Most Popular Things to Do in Dunedin, Florida

Thinking about exploring Florida’s Gulf Coast? Leave space in your itinerary to experience all the best things to do in Dunedin, FL. Located north of Clearwater Beach in Pinellas County, Dunedin is famous for its sandy beaches and fascinating Scottish heritage, as well as being a base for MLB spring training.

In Dunedin, you’ll have your choice of beautiful family-friendly parks, museums & art galleries for the culturally inclined, and some fantastic local breweries and restaurants for memorable date nights.

Not sure what to do in Dunedin? Kick-start your trip planning with this guide to the best places to visit in Dunedin, FL.

Must-see places to visit in Dunedin, FL

Caladesi Island State Park

On your trip to Dunedin, don’t miss a chance to explore one of Florida’s top state parks: Caladesi Island State Park. Located west of downtown Dunedin, Caladesi Island is a veritable gem, a paradise of white sand beaches flanked by diverse mangrove habitats. Explore on foot or in a kayak for up-close nature experiences where your camera will work overtime.

Caladesi Island State Park

Once you’ve seen the pristine nature on offer, you’ll be happy that arriving at Caladesi Island State Park isn’t as easy as jumping in the car. Visitors will have to catch the local or Clearwater ferry, arrange a private boat, or, on a pleasant day, kayak from the Dunedin Causeway.

After your adventure, laze around to see why the park’s beautiful beaches are often ranked as some of the best in the United States.

Honeymoon Island State Park

For another exceptional Florida Gulf Coast beach experience, skip over to Honeymoon Island State Park. Located just north of Caladesi Island, Honeymoon Island is accessible by car via the Dunedin Causeway. From here, you’ll uncover an unspoiled haven far removed from major developments and noisy beach bars.

Honeymoon Island State Park

We wouldn’t blame you for wanting to spend all day between the turquoise waters and the golden sand. But if you’re up for some exploring, you’ll find several trails guiding you through the parks unveiling local wildlife and another level of serenity. Along the way, you’ll pass a couple picnic areas and a nature center.

Honeymoon Island State Park is also home to a dog beach and is one of the best places to go in Dunedin to take in the nightly sunset.

Fred Pinellas Trail

One of the oldest rail-trails in the United States, the Fred Pinellas Trail runs from St. Petersburg to Tarpon Springs. The invigorating trail guides you through a number of quaint local towns, none better than Dunedin. The path snakes through downtown, adding another layer of atmosphere—especially on a sunny day when the local cafes are teeming with excitement and chatter.

Fred Marquis Pinellas Trail near Tarpon Springs

The entire Fred Pinellas Trail spans 50 miles, with plenty of entry and exit points along the way. It’s paved and accessible, so it’s common for riders to complete the entire journey, there and back in a single day. For those wondering where to go in Dunedin to stretch their legs, simply join the trail and wander as far as you desire.

Dunedin Fine Art Center

An idea six years in the making, the Dunedin Fine Arts Center came to life in 1975. From humble beginnings, the center now features a spacious 50,000 square foot gallery and workspace. Exhibitions, held throughout the year, showcase the best of local and in-state artistry with over a dozen classrooms for students of all ages to learn from the best and work on their craft.

Alongside the Dunedin Fine Arts Center, families can make their way to the David L. Mason Children’s Art Museum. The museum’s theme varies from year to year, offering a fresh hands-on experience for kids.

Edgewater Park

Alongside the top tourist attractions in Dunedin, the town provides over two dozen public county parks to enjoy. For this reason, Dunedin has won the “Tree City USA” award each year since 1989. Located along Dunedin’s marina, Edgewater Park is one of the best local parks and is a happening place all year round.

Edgewater Park is a great place to kick back and relax, grab a book, and head to one of the many shady trees. The spacious lawns are welcoming for family picnics with room to play games or simply hang out. The park also features two playgrounds and a large gazebo.

If you’re in the area for golden hour, Edgewater Park also offers stunning sunset views.

Hammock Park

Another great public park is the sprawling 90-acre Hammock Park, found alongside the historic Andrews Memorial Chapel. Hammock Park features over five miles of nature trails that’ll guide you to each section of the green space with an abundance of natural habitat to discover.

Hammock Park

Despite the park’s central location, it’s easy to get swept away by your surroundings and put civilization at arm’s length. Hammock Park has a butterfly garden and an observation platform to better appreciate the scenery. You’ll also find a spot to launch a kayak along with a fun disc golf course tucked in among the trees.

Penny Lane Beatles Museum

Featuring an impressive collection of Beatles memorabilia, pictures, records, and posters, the Penny Lane Beatles Museum is one of the coolest things to see in Dunedin. To make the visit even better, the museum is free!

Located at Main Street and Broadway, the Penny Lane Beatles Museum is curated by the local owner Dr. Robert Entel, who began his incredible collection back in the 1980s. The museum covers all the hits, from Yellow Submarine memorabilia to puppets of the musicians themselves.

Beneath the Penny Lane Beatles Museum is the Sterling Art Studios and Gallery, showcasing a collection of music and art from local talent.

7venth Sun Brewery

Craft beer has been sweeping the United States for some time. And Floridians could argue that the craze started right here in Dunedin at the Dunedin Brewery. Even so, the 7venth Sun Brewery has taken the mantle as one of the best places to visit in Dunedin for a pint. Specializing in IPAs, barrel-aged beer, sours, and Belgians, the brewery quickly grew throughout its foundation years.

Now covering 1,200 square feet, 7venth Sun Brewery has expanded to Tampa. Much of the production remains on-site here in Dunedin, though.

After making the hard choice, grab your chosen beer and wander into the adjoining production facility to see how the magic happens behind the scenes. From there, head to the outside space and enjoy your pint under the Florida sun.

TD Ballpark

For a little while during the Covid-interrupted 2021 season, TD Ballpark got to live out its Major League dreams, hosting the Toronto Blue Jays. However, TD Ballpark isn’t a stranger to hosting some of the league’s best players; it’s also the home of the Toronto Blue Jays spring training games.

TD Ballpark

During March of each year, the Canadian team travels south to play in the Grapefruit League alongside 14 other squads. If you love baseball or just want to see some live sport, head to TD Ballpark to see your favorite players and the stars of tomorrow at a fraction of the regular price.

Josiah Cephus Weaver Park

One of the newer places to see in Dunedin is the Josiah Cephus Weaver Park. Sitting on Bayshore Boulevard, the waterfront park offers beautiful Intracoastal views while being an excellent place to bring the kids. Families can take advantage of the pavilions and the playground. There’s also a pier for anglers and a dock for kayak launch.

A highlight of Josiah Cephus Weaver Park is the Kiwanis Fit Zone. If you’ve been wanting to take your workout outdoors, now’s your chance. The zone comprises 11 stations for a challenging full-body workout. Many of the stations are also wheelchair accessible.

For those venturing down the Pinellas Trail, you’ll also cross paths with Weaver Park, making it a magnificent spot for a break and to rest the legs.

Dunedin Downtown Market

Every Friday and Saturday morning, John R. Lawrence Pioneer Park comes to life with a burst of activity. The Dunedin Downtown Market is popular among locals and travelers alike who can shop the buffet of options from fresh produce and gourmet treats to flowers and handcrafted gifts.

The Dunedin Downtown Market is incredibly well-run thanks to the on-site managers that can guide first-timers around the various stalls. You’ll also find plenty of information about the top downtown Dunedin attractions.

As you browse for treats and unexpected gems, live music floats through the air, adding an extra layer to the vibrant atmosphere. All the produce hails from the area around the Tampa Bay area, with the market’s primary goal being to sustain local farmers and provide inexpensive access to fresh and healthy food.

Dunedin Golf Club

Designed by the renowned Donald Ross, the Dunedin Golf Club is the premier local course. The popular course has hosted dozens of major PGA events since opening in 1927.

As it was once the home of the PGA headquarters, visitors can predictably expect world-class golf facilities. Combined with the excellent year-round weather, there’s never a bad time to break out your clubs.

The Dunedin Golf Club is an excellent blend of challenging and scenic. Although it will surely take your A-game to get around without landing in the bunkers, the course is accessible for players of all skill levels.

Regardless of how on-point your swing is, you can later toast to a great day with a refreshing drink and a delicious meal at the clubhouse restaurant.

Highlander Park

Next to the Dunedin Fine Arts Center, Highlander Park is a multi-use recreational area home to one of the biggest annual events in town. Within the park, you’ll find a community center, an inviting pavilion that overlooks the local lake, the Dunedin Nature Center, and the Highlander Pool.

Highlander Park has enough to keep even the most active visitor happy, but the fun and games don’t end there. The walking paths will guide you to the Butterly Garden and a Sensory Garden for those with vision impairment. Highlander Park is also the perfect place to play sports, with tennis courts, beach volleyball nets, and softball fields.

Every April, Dunedin celebrates its Scottish roots with the annual Highland Games, featuring a bagpipe band and the tossing of small telephone poles.

Dunedin History Museum

Founded in 1970, the Dunedin History Museum hosts permanent exhibits that include 2,000 artifacts, an extensive library, and a photography collection featuring over 2,500 images. The small but extensive museum dives into the settlement of Dunedin, its strong connections to Scotland (as seen in the Highland Games), and life in town through the years.

Housed in a former railroad depot built in 1924, the Dunedin History Museum also elaborates on the town’s railroads, which were a part of the old Orange Belt Railway. The same stretch of tracks has since been transformed into the popular Pinellas Trail.

Dunedin Causeway

One of the top points of interest in Dunedin is the Dunedin Causeway. Connecting the town to the barrier islands, the causeway is a prominent part of local life. But it’s also well worth a visit for travelers: The Dunedin Causeway is the perfect place to launch your paddleboard or venture out on a kayak.

Dunedin Causeway

The tiny patches of land split by the road have sandy shores on each side. Although you can hear the rush of traffic behind you, you can enjoy amazing views of the water with room to place your BBQ for lunch and set up all your beach gear.

The causeway’s location allows for a brief trip to either Honeymoon Island or Caladesi Island. If you don’t have your own means of water transportation, you can hire kayaks at Sail Honeymoon.

The Living Room on Main

If you find yourself stuck on where to eat for dinner, save yourself the time and head to The Living Room on Main. The popular restaurant, located in the center of town, presents a cozy living space far removed from your typical eatery. The nooks, unique decor, armchairs, and paintings along the way help the restaurant live up to its name.

Although you’ll love the interior design, it’s quickly forgotten as you tuck into the delectable offerings. Try any of the mains or grab some shareable plates to enjoy alongside the live music that plays most nights.

Recommended places to stay in Dunedin, FL, for sightseeing

Beyond The Wall B & B

Beyond the Wall B&B

Add a dash of home to your stay in Dunedin by settling down at this cute bed & breakfast. Rooms are cozy with stylish vintage decor. Guests will also enjoy cooling down in the outdoor pool and relaxing on the sun terrace.

Hampton Inn Dunedin

Hampton Inn Dunedin, FL

Traveling as a couple or family and don’t want to break the bank? Check-in to this brand-new hotel. Located in the heart of town, the Hampton Inn offers spacious rooms along with excellent amenities, including an outdoor pool, fitness center, and terrace.

Meranova Guest Inn

Meranova Guest Inn

With its central location, the Meranova Guest Inn is a fantastic choice for mid-range travelers passing through the coastal town. All rooms come with pool or garden views along with a seating and dining area. After a day of Dunedin sightseeing, take a splash in the outdoor pool.

Fenway Hotel, Autograph Collection

Fenway Hotel, Autograph Collection

For a luxurious stay, don’t miss a chance to lay down your head at this historic hotel. Operating for over 90 years, the Fenway has, in its past, welcomed some of the world’s most famous artists, athletes, and politicians passing through Dunedin. The elegant amenities include an outdoor pool, lawn garden, and on-site bar & chophouse.

Treksplorer

Ryan O'Rourke is a seasoned traveler and the founder & editor of Treksplorer, a fiercely independent guide to mid-range luxury travel for busy people. With over 20 years of extensive travel experience, Ryan has journeyed through over 50 countries, uncovering hidden gems and sharing firsthand, unsponsored insights on what to see & do and where to eat, drink & stay. Backed by his travel experience and in-depth research, Ryan’s travel advice and writing has been featured in publications like the Huffington Post and Matador Network. You can connect with Ryan on Twitter/X at @rtorourke.

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