It has been an unusual summer in Dunedin. We started the season in an extreme drought, watching the ground bake and our lush green landscapes turn a parched, dusty brown. An El Niño pattern shifted our weather, trading our typical afternoon thunderstorms for weeks of dry heat.

So, when the first real showers finally rolled in mid-July, bringing relief to both the land and us Suntropolitans, it felt truly sacred. The scent of petrichor rose from the pavement, waking our senses. Lawns, trees, and birds seemed to sing in unison as a steady, gentle drizzle replaced what is usually a fierce lightning storm.

As the sun dipped below the horizon, the light rain transformed into a shimmering golden curtain.

Two weeks into this unusual rainy season, nature is alive with vibrant color—greens, pinks, lavenders, yellows, and oranges, all bathed in a golden light. At Highlander Park and the Dunedin Community Center, the grand oak trees seem to beam, with raindrops bouncing off their leaves like a grateful salute to the skies above.

As the rain passes and the clouds shift west over the Gulf of Mexico, the moisture evaporates from the warm pavement, sending the humidity up like a heavy blanket. Seeking relief from the midday mugginess, local residents look for ways to cool down. What better way to beat the heat than treating yourself—or the whole family—to a scoop from your favorite neighborhood ice cream shop?

Whether you are exploring the heart of Downtown or heading north toward the Honeymoon Island Causeway, Dunedin offers plenty of spots to grab our favorite summertime treat. Below is a convenient list of local ice cream shops and their addresses to bookmark for your next stroll along our Suntropolitan coast.

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Strachan’s Ice Cream & Desserts: A Local Legacy

One of my favorite spots for creamy, smooth, homemade ice cream is Strachan’s Ice Cream & Desserts. Serving up double and triple scoops of slow-churned frozen cream at 310 Main Street since 1999, Strachan’s has become a true local institution.

With two excellent locations to choose from—Palm Harbor and Downtown Dunedin—a fresh scoop is never far away. If you appreciate scratch-made desserts and classic charm, head over to Strachan’s for a taste. You will not be disappointed.

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Lane’s Lemonade

Located right next door to the Dunedin History Museum and just steps off the Pinellas Trail, you will find Lane’s Lemonade. Serving up refreshing soft-serve ice cream alongside fresh lemonade made with real lemons and sugar, it asks a simple question: What says summer quite like ice cream and lemonade?

Location: 349 A Main St, Dunedin

This beloved hydration station operates out of a cute, converted red train car, adding vibrant historic charm to the old train station grounds that once anchored our downtown corridor.

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Ice&Cream Creamery

Offering a little something for the kids and a unique treat for the adults, Ice&Cream Creamery boasts a massive selection of over 48 flavors. Alongside their traditional, ultra-creamy classics, they scoop up an incredible lineup of alcohol-infused ice creams.

Location: 200 Main St #109

Serving multiple locations from St. Pete Beach to Downtown Dunedin, this locally-made, small-batch creamery has truly got our Gulf beaches covered.

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Dunedin’s Ice Cream Trail

Whether you are walking the Pinellas Trail, strolling down Main Street, or heading to the beach, here is where to find your next scoop in Dunedin.

Downtown Dunedin

Honeymoon Island / Causeway Area

Shop	Location	Notes
Sunset Smoothies and Ice Cream	2606 Bayshore Blvd (Causeway Plaza)	Located in the Causeway Plaza. Perfect stop after a day at Honeymoon Island. Offers oat milk, almond milk, vegan, and sugar-free options.

A Personal Note

Ice cream tastes better when you eat it outside in the heat, with the sun drying the pavement and the clouds drifting overhead. That is not science—that is just Dunedin. Whether you are walking downtown or heading home from the beach, there is a scoop waiting for you. This summer, I plan to visit every shop on this list. Maybe I will see you in line.

Stay cool, eat ice cream, and support the local shops that make our town sweet.

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