Short day trips are a must when staying more than a week at the luxury Eiko’s Beach House in Treasure Island. One delightful trip could be a drive to Dunedin. This town is situated just under an hour’s drive from the beach house and will pack several surprises for you.
The Island Excursions
The first thing you need to know about Dunedin is it has one the best beaches in in the US. Caladesi Island and Honeymoon Island are a must see. Caladesi is located at the end of a number of interconnecting bridges and is now a Florida State Park. A small admission will let you swim, boat , and sun in one of the few beaches in Florida which has been mostly preserved from developers.
A ferry, roughly a 15 minute ride, connects Caladesi to honeymoon Island which has miles of white sand beaches which is exclusively yours. Collecting sand dollars, seashells and photographs will make your trip memorable. And let’s not forget the encounters with dolphins, the occasional manatee as well as the ever present pelicans and seagulls. A dog beach has been allocated on Caladesi Island which allows our four legged friends to swim and enjoy being wild with us in the gentle waves of the Gulf of Mexico.
Downtown
On the mainland, Dunedin boasts a Main Street with cool restaurants, bars, gift shops. Don’t forget the famous Strachan’s Ice Cream shop. The former Dunedin Station is now a History Museum and you can rent a bicycle to ride the Pinellas Trail; a paved way where the former railroad tracks were laid. Also from downtown Dunedin, you are cycling/ walking distance to Grant Field where the Toronto Blue Jays play baseball during Spring Training!
Swampy Oasis
Finally, a hidden gem in Dunedin is Hammock Park, this oasis from suburbia is natural Florida, Swamps and all. Take a stroll along its wooden boardwalks and see the real Florida including marsh land, sub-tropical jungles and an assortment of wildlife. Just be sure to bring your insect repellent especially in the Summer.
A Quick Bite
After this arduous day out, be sure to visit Frenchy’s Outpost on Dunedin Causeway. Enjoy some delicious fried shrimp or enjoy some down home Florida seafood at the Hog Island Fish Camp. Try the Hog fish sandwich…it’s out of this world!
Home Time
After your brief visit to Dunedin, enjoy your drive back to Treasure Island and beach hop from the car. Clearwater Beach, Indian Rocks Beach and Madeira beach are all great choices. Then settle into your comfortable home away from home, Eiko’s Beach House situated directly on Treasure island and the white fine sand of the Gulf of Mexico. A refreshing Chardonnay is waiting so welcome back and relax.