Located on the Gulf of Mexico, Dunedin is a beach community within the greater St. Petersburg-Clearwater metropolitan area. Quiet and relaxed, it’s an ideal escape before, after or instead of a trip to the state’s more touristy areas.
But, don’t let its laid-back vibe fool you. Dunedin (pronounced dun-EE-din) has plenty of fun things to see and do, especially for active families.
Downtown Dunedin
You can spend a day simply wandering downtown Dunedin, where you’ll find souvenir shops, art galleries and boutiques. If younger family members get antsy, look for the dog mural on the side of Skip’s Bar or grab a goodie at The Candy Bar Sweets & Treats or Strachan’s Ice Cream & Desserts.
The Dunedin History Museum is another good option in the downtown area. Kids can collect stamps as they explore exhibits on topics such as the railroad, citrus, sports, natural habitats and toys through the years.
Pinellas Trail
This 38-mile trail isn’t your average bike path or walkway. Stretching from St. Petersburg to Tarpon Springs, it cuts through downtown Dunedin and is perfect for walking, jogging, skating or biking. Watch for benches and water fountains along the way.
Honeymoon Island, Dunedin, Florida © VisitStPeteClearwater.com
As a family, you can walk the trail in either direction, but bicycles allow you to cover more ground. Rent cruisers, tandems, kids’ bikes and trailers from Dunedin Cyclery or electric bicycles and trailers from Pedego Dunedin. Both cycle shops provide helmets and bicycle locks when you rent from them.
Honeymoon Island State Park
Named following a Life Magazine contest which offered a two-week honeymoon stay on the island for newlyweds, Honeymoon Island features four miles of sandy beaches and a three-mile nature trail through virgin slash pine forests. As you walk, watch for eagles, osprey, tortoises, armadillos and other wildlife.
You can easily get to Honeymoon Island from downtown Dunedin by bicycle via a spur from the Pinellas Trail. Honeymoon Island is also where you can catch the ferry to Caladesi Island State Park.
Kayakers, Caladesi Island, Dunedin © VisitStPeteClearwater.com
Caladesi Island State Park
Unless you take your own boat, Caladesi Island State Park is only accessible by ferry from Honeymoon Island, but don’t let that deter you. The island is well worth the journey. Its beaches are consistently ranked among the nation’s top 10, and its white sands are dotted with colorful seashells and sand dollars.
The island also has kayak and canoe rentals, a kayak trail through the mangrove, picnic tables and a playground. On your way to or from Caladesi Island, look for osprey overhead and dolphins frolicking in the water alongside your boat.
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