20 Best Things to Do in Tarpon Springs, FL

Tarpon Springs, situated in Central Florida, is one of the classic vacation destinations in the continental US.

Travelers are encouraged to visit this place for a number of reasons.

For starters, Tarpon Springs boasts amazing Greek culture and history, not to mention mouth-watering Greek cuisine.

Second, a visit to this city—also known as the Sponge Capital of the World—helps save the remnants of the sponge industry that subsists on tourism.

This fun and inexpensive place along the shore of the Gulf of Mexico is as Greek as it gets.

Most people travel to this place just to get a taste of its delicious baklava or to walk down the famous Dodecanese Boulevard filled with shops and eateries.

You will definitely enjoy the smell of gyro strips in the air, and if you are around the docks, you'll find that the calming nature of the place truly makes it the "Venice of the South."

Are you interested in finding out what else this city has to offer?

These are the best things to do in Tarpon Springs, Florida:

Take a Walk along the Tarpon Springs Sponge Docks

You can walk along the Tarpon Springs Sponge Docks and feel like you're in Greece.

This historic dock is situated on Dodecanese Boulevard.

The Sponge Docks are certainly the heart of Tarpon Springs and were once Florida's highest revenue earner.

Valued at 3 million dollars a year, the sponge industry was at its heyday in the late 19th century.

This was the time when Tarpon Springs saw the largest number of Greek immigrants who came to the area to work in the booming sponge industry.

It was the Greeks who initiated natural sponge harvesting in this place and developed the dive-and-harvest technique.

It is quite unfortunate to see the natural sponge industry being rapidly replaced by artificial ones.

Have Beach-Style Fun at Fred Howard Park

For many travelers, Tarpon Springs is all about the beaches.

Fred Howard Park is a 155-acre attraction located along the shores of the Gulf of Mexico.

You can enjoy a rejuvenating day here, with acres of clean, white beach and blue waters.

The park has separate picnic spots, restrooms, and kayak and paddleboard rentals for you to relax and have fun.

If you want to check out more parks in Tarpon Springs, you can also check out A.L. Anderson Park to try out their hiking routes or have a picnic by Lake Tarpon.

You can also take a quick look at the Whitcomb Bayou, which is the urban park in Tarpon Springs.

Enjoy a Splendid Sunset at Sunset Beach

It is for a good reason that Tarpon Springs was once called the "Venice of the South."

The place has over 50 miles of water surrounding it.

Sunset Beach is one of the best-loved man-made beaches in Tarpon Springs.

If you are traveling with your family, this beach is a must-visit.

This clean, calm beach has shallow waters, so it is comparatively safer for your children.

The miles of white sand will also have a calming effect on your soul.

You can kick back on the beach to enjoy a beautiful and romantic sunset if you are traveling with your partner.

When you're hungry, go for the built-in grills set up at the beach.

Have Old-School Fun at Replay Amusement Museum

This is the best place to be if you want to catch a game at the pinball machine or try your luck with some of the popular '80s or '90s video games.

If you miss your childhood filled with these games, stop by Replay Amusement Museum and bask in nostalgia for a bit.

The best part is that all the machines are set to "Free Play" mode.

So, once you pay at the main desk, you are free to try out any or all the games.

The official website asks tourists to call beforehand to check the availability of seats, especially on weekends.

Get a Peek at Greek Heritage at St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Cathedral

If you wish to get the essence of Greek culture and heritage, stop by St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Cathedral on Pinellas Avenue.

In addition, you are also bound to find solace in this tranquil church.

It is a calm and soothing place to just sit back and reflect.

If you are traveling to get away from the chaotic hustle and bustle of life, simply spend an hour in solitude at this place.

Apart from that, the church's architecture is breathtaking.

St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Cathedral is the tallest structure in Tarpon Springs, and the interior is decorated in traditional Greek orthodox style.

As the church was built in 1904, most of the exhibits inside have been there since before the World Wars.

Check Out a Picasso Painting at the Leepa-Rattner Museum of Art

The Leepa-Rattner Museum of Art is a small museum with lots to offer.

If you are planning to visit this place, make sure to check out their events calendar beforehand, as the museum hosts a number of art exhibitions throughout the year.

This is a great place for students to learn or gather educational resources.

Also, if you wish to check out a life-size replica of Picasso's Guernica, one of his most famous paintings, then you might consider stopping by this museum for some time.

You can also take part in their art workshops or adult programs if you're interested.

Visit the Tarpon Springs Aquarium and Animal Sanctuary

This is a great place to visit if you are traveling with your family.

The Tarpon Springs Aquarium and Animal Sanctuary is located on North Pinellas Avenue.

Run by the Konger family, the aquarium has been operational since the 1990s.

At the Tarpon Springs Aquarium and Animal Sanctuary, you can literally have hands-on experience—meaning you can even pet some of the animals or feed sharks, Tarpon rays, turtles, or alligators.

Want to hold a snake?

They let you do that here as well.

Dine at Tarpon Springs' Most Popular Greek Restaurants

Of course, what's a trip without treating yourself to mouth-watering cuisine?

Stuff yourself with Greek delicacies from Tarpon Springs'  most popular restaurants.

The city's large Greek population has led to the establishment of a vast number of Greek eateries.

Most of these are lined along Dodecanese Boulevard, but you will also find a few along the Tarpon Springs' downtown avenue.

To start, try out Mama's Greek Cuisine.

This place will never disappoint you.

With live music and mouth-watering gyros and souvlakis, you are bound to have a good experience.

Next, go for a Greek coffee at National Bakery.

If you have a sweet tooth, then you can also try out their special desserts like lemon bars, baklava, almond cookies, and coconut macaroons.

Another must-visit Greek eatery is Hellas.

This place has a lot to offer and also has an adjacent bakery.

Hellas attracts a vast number of tourists every year.

If you leave without trying their Shrimp ala Hellas or their Greek scallops, you will surely be missing out on a lot.

Check Out Spongeorama Sponge Factory

Spongeorama Sponge Factory is another classic tourist destination in Tarpon Springs.

Once you have visited the Sponge Docks, make a quick stop at this sponge factory that claims to be the reservoir of the world's largest selection of natural sponges.

Built in 1968, Spongeorama Sponge Factory also has a little museum and a movie theater inside.

This is the best place to pick up souvenirs for friends and families.

The Spongeorama souvenir shop has a range of items on offer.

You can also sit through a short and free documentary on the sponge industry at Spongeorama.

If you find the natural sponges too expensive here, head straight to Tarpon Sponge Exchange to get yourself a special Tarpon Springs souvenir.

Go on a Tarpon Springs Diving Tour with St. Nicholas Boat Lines

No trip to Tarpon Springs can ever be deemed complete without getting to experience sponge diving.

The city offers multiple boat rides and cruise rides where tourists can witness how divers harvest natural sponges in reality.

The best boat tours are hosted by St. Nicholas Boat Lines.

Established in 1924, this remains to be one of Florida's one of the oldest attractions.

St. Nicholas Boat Lines' diving tours attract thousands of tourists throughout the year.

A session lasts for about 40 minutes, and the tour includes a detailed narration of the history of sponge harvesting dating back to the early days.

You can book your tour beforehand or even get a ticket from their old-fashioned ticket booth.

Experience a Cruise Ride at Tarpon Springs

There are a lot of fun things to do around Tarpon Springs, and getting on a cruise is one of them.

Travelers can choose to go on shelling tours or special boat rides to go fishing.

You also have options to go sunset cruising and dolphin watching in Tarpon Springs.

If you want to go shelling, take a trip to Anclote Key Preserve State Park.

Children will especially love this tour.

You can also check out Odyssey Cruises for their special cruise offers.

Travelers can also book themselves for Dolphin Deep Sea Fishing.

This is bound to be an adventurous ride.

Here, first-timers are taught how to fish.

Tourists are provided with fishing lines and bait.

Book a Tarpon Springs Helicopter Tour

Get an aerial view of the "Venice of the South" by going on a helicopter ride in Tarpon Springs.

This fancy ride launches from Clearwater Airpark, which is located pretty close to the beach.

After departing from there, the helicopter ride will take you above the historic Sponge Docks and then fly above the Anclote River.

The scenic beauty from up top is something that makes this ride worth it.

You get to go across Palm Harbor, Clearwater Beach, Crystal Beach, Caladesi Island, and Honeymoon Island and experience those places from a different angle altogether.

If you are a photographer, you will get some amazing pictures to save forever.

It is a 30-minute tour that will cost you around $45.

Head Over to Silverking Brewing Company

If you are exhausted after all the travel, head over to Silverking Brewing Company to relax with an ice-cold beer.

Tarpon Springs' craft beer scene evolves with each passing day.

If you want to try out some of their artisanal beer, then this fish-themed brewery will definitely offer you something new.

Did you know this brewing company is situated inside an abandoned fire station?

Wine lovers can also check out Springs Castle Winery, which is the only winery that offers European-style wine east of Mississippi.

Go on a Shopping Spree

You can never visit Tarpon Springs and come back home empty-handed.

After all, what is travel without getting to shop, even just for souvenirs?

If you love handmade incenses or soaps, then visit GetAGuru, which has a Middle-Eastern decor.

Other than that, you can visit Lori's Sponges and Soaps to get a selection of amazing souvenirs or gifts.

Stop by Miss Merrie's Sweets & Treats to try out their saltwater taffy or pack some candies for the trip back home.

You can even check out the Spice and Tea Exchange for a range of spices, teas, pepper, and more.

Dance the Night Away at the OPA! Palooza Greek Festival

If you plan to travel around June, it's time for the OPA! Palooza, Tarpon Springs' annual Greek cultural festival celebrated at Sponge Docks.

This festival attracts a lot of crowds from neighboring towns as well as internal tourists who come to celebrate the weekend-long festival, Greek-style.

Other than that, Tarpon Springs is also a lively place during all the Greek festivals, such as the Day of Epiphany, Greek Independence Day, or even their popular seafood festival.

Stop by the Tarpon Springs Historical Train Depot Museum

The Tarpon Springs Historical Train Depot Museum serves as the home of the Tarpon Springs Area Historical Society.

If you're always interested in learning about the local history of the places you visit, this is the place to go.

Tarpon Springs has an interesting and colorful history, and you'll get to hear a wide variety of interesting stories about the area in this museum.

There's also a gift shop there if you're looking to take home some souvenirs from your historical adventure in Tarpon Springs.

Grab a Sweet Treat at Hellas Bakery

Who doesn't love the sweet and savory taste of pastries and jump at the chance to get some quality samples?

At Hellas Bakery, you'll get the chance to try out some Greek pastries and immediately fall for how they're made.

Aside from pastries, they also have some lunch specialties that you won't want to miss out on.

Everything the establishment serves is inspired by Greek culture, so you're definitely in for a cultural adventure if you choose to visit this quaint little bakery.

Have a Satisfying Meal at Rusty Bellies Waterfront Grill

Rusty Bellies Waterfront Grill was opened in 2005 and serves as a testament to the achievements of three generations worth of goals that spanned 30 years.

The place is known for its seafood, so make sure to try out the crowd favorites when you stop by.

Sample their different takes on fresh gulf shrimps and fish fillets; you won't be disappointed by the savory goodness that will greet you.

They also serve sushi if you're looking for something more exciting and exotic.

Top off your meal with some desserts, such as coconut cake or key lime pie.

Once you're done eating, don't forget to stop by the gift shop and grab a souvenir to commemorate the great experience.

Admire the Art on Display at the Tarpon Springs Cultural Center

In 1915, the building that would one day become the cultural center was erected as Tarpon Springs' first city hall.

It was designed to reflect the neoclassical style, and this can be clearly seen in the towering columns and detailing of the facade.

In 1987, the city decided to move its offices elsewhere, and this building was subsequently converted into the cultural center you'll see today.

The Tarpon Springs Cultural Center is a great place to visit if you're looking to see some great artworks.

Stop by their gallery section and view the interesting murals that have been painted there.

Unleash Your Inner Child at Catapult Adventure Park

Catapult Adventure Park is a great destination if you're looking for a fun time for yourself and your traveling companions.

You can try out their catapult launch zone and bounce to your heart's content.

There's also the tornado twirl and the leaping leopard giant airbag, which are designed to test your nerves and love for fun.

If you want something more competitive, head towards the cat fight zone and have fun sparring matches with your friends.

Whatever activity you choose to do, you'll surely enjoy yourself and work up a sweat along the way.

Final Thoughts

Immerse yourself in a sea of Greek-American culture, and watch how this place has evolved and grown in this rich cultural environment.

Visit as many sights as possible, experience as much you can, and have the time of your life.

Book your trip today and start planning your itinerary early on to make the most of your vacation!

See also: Best Restaurants in Tarpon Springs, FL

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