Updated Jul 31, 2026 - Culture
Dunedin home to Tampa Bay's best suburban downtown, according to Axios readers
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A downtown Dunedin mural by Palm Harbor artist Doug Wright. Photo: Kathryn Varn/Axios
We have a winner: Dunedin defeated Lakeland in an absolute landslide to be crowned Tampa Bay's best downtown that isn't St. Pete, Tampa or Clearwater.
Why it tracks: Dunedin (pronounced duh-NEE-din for any newbies out there) is known for its vibrant arts scene, lively Main Street and unique Scottish heritage.
- There are tons of places to eat and drink — from Dunedin Brewery to The Black Pearl to Casa Tina — and shops to bop around like Back in the Day Books and Celtic Shop of Dunedin.
- On the west end is Edgewater Park, offering stunning sunset views over the Gulf. The Pinellas Trail cuts through the center, lined with even more restaurants, breweries and cafes.
Plus: Perhaps Dunedin's victory was helped along by Gov. Ron DeSantis, who rooted for his hometown on X.
Flashback: LGBTQ+-owned businesses helped build downtown Dunedin into what it is today.
- It's a legacy that started with gay bar Dallape's in the 1980s and was carried on by spots like Blur Nightclub, Kelly's (now Crown and Bull) and Salon GW.
Go deeper: Plan your visit with our Dunedin city guide.