10 Best Things To Do In Tarpon Springs, Florida
Known as the “sponge capital of the world” the historic riverfront town of Tarpon Springs is located along the shore of the Gulf of Mexico just 40 minutes north of St. Petersburg. The city has a Greek heritage owing to the arrival of Greek sponge divers in Tarpon Springs to grow the now-famous sponge industry. The Greek community is famous for some of the finest Greek restaurants, including Mama’s Greek Cuisine, Hellas and Mykonos, markets, and bakeries in the country.
The city, named for the abundance of fish found in nearby waters, offers numerous attractions along with beautiful miles of waterfront. The city hosts famous Sponge Docks, downtown center listed on the National Register of Historic Places, antique stores, art galleries, and specialty shops housed in buildings dating from the late 1800s. The Tarpon Springs Performing Arts and Cultural Centers offer concerts, theater, art and historical exhibits, and other quality programs. Dodecanese Boulevard, which follows the riverfront, has gift shops that carry everything from home goods to unique Greek and Florida Souvenirs, to natural sponges to olive oil soap.
Keep reading for the full list of the best things to do in Tarpon Springs:
1. Sunset Beach
The man-made family friendly sandy beach is an ideal destination to enjoy the beautiful sunset, clear water, and beautiful views. The water is shallow and calm, perfect for children.
The beach has beautiful white sand; a public restroom centrally located just a few minute’s walk from the beach areas. There are pavilions and charcoal grills if you want to have a beach cook out. It is a favorite spot for Para-surfing. The evening concerts are also quite popular and draw a big crowd, just bring your own chair, snacks, and enjoy the night.
Sunset Beach
Address: Tarpon SpringsWebsite: Sunset Beach
2. Brooker Creek Preserve
The county park is a treat for bird watchers and nature lovers with beautifully laid out boardwalks, meeting rooms, and clean restrooms. The easy to walk trails marked through forested wetlands and pine woods, with a lot of wildlife scattering around, are fantastic. The onsite museum and their displays are also quite useful for both youngsters and adults. The preserve is also the location of the Brooker Creek Watershed.
Brooker Creek Preserve
Address: 3940 Keystone Rd, Tarpon Springs, FL 34688, USAWebsite: Brooker Creek Preserve
3. Fred Howard Park
With public restrooms and showers, a nice beach, kayaks and paddle boards for rent, it is a great place to spend a day. The first portion of the park is a shady forest with a nature trail and picnic shelters scattered throughout. On moving through the park you come to the coast with a mile (1.6 km) long boardwalk to the beach where people fish, swim and ride jet skis.
It is a great beach during the week to sun, swim, and relax. The beach has a separate parking lot and white sand. The park is fantastic for events, walking, biking, and swimming.
Fred Howard Park
Address: 1700 Sunset Dr, Tarpon Springs, FL 34689, USAWebsite: Fred Howard Park
4. Day Dream Charters
Captain Luke is friendly and knowledgeable about the area. Captain Luke takes his clients to islands loaded with shells and provides a booklet to identify the shells. If you want to find sand dollars, Luke knows where to take you. The tubing is exciting and fun as well! The Captain ensures a great experience for his clients, including dolphin watching, snorkeling, shelling, tubing and a beautiful sunset; it is just an excellent trip.
Day Dream Charters
Address: 1813 Mariner Dr #150, Tarpon Springs, FL 34689, USAWebsite: Day Dream Charters
5. Dolphin Deep Sea Fishing
Dolphin Deep Sea Fishing is filled with excitement and joy with dolphins, pelicans and seagulls following the boat. The Two Georges boat at the Sponge Docks has a friendly crew that teach first timers how to fish and are always on the spot to help fix the line tangles and help unhook the catch. The fishing pole and bait are included in the fee and are sufficient for catching fish.
They supply everything for you and you can either buy food and drinks on board or bring your own with you. They even clean the fish for you. The food options on the boat are great and the prices are reasonable - 5 USD for a double cheeseburger.
Dolphin Deep Sea Fishing
Address: 810 Dodecanese Blvd, Tarpon Springs, FL 34689, USAWebsite: Dolphin Deep Sea Fishing
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