John McDouall Stuart (1815–1866), known as ‘The Wee Scot’ and who became the most famous of all Australia's inland explorers, John Pitcairn (1722–1775), a British marine in the French and Indian War and the American Revolutionary War, and J. R. Black (1826–1880), an early newspaper publisher in Japan and China, were all born in the town.

The town retains a number of historic buildings from the height of its prosperity in the 16th century, along with good examples of 17th and 18th century Scottish vernacular buildings.

Many of these have been restored by the National Trust for Scotland. Major historic buildings include the tolbooth (town house), whose tower dates from 1576, and the old parish church.

The picturesque old harbour, recently much improved by tasteful restoration, is a notable feature, partly hollowed out of the sandstone cliffs. The Harbourmaster's House was built around 1840 as a warehouse for incoming goods.

It has recently been refurbished to include an interactive media centre which will take you along Fife's coastal path and give you information about the surrounding areas.

A cafe, overlooking the harbour serves home baking and light meals.

Once of some importance as a trading burgh (16th century), Dysart is now counted as part of Kirkcaldy – originally a separate burgh.