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.
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.
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.
Read This Next
Inside Japan Delivers Theme Park Fun for Families
Destinations / Asia
Apr 22, 2024#WhereverFamily
Insta FeedMultigenerational
Apr 15, 2024Enjoy Multigenerational Travel in New York with Motto by Hilton
Family Travel Agent recently found family travel will continue to grow this year, as 81 percent of families expressed their likelihood of traveling in 2024. Of that group, more than 50 percent plan to take part in multigenerational travel. If that multigen travel is taking place in New York City, two hotels, Motto Times Square and Motto Chelsea, prove ideal options.
Sponsored Content
Interior Upgrades Begin Rolling Out Across United Fleet
United Airlines is in the midst of a major initiative to modernize its fleet over the next several years. After first announcing the plan in 2021, planes fitted with United’s signature interior are finally beginning to appear across the airline’s narrowbody fleet of Boeing and Airbus planes. United flyers are sure to notice these enhancements from the moment they step on board: Each new or updated plane sports remodeled seats, seatback entertainment screens for everyone, Bluetooth connectivity and more, all adding up to a better experience on every journey.
Cruising
Apr 10, 2024Explore Holland America Line’s “Nieuw Amsterdam’s” Kids Club
Don’t think a cruise with Holland America Line is just for adults. Aboard the cruise line’s Nieuw Amsterdam ship, a dedicated Kids Club ensures family travelers of all ages have a good time both at sea and port.
Multigenerational
Apr 4, 20245 Eco-Friendly Properties to Stay at for Earth Month
Book family travel at one of these five eco-friendly properties around the world for Earth Month.
Sponsored Content
Unearth Seoul’s Hidden Gems
Filled with hidden treasures waiting to be discovered, Seoul invites travelers to unearth its many gems, and Seoul Tourism Organization is here to help travelers do just that. Through thoughtfully created initiatives like the Theme Tourism County Competition, Seoul Tourism Organization works closely with local districts to identify and showcase what makes each district unique and charming in all seasons.
Multigenerational
Apr 2, 2024Princess Cruises Offers Accessible, Affordable Multigenerational Travel
According to a National Tourism Association study, multigenerational vacations continue to be a popular choice for family travel, with about half of all vacations taken by parents and grandparents considered multigenerational. Additionally, 45 percent of all leisure travelers brought kids on their trips last year.
ShareThis