We at Travel Off Path love not visiting Southwest Florida, however reporting on it too. I imply, who would not need to trip in one in every of America’s prettiest locations?
This aspect of Florida is the antithesis of the remainder of the Gulf’s notoriously brackish waters westward of Alabama, changed with shades of Caribbean hues and powdery white sand.
That’s why you will discover Clearwater and Siesta Key duking it out yr after yr in a struggle for the crown of being named America’s prime seashore.
That being stated, you should not sleep on both of those pristine seashore cities’ vibrant neighbors, whether or not it is one in every of my favorites, Nokomis, or one other stunning hideaway off the vacationer path. being hyped by Southern Living as a possible new trip hotspot.
All across the Tampa-St. Pete’s area has quite a few white-sand getaways effectively price visiting, however the phrase is trickling out on the enchantment for Dunedin this summer time.
Clearwater’s Less-Crowded Alternative
Consistently rating as one in every of not solely Florida’s greatest seashores, however the entire nation, Clearwater attracts a crowd each summer time — and rightfully so.
Clearwater is a vibrant seashore city that lives as much as the title. Beachgoers get pleasure from pristine waters and gleaming white shores, however have turn out to be accustomed to sharing area.
Dunedin (pronounced “done-EE-din”) alternatively, provides extra down-home allure, shocking tradition, beautiful seashores and even paradisal islands in its personal proper.
Being a stone’s throw from Clearwater, Southern Living believes Dunedin must be on extra Florida vacationers’ radars.
It’s solely 5 miles from the crowds of Clearwater, making for a calmer getaway to keep away from screaming kiddos and that one man with a steel detector who at all times appears to be in the best way.
Dunedin’s Stunning Islands Are Must-Visits
There’s no denying Clearwater and Siesta Key boast beautiful shores, however there is no argument to help that they are unspoiled.
That’s one in every of many explanation why it is best to go to Dunedin’s gorgeous islands, ff not solely for the eye-popping drive alone throughout the glowing Dunedin Causeway, which reaches Honeymoon Island.
In its heyday, Honeymoon Island noticed newlyweds flock right here for his or her cozy beachside cottages to, let’s simply say, solidify their marriage…
Nowadays, it is one of many few locations throughout the record-breaking Sunshine State that feels untouched by the lots, with sprawling, wide-open seashores and related trails to discover.
In reality, Southern Living hypes up Honeymoon Island’s serenity a lot that they are saying, ‘don’t be shocked if you happen to see extra wildlife than folks’.
Honeymoon is not the one slice of paradise to take a look at. Neighboring Caladesi Island State Park ranges up stated serenity because it’s solely reachable by boat (a ferry runs between each islands).
It’s extremely really useful to deliver sunscreen as essentially the most shade you will discover is a kayak journey via lush mangrove forests.
There aren’t many locations to hang around apart from the seashore, however Cafe Caladesi is open on daily basis from 10:45 am to five pm.
Cultural Flair & Charming Streets: Discover Downtown Dunedin
Dunedin is really distinctive. Not many small cities will you see Celtic flags proudly waving exterior of Boston.
There’s a robust sense of group right here, and it exhibits via long-held traditions, akin to The Dunedin Celtic Music & Craft Beer Festival (November 22).
Most notably, oranges may catch your eye and that is no mistake. Dunedin is pleased with its citrus roots, the place you will see work of vibrant oranges lighting up the rooms of native companies and houses, too.
Don’t fear, although — it is not simply orange concoctions on dinner menus round right here, whether or not it’s native dive bars, seafood shacks, or a handful of upscale eating choices.
For one, Southern Living recommends Eli’s Bar-B-Que, an unassuming hole-in-the-wall whipping up mouth-watering slabs of meat and all the normal Southern fixin’s.
Just down the block feels just a little extra native to a seaside city — neither Happy’s Bayou Bites or Lucky Lobster Co. will disappoint.
But, maybe Dunedin’s most underrated side is the beer scene. There are ample breweries dotting the small townscape, akin to rightfully named Dunedin Brewery and HOB Brewing Co.
One place Southern Living didn’t point out was the top-rated Meranova Guest Inn, a grand various to overpacked resorts this time of yr.
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