We at Journey Off Path love not visiting Southwest Florida, however reporting on it too. I imply, who would not wish to trip in certainly one of America’s prettiest locations?
This facet 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 is why you will discover Clearwater and Siesta Key duking it out 12 months after 12 months in a struggle for the crown of being named America’s prime seaside.
That being mentioned, you should not sleep on both of those pristine seaside cities’ vibrant neighbors, whether or not it is certainly one of my favorites, Nokomis, or one other lovely hideaway off the vacationer path. being hyped by Southern Living as a possible new trip hotspot.
Throughout the Tampa-St. Pete’s area has quite a few white-sand getaways properly price visiting, however the phrase is trickling out on the enchantment for Dunedin this summer season.
Clearwater’s Much less-Crowded Various
Persistently rating as certainly one of not solely Florida’s finest seashores, however the entire nation, Clearwater attracts a crowd each summer season — and rightfully so.
Clearwater is a vibrant seaside 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 house.
Dunedin (pronounced “done-EE-din”) then again, gives extra down-home appeal, stunning tradition, attractive seashores and even paradisal islands in its personal proper.
Being a stone’s throw from Clearwater, Southern Residing believes Dunedin needs to be on extra Florida vacationers’ radars.
It is 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 all the time appears to be in the best way.
Dunedin’s Beautiful Islands Are Should-Visits
There isn’t any denying Clearwater and Siesta Key boast attractive shores, however there is no argument to help that they are unspoiled.
That is certainly one of many explanation why you need to go to Dunedin’s beautiful 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…
These days, 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 linked trails to discover.
Actually, Southern Residing hypes up Honeymoon Island’s serenity a lot that they are saying, ‘don’t be shocked should you see extra wildlife than individuals’.
Honeymoon is not the one slice of paradise to take a look at. Neighboring Caladesi Island State Park ranges up mentioned serenity because it’s solely reachable by boat (a ferry runs between each islands).
It is extremely advisable to convey sunscreen as probably the most shade you will discover is a kayak journey by way of lush mangrove forests.
There aren’t many locations to hang around moreover the seaside, however Cafe Caladesi is open daily from 10:45 am to five pm.
Cultural Aptitude & Charming Streets: Uncover Downtown Dunedin
Dunedin is actually distinctive. Not many small cities will you see Celtic flags proudly waving outdoors of Boston.
There is a sturdy sense of group right here, and it exhibits by way of long-held traditions, equivalent to The Dunedin Celtic Music & Craft Beer Festival (November 22).
Most notably, oranges would possibly catch your eye and that is no mistake. Dunedin is pleased with its citrus roots, the place you will see work of brilliant oranges lighting up the rooms of native companies and houses, too.
Don’t be concerned, although — it isn’t 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 Residing recommends Eli’s Bar-B-Que, an unassuming hole-in-the-wall whipping up mouth-watering slabs of meat and all the standard Southern fixin’s.
Simply down the block feels slightly extra native to a seaside city — neither Completely happy’s Bayou Bites or Fortunate Lobster Co. will disappoint.
However, maybe Dunedin’s most underrated facet is the beer scene. There are ample breweries dotting the small townscape, equivalent to rightfully named Dunedin Brewery and HOB Brewing Co.
One place Southern Residing didn’t point out was the top-rated Meranova Guest Inn, a grand various to overpacked resorts this time of 12 months.
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