Dunedin FloridaBEACHES & WATERFRONT ESCAPES
Listed below are the best beaches and waterfront escapes near Dunedin, Florida.
1. Honeymoon Island State Park
PARADISE WITH VIRGIN PINES
Honeymoon Island State Park features more than four miles of pristine beaches and a three-mile trail through one of the last remaining virgin slash pine forests. Visitors can enjoy swimming, fishing, shelling, hiking, and bicycling while spotting wildlife like eagles, osprey, great horned owls, gopher tortoises, raccoons, and armadillos. The park also houses the Rotary Centennial Nature Center where guests can learn about its unique history and natural resources, including how the island got its name.
2. Caladesi Island State Park
UNSPOILED ISLAND GETAWAY
Caladesi Island State Park offers an unforgettable experience with pristine beaches and a bayside mangrove forest perfect for kayaking. Visitors can take a nature trail walk to the historic Scharrer Homestead through the island's interior, experiencing ocean breezes through old-growth slash pines and expansive live oaks. The secluded beach paradise features crystal clear waters, shaded areas for relaxation, and abundant seashells for collection.
3. Dunedin Causeway
FISHING AND WATERCRAFT HAVEN
The Dunedin Causeway is a 2.5-mile route leading from Bayshore Boulevard to the entrance of Honeymoon Island State Park. This popular destination is known for fishing, watercraft activities, and sunbathing along the narrow beach that lines the roadway. Visitors can relax on the beach, explore the scenic Pinellas Trail, or rent kayaks and stand-up paddleboards from the on-site concession stand while enjoying food from the High & Dry Grill.
4. Clearwater Beach
FAMOUS WHITE SAND PARADISE
Clearwater Beach is renowned for its spectacular white sand beaches and crystal-clear waters of the Gulf of Mexico. Visitors can enjoy a variety of water activities including swimming, parasailing, jet skiing, and dolphin-watching tours departing from the marina. The beach is complemented by Pier 60, which hosts a daily festival featuring artisans, street performers, and breathtaking sunset views.
5. Sand Key Park
QUIET BEACH RETREAT
Sand Key Park offers a more relaxed alternative to the bustling Clearwater Beach with a mile-long stretch of pristine white sand. The park features a salt marsh with a walking trail, a dog park, and excellent facilities including cabanas, bathhouses, and concessions. Nature enthusiasts can observe native plants and wildlife, including migratory birds and sea turtles that nest on the beach during summer months.
6. Fred Howard Park
MAINLAND TO ISLAND BEACH
Fred Howard Park spans 155 acres with a mile-long causeway connecting the mainland to a white sandy beach on a small island in the Gulf of Mexico. Visitors can swim in the calm, shallow waters, perfect for families with children, or enjoy picnicking, fishing, and kayaking in this picturesque setting. The park is also known for its wildlife viewing opportunities, including dolphins, osprey, and bald eagles.
7. Fort De Soto Park
HISTORIC BEACHES AND WILDLIFE
Fort De Soto Park encompasses five interconnected islands with over seven miles of waterfront, including three miles of award-winning white sand beaches. The park features the historic fort, a boat ramp, fishing piers, a dog beach, and multiple picnic and camping areas spread across its 1,136 acres. Nature lovers can explore seven miles of paved trails or paddle through mangrove-laden waterways while spotting some of the 328 species of birds identified in the park.
8. Sunset Beach
SPECTACULAR SUNSET VIEWS
Sunset Beach sits at the southern tip of Treasure Island, offering a laid-back atmosphere and stunning sunset views that give the beach its fitting name. This narrow strip of sand features the iconic Sunset Beach Pavilion, volleyball courts, and a boardwalk perfect for evening strolls. The beach hosts regular drum circles and other community events, creating a unique bohemian vibe that sets it apart from other Gulf beaches.
9. St. Pete Beach
AWARD-WINNING GULF COAST BEACH
St. Pete Beach has earned recognition as one of America's top beaches with its expansive shoreline of soft white sand and clear Gulf waters. Visitors can enjoy a range of water sports including parasailing, stand-up paddleboarding, and windsurfing, or simply relax at one of the beachfront resorts and restaurants. The historic Don CeSar Hotel, known as the "Pink Palace," stands as an iconic landmark on this beautiful stretch of coastline.
10. Anclote River Park
RIVER MEETS GULF HAVEN
Anclote River Park offers a unique beach experience where the Anclote River meets the Gulf of Mexico, featuring a designated swimming area with a sandy beach. The park provides excellent amenities including a boat ramp, fishing pier, picnic shelters, playgrounds, and volleyball courts. Visitors can enjoy spectacular views of Anclote Key Preserve State Park across the water and often spot dolphins playing in the river mouth.