Northern Communities

Dunedin

Pull on your walking shoes and get ready to amble. The waterfront community of Dunedin has a very walkable downtown and is just as easy to get to by bike. Antique shops, art galleries, pubs and fine restaurants are all within easy walking distance on Main Street. Meander over to the Dunedin Marina, which lies just west of downtown on the Intracoastal Waterway between the Dunedin and Clearwater causeways.

In recognition of Dunedin’s pedestrian-friendly vibe, it has been named one of the top five small walking communities by RunThePlanet.com. The Pinellas Trail biking and walking path, which winds its way from St. Petersburg to Tarpon Springs, bisects the compact town center making it and ideal stop for bicyclists. The Hammock Park trail is also not far away. Pocket parks, colorful landscaping, traditional streetlights and interesting architecture add to the town's appeal.

Visit the Dunedin Historical Society and Museum, housed in a restored railroad station. Taste the city’s Scottish heritage at the Celtic Shop of Dunedin and at the annual Highland Games and Military Tattoo. Take a break with a hand-crafted ale at Dunedin Brewery. In spring, sit back and enjoy a Toronto Blue Jays spring training game.

Looking to relax with sand and surf? Pedal across the Dunedin Causeway to the award-winning beaches of Honeymoon Island and Caladesi Island, just minutes from downtown. Caladesi, which can be reached only by boat or ferry from Honeymoon Island, was named America's No. in 2008. Share the beach with osprey, sea oats and few people – both barrier islands are state parks with pristine beaches perfect for swimming, shelling, fishing, picnics and wildlife watching.

Safety Harbor

Legend has it that Spanish explorer Hernando de Soto believed he had discovered the Fountain of Youth in Safety Harbor, a bayside community located at the headwaters of Old Tampa Bay. It was allegedly the same Fountain of Youth undiscovered by Ponce de Leon during his famous quests. De Soto named them Espiritu Santo Springs, which means "Springs of the Holy Spirit."

Today, the site is home to the world-famous Safety Harbor Resort and Spa, visited by health-conscious visitors from around the world. Outside the doors of the spa, the town of Safety Harbor has an Old Florida feel, resplendent with moss-covered oaks and brick-lined streets. Park the car, amble down Main Street and explore the boutiques and restaurants.

Stay outdoors and enjoy a picnic lunch at Philippe Park, with acres of hardwood trees and a large ceremonial mound from an ancient Indian settlement. Kick back and drop a fishing line from the Safety Harbor Fishing Pier. Or launch your boat for a day of flats fishing on Old Tampa Bay. End your day with a leisurely walk along Bayshore Linear Park.

Palm Harbor

Looking to take advantage of the best that St. Petersburg/Clearwater has to offer, but eager to return to a small-town atmosphere at the end of the day? Palm Harbor offers the best of both worlds – it’s close to the cosmopolitan attractions of the Tampa Bay area, but it has a quaint and charming downtown.

Take a walk on Florida Avenue in the historic downtown, where many of the early buildings are preserved and are open to visitors. Stop in shops, galleries and restaurants in the area.

Golfing is just a few minutes from accommodations or, in the case of Innisbrook Resort and Golf Club, both can be found under one roof. Retief Goosen and Vijay Singh are among the golfers who have won championships held on the resort’s famed Copperhead course.

Designed for fitness and outdoors enthusiasts, the Pinellas Trail winds through Palm Harbor on its way from St. Petersburg to Tarpon Springs. Bicyclists, walkers and skaters find refuge on the car-free trail. Avid and novice fishermen can choose the Gulf of Mexico or Lake Tarpon, for saltwater and freshwater fishing.

Oldsmar

Where the waters of Tampa Bay, the Gulf of Mexico and Lake Tarpon come together at the north end of Old Tampa Bay, you’ll find Oldsmar. If you enjoy exploring parks, this is the place for you – this town has more parks per square mile than any other city in the state. And, if the kids are getting hot and restless, you can take them to the area's only "sprayground" water park.

Originally named R. E. Olds-On-The-Bay after its founder, automobile maker Ransom E. Olds, the town was later renamed Oldsmar. Before the bridges were built across the bay, travel to St. Petersburg passed through Oldsmar, which is located on the north end of Old Tampa Bay.

Cruise along Shore Drive, and take in the spectacular views of Old Tampa Bay. Paddle a canoe along trails in the bay, and enjoy the shore’s undeveloped parkland and natural beauty. Other activities include swimming, fishing, boating, water skiing, snorkeling, scuba diving and windsurfing.

Cast your line and try your luck on the 200-foot fishing pier at R. E. Olds Park on Old Tampa Bay. While you’re there, enjoy the oak-shaded bayside picnic facilities for a birthday party, family reunion or other special event.

Looking for an even larger body of water? One fringed with white sandy beaches? Just 20 minutes away, you’ll find the inviting shores of the Gulf of Mexico.

If you love horse racing, be sure to set aside time to visit Tampa Bay Downs, the area's only Thoroughbred horse track, with live racing from December through May.

Ozona

Just minutes from Brooker Creek Preserve, a natural wooded preserve near Lake Tarpon, Ozona is known for its local seafood. Visitors to this primarily residential community will find accommodations, shopping and restaurants nearby. This quiet town is tucked between Palm Harbor and Dunedin, north of St. Petersburg. It overlooks St. Joseph Sound across from Honeymoon Island State Park. Enjoy the hubbub of Clearwater Beach and St. Petersburg, and then return to the quiet of a small community at the end of the day.