Florida is known for its beaches, but there’s so much more to discover beyond the sand and surf. This past winter, my husband and I traded snowy upstate New York for sunny skies and palm trees, and we brought our bicycles along for the ride. We based ourselves in Dunedin, a charming small town on Florida’s Gulf Coast, and set out to explore one of the state’s best-kept secrets: the Pinellas Trail.
If you’re looking for an active way to experience Florida’s natural beauty and coastal towns, biking the Fred Marquis Pinellas Trail offers a perfect mix of scenery, sunshine, and adventure.
About the Pinellas Trail
The Pinellas Trail is a multi-use, paved path that stretches over 50 miles through Pinellas County, connecting cities like St. Petersburg, Clearwater, Dunedin, and Tarpon Springs. It was developed along an old railroad corridor and is now one of the most popular urban trails in the state, drawing over 1.5 million users annually, according to the Friends of the Pinellas Trail.
The trail is 15 feet wide in most places and primarily flat — perfect for casual bikers and long-distance riders alike. Surfaces alternate between smooth asphalt and concrete. Because this trail winds through densely populated areas, you’ll encounter several road crossings — most with crosswalk buttons and signage to help navigate the traffic safely.
From urban neighborhoods to historic fishing villages, the Pinellas Trail is more than a path — it’s a window into a different side of Florida.
Starting Point: Biking from Dunedin
We began our biking adventures in Dunedin, our home base for the trip. With its bike-friendly layout, multiple trailheads, and walkable downtown, Dunedin is an ideal starting point. The town is full of personality — think art-lined streets, colorful buildings, and craft breweries with bike racks right outside the door.
Must-See in Dunedin:
- Dunedin Pier – Perfect for sunsets over the Gulf.
- Bike racks and murals – The town embraces cyclists with thoughtful infrastructure and street art.
- Local breweries – Try outdoor spots like Dunedin Brewery or Cueni Brewing Co. for a cold drink after your ride.
Ride North: Dunedin to Tarpon Springs
One of our favorite bike routes was the ride north to Tarpon Springs, about 9 miles away. The trail here is smooth and scenic, passing through leafy neighborhoods and quiet stretches.
When you enter Tarpon Springs, the biking infrastructure is impressive. In some places, the trail runs directly down the center of the road, flanked by car lanes on either side — a unique but intuitive setup that prioritizes cyclists.
What to Do in Tarpon Springs:
- Explore the Sponge Docks – Tarpon Springs is the sponge capital of the world, and the docks still serve as a working waterfront.
- Discover Greek heritage – The city has the largest Greek-American population in the U.S., and the influence is everywhere — from bakeries to boat names.
- Take in the culture – Visit sponge shops, watch boats airing natural sponges in the sun, and stroll the historic waterfront.
Where to Eat in Tarpon Springs:
- Hellas Restaurant & Bakery – Legendary Greek cuisine and a huge dessert case.
- Rusty Bellies Waterfront Grill – Fresh seafood and dockside views.
- Mykonos – Cozy, authentic, and popular with locals. We ate here and the food and atmosphere were both great!
Dunedin Causeway: Ride to the Water
Another standout ride was along the Dunedin Causeway, a 2.5-mile stretch connecting the mainland to Honeymoon Island State Park. The causeway includes three bridges, two fixed and one drawbridge, with designated walking and biking paths the entire way. The views? Nothing short of spectacular, with water on both sides and sunset vistas that will stop you in your tracks.
You can even park right on the beach here — something you don’t see every day.
Honeymoon Island State Park
Honeymoon Island isn’t officially on the Pinellas Trail but is a short, worthwhile ride from Dunedin. As one of Florida’s most beloved state parks, it features:
- 4 miles of natural white sand beaches
- A 3-mile nature trail through one of the last virgin slash pine forests
- Abundant wildlife, from bald eagles and ospreys to gopher tortoises, raccoons, and armadillos
If you’re a nature lover, this is a can’t-miss destination.
Quick Tip:
The nature trail is bikeable, though sandy in some areas. You may have to dismount occasionally, but the scenery makes it worthwhile.
Grab a Bite:
Café Honeymoon is located on the beach and offers casual bites and drinks with breathtaking views of the Gulf. We ate here. The food was okay but the view was beautiful. It was a great place to relax after hiking the nature trail.
Heading South from Dunedin
We explored a few sections of the trail going south from Dunedin, but found much of the route through Clearwater and urban areas wasn’t quite what we were looking for. While well-maintained, the city sections were busier, and we preferred the more scenic and relaxed northern route to Tarpon Springs and Honeymoon Island.
Trail Tips for Biking the Pinellas Trail
- Use crosswalk buttons at busy road crossings — traffic can be heavy.
- Mix of bikes – Expect to see everything from e-bikes to beach cruisers.
- Bike rentals available – Several shops along the trail rent both regular and electric bikes.
- Stay hydrated – Florida sun is no joke. Carry water and wear sunscreen.
Where to Eat Along the Pinellas Trail
Biking the Pinellas Trail isn’t just about scenic rides and charming towns — it’s also a great opportunity to taste the local flavor. Here are a few must-try spots along the way:
- Dunedin
- Clear Sky Draught Haus: A local favorite with craft beer and globally inspired comfort food.
- Casa Tina: Colorful Mexican cuisine with lots of vegan and vegetarian options.
- Strachan’s Ice Cream & Desserts: Perfect for a post-ride treat!
- Tarpon Springs
- Hellas Restaurant & Bakery: An iconic Greek restaurant serving classic dishes and irresistible pastries.
- Rusty Bellies: Fresh seafood right on the water — a relaxing place to recharge.
- Palm Harbor
- Thirsty Marlin: Coastal fare with live music and outdoor seating.
- Coolside Gelato Bar: A great pitstop for something cold and refreshing.
- Gulfport (if you extend your ride)
- Stella’s: A local gem for brunch with a small-town vibe.
- Neptune Grill: Waterfront dining with Greek and American dishes.
You can also stop at many local cafes and juice bars right off the trail — ideal for light bites and hydration breaks.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for a different way to explore Florida’s Gulf Coast, leave the beach crowds behind and hit the Pinellas Trail. From Greek heritage in Tarpon Springs to coastal rides on the Dunedin Causeway and the wild beauty of Honeymoon Island, this trail offers a deeper, more active way to experience the Sunshine State.
We rarely used our car while in Dunedin — everything we needed was a scenic ride away. If you are in the Southeast Region, check out some other small towns and unique places to see in my Southeast Travel Guide.
While you are in Florida, you may want to check out this gem in Georgia: Step Back in Time in Plains, Georgia – A Southern Town with Presidential Roots.
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