Palm Harbor
You can experience Old Florida just off U.S. 19. In Palm Harbor’s tiny downtown, you’ll see Conch cottages shaded by ancient elms. This scenic respite offers some nice restaurants and places to shop. Golfers should not miss the course at Innisbrook Resort and Golf Club.
Dunedin
Meander through Edgewater Park, looking at the boats bobbing in Dunedin’s municipal marina. Nearby, Bon Appétit Restaurant offers terrific water views. Deeper into the city’s pedestrian-friendly downtown, visit The Dunedin Historical Society & Museum, housed in a restored railroad station. On Main Street, antiques stores and galleries abound. (Taste the city’s Scottish heritage at the Celtic Shop of Dunedin.) Conclude your day with a handcrafted ale at Dunedin Brewery.
Safety Harbor
When you hear “Safety Harbor,” you think spa. Spanish explorer Hernando de Soto believed that the spring waters now feeding the Safety Harbor Resort & Spa constituted the fountain of youth. Spend the day enjoying the sauna, steam room, whirlpool and plunge pools. Thus relaxed, tour the town. The palms on Main Street shade galleries, antiques shops and cafés. Safety Harbor Museum of History exhibits trace the region’s story from pre-European days. John Wilson Gazebo Park is home to city festivals and fresh markets.
Gulfport
Get your groove on in Gulfport. This fun and funky little community enjoys a strong regional rep as an artists’ hangout. Visit Art Village. Situated on Beach Boulevard (along with Shore Boulevard, one of the city’s must-see streets), the Village houses artists and artisans selling their wares. Its courtyard is home to regular open microphone nights and Saturday fresh markets.
Indian Rocks Beach
The place to bask. Sure, you’ll find restaurants and resorts lining Gulf Boulevard, but the real joy is lolling on the barrier island’s wide, white-sand beaches, which you can get to through 20 access points.
Links:
[1] http://www.visitstpeteclearwater.com/summer/neighborhoods