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Best places to live on the coast...

From the Atlantic to the Pacific, the Gulf of Mexico to the Great Lakes, we narrow the options.
June 1, 2004: 5:57 PM EDT
By Lisa Gibbs and the Editors of Coastal Living

GULF OF MEXICO
Dunedin, Fla. may be the Tampa Bay area's best-kept secret. Just north of busy Clearwater, Dunedin shares the same beautiful waterfront, with far fewer tourist traps, plus a Main Street reminiscent of Mayberry. Honeymoon Island State Park boasts spectacular beaches, and the Pinellas Trail, a 34-mile route through town, gives locals a reason to explore the area by foot or bicycle.

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Just minutes from Honeymoon and Caladesi islands are the rest of the Pinellas County beaches. Thirty-five miles of powdery white beaches include St. Petersburg and Clearwater beaches.

Main Street Dunedin has dozens of specialty restaurants and unique shops. There’s something for everyone . . . Scottish imports, antiques, bikes, and gourmet cooking classes, gift shops, jewelry, boutiques, chocolate and stained glass. The Dunedin Marina, located at the end of Main Street is one of many boating and sailing centers.

The renowned Pinellas Trail, a 15-foot-wide, 40-mile haven for walkers, skaters and bikers, runs through downtown Dunedin. It’s served by bicycle and skate rental shops and places to grab a quick bite or a cooling confection. The pedestrian-friendly Trail helped Dunedin earn The Walking Magazine’s ranking of “Best Walking Town in America.”

Dunedin is also a place to “play ball!” The Toronto Blue Jays have called it its spring training home for over 25 years. When the major leaguers return home for the season, the Dunedin Blue Jays take the field for the summer. Dunedin is convenient to several other professional sports teams, including the Super Bowl XXXVII Champion Tampa Bay Buccaneers, the Devil Rays, Lightning and Storm.

Golfers love the Dunedin Country Club, which is open to the public and offers what many consider the best golf value in the area. The course was designed by Donald Ross, one of the world's greatest golf course architects. It was the PGA National Golf Course from 1945 to 1962 and Bobby Jones, Ben Hogan and Sam Snead were just a few of the great golfers who played there. Around Dunedin are dozens of other great golf courses offering challenging play for all skill levels.

Dunedin is within an easy drive of a many attractions, museums, festivals and interesting small towns. Busch Gardens is nearby and the Greek community, Tarpon Springs, is ten minutes north of Dunedin. The world famous Dali Museum in St. Petersburg is a short drive and Ruth Eckerd Hall is home to a series of concerts from classical to contemporary.

There are many delightful accommodations available in Dunedin, from charming bed & breakfast inns to waterfront hotels to hotels right on the Pinellas Trail. Many offer amenities for business as well as pleasure travelers. This website is linked to many of them through the Business Directory listings.

Dunedin is also host to many art and special events. Art Harvest is one of Florida’s most popular juried art shows. Downtown’s Main Street is closed throughout the year for various festivals showcasing fine arts, crafts and antiques. During Mardi Gras, complete with floats and beads, a traditional parade takes over downtown. Another festival, Dunedin Wines the Blues, offers wine and beer samplings and live music along Main Street. The Celtic Festival features Scottish-influenced music, dancing, food and fun. The annual 9-day Highland Games and Festival draws athletes from miles around (even Scotland) to compete in ancient Scottish sports. There’s also Highland dancing, piping, drumming, and parades of bands and clans. The Honeymoon Island Seafood Fest & Boat Show, with rides, crafts, boasts and seafood, is held each year on Thanksgiving weekend.

Delightful Dunedin is a unique destination with something for everyone.

Visit Dunedin once and you may stay a lifetime.