Dunedin is part of our Florida Central Gulf Coast Guide — your starting point for exploring everything the Tampa Bay area has to offer.
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Dunedin is one of those towns that people stumble upon and immediately start plotting their return. Tucked along the Gulf Coast of Pinellas County just north of Clearwater, it’s a walkable, welcoming small city with a genuine personality — Scottish heritage, a thriving craft beer scene, one of Florida’s best state parks just minutes away, and a downtown Main Street lined with independent shops, galleries, and restaurants that draw visitors from across the state.
The Scottish connection here isn’t just decorative. Dunedin was founded by Scottish settlers in the 1870s and named after the Scottish Gaelic name for Edinburgh. That heritage lives on in the Highland Games held each spring, the kilted bagpipers that appear at local events, and a civic pride that gives the town an identity you won’t find anywhere else on Florida’s Gulf Coast. Add in the Blue Jays Spring Training at TD Ballpark, the Pinellas Trail running through the heart of downtown, and easy access to Honeymoon Island State Park — one of Florida’s most beloved beaches — and Dunedin becomes a genuinely compelling destination.
Whether you’re drawn by the beach, the breweries, the small-town charm, or the combination of all three, Dunedin rewards visitors who are looking for something more authentic than a typical Florida beach town. This guide covers where to stay, what to do, where to eat, and the answers to questions first-time visitors ask most.
Dunedin Map & Orientation
Dunedin sits on the Gulf Coast of Pinellas County, bordered by Clearwater to the south and Palm Harbor to the north. Downtown Dunedin runs along Main Street and Edgewater Drive, with the marina and waterfront just to the west. The Pinellas Trail — a 38-mile paved multi-use trail — runs through downtown, making Dunedin one of the most bike-friendly communities on the Gulf Coast. Honeymoon Island State Park is located at the end of Causeway Boulevard, about a 10-minute drive from downtown. The Dunedin Causeway connects the mainland to Honeymoon Island and offers spectacular water views and a popular spot for kiteboarding and paddleboarding. View the full Dunedin area map here.
Places to Stay in Dunedin
Dunedin has a charming selection of boutique hotels, inns, and vacation rentals that fit the town’s personality far better than a big chain property ever could. Downtown accommodations put you within walking distance of the best restaurants, breweries, and shops. For beach access, properties near the Dunedin Causeway or Honeymoon Island are ideal. The town’s proximity to Clearwater also makes it a great base for exploring the broader Tampa Bay area. Best Places to Stay in Dunedin
Browse our top-rated Dunedin hotels and vacation rentals below:
- vacationflorida.tv/PalmCourtMotelDunedin
- 2090 Bayshore Blvd, Dunedin, 34698, FL,
Things To Do in Dunedin
Dunedin punches well above its size when it comes to things to do. Honeymoon Island State Park is the crown jewel — a stunning barrier island beach with nature trails, a dog-friendly beach section, and ferry access to the even more pristine Caladesi Island. Downtown is endlessly walkable, with the Pinellas Trail, the marina, independent shops, and some of the best craft beer in Florida all within easy reach. Spring Training at TD Ballpark draws Blue Jays fans from across North America each February and March. Best Things To Do in Dunedin
Explore top-rated Dunedin activities and experiences below:
- 727-241-6106
- vacationflorida.tv/honeymoonisland
- #1 Causeway Blvd. Dunedin FL 34698
Places to Eat in Dunedin
Dunedin’s food scene is one of its best-kept secrets on the Gulf Coast. The downtown strip has an impressive variety of independently owned restaurants — from craft brewpubs and casual seafood spots to upscale bistros and international dining. Dunedin Brewery, one of Florida’s oldest craft breweries, anchors the beer scene with a lively taproom and outdoor patio. The waterfront along Edgewater Drive has some of the best sunset dining views in all of Pinellas County. Best Places to Eat in Dunedin
Browse top-rated Dunedin restaurants below:
Dunedin Vacation FAQ
What is Dunedin, Florida known for?
Dunedin is known for its Scottish heritage, charming walkable downtown, excellent craft beer scene, and proximity to Honeymoon Island State Park. It’s also the Spring Training home of the Toronto Blue Jays, hosts one of Florida’s most celebrated Highland Games festivals each spring, and is widely regarded as one of the best small towns in Florida. The Pinellas Trail runs through downtown, making it a favorite among cyclists.
How far is Dunedin from Clearwater Beach?
Dunedin is about 8 miles north of Clearwater Beach — roughly a 20-minute drive. The two towns feel quite different: Clearwater Beach is a lively resort destination centered on Pier 60, while Dunedin is a quieter, more residential small city with a distinct local character. Many visitors use Dunedin as a home base to explore both the town’s own charms and the nearby beaches.
What is Honeymoon Island State Park?
Honeymoon Island State Park is a barrier island at the end of the Dunedin Causeway and one of Florida’s most visited state parks. It has four miles of Gulf beaches, nature trails through virgin slash pine forests, a dog-friendly beach (one of the few in Pinellas County), and excellent bird watching. A passenger ferry from Honeymoon Island connects to Caladesi Island State Park — one of the most pristine and uncrowded beaches in Florida.
Is there a beach in Dunedin?
Dunedin’s own shoreline is more bay-side than beach, but Honeymoon Island State Park — just minutes from downtown via the Dunedin Causeway — has beautiful Gulf beaches. The causeway itself has a popular swimming and kiteboarding area along its shores. For a classic Gulf beach experience, Clearwater Beach is about 20 minutes south. Dunedin is better known for its waterfront character, marinas, and the Causeway than for traditional beachgoing.
What is the Dunedin Highland Games?
The Dunedin Highland Games is one of the largest Scottish festivals in the southeastern United States, held each spring in celebration of the city’s Scottish heritage. The event features traditional athletic competitions (caber toss, hammer throw, stone put), pipe and drum bands, Highland dancing, Scottish food and drink, and clan gatherings. It’s one of Dunedin’s most beloved annual events and draws visitors from across the country.
When is Blue Jays Spring Training in Dunedin?
The Toronto Blue Jays hold Spring Training at TD Ballpark in Dunedin each February and March, typically running from mid-February through late March. Dunedin has been the exclusive Spring Training home of the Blue Jays for decades — the longest-running Spring Training relationship between a team and a city in Major League Baseball. Tickets are affordable, the atmosphere is intimate, and the games are a beloved part of Dunedin’s winter season.
What is the Pinellas Trail?
The Pinellas Trail is a 38-mile paved multi-use trail that runs the length of Pinellas County from St. Petersburg in the south to Tarpon Springs in the north, passing directly through downtown Dunedin. It’s one of the longest urban trails in the southeastern United States and is hugely popular with cyclists, runners, and inline skaters. Dunedin’s downtown is particularly lively along the trail, with bike rentals, cafes, and shops catering to trail users.
What are the best restaurants in Dunedin?
Dunedin has a thriving independent restaurant scene centered on its downtown Main Street and Edgewater Drive. Dunedin Brewery is an institution — one of Florida’s oldest craft breweries with a fantastic taproom and food menu. The town has excellent options for seafood, international cuisine, brunch spots, and craft cocktail bars. The waterfront restaurants along Edgewater Drive offer some of the best sunset views in Pinellas County. Dunedin consistently ranks among the top dining destinations in the Tampa Bay area.
