Downtown Dunedin Florida

Dunedin is most famous for being home to the famous Honeymoon Island State Park, one of the most popular and highly rated beaches on the Gulf Coast of Florida. However, a trip to the area would not be complete without taking a stroll through the city’s beautiful, historic downtown neighborhood. Visiting the quaint area, filled with local restaurants, shops, and businesses, is a refreshing alternative to shopping & dining at the chains overpopulating the Tampa Bay area.

The downtown is clean, well-maintained and quiet. The trees lining the streets, quiet atmosphere, and absence of chains remind me of the quaint villages of New England.

Shops and restaurants in downtown Dunedin Florida
The Sandpiper Cafe in downtown Dunedin, Florida

Dining & Shopping

Here you will find a selection of over 100 unique shops, restaurants, bars, and novelty stores. Restaurants options vary, from cafes to Italian restaurants to Irish pubs. I recommend starting your day at Cork and Bean, a local coffeehouse which serves delicious coffee and pastries.

Americano and chocolate croissant at Cork and Bean in downtown Dunedin, Florida
A great Americano and chocolate croissant at Cork and Bean

Another great low-key breakfast/coffee cafe is The Sandpiper. I love the beachy theme of this local gem. You will find lots of mermaid signs and other beachy novelty items, many of which you can purchase. The coffee is great and the breakfast is decent, although a tad overpriced.

Breakfast at The Sandpiper in Dunedin, Florida
A tasty, although overpriced veggie skillet

There are plenty of bars in the area, many with outdoor seating to enjoy the cool Florida nights. Shopping includes a selection of: jewelry and apparel shops, antiques, and specialty gift and decor shops. You will also find a handful of health and wellness studios.

Museums and other attractions

A massage is the perfect treat, in my opinion, especially to escape the heat for a while. Mike & I both got a relaxation massage at A Perfect Pair Nail Salon & Spa. Hot Stone, deep tissue, and a legs/feet combo massage are also offered. The massage was a perfect way to wind down after being on our feet all day.

A Perfect Pair Salon and Spa - Dunedin, Florida

If you feel like taking in some culture, Dunedin offers a small selection of art galleries and museums. The Dunedin Fine Arts Center is worth checking out. The Dunedin Historical Society & Museum is another option. Baseball fans visiting during the spring months can check out a Toronto Blue Jays game, as Dunedin is home to the Blue Jays spring training. Music fans will want to plan for a quick tour of The Beatles Museum.

The Pinellas Trail

Another highlight in the area is the beautiful Pinellas Trail bike path, which runs from St. Petersburg to Tarpon Springs, passing historic Dunedin along its course. The trail currently covers about 40 miles, however, will encompass 47 when fully completed. It ranks as one of the country’s top rail trails (old railroads converted into multi-use paths). Take a look at a portion of the downtown Dunedin section of the trail pictured below. We plan on completing the section from Dunedin to Tarpon Springs sometime next week, so check back frequently for a full report!

Update: The ride from Dunedin to Tarpon Springs is very nice -mostly flat, scenic, considerably shady, and the perfect distance (~7 miles) for a long, yet leisurely weekend ride. More details and pics.

Also check out this handy Pinellas Trail guide to plan your route.

Pinellas Trail - section in downtown Dunedin, Florida

Also be sure to take a walk down to the marina, located just a short walk away from downtown. Take in a few great views from the pier, and even do a little fishing if you are interested. The Best Western Yacht Club Inn, located directly  on the marina, offers a waterfront restaurant with spectacular views. Bon Appetit and the Marina Cafe offer a brunch, breakfast, and lunch/dinner menu, with the option of indoor dining or outdoor dining, both featuring amazing views.

Pelican in Dunedin, Florida
Views from the pier in Dunedin, Florida

Annual Events

Dunedin hosts exciting events throughout the year. Farmers markets are held on Friday and Saturday mornings, July through October. Art walks take place on the second Friday of each month. Each month brings forth exciting cultural and holiday activities, such as: holiday boat parades, Mardi Gras and St. Patrick’s Day celebrations, and the Dunedin Orange Festival. Check out the Dunedin website for this year’s calendar of events.

Plenty of side street parking and free lots are available. This is a great, no-hassle place to start the Pinellas Trail as parking is free and located adjacent to the trail.

Have you ever visited Dunedin’s downtown? Were you impressed? What other quaint downtown in the Tampa area would you recommend visiting?