial businesses.
You can swim and go fishing, hike, bike around the interior, and visit the Nature Center.
There are beautiful white sand beaches at Honeymoon Island State Park. North Beach tends to be more popular with its beautiful palm trees, and it’s usually not too busy. It’s also an ideal place for a gorgeous sunset. South Beach is also pleasant but tends to be rockier.
Honeymoon Island State Park has plenty to do with nature trails, swimming, shelling, sunbathing, a large kids’ playground, and a dog beach. You’ll often see lots of wildlife from eages, great horned owls, and bottlenose dolphins.
This is an ideal place for a special event since large covered picnic shelters, and a cafe is available to utilize.
Honeymoon Island State Park is open daily from 8 am to sunset, and the cost is $8 per vehicle. As I mentioned earlier, you can also ferry to Caladesi Island State Park and continue your journey to untouched islands with amazing beaches.
🌴 Pro Tip: If you’re looking to spend time on the water, Honeymoon Island State Park has a rental shop just before you arrive. You can rent kayaks, sailboats, and paddleboards. This is an ideal way to explore the island for an hour or part of a day.
Pinellas Trail
The Fred Marquis Pinellas Trail is a multi-use trail that connects St Petersburg to Tarpon Springs. The Pinellas Trail runs through Dunedin, next to the Dunedin History Museum, a former railroad depot.
A portion of this trail was established from the abandoned Orange Belt Railway. It was transformed into a well-maintained, paved trail for walking, jogging, and biking. E-bikes are super popular as a quick way to access all the towns along the way!
Enjoy the Local Dunedin Restaurants
Bon Appetit Restaurant and Bar
Bon Appetit is the place to be for waterfront dining in Dunedin. This seafood restaurant has plenty of outdoor dining where you enjoy the ocean breeze with plenty of indoor and outdoor seating. They also have a very nice outdoor bar area.
Bon Appetit Restaurant has the wonderful views. While it tends to be more upscale than some of the other restaurants, they were very accommodating when I brought along my toddler. I highly recommend their lobster roll and grouper entrees.
Lucky Lobster Co.
For a more casual seafood eatery, head over to Lucky Lobster Co. Located right on the Pinellas Trail, this is a fantastic spot to enjoy a hearty lunch during a day of adventuring.
I tend to prefer their lobster roll, fish tacos, or prosciutto wrapped scallops. They also have a raw bar with ultra-fresh seafood!
The Living Room on Main
The Living Room on Main Street is one of the most popular restaurants in Dunedin.
It has a warm atmosphere which certainly lives up to its name. They serve traditional American cuisine as well as global fare.
The black + blue nachos are a favorite choice; I tend to prefer their shareable dishes. This casual has a dog-friendly patio and frequently has live music for their patrons.
The Black Pearl Restaurant
The Black Pearl is a fine dining restaurant focusing on French and New American cuisine. It is my favorite restaurant in Dunedin for a date night. It has limited seating with only 12 tables, so you’ll definitely want to make a reservation in advance. While It’s a little pricey, I find it well worth the money.
Try out the escargot or the maple-glazed pork belly. The potato wrapped chilean seabass is also excellent. Leave room for dessert, such as their bananas foster.
Cafe Alfresco
The more laidback sister restaurant of Bon Appetit, Cafe Alfresco offers nostalgic eats along the Pinellas Trail, across from the Dunedin Museum. This is a fun place for breakfast or brunch, especially on their outdoor patio.
Dunedin Stadium Toronto Blue Jays
TD Ballpark, formerly known as the Dunedin Stadium and Florida Auto Exchange Stadium, is the local baseball stadium in town.
It’s the home of the Dunedin Blue Jays. It’s also where the Toronto Blue Jays call home during their spring training for over 40 years.
Catch a game if you’re in town during the season, or take a tour of the facilities.
Downtown Dunedin Shops & More
One of the best things to do in Dunedin is to check out the downtown area! I love that Downtown Dunedin is devoid of any big box or overly touristy shops.
Rather, you’ll find a lot of unique and eclectic small businesses. There are also plenty of dining options and opportunities to view art. Some of my favorite boutiques and shops are in the West End District in downtown Dundein.
Dunedin Fine Arts Center
Speaking of art, the creative sector is thriving in Dunedin. The Dunedin Fine Arts Center helps foster that local love for the arts. The center offers exhibitions, art classes and workshops. Stop by and gain some local inspiration – it’s free for everyone.
David L. Mason Children’s Art Museum is in the Dunedin Fine Art Center. It’s intended for kids and families and has free and paid activities. The museum includes a gallery space and interactive exhibits where kids can learn and have hands-on fun.
Many items are for sale, and the children’s art section is delightfully well done.
The Dunedin Fine Arts Center offers free parking and is wheelchair accessible (ADA compliant). This quaint museum is worth a short visit, and they have a small cafe.
- Address: 1143 Michigan Blvd, Dunedin, FL 34698
- Website: Dunedin Fine Arts Center
Edgewater Park
Edgewater Park is quite literal — it’s right on the waterfront at the Dunedin Marina. Come here to chill and enjoy the ocean breeze while you picnic at the pavilions or while your kids enjoy the playgrounds. There is plenty of green space for a fun day out with the family; plus it’s free!
- Address: 51 Main Street, Dunedin, FL 34698
- Website: Edgewater Park
Enjoy the Local Dunedin Breweries
Dunedin is one of the best places in Florida to enjoy a charming brewery scene. There are currently nine breweries and most are within easy walking distance of each other. Here are my top favorite places in Dunedin for a cold beer!
🍺 Read Next: 15 Most Fun Dunedin Bars & Nightlife
Dunedin Brewery
Dunedin Brewery is no doubt the star of the city’s craft beer scene. It’s also the oldest microbrewery in all of Florida, established in 1995. Rest assured that it lives up to the expectations! The offerings rotate, so there’s always something new to try, even as a local.
7venth Sun Brewery
One of the top choices in my exploration of breweries in Dunedin is 7venth Sun Brewery. It’s bright and spacious, with many large tables to play board games and other activities, including pinball. There is also a food truck and plenty of indoor and outdoor seating.
If you’re in Dunedin on a Thursday, you’ll want to make it to 7venth Sun Brewery. They have one of the best drink specials with half off draft beers.
With locations in Dunedin and Tampa, 7venth Sun Brewery is a favorite throughout the Tampa Bay area.
Woodwright Brewing Company, Dunedin, FL
Craft brewery and a woodworking shop, Woodwright Brewing Company is a truly unique brewery in Downtown Dunedin. Woodwright is known for German style beers and a nice selection of wines and ciders at very reasonable prices.
There’s also always an event going on with live music and events. Mosey up to the handcrafted wooden bar and sip their Irish Red!
Penny Lane Beatles Museum
I mentioned Downtown Dunedin being eclectic, and here’s pretty good proof of that fact! Right here in Dunedin, you’ll find the Penny Lane Beatles Museum, one of the few museums dedicated to Beatles Memorabilia.
Penny Lane Beatles Museum has permanent exhibits ranging from signed instruments to long johns that were supposedly worn by John Lennon himself. It’s sure to spark some serious nostalgia in Beatles fans.
This small private collection is definitely worth seeing. However, make sure you verify their hours before since they aren’t open daily.
- Address: 730 Broadway, 2nd Floor, Dunedin, Florida 34698
- Hours: Sunday to Thursday, 11 am to 3 pm
- Website: Penny Lane Beatles Museum
Dunedin Causeway
Connecting Bayshore Boulevard to Honeymoon Island State Park, Dunedin Causeway is one of the best places to just chill while you’re in Dunedin. Flanked by water on both sides, you can enjoy sunbathing, fishing, and watersports along the causeway.
Dunedin Downtown Market
One of the best things to do in Dunedin FL is to support the local vendors. I love local markets, Tampa Bay is known for having some outstanding farmers markets.
At the Dunedin Downtown Market, you can browse fresh produce and animal products. They also have baked goods, ready-to-eat meals, and handmade crafts. Plus, they usually have live music to enjoy while you shop.
The Dunedin Downtown Market is open on Fridays and Saturdays from 9 am to 2 pm. June is Saturday only from 9 am to 2pm. July through October, Saturdays from 9 am to 1 pm. However, you’ll want to check their calendar of events page for more information.
Josiah Cephas Weaver Park
Josiah Cephas Weaver Park is between the Pinellas Trail and St Joseph Sound, just north of downtown Dunedin. There are plenty of hiking, biking, and picnicking opportunities here. There is also a fishing pier for those that love to fish.
John R. Lawrence Pioneer Park
In downtown Dunedin, you’ll find John R. Lawrence Pioneer Park. This is the home of the Dunedin Downtown Market. Actually, quite a few community events are held here. That includes Movies in the Park, held during October each year!
Dunedin Golf Club
Tampa Bay’s got some impressive golf courses. The 18-hole Dunedin Golf Club, was the original home of the PGA of America.
From 1945 through 1962, the Dunedin Golf Club held multiple Senior Tour Championships, which was the beginning of the PGA Senior Tour.
Another interesting fact is that it was designed by the world-famous Donald Ross! More historical facts can also be found in the Dunedin Museum.
If you would like to golf, Dunedin Golf Club offers tee time bookings online.
- Address: 1050 Palm Boulevard, Dunedin, FL 34698
- Website: Dunedin Golf Club
Highlander Park
Highlander Park is the second-largest park in Dunedin. It houses many amenities and facilities, including the local community center.
There is a community pool, splash pad, playgrounds, tennis courts, volleyball courts, and more. It’s fun for the whole family, and you could spend the entire day.
- Address: 903 Michigan Blvd, Dunedin, Florida 34698
- Website: Highlander Park
Day Trip to Tarpon Springs Sponge Docks
Home to a lively boardwalk, a rail trail, and excellent Greek food, there’s so much to do here on a day trip to Tarpon Springs! Tarpon Springs is a 10-mile drive from Dunedin, roughly less than 20 minutes away.
My favorite restaurant is Hella’s for authentic Greek food. Hella’s Restaurant also has a bakery next door with some delightful treats to take home.
If you’re looking for free things to do, you’ll want to stop at the Tarpon Springs Splash Park. It’s ideal for toddlers and young children and is just a short drive from the Tarpon Springs Sponge Docks.
Hammock Park
With its 90-acre grounds, Hammock Park is the largest park in Dunedin! It’s also definitely one of the best parks in Dunedin for observing wildlife and exploring nature.
The bird population here is incredibly vibrant. Walk on the nature trails and see how many different kinds you can spot!
One of the hidden gems in Dunedin is the butterfly garden in Hammock Park. The Butterfly Garden is behind Andrews Memorial Chapel near the front of Hammock Park. The crushed shell walkways take visitors through a beautiful flower display with opportunities to photograph butterflies up close in their natural habitat.
There is also a disc golf course, a large picnic area, and a kids playground. Hammock Park is one of the best free things to do in Dunedin FL.
- Address: 1900 San Mateo Dr, Dunedin, Florida 34698
- Cost: Free admission
Jolley Trolley to Clearwater Beach
As I mentioned earlier, the Jolley Trolley from Dunedin is an easy way to enjoy the spectacular tourist hotspot known as Clearwater Beach. There are plenty of attractions, such as Pier 60 and the Clearwater Marine Aquarium.
Both Clearwater Beach and St Pete Beach have been repeatedly ranked in the top 10 beaches in the US by TripAdvisor. If you plan to visit, you’ll want to read my article on St Pete Beach vs Clearwater Beach covering must-see spots and differences between the beach towns.
Stirling Art Studios & Gallery
When it comes to art galleries, you’ll want to stop at Stirling Art Studios & Gallery. You’ll enjoy the permanent exhibits and a gallery shop that showcases work made by local artists of Dunedin.
Stirling Art Studios & Gallery also has events occasionally. If you get the opportunity to attend one if there’s one during your visit. Penny Lane Beatles Museum is located on the same floor, so it’s ideal to tour them both while there.
The museum is open from Thursday to Sunday 11 am to 3 pm. They also are open on the 2nd Friday of each month from 5:30 pm to 7:30 pm.
- Address: 730 Broadway, 2nd Floor, Dunedin, Florida
- Website: Stirling Art Studios & Gallery
Final Thoughts on Things to Do in Dunedin FL
I hope you enjoy all of these wonderful things to do in Dunedin FL. This city always leaves you wanting to come back for more!
Between the craft breweries, delicious restaurants, quaint shops, and boutiques, you won’t want to miss this fun town. A visit here is sure to be refreshing for your soul.
Before You Go…
Check out some of the other amazing things to do in St Petersburg, St Pete Beach, Maderia Beach, and Tampa.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many breweries does Dunedin have?
The charming town of Dunedin, on Florida’s Gulfcoast in Tampa Bay has nine breweries. Some of the most-loved choices include the Dunedin Brewery, 7venth Sun Brewery, and Woodwright Brewing Company. Most are within easy walking distance from one another, ideal for a date night.
Is Dunedin a walkable city?
Yes, in fact, it’s one of my favorite walkable cities in Tampa Bay. You can easily walk to local breweries, restaurants, shops, and boutiques all within a close proximity.
Are there alligators on Honeymoon Island?
No, you’ll see a wide variety of wildlife from dolphins, owls, gopher tortoises, manatees, but definitely not alligators. Alligators live in freshwater and Honeymooon Island is on saltwater.
What is the cost of admission to Hammock Park in Dunedin?
Hammock Park is free admission for everyone to enjoy. You’ll want to plan to spend at least a couple of hours to see the main highlights.
