Small-Town Treasure Hunt

Enjoy fine dining at The Black Pearl, authentic Mexican at Casa Tina, and brunch dishes at Wild Iris Cafe. Enjoy an inventive menu at The Restorative, savor waterfront views at Bon Appetit, or dig into fresh local seafood at Hog Island Fish Camp.

Stay at the jazz-era Fenway Hotel and enjoy waterfront views, a rooftop bar and onsite steakhouse. The Blue Moon Inn, Meranova Bed & Breakfast, and Grant Street Inn are other top choices.

Two beautiful state parks in Dunedin should be high on your to-do list: Honeymoon Island and Caladesi Island. There's plenty else to explore, including the Dunedin Fine Art Center, local breweries, a historical museum, and baseball at TD Ballpark.

Choose from Hellas, Mykonos, Mama's Greek Cuisine and Dimitri's on the Water for Greek food. Rusty Bellies is great for seafood with a view. This town is flush with great craft breweries, too.

In keeping with the town's character, choose a historic stay at the Queen Anne-style 1910 Inn or a newly opened boutique hotel, The Livery Guesthouse, which was a stable at the turn of the last century.

Stroll the Tarpon Springs Sponge Docks, take a cruise with St. Nicholas Boat Lines, see the impressive St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Cathedral, and go on a walking tour with Silent Slayer Ghost Tours.

Savor a slice at Fireside Pizza Cafe, dine waterfront at Ozona Blue or enjoy a laid-back, Old Florida vibe at Molly Goodhead's. Indulge your sweet tooth at Cosmic Donuts or Strachan's Homemade Ice Cream.

Innisbrook Resort is a stellar hotel choice, with multiple pools, golf courses and restaurants. Vacation rentals are also available in Palm Harbor.

Play a round or two at Innisbrook (the Copperhead course is legendary). Explore tiny downtown Palm Harbor or relax at Pop Stansell Park. Top it all off by brewery hopping to de Bine Brewing, Stilt House Brewery and others.

Pia's Trattoria is cozy and charming, and their Italian food is award-winning. Try Stella's for brunch, or Gulfport Brewery for a great craft brew and a good meal.

Enjoy salty air and bay views at Sea Breeze Manor. Or check into pet-friendly Peninsula Bed & Cocktails, where mixologists in the lobby bar tempt you with spirited concoctions and each room is themed after a classic cocktail.

Gulfport always has an event or festival going on, so join in the fun. Browse shops in the tiny downtown or attend the first Friday Night Night Market. Kayak in Clam Bayou Nature Preserve to spot native birds.

Make a beeline to The Tides Market, a MICHELIN-recognized restaurant that specializes in locally sourced seafood. The Brinehouse is known for delicious BBQ and other comfort foods, while The NONA Slice House is the place for a pizza pie.

The Safety Harbor Resort & Spa has been welcoming guests in comfort and luxury for over 100 years. With a full-service spa and easy walkability to downtown, this is your perfect home base.

Spend a morning or afternoon under curving live oaks at Philippe Park, meet farm animals at Folly Farms Nature Preserve, attend a concert at the Safety Harbor Art & Music Center (or attend an evening concert there), and while away a curious hour or two at Whimzeyland.