Dunedin: A Spirited Escape with Scottish Roots and Craft Brews
Just a short drive north of St. Pete and Clearwater in Florida, the laid-back town of Dunedin (pronounced duh-nee-din) is one of the state’s best-kept secrets. With a walkable downtown including 8 independent breweries, a rich Scottish heritage that shows up in everything from street names to annual festivals, and a stunning historic hotel that once hosted big band musicians, Dunedin blends culture and character with a heavy pour of charm.
Dunedin is where locals drive around in golf carts; they love them so much that they take any excuse to decorate them. You’ll find a parade during Pride month, one for Independence Day and of course, a festive Christmas parade. Thanks to its relatively small size, it’s the perfect way to journey around the city.
Reasons to visit
It’s a brewer’s paradise
Despite its small size, Dunedin boasts one of the most exciting craft beer scenes in the state. You can easily spend a day hopping from one taproom to the next, sampling IPAs, stouts, sours and everything in between. Don’t miss Dunedin Brewery, Florida’s oldest craft brewery, or the quirky, experimental pours at Woodwright Brewing Company, located inside a restored woodworking shop.
For something hop-forward and flavourful, Cueni Brewing Co. specialises in IPAs, Belgian-style ales, and refreshing sours, with a cosy taproom and shaded patio perfect for a lazy afternoon. Just a short stroll away, HOB Brewing Co. offers a huge beer garden and a family-friendly atmosphere, often with live music and food trucks to keep the good times rolling.
Most of the breweries are within a few blocks of each other, making it easy to wander, sample and soak up the town’s easygoing vibe.
If spirits are more your style, Cotherman Distilling Co. is a must-visit. This small-batch craft distillery specialises in high-quality vodka, gin and whiskey, all produced and bottled on-site. The tasting room offers an intimate look at their process—and a very warm welcome. Try the expertly made cocktails for a taste of their best blends.
You get to walk / cycle along the tranquil Pinellas Trail
Running right through the centre of town is the Pinellas Trail, a 38-mile paved greenway that stretches the length of Pinellas County. Popular with walkers, cyclists and skaters, it offers a scenic and eco-friendly way to explore Dunedin and beyond. You can rent bikes along the trail or from your hotel, or simply stroll a portion of the trail between brewery stops like we did. It’s a peaceful counterpoint to the buzz of the taprooms and a perfect way to balance a few pints with activity.
It’s a taste of Scotland in the Sunshine State
As Florida’s oldest town with Scottish heritage, Dunedin wears its ancestry with pride. The town hosts annual Highland Games (April) and a Celtic music (and craft beer) festival (November), and you’re likely to spot tartan touches and thistle symbols on signs and storefronts. Even the name “Dunedin” is the Gaelic name for Edinburgh. But this isn’t just a tourist gimmick—it’s part of the town’s genuine identity, adding to its unique blend of coastal cool and cultural depth.
It’s one of the friendliest places you’ll ever visit
We’d been in Dunedin less than 24 hours and had already chatted to more people than we usually would in a week. From the welcoming staff in the breweries to locals giving up their seats to make room for us, the town’s warmth was unmistakable. That afternoon turned into a whirlwind of introductions—sampling excellent beers, touring local sights in a very smart golf cart, and ending the day with a generous dinner of tender spare ribs. We also met people who were thinking of moving to Dunedin, and a couple that had just moved and wondered if we’d join them in a game of Pickle Ball. For a 2-night stay, that felt like a good result!
You can stay at the iconic Fenway Hotel
For the perfect home base, check into the beautifully restored Fenway Hotel, a 1920s-era jazz-age retreat that once hosted the likes of Glenn Miller and was home to one of the region’s first radio stations. Today, the hotel is part of the Autograph Collection and still hums with musical charm, from subtle design touches to live music nights.
The hotel’s rooftop bar, Hi-Fi, offers panoramic views of Caladesi and Honeymoon Island, two popular state parks, and is ideal for sunset cocktails. The on-site restaurant, HEW Parlor & Chophouse, is a destination in its own right. Don’t miss the Sunday brunch, a decadent affair complete with bottomless mimosas, crab cake Benedict, and the kind of service that makes you want to linger all day. To top it off, there’s a live jazz musician whose soothing sax playing is the perfect accompaniment.
The guest rooms at the Fenway blend elegance with contemporary comfort. High ceilings, crisp white linens, and warm wood accents create a sense of understated luxury, while subtle nods to the hotel’s musical heritage—like framed vintage sheet music and retro-inspired lighting—add character. Many rooms feature large windows that flood the space with Florida sunshine, some offering sweeping views of St. Joseph Sound or the hotel’s manicured grounds.
Modern amenities are seamlessly woven into the historic charm: plush beds, spacious bathrooms with walk-in showers, and the atmosphere throughout is one of relaxed sophistication, perfect for unwinding after a day of exploring Dunedin’s many attractions.
Whether you’re coming for the brews, the beachside breeze, or just a dose of small-town soul with serious flavour, Dunedin is the kind of place that invites you to slow down, sip up and stay awhile. For us, 2 nights left us wanting a lot more.
Getting there:
Find out more or plan your trip to Dunedin here.
See our guide to St. Pete here.
Fused flew to Tampa International Airport from London Heathrow with Virgin Atlantic, which offers a daily service. Find out more about times and schedules as well as prices here.
If you are looking for more creative Florida inspiration, take a look at our guides to Sarasota and the Florida Keys.
