As winter kicks into high gear across the United States, boaters are likely dreaming of warmer months, open water, welcoming marinas, and exploring new destinations that offer the best of the land and the sea. With serene waters, an annual average temperature of 75 degrees and tranquil intracoastal and Gulf Coast waterways, Dunedin is a funky beach town on Florida’s West Coast (just north of St. Petersburg / Clearwater) that is making waves!

Nestled on the shores of St. Joseph sound and offering one of the few underdeveloped barrier islands left in the state, waterfront dining near the city’s quaint Marina district, breathtaking sunsets and beautiful waterfront accommodations, the City of Dunedin is the best-kept boater’s secret in the state! Here’s why:

Dunedin Municipal Marina, Designated “Clean Marina”

Located on the intercoastal waterway, just blocks from walkable and funky downtown Dunedin lies the public Dunedin Municipal Marina, with boat slips, sailing, fishing and sightseeing charters. Thanks to William Frantz, Harbormaster and his staff’s hard work, the Florida Department of Environmental Protection recently designated the marina as a ‘Clean Marina’, with 194 wet slips – 12 commercial, 9 transient and 173 recreational – ranging in size from 8’ x 18’ to 20’ x 60’.

Marker 1 Marina, “Your Gateway to the Gulf”

Tucked away in a natural alcove just east of Holiday Island, Marker 1 Marina is a world-class option for boaters. Here, guests enjoy pristine facilities, a fuel dock that’s open 24 hours, on-site repair and maintenance, a fully stocked ships store and round the clock security. Only five minutes from open water, Marker 1 Marina is one of the best Gateways to the Gulf.

Home of Honeymoon Island and Caladesi Island, “America’s Best Beach”

Dunedin is Home of Honeymoon Island (Florida’s most visited state park), which offers roughly four miles of shoreline, and from there, visitors can access Caladesi Island, one of the few completely natural islands along Florida’s Gulf Coast.  Caladesi is accessible by boat and ferry only and was recently rated America’s Best Beach. Here, beach lovers can enjoy swimming, sunbathing and beachcombing, while saltwater anglers can cast a line from their boats or surf fish. A self-guided nature trail wound through the interior (and flagged by virgin pine flatwood and live oak hammocks) lets visitors stretch their sea legs and explore one of the few underdeveloped barrier islands in Florida.

Caladesi State Park offers a three mile kayak trail where oak hammock and pine flatwoods are a familiar home to Common Nighthawk and migratory songbirds, like Scarlet Tanager, Rose-breasted Grosbeak and Magnolia Warbler. In the bayside Caladesi Island State Park Marina, boaters can enjoy overnight docking with 30 amp electric, water hookups, a snack bar and gift shop.

On their way back to the mainland, boaters often frequent the Dunedin Causeway, a 2.5-mile route with vistas of St. Joseph Sound and plenty of room for fishing, watercraft activities and more!

Beso Del Sol Resort, “The Kiss of the Sun”

Wonderful and waterfront, Beso Del Sol Resort is located within one mile of the Dunedin Marina and overlooks Honeymoon Island (another top Dunedin Beach) and Caladesi. The resort – along with partner ParrotDise Express II, a power catamaran that is Coast Guard certified for up to 20 passengers – offers excursions from its Beso Del Sol pier. It’s a perfect place to stay for sea lovers planning to island hop, picnic on the beach, snorkel, shell and cruise during sunset.

Bon Appetit, In The Loop Bar, Marina Café - “Tampa Bay’s Best Waterfront Restaurant(s)”

Indulge and unwind at one of Tampa Bay’s top waterfront restaurants, where exceptional cuisine is matched only by the gorgeous ambience of panoramic views of St. Joseph sound. Offering the same menu as the restaurant, Marina Café provides a casual, airy outdoor dining experience. Enjoy American cuisine with European flair at either of the waterfront restaurants with docking for diners. Those who arrive by boat can dock for free at Dunedin Marina. 

Best Western Plus Yacht Harbor Inn, “Sleep in Comfort by the Slips”

Located adjacent to Bon Appetit at the Dunedin Marina and in walking distance to the lively downtown, Best Western has superb views of St. Joseph’s Sound which offers the best sunset views in Dunedin. Boat slips are available for use for overnight guests.

Experience what makes Dunedin a boater’s dream.