We at Travel Off Path love not visiting Southwest Florida, but reporting on it too. I mean, who wouldn’t want to vacation in one of America’s prettiest destinations?
This side of Florida is the antithesis of the rest of the Gulf’s notoriously brackish waters westward of Alabama, replaced with shades of Caribbean hues and powdery white sand.
That’s why you’ll find Clearwater and Siesta Key duking it out year after year in a fight for the crown of being named America’s top beach.
That being said, you shouldn’t sleep on either of these pristine beach towns’ vibrant neighbors, whether it’s one of my favorites, Nokomis, or another beautiful hideaway off the tourist trail. being hyped by Southern Living as a potential new vacation hotspot.
All around the Tampa-St. Pete’s region has numerous white-sand getaways well worth visiting, but the word is trickling out on the appeal for Dunedin this summer.
Clearwater’s Less-Crowded Alternative
Consistently ranking as one of not only Florida’s best beaches, but the whole country, Clearwater draws a crowd every summer — and rightfully so.
Clearwater is a vibrant beach town that lives up to the name. Beachgoers enjoy pristine waters and gleaming white shores, but have become accustomed to sharing space.
Dunedin (pronounced “done-EE-din”) on the other hand, offers more down-home charm, surprising culture, gorgeous beaches and even paradisal islands in its own right.
Being a stone’s throw from Clearwater, Southern Living believes Dunedin should be on more Florida vacationers’ radars.
It’s only 5 miles from the crowds of Clearwater, making for a calmer getaway to avoid screaming kiddos and that one guy with a metal detector who always seems to be in the way.
Dunedin’s Stunning Islands Are Must-Visits
There’s no denying Clearwater and Siesta Key boast gorgeous shores, but there’s no argument to support that they’re unspoiled.
That’s one of many reasons why you should visit Dunedin’s stunning islands, ff not solely for the eye-popping drive alone across the sparkling Dunedin Causeway, which reaches Honeymoon Island.
In its heyday, Honeymoon Island saw newlyweds flock here for their cozy beachside cottages to, let’s just say, solidify their marriage…
Nowadays, it’s one of the few places across the record-breaking Sunshine State that feels untouched by the masses, with sprawling, wide-open beaches and connected trails to explore.
In fact, Southern Living hypes up Honeymoon Island’s serenity so much that they say, ‘don’t be surprised if you see more wildlife than people’.
Honeymoon isn’t the only slice of paradise to check out. Neighboring Caladesi Island State Park levels up said serenity as it’s only reachable by boat (a ferry runs between both islands).
It’s highly recommended to bring sunscreen as the most shade you’ll find is a kayak ride through lush mangrove forests.
There aren’t many places to hang out besides the beach, but Cafe Caladesi is open every day from 10:45 am to 5 pm.
Cultural Flair & Charming Streets: Discover Downtown Dunedin
Dunedin is truly unique. Not many small towns will you see Celtic flags proudly waving outside of Boston.
There’s a strong sense of community here, and it shows through long-held traditions, such as The Dunedin Celtic Music & Craft Beer Festival (November 22).
Most notably, oranges might catch your eye and that’s no mistake. Dunedin is proud of its citrus roots, where you’ll see paintings of bright oranges lighting up the rooms of local businesses and homes, too.
Don’t worry, though — it’s not just orange concoctions on dinner menus around here, whether it be local dive bars, seafood shacks, or a handful of upscale dining options.
For one, Southern Living recommends Eli’s Bar-B-Que, an unassuming hole-in-the-wall whipping up mouth-watering slabs of meat and all the traditional Southern fixin’s.
Just down the block feels a little more local to a seaside town — neither Happy’s Bayou Bites or Lucky Lobster Co. will disappoint.
But, perhaps Dunedin’s most underrated aspect is the beer scene. There are ample breweries dotting the small townscape, such as rightfully named Dunedin Brewery and HOB Brewing Co.
One place Southern Living did not mention was the top-rated Meranova Guest Inn, a grand alternative to overpacked resorts this time of year.
Sam Sears
Sam, our Lead Writer & Journalist based in San Diego has visited 36 countries and written over 1000 articles with a focus on sharing his own travel experiences and shining a light on lesser-known gems.
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