Located on Florida’s Gulf Coast is the picturesque town of Dunedin. This hidden gem of Florida should be on your must-see list. The wooded sub-tropical setting offers nearly four waterfront miles. Nearly weekly celebrations fill the delightful downtown. The surrounding streets are filled with sherbet-colored houses and a typical relaxed Florida lifestyle. Dunedin’s 29 city parks offer the community 270 acres of green space. While support for the locally-owned shops and restaurants offers a welcome reprieve from the all too common large chain stores with their commercial signs.
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Wandering the streets of Dunedin you will find smiles everywhere while its residents enjoy the outdoors. Golf carts are a common sight. The golf carts are decorated for the closest holiday or favorite team. The trees of homes often display handmade “chandeliers” of solar lights. This delightful town is filled with personality!
Dunedin Florida’s History
The town wasn’t always known as Dunedin. Originally, it was named Jonesboro by the owner of the area’s mercantile, George Jones. J.O. Douglas and James Somerville, two Scotsmen, later named the town Dunedin while applying for the first post office. The name is derived from Dûn Êldeann, the Scottish Gaelic for Edinburg.
Numerous complaints about pigs running rampant in the settlement led to Dunedin becoming incorporated as a town in 1899. Those pigs are responsible for a still-standing ban on livestock within the city limits.
Dunedin and the Roebling Alligator
Dunedin was home to Food Machinery shortly before and during World War II. It served as the primary site to test the Landing Vehicle Tracked which was manufactured in nearby Lakeland. The area served as a training center for both divers and mechanics of the new LVT amphibious vehicles. After initial training, the Marines were asked to develop the 1st Amphibian Tractor Battalion. In mid-1944, the Marine unit developed in Dunedin was transferred to Camp Pendleton, California.
Dunedin History Museum
Located in the old railroad depot along the Pinellas Trail. The small museum contains more than 2,000 artifacts, 2,500 photographs, and a library of books on Dunedin’s past. Detailing the transformation from orange groves to tourist destination.
Public restrooms are located behind the museum.
Try some of Florida’s orange ice cream at the caboose which houses Lane’s Lemonade.
Historic Buildings in Dunedin, Florida
Fenway Hotel (1924)
Overlooking the Gulf Coast (and sunset) the Fenway Hotel was built in 1924. “The Grand Lady of Dunedin” has hosted many explorers, artists and politicians throughout its years. The building once housed the county’s first radio station (1925-1927) too. It remains one of the best places to view the sunset, as well as, a well-located hotel for all things Dunedin.
Andrews Memorial Chapel (1888)
Located at the corner of Scotland Street and Highland Avenue. This historic Carpenter Gothic-style church was built in 1888. It is named for William Andrews, son of John G. Andrews, who “died while riding a horse in a violent storm.”
Be sure to enjoy one of Dunedin’s 27 parks while there. Hammock Park neighbors the chapel.
J.O. Douglas House (1880)
This historic home is located at 209 Scotland Street and is one of the town’s oldest buildings. It is a great example of vernacular architecture in central Florida.
Willis S. Blatchley House (1916)
The home of American entomologist, malacologist, and geologist Willis Blatchley. Blatchley was one of the nation’s most renowned naturalists. He made his winter home in Dunedin at 232 Lee Street. If you’re lucky enough to find his out-of-print books My Nature Nook and In Days Agone, you can read his descriptions of the natural history of the Dunedin area.
The family called their home “Little Bay” and completed the two-story home in 1915. The home survived the hurricanes of 1918 and 1921 (considered the worst of Florida’s west coast). Dr. Blatchley lived here until his death in 1940.
Dunedin Golf Club (1926)
Added to the National Historic Register in 2014 the course was designed by noted architect Donald Ross. Opening in 1927, the course hosted the PGA Seniors’ Championships for eighteen consecutive years. The PGA of America relocated its national office to Dunedin in 1956, but later moved to Florida’s east coast (Palm Beach Gardens) in 1965.
Kellogg House
Now demolished, but worth a mention.
While you may be tempted to think the legends of this home are larger than life, so was the home. Although the home is named for W.K. Kellogg, founder of the Kellogg Cereal Company, he was not the first owner. Construction on the home began in 1925 as the personal home of Detroit businessman Edward Friskchkorn. Built-in the Mediterranean Revival style. Originally known as Villa Marino, the home featured soundproof rooms and secret passageways. In addition to more public features like Moorish arches, mosaic tiles, stained glass windows, and curved Spanish-inspired stairways. Its staircase to nowhere is often noted as a possibility that it was designed by Addison Mizner. Mizner was the most prominent architect of the 1920s with works found throughout south Florida.
W.K. Kellogg purchased the home in 1934. Although he only spent two winters in Dunedin, he was a frequent guest of John Ringling in nearby Sarasota and enjoyed the glass bottom boats of Tarpon Springs. W.K. Kellogg supported the World War II mission when he supplied the house for nonmarried Marine officers’ quarters during the Roebling “Alligator” training.
The home was sold to William Nolan in 1946. He completed some remodels, including a disco and remote-controlled ceiling opening. No doubt these parties are where some of the more colorful legends originated. No Sean Connery did not stay in the guest house. No, the bedroom furniture was not made from wood harvested at Thomas Jefferson’s Monticello. It did originate from Pantops, land owned by Jefferson’s father.
The home was sold again and demolished in 2022 to make way for an updated home. Its stories live on…
Scottish Heritage
The name comes from Dùn Èideann, the Scottish Gaelic name for Edinburgh, the capital of Scotland. Dunedin has since maintained and embraced its Scottish roots. The annual Dunedin Highland Games are one of the most popular festivals in a city of nearly weekly festivals. The schools have competition-level pip and drum bands.
Dining in Dunedin
Taco Baby
Taco lovers (and who isn’t a taco lover) will love this easy quick snack stop while exploring Dunedin. The former ATM, yes it is small, is Florida’s tiniest tacqueria with room for one employee and a walk-up window.
Olde Bay Cafe
Serving up amazing fresh seafood dishes with a side of spectacular sunset marina views. Olde Bay is great for lunch, but incredible for a sunset dinner or cocktails. Try the grouper tacos!
Bon Appetite
Fine dining serving since 1976 on the water’s edge. The Achieva 1942 Salad with its garlic burgundy vinaigrette is a favorite. Reservations are suggested for dinner.
Lucky Lobster
Live music, great service and amazing food. Ample patio dining with shade and lots of fans add to the Florida feel. Reservations are suggested for dinner.
Cafe Alfresco
Situated just on Main Street and the Pinellas Trail, this old school dining option boast a large (very large) menu and patio dining.
Frenchie’s Outpost
Calling itself an open-air Key West style restaurant there are many locations throughout the Tampa Bay Area. The Dunedin location is on the causeway as you head out to Honeymoon Island. While you won’t find waterfront dining here, you will find a lively crowd and a great Grouper Reuben Sandwich.
Happy’s Bayou Bites
Tucked under the trees, this rustic shop offers Cajun seafood, soups and sandwiches for outdoor dining or takeout. However, it is opened Thursday through Saturday only.
Eli’s BBQ
This no-frills cash only joint on the Pinellas Trail has its own cult following. The Friday & Saturday until they sell out hours do not detour lines forming early and extending throughout the day.
Julian’s Little Italy
While Dunedin is known for its Scottish heritage, good Italian food is abundant. This small bistro is adorned with folksy artwork and serving homemade classic dishes.
The Honu
Growing from just a 16 seat cafe in 2016 to its current 150 seat front patio, indoor and back patio full service restaurant with all your favorite Tiki-style drinks. The party starts early here and extends into the evening with live music and strong cocktails.
Key Lime Pie Update
You cannot talk about anywhere in Florida without a Key Lime Pie update. While Dunedin itself is not known for the treat, you will find great options in the area.
Mike’s Pies (Tampa)
Olde Bay Cafe serves up Mike’s Pies. They are four time national key lime pie champions.
J.J. Gandy’s (PH)
Just north of Dunedin, in Palm Harbor you will find a takeout bakery called J.J. Gandy’s Pies. Many of the nearby restaurants serve their pie, but you will want to visit their store too. The store offer key lime (and orange) cookies, as well as, other baked goods. (Get the cookies)
Trips with Sips: Breweries of Dunedin
Even the biggest beer lovers may feel a little overwhelmed in Dunedin. The city boasts seven breweries within a five minute walk of downtown. Including the oldest microbrewery in Florida, Dunedin Brewery.
Dunedin Brewery
Brewing since 1996 makes this the oldest micro-brewery in Florida. Which means beer lovers should head over for a flight, but you will find better beer and friendlier service in the other breweries in town.
Woodwright Brewing Company
It’s always great when a the location has character AND the beer is great. Woodwright Brewing nailed them both. The rustic building creates the feeling that you are in the lumber p
The brewery specializes in German and European style beers. Their most popular (for good reason) is the Hefeweizen,
Dunedin House of Beer
Recently expanded Dunedin HOB host a beer list of more than 40 beers on tap. Many change daily.
Cueni Brewing Company
Just off the Pinellas Trail sits Cueni Brewing. Brewed in-house with a focus on English Ales and Belgians. This brewery has an impressive flight board too.
7venth Sun Brewery
7venth Sun offers two locations – one in Tampa and just off the Alt19 in Dunedin. They have a diverse list of beers with sours, saisons and IPAs, but the tap list is ever changing so frequent visits are a must! Expect lots of Florida citrus beers here.
Calendonia Brewing
This small-batch craft brewery is located in the historic Dunedin Times building. They keep about 20 beers, wines or ciders available.
Soggy Bottom Brewing Company
With delicious Q BBQ just next door, what more could you ask for? Beer and BBQ. They offer a variety of in-house beers with a popular option being the coconut porter.
More Dunedin Cocktails
Not a beerlover? Don’t worry, you will also find amazing cocktails in Dunedin.
Hi-Fi Rooftop
You would be hard-pressed to find a coastal Florida town without a nightly sunset celebration and Dunedin is no different. Perched atop the historic Fenway Hotel is the Hi-Fi Rooftop Bar. Offering great signature cocktails, amazing views, and a sunset countdown.
The bar replaces the hotel’s original bar in the basement. The hotel was built in the Roaring Twenties when prohibition was in full effect. You can still see the speakeasy’s entrance with “knock three times” on the door. If you knocked and knew the password, you would be invited in to enjoy the cocktails. Rumor has it that the owner of Hog Island had rum runners coming in and supplied the area’s hotels. Today you are rooftop as you enjoy your spirits and sunset!
The Honu
This Tiki style bar will keep you coming back with their cocktails, friendly service and fusion-type food. The food and drink menu changes often with delicious specials.
Spring Training in Dunedin
Dunedin is one of the smallest communities to be used by MLB spring training teams. It has been the spring training home of the Toronto Blue Jays since 1977, as well as the class-A Dunedin Blue Jays team. The community even hosted the early MLB games for the team in 2021 due to border-crossing restrictions.
Pinellas Trail
Formerly the rail trail, now the Fred Marquis Pinellas Trail stretches from Tarpon Springs in the north to St. Petersburg in the south. The trail passes through the small towns of Palm Harbor, Dunedin, Belleair, Clearwater, Largo, Seminole, South Pasadena and Gulfport. One of the few places in Pinellas County that you will not see golf carts, there are no motorized vehicles allowed. But you can stroll and bike the 45 mile length or just a portion of the cafe, brewery and bar lined trail.
The portion between Dunedin and Tarpon Springs is known to be the most scenic area.
Beaches of Dunedin
Often voted one of the top US beaches nearby Honeymoon Island State Park is picturesque and just two miles from downtown Dunedin.
Honeymoon Island State Park
This barrier island is accessible via the causeway bridge. Known for its beaches and nature trails. The area is a great place to spend a day lounging on the beach, snorkeling in the clear waters or strolling the beach for sea shells during sunset.
Check into their guided nature walks every Wednesday, Saturday and Sunday from November through March which give visitors the chance to learn about natural Florida coastal lands.
Caladesi Island State Park
Take the ferry over to the island from Honeymoon Island State Park or simply walk to the island. Yes, you can walk to the island by parking on north Clearwater Beach and walking the shoreline.
Tips for Visiting Dunedin, FL
- You will fly into Tampa, FL to visit Dunedin. A short drive across the causeway will bring you into Pinellas County and ultimately Dunedin.
- Summer is HOT, it’s Florida. The snowbirds arrive around October and leave in March/April.
- Can I visit Disney while in Dunedin? It’s about a two-and-a-half-hour drive, but there are many Tampa Bay activities to keep you busy.
See Dunedin on the Fitting in Adventure Youtube
Points of Interest Nearby Dunedin
Grab a coffee (or two) at these great locations throughout Pinellas County while you wander the area.
Tarpon Springs Sponge Docks
This old Greek coastal village will transport you thousands of miles away to the blue waters of Greece. There is no place like Tarpon Springs to experience Greek culture in America.
Clearwater Beach
This is definitely the area’s most recommended beach to visit. Known for its soft white sand, year-round activities and all waters. You will find lots of restaurants and stores along its shores and streets. If you are around for sunset, visit Pier 60 or a nightly festival with street performers and vendors.
St. Pete
St. Pete is home to a vibrant downtown, gorgeous beaches, top-rated restaurants, the world-renowned Salvador Dali Museum and Fort De Soto Park. Take a walk through the 26-acre St. Pete Pier park to view Tampa Bay with views of downtown St Pete. The area holds the title of “most consecutive days with sunshine” at 768 days.
Indian Rocks Beach
Quaint restaurants and shops dot the spaces between the town’s 27 beach access points along Gulf Boulevard.
Tampa
The largest metropolitan area of the bay allows you to find the perfect pocket to fit your needs. Whether you are looking for the theme park vibe of Bush Gardens, strolling along the Riverwalk or escaping to historic Ybor City for a great Cuban sandwich.
