One Day in Dunedin: The Perfect Itinerary for First-Time Visitors
Dunedin, Florida, is a hidden gem on the Gulf Coast, known for its quaint downtown core, beautiful waterfront views, and vibrant arts scene. It’s the town I call home and one I love to share with friends, family, and anyone visiting the Tampa. Whether you’re adding a day trip to your Tampa Bay itinerary or just looking for a new Florida adventure, this one day itinerary will help you make the most of your time in Dunedin.
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Morning: A Scenic Start to Your Day
Dunedin is the kind of place that encourages you to wake up early (if you’re staying in Dunedin) or get here early to enjoy a full day of activities.
Coffee & Breakfast at a Local Café
Start your day with a caffeine boost at one of Dunedin’s adorable coffee shops. Sandpiper Café is a favorite which offers the cutest shop inside (with limited seating) and a great outdoor space to enjoy your coffee and breakfast. Other great options include Dunedin Coffee Company and TüKrō Coffee for great pastries with your morning brew.
Stroll the Pinellas Trail
After breakfast, take a leisurely walk or bike ride along the Pinellas Trail, which runs through downtown Dunedin. This 45-mile-long trail stretches from one end of Pinellas County to the other and is built on the former Orange Belt Railway (later Atlantic Coast Line) railroad bed. It’s perfect for soaking in the morning sun and getting a feel for the town’s laid-back vibe. And if you have bicycles, it’s a great way to get from downtown Dunedin to the Dunedin Causeway and Honeymoon Island, about a five mile bike ride one way.
Mid-Morning: Explore Downtown Dunedin
You could spend an entire day in downtown Dunedin exploring the art galleries, boutiques, and museum!
Visit the Dunedin History Museum
For a quick dive into local history, stop by the Dunedin History Museum. Located in a restored 1923 train depot, it’s a small but fascinating stop that gives insight into the town’s past, including its Scottish roots and citrus industry.
Boutique Shopping & Art Murals
Downtown Dunedin is filled with unique, locally-owned shops and colorful murals. Spend some time exploring The Celtic Shop of Dunedin for Scottish goods, or browse Wimsey + Ro for locally made gifts and sustainable fashion. Don’t forget to snap some photos of the stunning murals scattered throughout town. Some of my favorite Dunedin murals are the Murals for Mutts found on the side of Skip’s Bar and The Living Room, the artichoke at HOB Brewing, the Dunedin sign at Rosie’s Tavern, and the angel wings at Crown and Bull.
Lunch: Waterfront Dining
If you love good food, you’ll want to come back to Dunedin time and again to try different restaurants. For one day in Dunedin, however, try these options.
Enjoy Fresh Seafood or a Brewery Lunch
For lunch, head to Bon Appétit Restaurant for a waterfront meal with a view of St. Joseph Sound. If you prefer a more casual spot, try Olde Bay Café, also at the Dunedin Marina. They serve an amazing fish spread. Or head to the Causeway and grab a burger or wrap at High & Dry Grill.
Afternoon: Nature & Relaxation
Dunedin is an official Tree City USA and has a ton of outdoor space to enjoy Florida’s beautiful weather.
Honeymoon Island State Park
No visit to Dunedin is complete without a trip to Honeymoon Island State Park. Just a short drive from downtown, this barrier island offers pristine beaches, scenic trails, and excellent birdwatching. Walk the Osprey Trail, where you can spot nesting ospreys, gopher tortoises, and even armadillos. And visit the Nature Center for a jolt of A/C and to learn more about the history of Honeymoon Island.
Try a Round of Golf
Historic Dunedin Golf Course is a dream for golfers (so I’m told; I’m not a golfer). It was the first home of the PGA and has recently been restored to Donald Ross’s original plan. The golfers I’ve spoken to absolutely love it. The clubhouse is open to the public for drinks and lunch/dinner and offers stunning views of the course.
Evening: Dinner and a Show
Perhaps not the show you first imagined? The “show” in Dunedin is the stunning sunset views, and dinner…well, you’ll find a great meal in any of several great restaurants.
Sunset at Weaver Park
For a breathtaking sunset, head to Weaver Park or the Dunedin Marina. Both offer stunning views over the water, with plenty of benches and grassy places to relax and watch the sun dip below the horizon. Alternatively, if you spent the afternoon at Honeymoon Island, stay for the sunset. It’s a one-of-a-kind view.
Dinner & Live Music
Wrap up your day with dinner at The Black Pearl, a small upscale restaurant serving fresh, seasonal dishes. If you’re in the mood for something more laid-back, check out The Honu, a tropical-themed spot with a fun atmosphere and live music, or Casa Tina for Tex-Mex inspired fare, or (my favorite) Mangos & Marley for a tasty twist on Cuban cuisine.
Brewery Crawl
Craft brew afficionados love Dunedin for the variety of micro-breweries within walking distance of each other in the downtown core. If you’re staying in Dunedin, or aren’t driving, start at Florida’s oldest micro-brewery, Dunedin Brewery. Then head to Seventh Sun, HOB, Caledonia Brewing, or any of the others. Many of Dunedin’s pubs also feature local beers on tap.
Wrapping It Up
Dunedin’s blend of history, nature, and small-town charm makes it the perfect destination for a day trip. Whether you’re exploring its scenic parks, sampling local cuisine, or just taking in the Gulf Coast vibes, one day in Dunedin will leave you wanting to come back for more.
Let’s Connect!
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Travel Resources:
These are the places I first go when planning or booking travel. They ARE affiliate links so if you use one I may earn a small commission (at no cost to you) and (bonus!) it’ll help me keep running this site. Visit my travel resources page to see all of the services and gear I recommend.
Flights: We always check flight prices and information on Way Away first.
Hotels: We use Expedia to compare and book hotels. We also love Booking.com for boutique hotels and B&Bs.
Vacation Rentals: For vacation rentals and other non-traditional lodging options, VRBO is our go-to.
Tours & Tickets: We use Viator for private tours and unique experiences.
Rental Cars: Though we prefer to experience a city through its public transportation, there are times when a rental car is needed and in those instances, we use Discover Cars.
Travel Insurance: No one wants to need it, but it’s great to have when you do. VisitorsCoverage is our go-to provider.
