Located on a peninsula between Tampa Bay and the Gulf of Mexico in Pinellas County, Florida, Dunedin is named after the Gaelic language of Edinburgh, the capital of Scotland.
With just 35,000 residents, it’s smaller than many of its regional counterparts, but those living in Dunedin have easy access to many of the state’s most popular tourist attractions.
From stunning beaches and plentiful golf courses to a variety of historical and cultural attractions, finding fun, engaging and educational ways to fit your schedule won’t be a problem.
Here are 15 things not to miss in and around Dunedin, Florida.
1. Toronto Blue Jays Spring Training
Located on Douglas Avenue in Dunedin, Florida Auto Exchange Stadium is the spring home of the Toronto Blue Jays.
The Grapefruit League season kicks off in March, offering visitors the chance to watch competitive games in a relaxed setting that’s significantly less expensive than major league venues.
Spring training games are a great place to spend a few afternoons or evenings enjoying the perfect Florida weather, eating some classic ballpark fare, and finding promising talent.
Check their website for directions to the park, schedules for home and away games, and ticket options – including single game and season tickets.
2. Honeymoon and Cala Desi State Park
Dunedin has more than its fair share of parks, with Honeymoon and Cala Desi State Parks being the most popular.
They’re a haven for nature lovers, and most locals would rather keep them to themselves, but with so many options for outdoor recreation, it’s unlikely.
Previous guests have noticed that the park’s beaches are stunning, easy to reach for biking, swimming and hiking, and are suitable for children and adults alike.
Many guests bring picnic lunches, but for those who would rather have someone else prepare their food, there are two cafes and a variety of shops on Honeymoon Island.
3. David L. Mason Children’s Art Museum
Located on Michigan Avenue in the Dunedin Fine Arts Center, the David L. Mason Children’s Art Museum is the perfect place for families with children to spend a few hours in the Florida heat.
Featuring a variety of interactive programs and exhibits dealing with science, technology and the natural world, it is a place that promotes activity and participation, not just passive viewing.
The Art Center is also worth a visit; in addition to its impressive collection, it also features a stylish café and gift shop filled with unique items, most of which you won’t find anywhere else of.
4. National Armed Forces and Law Enforcement Memorial Museum
Dedicated to honoring those who served in the country’s military and law enforcement agencies, the National Armed Forces and Law Enforcement Memorial Museum is a unique and poignant local attraction especially popular with veterans and active duty officers and soldiers.
Often referred to as NASLEMM due to its long name, it includes a world-class collection of historical memorabilia, including weapons, photographs, first-hand accounts of important historical events, and even a creepy Florida icon called “Old Sparky”.
In case you were wondering, “Old Sparky” is the state’s retired electric chair. It has a dark history of getting justice for the faint of heart.
5. Dunedin Golf Club
With its pleasant weather most of the year and more than 1,000 courses to choose from, Florida is a premier golfing mecca, attracting links-loving men and women from all over the country, especially when much of the Midwest and Northeast are icy cold. within the control.
Dunedin Golf Club has been around for decades, designed by a renowned golf course designer and is considered scenic and challenging by seasoned golfers, but still suitable for most golfers regardless of skill level .
The club features a full-fledged specialty store and a clubhouse known for its refreshing drinks and delicious food.
6. Kiwanis Sprayground
When hot and humid weather makes the weather less enticing for much of the summer, water-related refreshing activities must be sought to occupy young minds and cool bodies; Kiwanis Sprayground in Dunedin is the place to be.
Located on Ed Eckert Drive in town, Sprayground is open daily from 9am to sunset and includes slides, shoots, buckets, fountains and everything else you’d expect from a modern water park.
It’s free to visit and does attract crowds during peak hours, so if you’d rather avoid the crowds, consider visiting when it first opens in the morning.
7. Clearwater Marine Aquarium
Florida has more coastline than any other state with a variety of unique marine environments. The Clearwater Marine Aquarium is one of the best places to see them up close without having to spend half a day in the car.
The aquarium’s bottlenose dolphins are the biggest draw, and they’re more than willing to show off their skills in regularly scheduled shows.
Other aquarium residents include otters, sea turtles, and a variety of colorful exotic fish and marine crustaceans that thrive in the state’s temperate waters.
Check their website for a schedule of events, times and fares.
8. Busch Gardens Tampa
Like golf courses, Florida is full of theme parks of nearly every size and description, and Busch Gardens Tampa is one of the most accessible places to visit for those staying in Dunedin.
Busch Gardens Tampa is actually multiple resorts under one roof. It’s part theme park, part zoo, and part children’s museum.
It’s full of wild rides, costumed characters and events, and activities for all ages.
Due to its convenience and variety, many traveling families choose to spend most of their time in this location, and some never leave the venue at all.
9. Tampa Museum of Art
Few places combine natural and cultural attractions like Florida. For those who prefer to mix things up and not spend all their time at the beach, a visit to the Tampa Art Museum will be a great way to spend a few hours.
Founded in 1979, the museum is known for its impressive collection of art from ancient to modern times.
Items on display come from all over the world. In addition to the permanent exhibits, the museum hosts many educational, teaching and very interesting events. Most of them are suitable for all ages and interests.
10. Tampa Riverwalk
The Tamps Riverwalk consists of well-marked and well-maintained walkways that run along the scenic Hillsborough River near downtown.
The Riverwalk takes guests to many scenic attractions, as well as parks, hotels, dining options, shops and galleries.
Whether you’re willing to do some research to learn about the area or just show up and see what you find, chances are you’ll find plenty of ways to pass the time.
The Florida Aquarium and Historic Monument Trail is one of the most popular Riverwalk destinations, but there are many more, so plan to spend at least a few hours.
11. Museum of Science and Industry
Tampa’s Museum of Science and Industry is one of the largest science facilities of its kind in the Southeast.
In addition to educating visitors about the role of science and industry in overall development, the museum strives to capture the attention of young people, hopefully encouraging them to get involved, study hard and make their dreams come true.
The museum has more than 400 interactive exhibits and activities, unlike most strictly hands-off attractions. This place has a reputation for attracting kids for hours long after poor mom and dad are dead.
If you go during peak hours, expect crowds.
12. Ybor City Museum State Park
Tampa’s Ybor City neighborhood is a historic destination with a variety of attractions worth visiting, with the Ybor City Museum State Park being one of the most popular.
Located in the heart of the park, the museum is housed in an old commercial bakery building from the 1920s, and most of the items on display focus on the region’s rich cigar-making tradition.
It’s no surprise that Ybor City is considered the birthplace of the American cigar industry, with such vibrant Cuban and Latin American cultural influences. Guided, ranger-led tours of the park are a popular way to get unique insights into the area, but can also show you yourself if you’re faster.
13. Big Cat Rescue
Located in nearby Citrus Park, Big Cat Rescue is a shelter and rehabilitation facility dedicated to helping exotic big cats who have been injured, orphaned, or abandoned by their owners.
Rescue was founded in 1992 and has fought tirelessly against the private ownership and sale of big cats ever since.
Home to more than 100 cats of nearly 12 breeds, some of the residents rescued are native species, while others—such as tigers—are not.
Visitors have access to a variety of guided and program options, so check their website for a full overview of what’s available before you set off.
14. Glazer Children’s Museum
With nearly 200 interactive exhibits, the Glazer Children’s Museum is a one-stop destination for tired parents interested in giving their kids some mental stimulation while consuming the excess energy kids are known for.
The museum includes more than a dozen rooms with distinct themes covering engineering, science, the natural world, art and culture. There are a variety of regularly scheduled and staff-led events designed to engage and inspire young minds.
It’s located in Tampa’s West Gasparilla Plaza and is open year-round. For those looking to avoid the crowds during peak tourist season, consider visiting when the museum first opens.
15. Straz Center for the Performing Arts
Located on North Macinnes Place in Tampa, the Straz Center for the Performing Arts is one of the largest performing arts venues in the state and a gem of a community resource that arts and culturally conscious travelers should take advantage of.
The center’s productions include dance, theatre and live music – from traditional opera to contemporary genres such as jazz and blues.
In addition to their performances, the staff at the center offer a variety of teaching and educational programs throughout the year. Many of these cater to a wide range of participants, from schoolchildren and their teachers to retired locals looking for ways to get out of their homes and broaden their horizons.
Where to Stay: Best Hotels in Dunedin, FL (FL)
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