Dunedin is one of the very best cities to visit if you’re looking to spend some time on a Florida beach. Lots of genuinely world class beaches can be found within a few miles of the city, and the only problem you’ll have is deciding which one to visit first. With so much choice, it can be hard to pick the right beach for you. That’s where our Dunedin beach guide comes in. The information below will be able to help you learn all you need to know about the best beaches in Dunedin and the surrounding area.
Caladesi Island State Park
Caladesi Island State Park can be found just a 10-15 minute drive away from Dunedin and is one of the best beach spots in the local area. It's quite close to Clearwater Beach too, so you can spend a full day here hopping between the two locations. Caladesi Island is well-suited for a huge range of activities from calming, relaxing sunbathing sessions to water sport adventures like kayaking and surfing. Fishing is also popular in this area too, but the island is only accessible by boat, so you'll need to pay for a ticket on a private charter or the Caladesi Island Ferry. The park is equipped with plenty of simple amenities like camping facilities, picnic areas, and more, but doesn't have any vendors, bars, or eateries, so you'll need to bring your own food and drinks.
Honeymoon Island State Park
Along with Caladesi Island, Honeymoon Island State Park is the other major state park in the Dunedin area. It's only five miles away from Dunedin, so you can get here in just a few minutes by car. Like Caladesi Island, Honeymoon Island has the advantage of providing the perfect conditions for a myriad of fun activities including sunbathing, fishing, swimming, and shelling. There's also a dog-friendly spot at this Dunedin beach, so if you want to bring a furry friend along for some fun in the sun, you can. The local wilderness can be a lot of fun to explore as well, with scenic hiking trails, and the island features a few rental shops and food vendors, offering all the amenities you need.
Clearwater Beach
Unquestionably the most famous beach in the Dunedin area and also one of the best-known beaches in all of North America, Clearwater Beach is a must-visit location for any Florida resident or visitor. It's situated about 15 minutes away from Dunedin and is famous for its exceptionally crystal clear waters and remarkably soft white sands. The beach is open all day long and equipped with all the amenities you could hope to find, including ample parking areas, clean restrooms, public showers, concessions, and more. As soon as you step foot on the silky, sugary sands of this Dunedin beach, you simply won't want to leave.
St Pete Beach
Located in the nearby city of St Petersburg, St Pete Beach is easy to access from Dunedin and has a lot to offer. Gorgeous views, warm waters, and soft sands are found all around this beach, making it just right for swimming, sunbathing, and much more. The waves can also get pretty big a little way off the shore, so lots of surfers like to gather at this Dunedin beach and test out their skills. Kayaking and stand-up paddle boarding are possible here too, so St Pete Beach is really well-suited for everyone. No matter what kind of fun you’re looking to have, you’ll find it here, and this beach is also well-served with hotels, resorts, restaurants, bars, and the local shipping streets of the city.
Dunedin Causeway
Featuring 2.5 miles of beautiful beach, the Dunedin Causeway Beach is a great place to visit while in Florida. This spectacular beach connects the Honeymoon Island State Park to the Bayshore Boulevard and is embraced by the relaxing St. Joseph Sound. With spacious and well-kept amenities as well as a ton of available parking, it’s no surprise that Dunedin Causeway is a go-to beach for locals and visitors alike. Visitors to Dunedin Causeway Beach can enjoy a range of activities with fishing, watercraft, and your typical beach activities all available at one spot. As far as Florida sunsets go, Dunedin is undeniably a great place to watch the sun go down.
Causeway Boulevard, Dunedin, Florida 34698