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Some colorful Downtown Dunedin real estate

Just found this picture of Dunedin's Blur nightclub, taken several months ago. Not sure what the special event was, but they draped the front of the building in this raspberry-colored fabric.

Tags: dunedin real estate

Caladesi Island in Dunedin is US’s best beach

Caladesi Island beach

What’s the best beach in all of the US? According to Dr. Beach, who rates America’s beaches every year, it is none other than Caladesi Island, right here in lovely Dunedin, Florida.

What makes the beach at Caladesi Island the best bit of Dunedin real estate there is? For one thing, it is the limited accessibility and the total lack of auto traffic.  Caladesi Island is a mile off the Dunedin coast and is reachable only by private boat or by a ferry, the Caladesi Connection,  which runs from Honeymoon Island State Park in Dunedin.

Only a limited number of people are allowed on the island, and pets are not allowed on the ferry.

But once you are there, there’s plenty to see and do. A mangrove-covered kayak trail winds from the marina three miles to St. Joseph Sound, and kayaks are available for rent. Wildlife that range from gopher tortoises to ospreys can be spotted. Dr. Beach also loves the powdery white sand and the crystal clear Gulf of Mexico water.

The ferry will set you back $10 per person, $6 for kids between the ages of 4 and 12. If you miss the ferry, don’t worry — it will be back in an hour. Once you are on the island, you have four hours to swim, sunbathe, hike  or do a little beachcombing before you must return to the ferry for the return trip.

Picnic tables and shelters are available, and you can rent picnic pavilions. If you bring your own boat, a marina offers electric and water hookups. If you forgot your picnic basket, don’t worry – a snack bar/gift shop, Cafe Caladesi, is nearby.

By the way, Dr. Beach is really Dr. Stephen Leatherman, director of Florida International University’s Laboratory for Coastal Research. He has selected the annual Top 10 Beaches in the country since 1991.

Tags: beaches, caladesi, Dunedin, dunedin real estate