Southern Living Hypes Charming Beach Town As Florida’s Next Vacation Hotspot

We at Travel Off Path love not visiting Southwest Florida, however reporting on it too. I imply, who would not wish to trip in one in all 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 stated, you should not sleep on both of those pristine seaside cities’ vibrant neighbors, whether or not it is one in all 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 nicely value visiting, however the phrase is trickling out on the attraction for Dunedin this summer time.

Clearwater’s Much less-Crowded Different

Persistently rating as one in all not solely Florida’s finest seashores, however the entire nation, Clearwater attracts a crowd each summer time — and rightfully so.

Clearwater is a vibrant seaside city that lives as much as the title. Beachgoers take pleasure in pristine waters and gleaming white shores, however have change into accustomed to sharing area.

Dunedin (pronounced “done-EE-din”) however, gives extra down-home attraction, stunning tradition, attractive seashores and even paradisal islands in its personal proper.

Being a stone’s throw from Clearwater, Southern Residing believes Dunedin ought 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 at all times appears to be in the best way.

Dunedin’s Gorgeous Islands Are Should-Visits

There is no denying Clearwater and Siesta Key boast attractive shores, however there isn’t any argument to help that they are unspoiled.

That is one in all 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 plenty, with sprawling, wide-open seashores and linked trails to discover.

In reality, Southern Residing hypes up Honeymoon Island’s serenity a lot that they are saying, ‘don’t be shocked for those who 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 stated serenity because it’s solely reachable by boat (a ferry runs between each islands).

It is extremely really useful to deliver sunscreen as essentially the most shade you will discover is a kayak experience by means of lush mangrove forests.

There aren’t many locations to hang around apart from the seaside, however Cafe Caladesi is open day-after-day 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 exterior of Boston.

There is a robust sense of neighborhood right here, and it exhibits by means of long-held traditions, resembling The Dunedin Celtic Music & Craft Beer Festival (November 22).

Most notably, oranges may catch your eye and that is no mistake. Dunedin is happy 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 fret, although — it isn’t simply orange concoctions on dinner menus round right here, whether or not 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 a bit extra native to a seaside city — neither Comfortable’s Bayou Bites or Fortunate Lobster Co. will disappoint.

However, maybe Dunedin’s most underrated side is the beer scene. There are ample breweries dotting the small townscape, resembling 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.

Sam Sears

Sam, our Lead Author & Journalist primarily based in San Diego has visited 36 international locations and written over 1000 articles with a deal with sharing his personal journey experiences and shining a light-weight on lesser-known gems.