About Dunedin
Nestled on the shores of the Gulf of Mexico, Dunedin is a hidden gem located just north of St. Petersburg / Clearwater. But did you know the Dunedin area was originally named Jonesboro by George L. Jones, the owner and operator of a local general store?
In 1882, Scottish merchants John O. Douglas and James Somerville petitioned the government to open a post office with the name Dunedin. The city later adopted the same name, which is derived from Dùn Èideann and translates to "castle on the rock."
Dunedin was officially incorporated as a town on June 1, 1899, and later as a city in 1925. As of 2025, its population has grown to over 35,000. The city is one of the few open waterfront communities from Sarasota to Cedar Key where buildings do not obscure the view, and even provides access to the beautiful Honeymoon Island State Park.
Scottish pride can be found throughout the community, from the city's street and neighborhood names (think Scotland Street, Louden Avenue and Brae-Moor), to current residents sporting a kilt and playing the bagpipes.
Known for its small town atmosphere, lively downtown and voted “The Best Little Walking Town in America,” Dunedin is a fun, family-centric destination that hosts celebrations, festivals and street fairs throughout the year. Spend time in Historic Downtown, where you can shop, dine and dance to live music, stroll through waterfront parks or enjoy the hopping craft brewing scene. As the Spring Training home of the Toronto Blue Jays, you can even head to TD Ballpark for an unforgettable major league experience.
All in all, Dunedin is a city of firsts:
- The first radio signals from Pinellas County were sent from Dunedin.
- The oldest continuous garden club on Florida's west coast is the Dunedin Garden Club.
- Dunedin was the first home of the prestigious Professional Golfers Association (PGA).
- Dunedin became the first Purple Heart City in Florida.
- Dunedin Golf Club is listed on the State and National Registry of Historic Places.
- Dunedin was the first city in Florida to receive the "Trail Town" Designation
- Dunedin is the first Florida city to attain "platinum status" as a Certified Green City through the Florida Green Building Coalition Local Government Designation program.