OK first things first. Are you early risers? Then you want to stick with Option 1. If you prefer to sleep in, jump straight to Option 2.
Option 1 – For the early risers
Breakfast at Clear Sky Beachside Café (8am)
Tuck into some great breakfast fare over at Clear Sky Beachside Café, unilaterally voted as one of our favorite breakfast joints in the area. The Sunshine Skillet is always a safe choice.
Clearwater Marine Aquarium (9:30am – 12pm)
Today you will visit the Clearwater Marine Aquarium. It is most famous for Winter the Dolphin. (You know, the dolphin movie that you watched last night.) Be sure to fill up at breakfast, as the lunch options at the aquarium are not great. We also recommend that you pack a few bottles of water and some snacks for you and the kids. You are allowed to bring a backpack, or a cooler (as long as it does not exceed 24″ long x 15″ high x 18″ wide.)
If you want to pack a lunch, a great option is to grab subs at Publix grocery store right next door. Publix have some of the best subs around and is just the thing if you are aiming for an all day aquarium experience.
Or, if subs are not your thing, get some lunch after you finish up at the aquarium. (Don’t worry, as long as you save your ticket, you can re-renter the aquarium on the same day.)
Lunch at the Bait House (12:15pm – 1:15pm)
The Bait House Tackle & Tavern is loved by all ages and sits you right on the docks. Alongside fresh seafood, you can also order some scrumptious tavern food. We recommend ordering the drunken shrimp and spicy tuna nachos for starters, while splitting the fresh catch sampler plate.
Head back to Clearwater Marine Aquarium (1:30 – 3pm)
We find it best to break up the day at the aquarium, get some great food outside and then head back to finish up your tours. The ideal time to check out the aquarium is about 2-3 hours. If you want to book boat tours, certain animal care experiences, and Behind the Scenes tours expect that these will add at least another hour to your day, and is a great choice for anyone that really loves animals and marine biology.
Check out Dunedin (3:30 – 6pm)
Once you’ve finished up at the aquarium, get in your car and make your way to downtown Dunedin. If your kids are under eight, you can head over to the marina to look at the boats. (There’s also a children’s play area located just opposite the marina at Edgewater Park.) There is lots of good people watching and things to see in the marina. If your kids are over eight, you want to grab some bikes over at Kafe Racer and head out on the Pinellas Trail. (Again, either option is based on family preference.)
Dinner at Crown & Bull (6:15pm -7:30pm)
You’ll probably be famished by the time you have finished up at the marina and Pinellas Trail, so we recommend that you make your way over to Crown & Bull for dinner. Something of a landmark eatery, this cool joint has been around for a few decades already and offers a relaxed atmosphere with live music and locally-sourced Floridian grub.
After dinner, head over to Strachan’s Ice Cream parlor for some of the BEST ice-cream you’ll ever try. Round off your evening with some ‘nightseeing’ around Dunedin, or pack up and head back to your hotel after a long day.
Option 2 – For the late risers
Breakfast (Saturday) 11am / or Brunch (Sunday) 10am
The Clearwater Marine Aquarium is on the agenda for today. Therefore, you will want to head straight to Island Way Grill (right next door) for breakfast. Be sure to sit on their outdoor patio on the water.
Clearwater Marine Aquarium (12pm – 3pm)
After breakfast, you can easily walk over to the Clearwater Marine Aquarium, or drive over should you not want to leave your car. However, you will save on the parking ($10) at the Clearwater Marine Aquarium. (Remember, you do this at your own risk, or as we say, the local way.)
As you had a late breakfast, we recommend you to pack a lunch today. A great option is to grab subs at Publix grocery store right next door. Publix have some of the best subs around and is just the thing if you are aiming for an all day aquarium experience.
Check out Dunedin (3:30 – 6pm)
Once you’ve finished up at the aquarium, get in your car and make your way to downtown Dunedin. If your kids are under eight, you can head over to the marina to look at the boats. (There’s also a children’s play area located just opposite the marina at Edgewater Park.) There is lots of good people watching and things to see in the marina. If your kids are over eight, you want to grab some bikes over at Kafe Racer and head out on the Pinellas Trail. (Again, either option is based on family preference.)
Dinner at Crown & Bull (6:15pm -7:30pm)
You’ll probably be famished by the time you have finished up at the marina and Pinellas Trail, so we recommend that you make your way over to Crown & Bull for dinner. Something of a landmark eatery, this cool joint has been around for a few decades already and offers a relaxed atmosphere with live music and locally-sourced Floridian grub.
After dinner, head over to Strachan’s Ice Cream parlor for some of the BEST ice-cream you’ll ever try. Round off your evening with some ‘nightseeing’ around Dunedin, or pack up and head back to your hotel after a long day.
