Dunedin, Florida

Along Florida’s Gulf Coast, about 30 minutes west of Tampa, sits Dunedin, a small town with a big personality. Blending sandy shores, Scottish heritage, and a vibrant arts scene, into a place that feels both sunlit and storied. Bagpipes drift through the breeze, fresh seafood scents the marina, and colorful murals brighten streets shaped by the Gulf and traditions that stretch across the Atlantic. With open arms, Dunedin invites you to slow down, look closer, and settle into the rhythm where the heritage and tide move together.

Where Culture, Coastlines, and Comfort, Converge 

Dunedin’s story began in the mid-1800s, when settlers were drawn to Florida’s Gulf Coast by fertile land and easy access to the water. In 1882, Scottish merchants J.O. Douglas and James Somerville renamed the town Dunedin, after the Scottish Gaelic name for Edinburgh, a tribute that would shape the community’s identity for generations. Incorporated in 1899, Dunedin quickly grew into a hub for maritime commerce, citrus production, and boatbuilding, with a bustling port that made it one of the Gulf Coast’s busiest towns of its time.

As the town evolved through the 20th century, Dunedin held tightly to its heritage. The arrival of the railroad expanded trade and tourism, while the annual Dunedin Highland Games became one of Florida’s largest celebrations of Scottish culture, filling Highlander Park with music, athletics, and tradition. That blend of history and forward momentum remains visible today, in preserved architecture, long-standing festivals, and a downtown shaped by creativity and community.

Now known for its walkable streets, vibrant arts scene, and abundance of pet-friendly spaces, even earning the nickname “Dogedin,” Dunedin reflects a lifestyle shaped by culture, coastline, and an easygoing sense of belonging.

Signature Stops 

• Caladesi Island State Park– A barrier-island paradise reachable by ferry, boat or kayak, offering quiet beaches, mangroves and natural shoreline. 
• Downtown Dunedin- A walkable stretch filled with cafés, local shops, galleries, and colorful murals that highlight the town’s artistic spirit. 
• Dunedin Marina & Waterfront– A hub for sunsets, seafood, sailing and coastal recreation, with views that stretch across St. Joseph Sound. 
• Honeymoon Island State Park– One of Florida’s most-visited state parks, known for its beaches, bird habitat, hiking trails and views across the Gulf. 
• TD Ballpark- Blue Jays fly south for the spring. TD Ballpark is the official home of the Toronto Blue Jays during their spring training!
• Dunedin History Museum- A charming museum that features an array of both permanent exhibits celebrating local history as well as traveling exhibits from around the country. They also offer walking tours around the city, so you can truly immerse yourself in the storied past of Dunedin.
• Dunedin Fine Arts Center- Featuring a wide array of rotating galleries, a children’s museum, as well as classes and workshops for artists of all skill levels, the Dunedin Fine Arts Center has a little something for everyone.

Bragging Rights 

Voted “The Best Little Walking Town in America.” 

Dunedin was among Florida’s first incorporated towns.

Dunedin Brewery is Florida’s Oldest Microbrewery.

It was the first purple heart city in Florida, a national designation which signifies the city’s commitment to honoring those military personnel who have been killed or wounded in combat.

Dunedin was the first to earn Florida’s “Trail Town” designation because of its commitment to trail stewardship and infrastructure.

Every Season Has a Reason 

Spring brings breezy mornings, prime beach days, and the first wave of festivals that celebrate Dunedin’s cultural heritage. 

Summer fills the marinas and parks with families, kayakers, and sun-seekers enjoying warm Gulf waters and late coastal sunsets. 

Fall brings comfortable temperatures for downtown strolling, art walks, waterfront dining and visits to nearby islands without peak-season crowds. 

Winter offers comfortable weather, clear skies, and some of the coast’s best sunset views, creating an ideal backdrop for exploring town or relaxing by the water. 

Mark Your Calendars 

• Dunedin Mardi Gras (February): Celebrate Fat Tuesday the Dunedin way with a colorful parade and street fair featuring local eats and live music.
• Dunedin Highland Games & Festival (April): Celebrate your Scottish heritage with live music, dancing, performances, authentic food, and lots of drinks! 
• Dunedin Stonecrab Festival (October): Centered around the opening of Stonecrab season, enjoy food from local seafood vendors and musical performances by the water.
• Art walks and gallery nights (Year-round): Regular downtown events that showcase local artists, makers and installations. 
• Outdoor and waterfront events (Year-round): Markets, coastal concerts, brewery events and holiday celebrations along the marina and main streets. 
• Nature outings to Honeymoon and Caladesi Islands (Year-round): Ferry rides, beachcombing and wildlife viewing available year-round. 
• Piper on the Pier (Select days throughout the year): About 20 minutes before sunset, you can find a local bagpipe player performing wonderful melodies on the pier.

Meet the Locals 

On the streets of Dunedin, creativity shows up in everyday moments. You’ll find muralists working in the sun, bakers setting out fresh pastries, brewers refining their next small batch, and locals cruising through town on golf carts.

Locals value walkability, water activities, and a strong sense of community. That appreciation shapes how they welcome visitors. Stop by Florida’s oldest brewery and conversations often drift toward Scottish roots, coastal traditions, and how this small town found its rhythm. Dunedin doesn’t try to impress, it simply encourages you to settle in and share in a way of life that feels genuine and unhurried.

The Last Word 

Dunedin moves at a gentler rhythm, shaped by salt air, shared traditions, and a deep appreciation for everyday beauty. Its Scottish roots, creative spirit, and Gulf Coast setting come together in a town that feels both storied and sunlit. Whether you’re wandering the Pinellas Trail, watching the light change along the marina, or finding art in unexpected places, you’re destined to feel inspired. And as the day fades into another pastel sunset over the water, you’ll find yourself quietly, completely LOST IN Dunedin, Florida.