16 Best Things to Do in Dunedin, Florida

By VI Staff on October 11, 2019

One of the oldest towns on the Florida’s West Coast, Dunedin is a charming place on the Gulf Coast not far from Tampa, with four miles of beaches, scenic waterfront and quaint, lively downtown. With plenty of wonderful parks such as Caladesi Island State Park and Honeymoon Island Park, Dunedin has plenty of opportunity for outdoor activities. Pinnelas Trail passes through Dunedin connecting it to St. Petersburg. Dunedin Fine Art Center encourages art appreciation with the locals of all ages. Dunedin Stadium hosts spring training for Toronto Blue Jays. Dunedin History Museum tells the story of Dunedin colorful past.

1.Caladesi Island State Park

Caladesi Island State Park is one of the last untouched islands off the Florida’s Gulf coast. This pristine completely undeveloped island is accessible only by boat, but is worth the effort. It has some of the most beautiful beaches in the country. Warm breeze keeps it cool and tall, stately palm trees provide shade along the beach. Crystal clear water and tranquility make this park a perfect spot to relax in peace. If you come during the week, you might have the beach to yourself, with nobody else around. There are a few pavilions on the beach for a picnic, a place to rent a kayak to explore the mangroves and trails across for a pleasant hike looking for the birds that make the park their home. There is a ferry that connects Caladesi park with the nearby Honeymoon Island. A 110-slip marina is available for those who come by their own boat.

1 Causeway Blvd, Dunedin, FL 34698-8561

2.Pinellas Trail

Stretching from St. Petersburg to Tarpon Springs into Pasco County, the Pinellas Trail is one of Florida's most popular urban pathways. It part of the Coast to Coast Connector, a trail network that is being developed and when finished will span 250 miles across Florida. Along the way, the rail-trail connects Pinellas Trail with several county parks, communities and coastal areas. It has a number of access points, parking areas and mile markers, which make it very popular with cyclists. During the first 15 miles after leaving St. Petersburg, the trail crosses a number of pedestrian bridges that offer wonderful views of the surrounding landscape. The most scenic is the Cross Bayou Bridge across Boca Ciega Bay. Farther north are the towns of Largo, Clearwater and Dunedin. In Clearwater, the trail follows wide downtown sidewalks and a bicycle boulevard. While in Dunedin, the trail passes by shops, restaurants, restrooms and parking. The Gulf of Mexico is only a couple of blocks away, perfect for a brief detour.

745 Main St, Dunedin, FL 34698-5018

3.Honeymoon Island State Park

Honeymoon Island is one of Florida’s favorite state parks. Only a short drive from Tampa, Honeymoon Island has over four miles of beaches and a three-mile long trail through one of the Florida’s last virgin slash pine forests. The trail is great for spotting eagles, great horned owls and osprey that make the island their home. Other island residents are gopher tortoises, armadillos and raccoons. The Rotary Centennial Nature Center is there to educate visitors about the park’s environment and history. Honeymoon Island is also perfect for swimming, fishing, collecting shells, hiking and biking. From the Honeymoon Island it is just a short ferry trip to Caladesi Island.

1 Causeway Blvd, Dunedin, FL 34698-8561

4.Dunedin Fine Art Center

For the last 30 years, the Dunedin Fine Art Center has been bringing art to the locals of all ages. There are year-round exhibitions in the Center’s four galleries, showcasing works of national, regional and local artists. There are 13 classrooms that offer art classes for students from four to 94 years old. A part of the Center, the David L. Mason Children’s Art Museum changes a theme every year, offering hands-on experience. Center’s Palm Café offers a delicious lunch or gourmet coffee. Gallery Gift Shop offers one-of-a-kind gifts. With so many activities, no wonder the Center is a popular local gathering place compared to a traditional ‘village square.”

1143 Michigan Blvd, Dunedin, FL 34698, Phone: 727-298-3322

5.Florida Auto Exchange Stadium - Dunedin Blue Jays

Dunedin Stadium is a baseball field in Dunedin, Florida built in 1990 and can accommodate 5,509 people. The stadium is the spring training stadium of the Toronto Blue Jays, a home to the Dunedin Blue Jays of the Class A Florida State League and to Falcons, the Dunedin High School baseball team. Between the 2010 and 2017, the stadium was known as the Florida Auto Exchange Stadium. Between 1977 and 1989, the Blue Jays played at Grant Field, which opened in 1930 and had a capacity of 3,417. In 1990, the City of Dunedin built a new stadium at the same location, with a capacity of 6,106. They retained the actual playing field and team clubhouses from the Grant Field. Dunedin Stadium was at one point ranked by Sports Illustrated as one of the country’s top facilities to watch a spring training game of a Major League Baseball team.

373 Douglas Ave, Dunedin, FL 34698

6.7venth Sun Brewery

7venth Sun Brewery is a Florida’s craft brewery with locations in Dunedin and Tampa that specializes in IPAs, Belgian-style beer, spirit barrel-aged beer, and oak-aged sour beer. Their Dunedin location was opened in 2012 in a cramped 600-foot storefront. It expanded in 2013, taking over the neighboring business, to 1,200 square feet with 10 taps, a 3.5-barrel system, and 7-barrel fermenters. Most of 7venth Sun’s saisons and lagers are manufactured in their Dunedin location. The cozy, rustic tap room is attached to the production facility so the guests can stroll around and see how it all works. There are a few tables outside for enjoying your brew on a sunny day while people-watching.

1012 E Broadway Ave, Dunedin, FL 34698, Phone: 727-733-3013

7.Hammock Park

Hammock Park is an unique 90-acre natural area in Dunedin, Florida, located jjust next th Andrews Memorial Chapel. What makes the park unique is that it is left pretty natural, providing home to plenty of bushes and trees and all sorts of birds. There are five miles of hiking trails, boardwalks, three picnic pavilions, butterfly garden, disc golf course, picnic area, an observation platform and kids’ playground. Hammock Park Trail is surrounded by beautiful wild flowers and provides easy hike for all skill levels. Dogs are allowed on the trail if kept on leash.

1945 San Mateo Dr, Dunedin, FL 34698, Phone: 727-812-4545

8.Dunedin Historical Society and Museum

The Dunedin History Museum is a local history museum founded in 1970 in downtown Dunedin, Florida. The museum is occupying a former railroad depot built in 1924 by the Atlantic Coast Line Railroad. The rail line that used to service the depot was built in 1888 by the Orange Belt Railway. It was used in 1987 for special excursions to Tarpon Springs and back. It was converted in1990 into a part of the Pinellas Trail. The museum contains more than 2,000 diverse artifacts, 2,500 photographs, and a book library. The museum houses permanent exhibits about local life, the founding of Dunedin, Florida railroads, Honeymoon Island and the citrus industry. The museum also offers special programs for local schools.

349 Main St, Dunedin, FL 34698, Phone: 727-736-1176

9.Penny Lane Beatles Museum

Located in the Stirling Commons shopping mall in Dunedin Florida, in Stirling Art Studios, PENNY LANE, Beatles Museum was created by radiologist Robert Entel, a long time Dunedin resident and humanitarian and passionate Beatles fan, who collected Beatles memorabilia since 1961 and decided to share his eclectic collection with other Beatles’ fans. The collection is eclectic and includes everything, from Yellow Submarine paraphernalia to Beatles pins and puppets. The exhibit is curated by Colin Bissett, an Englishmen from Liverpool, England, where the Beatles started. He was lucky to see Beathes’ performances in the early 60s at the Cavern Club and the Casbah Coffee Club, before they became world-famous.

730 Broadway, Dunedin, FL 34698, Phone: 727-281-8130

10.The National Armed Services & Law Enforcement Memorial Museum

The National Armed Services & Law Enforcement Memorial Museum is a memorial museum created to honor people who serve, or have served, in Federal, State and local law enforcement or in the U.S. Armed Forces. The museum exhibits contain hundreds of artifacts and arms on display, from the flintlocks used during the Revolutionary War to the modern weapons. Most of the small arms used by the US military are displayed in the museum. It is the only combined police and military museum in the United States. The museum’s goal is to educate young people about the sacrifices made in order to defend the country from foreign aggression and from crime, internal corruption and violence.

500 Douglas Ave, Dunedin, FL 34698, Phone: 727-734-0700

11.ParrotDise Express Day Tours

If you are vacationing in Clearwater and want to see some dolphins, you will have to come to the charming small town of Dunedin where ParrotDise Express Day Tours will make sure you have the time of your life. They go looking for dolphins every day in the afternoon, or in the evening for a sunset. The tours last for about two and half hours, aboard of the ParrotDise Express II, a smaller boat perfect for island hopping and fun charters. Captain Jeff, with his 40 years of experience, will make sure you are safe, you learn about dolphins and other marine life you will encounter, and have memorable experience.

51 Main St, Dunedin, FL 34698, Phone: 727-388-7333

12.The Black Pearl Restaurant

The Black Pearl Restaurant is the place where folks in Dunedin go when they want to celebrate, impress or just enjoy superb food. Cozy and intimate, with only 40 tables, plush chairs, crisp white tablecloths and soft lighting, The Pearl serves Continental cuisine, what means mostly French dishes with modern American trendy introductions. You will find Escargot and Pate de Fois Gras, but also Maple Glazed Pork Belly and New Zealand Rack of Lamb. Leave place for sinful desserts such their signature Black Pearl Ice Cream and Falling Hot Chocolate Cake. The wine list is extensive and well-chosen, and you can also find some nice beers.

315 Main St, Dunedin, FL 34698, Phone: 727-734-3463

13.Cafe Alfresco

Located in downtown Dunedin, Florida, where the Pinellas Trail meets Main street, Café Alfresco is wonderful, spacious and informal bistro with a huge covered porch surrounded by flowers. It is eating al fresco at its best. The menu is extensive and international, having something for everyone, from Sicilian White Bean, Greek Salad and Tuna Sashimi to Cajun Meatloaf and a good old burger. Everything is made fresh daily from local, seasonal ingredients. It is great place to stop for a light meal while biking the Pinellas Trail but also to heave leisurely lunch with your best friend. Follow it with a nice glass of wine, a fruity cocktail or a cold beer. You can even bring your dog. .

344 Main St, Dunedin, FL 34698, Phone: 727-736-4299

14.Lucky Lobster Co

Lucky Lobster is a relaxed family-owned and run seafood restaurant near the Pinellas Trail in Dunedin, Florida, with the rustic chic dining room and wonderful, spacious covered patio with large sleek bar. The menu is extensive and focuses on fresh seafood in all its shapes and forms, from raw bar, pastas, sandwiches, pies, grilled fish and seafood and just about anything else. You should not miss their signature Lobster Rolls, Crab Cakes, Shrimp and Scallops combo and Grouper Filet. Wash it down with a glass of wine from their small but nice wine list, a cold beer or one of many modern, innovative cocktails.

941 Huntley Ave, Dunedin, FL 34698, Phone: 727-228-1222

15.Dunedin Brewery

Founded in 1995 by Michael Norman Bryant, Dunedin Brewery is the oldest microbrewery in Florida. The first keg they made was an Imperial Brown Ale delivered to Skip's Bar & Grille in Downtown Dunedin. Since then, Dunedin Brewery has grown from a single employee to almost 50, with a kitchen and live music and entertainment almost every night. Their roadhouse-style tap room is attached to the production facility, which offers tours a few times a week. The tap room and bar became a popular local gathering spot for folks looking to try some world-class beers, a bite to eat, or just to hang out with friends and enjoy some live music. .Dunedin Brewery played a crucial part in the developments of Florida's craft beer scene, such as formation of the Florida Brewers Guild, Tampa Bay Beer Week; and inspiring eight other breweries to open up in downtown Dunedin within a single square mile.

937 Douglas Ave, Dunedin, FL 34698, Phone: 727-736-0606

16.The Living Room on Main

The Living Room on Main is a popular restaurant in the heart of Dunedin with unique atmosphere and décor that brings to mind a cozy living room of some rich relative. Quiet nooks with comfortable armchairs, plush banquettes along the wall, original paintings on warm-colored walls, books and knickknacks make the Living Room very inviting, whether you are coming with the love of your life, a business partner or with a group of friends. Their large patio is perfect for dining al fresco or for sharing your meal with your dogs. The menu is eclectic, with plenty of shareable plates and very popular weekend brunch. Brunch menu includes such treats as Red Velvet Pancakes, Blue Crab Benedict and Lobster Sardou. There is live music most evenings and fantastic, imaginative cocktails.

487 Main St, Dunedin, FL 34698, Phone: 727-736-5202