While not as well known as numerous other places in the state of Florida among visitors, the city of Tarpon Springs is home to many cultural events throughout the year, as it boasts the largest Greek heritage population than any other city in America, as well as a number of other things to do. Tarpon Springs is also known for being the world’s “natural sponge capital” and offers dozens of miles of the state’s scenic waterfront. There’s a quaint downtown area that’s listed on the country’s National Register of Historic Places and provides plenty of opportunities for shopping and much more.
Fred Howard Park
Fred Howard Park encompasses more than 150 acres along the Gulf of Mexico and is a very popular park, drawing over two million visitors every year. Its location offers gulf access by way of a causeway measuring one mile in length. The park also consists of a white sand beach, opportunities for fishing, a launch area for kayaking and canoeing, a wind surfing area, a swimming area, a ball field, two playgrounds, restroom facilities, and nine picnic shelters. A variety of wildlife can be seen in Fred Howard Park, such as butterflies and the occasional manatee or dolphin.
1700 Sunset Dr, Tarpon Springs, FL 34689, Phone: 727-582-2100
St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Cathedral
The St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Cathedral is modeled after Constantinople’s St. Sofia Cathedral and represents a fine example of the New Byzantine architectural style, featuring an interior made up of stained glass, elaborate icons, and sculptured Grecian marble. The St. Nicholas Cathedral was constructed 1943 and replaced a small church that had been built by the early Greek settlers of Tarpon Springs back in 1907. In addition to its excellent architecture, the St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Cathedral is also a center for the community’s Greek-American life, hosting the annual Epiphany celebration, the largest event of its kind within the Western Hemisphere.
36 N Pinellas Ave, Tarpon Springs, FL 34689, Phone: 727-937-3540
A. L. Anderson Park
A. L. Anderson Park is a Pinellas County park characterized by beautiful views of Lake Tarpon and Salmon Bay, wooded areas, and hilly terrain. Along the shoreline of the Salmon Bay, visitors will find a distinct arrangement of a 478 linear-foot-long nature trail, elevated boardwalk, and picnic pads among cypress trees. Highlights of the A. L. Anderson Park include lake access, scenic vistas, and opportunities for boating.
Other features of the park consists of a dog park, a playground, multiple picnic shelters, restroom facilities, nature trails, and boardwalks. A boat ramp can be used for a fee.
39699 US Hwy 19 N, Tarpon Springs, FL 34689, Phone: 727-582-2100
Brooker Creek Preserve
The Brooker Creek Preserve in Tarpon Springs, Florida is a county-owned and managed nature preserve. Cared for by Pinellas County, the preserve spans across approximately 9,800 acres, providing abundant space for outdoor recreation activities, such as hiking, horseback riding, and birding. The Environmental Education Center at the Brooker Creek Preserve offers a number of interactive exhibits and displays for visitors to explore to learn about both the local history and natural history of Florida. There are also interpretive and educational programs available. A network of equestrian and hiking trails provide people with a chance to explore the preserve’s ecosystems.
3940 Keystone Rd, Tarpon Springs, FL 34688, Phone: 727-453-6800
Konger Tarpon Springs Aquarium
The Konger Tarpon Springs Aquarium , situated at the Sponge Docks west end in the city, provides an opportunity for visitors to see an array of local reptilian and aquatic life. Guests can watch eel, snake, alligator, and shark showings at multiple times in the day, during which people can view the staff feeding the animals, and possibly touch the animals as well. The Tarpon Springs Aquarium is also home to Puffy’s Playground, an indoor playground with a ball pit, a bounce house, and more. Aquarium exhibits include the Gulf of Mexico tank, the stingray pool, and the touch pool.
850 Dodecanese Blvd, Tarpon Springs, FL 34689, Phone: 727-938-5378
Leepa-Rattner Museum of Art
The Leepa-Rattner Museum of Art is situated on the campus of the St. Petersburg College in Tarpon Springs, Florida, only a couple miles away from the historic district’s shops and sponge docks. This contemporary and modern art museum primarily features works of art created during the twentieth century and the twenty-first century. Along with eight permanent galleries showcasing the museum’s collection, the Leepa-Rattner Museum of Art also hosts an array of special exhibits throughout the year, as well as educational art programs. The award-winning building also houses a museum store selling local works and art-themed products, and an interactive gallery.
600 E Klosterman Rd, Tarpon Springs, FL 34689, Phone: 727-712-5762
Safford House Museum
The 1883 Safford House Museum is the former home of one of the original developers of the city of Tarpon Springs, Florida, offering an opportunity for both locals and tourists alike to step back into the city’s past. The house has been meticulously restored to reflect its original Victorian grandeur and is now open to visitors. A visit to the Safford House Museum offers a glimpse into life in Florida over one hundred years ago, as well as the life of the Safford family in particular.
23 Parkin Ct, Tarpon Springs, FL 34689, Phone: 727-942-5605
Tarpon Springs Area Historical Society
The Tarpon Springs Area Historical Society is dedicated to preserving the culturally rich history of Tarpon Springs, Florida and operates a museum in the historic Tarpon Springs Train Depot. While the train depot has been around for more than a century, it’s no longer a working train station and the public can now visit the Tarpon Springs Area Historical Society’s museum on certain days. Visitors can either explore the local history museum on their own or take a guided tour. There’s also a History Hunt offered for children or “kids at heart.”
160 E Tarpon Ave, Tarpon Springs, FL 34689, Phone: 727-943-4624
Rusty Bellies Waterfront Grill
The Rusty Bellies Waterfront Grill in Tarpon Springs, Florida is named for the love of fishing of the family who owns and operates the seafood restaurant. This fishing is primarily gulf group fishing, as the nickname “Rusty Bellie” applies to the large “male gag grouper,” typically caught by “true-at-heart” fishermen. The Rusty Bellies Waterfront Grill serves some of the freshest, wild-caught, Florida seafood in the area. The menu here features many dishes named after some of the fishermen’s beloved boats as a way of giving them credit.
937 Dodecanese Blvd, Tarpon Springs, FL 34689, Phone: 727-934-4047
Replay Museum
The Replay Museum is a unique attraction to visit at Tarpon Springs. It is home to hundreds of vintage pinball machines, arcade games, and more. Not only is it a trip down memory lane for most guests, but it’s also an enjoyable way for the younger generations to get to know the games that kept older generations entertained. As an interactive museum, Replay allows visitors to play and interact with over 120 playable displays and amusement devices available. Replay encourages visitors not just to walk, stop, and look, but to play, touch, and learn from both educational and exciting exhibitions.
119 E Tarpon Avenue, Tarpon Springs, Florida 34689, Phone: 727-940-3928
The Bistro
The Bistro in the historic downtown of Tarpon Springs, Florida is situated along a charming and beautiful cobblestone street. The restaurant can seat as many as 160 people, offering a choice for guests to dine indoors in the main dining room, the bistro side, or the bar, as well as outdoors next to the Pinellas Bike Trail.
17 N Safford Ave, Tarpon Springs, FL 34689, Phone: 727-935-5770
Hellas Bakery & Restaurant
The Hellas Bakery & Restaurant has been an important cornerstone of Tarpon Springs’ Greek community since 1970. Owned and managed by the friendly Karterouliotis family, this local eatery highlights the rich Greek heritage of the area by serving cultural and authentic cuisine, aiming to provide customers with the best Greek dining experience. Found in the heart of the city, the Hellas Bakery and Restaurant offers authentic Greek pastries and award-winning Greek food near the world-famous Florida Sponge Docks. In addition to delicious food, the restaurant also features an extensive selection of wine and a full-service bar.
785 Dodecanese Blvd, Tarpon Springs, FL 34689, Phone: 727-943-2400
Tarpon Springs Sponge Docks
Immerse yourself in one of Florida’s historic villages at Tarpon Springs Sponge Docks . Located at the center of Tarpon Springs, the Sponge Docks started in 1973 when sponge beds were found in the waters. Since then, with the know-how and efforts of Greek immigrants, the local sponge industry flourished and grew until Tarpon Springs became known as the sponge capital of the world. Although the sponge beds were destroyed in 1946, the decades of industry and commercial success is still strongly felt by the community. Explore several attractions from sightseeing to arts and culture and other outdoor activities all in one area.
735 Dodecanese Boulevard, Tarpon Springs, Florida 34689
Tarpon Springs Performing Arts Center - Tarpon Arts
Just because Tarpon Springs is a small town doesn’t mean that it doesn’t have big talent! Visitors to the area can find this talent at the Tarpon Springs Performing Arts Center - Tarpon Arts , an intimate theater with incredible and top-notch acoustics as well as performances. The Tarpon Springs Performing Arts Center features regular shows of various genres with Broadway musicals, plays, classical, opera, folk, and even Celtic concerts included in each season’s lineup. The center is housed in a 1925 beaux arts-style building and has been listed on the National Register of Historic Places making the building a historical site to visit in addition to a cultural one.
324 Pine Street Inside, Tarpon Springs, Florida 34689; Phone: 727-942-6505
Spongeorama Sponge Factory
If you’re crazy about natural curiosities and want to experience attractions that Tarpon Springs is best known for, then the Spongeorama Sponge Factory should be a stop on your itinerary while in the city. Home to the largest selection of natural sponges in the world, the Spongeorama Sponge Factory features various types of sponges harvested in Tarpon Springs. See exhibits of sponges that have been used for bathing, automobile use, cleaning, or even for beauty purposes. But that’s not all there is to do at Spongeorama. Guests to this unique attraction can also take a dolphin cruise or dine on authentic Greek fare at Yianni’s, Spongeorama’s restaurant.
510 Dodacanese Boulevard, Tarpon Springs, Florida 34689; Phone: 727-943-2164
