Dunedin, Florida

Along the Gulf Coast of Florida sits a small town with a big personality. Dunedin blends sandy shores, Scottish heritage, and a thriving arts scene into a place that feels both sunlit and storied. You hear bagpipes drift through the breeze, smell fresh seafood along the marina, and see murals splashed across walls that once held only coastal quiet. It is a city of color, charm, and character, shaped by the Gulf but rooted in traditions that stretch across the Atlantic.

As DJ BBQ moves through town, he finds oversized sights on the waterfront, bold local bites, and creative sparks around every corner. Dunedin’s easy pace and walkable streets invite you to slow down, look around, and let the mix of coastal beauty and cultural pride pull you in.
Where Coastlines, Culture and Creativity Converge

Dunedin is one of Florida’s oldest towns, incorporated in 1899, and its name comes from the Scottish Gaelic word for Edinburgh, honoring the heritage of its early settlers. This connection still shapes its identity today through festivals, music, and a strong sense of tradition.

The town also sits near some of the most celebrated natural areas on Florida’s Gulf Coast. Honeymoon Island State Park and Caladesi Island State Park lie just offshore, offering pristine beaches, nature trails, and clear Gulf waters that attract visitors from around the world. Dunedin is the gateway to both, making it a rare blend of Scottish roots and tropical landscapes.

Its downtown has grown into a vibrant arts district, home to galleries, murals, craft breweries, and makers who reinforce Dunedin’s reputation as one of Florida’s most creative small cities. Paired with its waterfront, parks, and community events, the town reflects a lifestyle shaped by both culture and coastline.

Signature Stops

Downtown Dunedin: A walkable stretch filled with cafés, local shops, galleries, and colorful murals that highlight the town’s artistic spirit.

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.

Caladesi Island State Park: A barrier-island paradise reachable by ferry, boat or kayak, offering quiet beaches, mangroves and natural shoreline.

Dunedin Marina & Waterfront: A hub for sunsets, seafood, sailing and coastal recreation, with views that stretch across St. Joseph Sound.

Local Breweries & Eateries: Dunedin is known for its craft beer heritage and bold, creative food scene, with many restaurants sourcing fresh coastal flavors.

Bragging Rights

Dunedin is recognized as the home of Honeymoon Island State Park, Florida’s most-visited state park.

It is one of the few American towns with deep Scottish roots reflected in annual festivals, bagpipe traditions and community events.

Caladesi Island, accessible through Dunedin, is consistently ranked among the top natural beaches in the United States.

Dunedin was among Florida’s first incorporated towns and remains known for its strong arts community and walkable downtown.

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 mild weather, clear skies and some of the Gulf Coast’s best sunset views, creating an ideal backdrop for exploring town or relaxing by the water.

Mark Your Calendars

Scottish heritage events and seasonal festivals: Celebrations that highlight Dunedin’s cultural identity through music, food and community gatherings.

Art walks and gallery nights: Regular downtown events that showcase local artists, makers and installations.

Outdoor and waterfront events: Markets, coastal concerts, brewery events and holiday celebrations along the marina and main streets.

Nature outings to Honeymoon and Caladesi Islands: Ferry rides, beachcombing and wildlife viewing available year-round.

Meet the Locals

You meet muralists painting in the sun, bakers setting out trays of pastries at dawn, brewers tinkering with new flavors, and longtime residents who proudly share stories about Dunedin’s Scottish ties and coastal traditions. People here blend creativity with hospitality. They love their town’s walkability, waterfront and community spirit, and they welcome visitors the same way they greet each new sunset — with appreciation and openness.

The Last Word

Dunedin is a place where heritage meets horizon, where the Gulf’s calm waters mix with the echoes of Scotland, and where creativity thrives in the warmth of small-town Florida. Wander its streets, taste its flavors, explore its islands and hear its stories. Once you spend time in this coastal gem, you understand what it means to get LOST IN Dunedin.