Is Tarpon Springs Worth Visiting? 17 Things To Do in 2023
Making plans and wondering, “Is Tarpon Springs worth visiting?” You’ve come to the right place. I’m can be your friendly guide, and I’m no stranger to this charming coastal town.
I’ve called Tarpon Springs & surrounding cities home for over 12 years, and my family’s roots run deep in this community. My kids have grown up here, attending local schools, my husband has worked and built connections, our home church is there, and we even dock our sailboat at one of the Tarpon Springs marinas. All.the.things.
With all this firsthand experience, I’m here to share why Tarpon Springs is a great place to visit.
Is Tarpon Springs Worth Visiting?
That’s a big giant Y-E-S! Tarpon Springs, known as the “Sponge Capital of the World,” offers a unique blend of history, culture, and natural beauty.
Fun fact: My kids went to the local elementary school in Tarpon Springs and their mascot was “The Spongers” (I’m not even joking. How cute!)
Beyond the cool history of this town, the Greek cuisine is a whole other world of conversation. So delish! The beaches and small-town feel will keep you coming back.
17 Reasons Why You Should Visit Tarpon Springs & Best Things To Do
While you are planning your trip, keep these things to do in Tarpon Springs in mind. Let’s start with the things to do that cost a little something (but worth it!).
1. Strolling the Sponge Dock makes Tarpon Springs Worth Visiting
You will want to start here – the famous Sponge Docks! Reserve a guided tour today: Learn More
You can’t come to Tarpon without walking through downtown and looking at the boats and fresh sponges.
If you are like me and wonder, “How did they get these sponges?”, “Who discovered them and realized they could sell them?”, “Why are there so many Greek restaurants?” You may have a lot of questions. And I have lots of answers.
That is why this Sponge Dock Stroll tour is the best way to get to know the city. A professional guide will tell you all about the fishing and sponging industry, Greek history, and architecture, and end the tour with free “mud coffee” and Greek pastries.
2. Tarpon Springs Ghost and History Tour
Want to dive deeper into the history of Tarpon Springs? This is a unique tour: Learn More
Once you’ve explored Dodecanese Boulevard (where the docked sponge boats are), your curiosity may be burning, and want to dive deeper into the neat history of this town. If Tarpon Springs is worth visiting, it’s worth getting to know from all angles.
On this Tarpon Springs Ghost and History Tour you will visit sites like Train Depot, Louise’s Saloon, and the Cheney House. This thrilling tour is perfect for ghost enthusiasts. The package includes a brief city history, paranormal investigation gear, and ghost-finding instructions.
3. 2-Hour Tandem Kayak Tour (Price for 2 People)
Take this 2-Hour Tandem Kayak Tour for an easy & relaxing ride on the water by the docks: Learn More (or if it’s only you and you don’t need a tandem kayak, check this out!)
If you are in Tarpon Springs on a sunny day (which is most days), then put a cherry on top of your visit by taking a kayak tour with a buddy. This Tandem Kayak Tour is an easy way to enjoy the water and relax after touring downtown.
Explore the wonders of Anclote River with a guided kayak tour, discovering wildlife and Florida’s unique ecosystems. You will be able to say you’ve seen the Sponge Boats FROM the water.
5. Complete Guided Golf Cart Tour of Tarpon Springs
Tired of walking (or paddling)? Get a tour of the city on a golf cart here: Learn More
Grab your group and book this Guided Golf Cart Tour of Tarpon Springs. Covering downtown, beaches, Sponge Docks, and beautiful bayous in between, this tour offers a blend of history, culture, art, and breathtaking waterfront views.
You will be traveling like a local in these street-legal golf carts with state-required safety features and comfort upgrades! Book this tour and fit right in!
5. Street Legal Golf Cart 3-Hour Rental in Tarpon Springs
Rent a golf cart to drive yourself around Tarpon Springs: Learn More
Did you know that while visiting Tarpon Springs Sponge Docks you can rent a golf cart? This 3-hour golf cart rental will give you plenty of time to tour downtown, eat at your favorite spots, shop your favorite shops, AND avoid the parking dilemmas along Dodecanese Boulevard.
Enjoy the flexibility to travel at your own pace, hopping on and off, and immersing yourself in the local experience. Of course, drivers must be 25 or older with a valid driver’s license and current car insurance. Follow the rules, duh!
6. Greek Food Tour (I came, I saw,… I GREEKED!)
You have to eat while you are here, might as well do it right! Book your Greek foodie tour: Learn More
My husband is a foodie and we can appreciate the amazing cuisine of Tarpon Springs (the Greek food in and of itself makes Tarpon Springs worth visiting). Prepare your taste buds for a delightful journey on the I Came, I Saw… I GREEKED! food tour.
You’ll savor the flavors of Greek cuisine from the Aegean Islands while diving into the historical tapestry of Tarpon Springs, Florida. Learn about the influences of Greek, Bahamian, and Victorian cultures on this charming town.
7. Visit Leepa-Rattner Museum of Art while Visiting Tarpon Springs
Soaked in all the Sponge Dock tours you can bear? It’s time to step outside of the downtown area and visit other must-see sights in Tarpon Springs. We used to live right down the road from the Leepa-Rattner Museum of Art and it’s always been a landmark (the architecture is stunning)!
This is a great spot for families. You can explore amazing artworks, including paintings and sculptures. The museum also offers fun activities and events, like art classes and workshops. If you’re into art or just want to appreciate some beautiful creations, this museum is the perfect place for you. Learn more here!
8. The Best Kept Secret in Tarpon Springs = The Replay Museum
Think of that childhood feeling of playing your favorite arcade games and multiply that by 100! The Replay Museum is right on Tarpon Ave (tons of great shops and food spots on this street). It has over 120 playable games and amusements set to “Free Play.”
When you pay for your pass, you receive an all-day wristband, allowing you to enjoy the 120+ games spanning 50+ years, all on Free Play with unlimited re-entry until closing time.
Unlike traditional museums, this museum focuses on creating an environment where you can touch, play, and learn (very kid-friendly!). Your family will LOVE this: Learn More
9. Boat Rentals in a Tarpon Springs Marina (Tarpon Landing Marina)
We dock our sailboat at a Tarpon Spring marina (Turtle Cove Marina) and know the area and waters very well! So we know that renting a boat in Tarpon Springs is an excellent way to explore the scenic waterways. Several local boat rental companies offer various options, including pontoon boats, fishing boats, and kayaks.
We recommend using Tarpon Landing Marina because of the location and ease of booking. To get started, choose a rental service, reserve your boat, and arrive at the designated location. Their boats come fully equipped to ensure a safe and enjoyable day on the water, providing essential features like a VHF radio, depth sounder/fish finder, compass, and either a bimini or T-top to offer sun protection.
Additionally, they supply Coast Guard-approved safety equipment for your peace of mind. Rental rates are determined based on the boat’s size and type and do not cover expenses such as fuel, oil, or potential damages. For specific pricing and availability, visit their site directly.
10. Tarpon Springs Aquarium & Animal Sanctuary is worth visiting!
The Tarpon Springs Aquarium is an exciting place where you can discover sea creatures and learn about Florida’s marine life. It offers an exciting and interactive experience with a variety of wildlife.
Established in 1990 and family-owned, the aquarium allows visitors to get up close to animals, including sharks, alligators, tarpon, rays, turtles, snakes, and more. You can even feed some of them!
You can explore different tanks filled with colorful fish, seahorses, and other underwater animals. They even have a touch tank where you can gently touch and feel some of the sea creatures. It’s a fun and educational visit for the whole family, and you might even see a real shark! It’s like taking a little underwater adventure right in Tarpon Springs. It’s a blast and worth visiting: Learn More
Is Tarpon Springs Worth Visiting? Free Things To Do in Tarpon Springs!
Now that we’ve talked about the amazing tours, boats, and foodie options, let me show you how to have a good while in Tarpon Springs for FREE! Free is fun and I like fun. There are so many reasons to visit Tarpon Springs, here are a few more that won’t cost you a penny.
11. Window Shop Down Dodecanese Boulevard makes Tarpon Springs Worth Visiting
Wait, have I mentioned the Tarpon Springs sponge docks? Yes, okay 😜. I will say it again because they are THAT COOL. And this time, no tour or guide is required! You can take a stroll down Dodecanese Boulevard on your own and enjoy window shopping.
Some of my favorite shops are The Sponge Factory, The Sponge Exchange, Gloria’s Gifts, and Cute As A Button Boutique.
12. Fred Howard Beach (my favorite local beach spot!)
You are in luck! You will be right by my favorite beach spot: Fred Howard Beach. There are lots of local beaches by Tarpon Springs to enjoy (Fred Howard Beach, Sunset Beach, Honeymoon Island State Park, etc) but Fred Howard has all the perks.
It’s quaint, clean, and walkable, with nature on one side, and shore on the other, rent kayaks, and beach bikes or enjoy shaved ice if the food truck is there. Every Friday night, our friends meet at this beach to enjoy the sunset with all the kids running through the water. They bring their cast nets and fish in ankle deep water. It really is the best.
It’s a neat drive out onto a peninsula and before you hit that causeway, you can enjoy amenities like picnic areas, and playgrounds. Fred Howard Park is ideal for families looking for a peaceful beach escape while visiting Tarpon Springs.
13. Tarpon Springs First Friday
Want to hang with the locals? This event is a favorite for everyone (visitors and native Floridians). Tarpon Springs First Friday is a super fun event that happens on the first Friday of each month.
It’s like a big party in downtown Tarpon Springs with music, yummy food, and cool crafts. People from the community come together to enjoy the evening, and there’s even a big Sponge Docks Dancing contest.
It’s a great way for families to hang out, listen to live tunes, and try some delicious Greek dishes. So, if you’re around on the first Friday of the month, head to Tarpon Springs and join the celebration! Learn More
14. Walk Around Epiphany City Park
It would be hard to miss this beautiful park as it’s a central focal point as you drive the edge of the water through Tarpon Springs. Epiphany City Park is a special place where people gather to celebrate a big event called Epiphany.
This park has a big lake called Spring Bayou, where an important cross-diving tradition happens. People believe it’s a blessing to dive into the water to find the cross. Even when it’s not Epiphany, the park is a peaceful spot for picnics and enjoying nature near the water. More details here: Learn More
15. Visit the Natural Spring at Walls Springs Park
Wall Springs Park, located in Palm Harbor near Tarpon Springs, is a nature lover’s paradise. My kids call it the “blue playground” because they love the blue slides by the butterfly garden (and my son had his 5th birthday at this park). This 210-acre park is not just a playground though, it offers a variety of outdoor activities for families and individuals.
Wall Springs Park is it’s conveniently linked to the Pinellas Trail in Palm Harbor. The park boasts a scenic boardwalk that offers a glimpse of the natural spring, once a spa and bathing spot, along with a fantastic 35-foot observation tower for Gulf of Mexico views.
There’s an extension to the park called the Wall Springs Coastal Addition, featuring amenities like picnic shelters, restrooms, parking, an elevated observation deck, various trails, and a 5-foot-wide sidewalk connecting Alt. U.S. 19 to the park. Access this part of the park at 621 Wai Lani Road, Palm Harbor.
16. Enjoy views at Daneman Point Pier
Daneman Point Pier is a fantastic spot for nature lovers and anglers. It’s about 1.5-mile walk total (on a paved walkway) from the entrance of Wall Springs Park. Once you pull into Wall Springs Park, to the right is the entarce to this trail that leads to Daneman Point Pier.
Whether you’re an avid fisher looking to catch some local fish species, or you simply want to soak in the serenity of the surroundings, Daneman Point Pier has something for everyone. The pier is accessible to the public, and it’s an ideal place to watch sunsets, spot marine life, or try your luck at fishing in the peaceful waters of St. Joseph Sound.
17. Tour St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Cathedral
St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Cathedral, established in 1905, holds the distinction of being the first Greek Orthodox Christian parish in the Tampa-St. Petersburg area. The cathedral was constructed during World War II in 1943 and boasts unique features, including marble from the 1939 World’s Fair’s Greek pavilion, which adorns the interior, including the iconic iconostasis.
Additionally, the cathedral houses relics of St. Nicholas of Myra, making it a pilgrimage site for devoted Christians. The cathedral’s towering spire dominates the Tarpon Springs skyline and stands as the city’s symbolic heart.
The “Cross Diver” statue in the nearby plaza commemorates the annual Epiphany Day celebration, while paying tribute to the fallen heroes of World War II.
Guests are warmly received at St. Nicholas Cathedral. Throughout the week, the cathedral usually welcomes visitors for prayer, adhering to a schedule from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., with adjustments made as needed for community activities and religious services. More details here: Learn More
Getting Around Tarpon Springs When Visiting
Car: The best way to get around Tarpon Springs is by car, as it provides the most flexibility and convenience for exploring the area. Rental cars are readily available for tourists.
Walk/Bike: Additionally, walking and biking are excellent options within the city, especially when visiting the downtown area and nearby attractions. Tarpon Springs is relatively compact, so these methods are ideal for short distances.
Public Transportation: The PSTA (Pinellas Suncoast Transit Authority) offers bus services throughout the region, including Tarpon Springs. However, to fully explore the surrounding attractions and beaches, having a car is often the preferred choice.
Jolley Trolley: One of the scenic routes on the Jolley Trolley in Tarpon Springs is the North Coastal Route. This route takes you through Tarpon Springs and its historic Sponge Docks, providing a convenient way to explore the charming waterfront, shops, and restaurants, as well as nearby attractions.
Where To Stay When Visiting Tarpon Springs
Tarpon Springs offers a range of easy, comfortable, clean, and convenient places to stay for visitors. These accommodations cater to various preferences, from charming bed and breakfasts to modern hotels.
📍Best Budget Spot: Book Here – Hibiscus Hideaway
Hibiscus Hideaway offers a peaceful stay, boasting a balcony and coffee machine. The 3-bedroom vacation home features modern amenities, a fully equipped kitchen, and comfortable bedding. Guests can enjoy outdoor activities like fishing, canoeing, and hiking.
📍Best Mid-Range Spot: Book Here – Tampa Bay Oasis
Tampa Bay Oasis offers a ground-floor apartment in Tarpon Springs with 2 bedrooms, a fully equipped kitchen, and garden views. It provides free WiFi and private parking. The property is 19 miles from Pier 60 and 23 miles from Raymond James Stadium. Tampa International Airport is 21 miles away.
📍Best Luxury Spot: Book Here – Innisbrook, A Salamander Golf & Spa Resort
Innisbrook, A Salamander Golf and Spa Resort in Palm Harbor, offers various amenities, including outdoor pools, tennis courts, and golf courses.
The suites feature free Wi-Fi, and some include kitchenettes, balconies, and sofa beds. The resort boasts a fitness facility and a spa. Guests can dine at on-site restaurants like Packard’s Steakhouse. Innisbrook is located near the Gulf of Mexico and Honeymoon Island, with Tampa International Airport 23 miles away.
Tarpon Springs Map
Navigating Tarpon Springs is made easy with a user-friendly map that highlights key attractions, parking areas, and local transportation options.
Whether you’re exploring the historic Sponge Docks, visiting St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Cathedral, or taking a scenic stroll through Craig Park, this map provides a clear guide to make your visit enjoyable and stress-free.
FAQs: Is Tarpon Springs Worth Visiting?
Common questions about whether Tarpon Springs is worth visiting often revolve around the city’s rich Greek heritage, like inquiries about the best Greek restaurants or cultural experiences.
Visitors often seek advice on the best ways to explore the historic Sponge Docks, including finding parking and the most interesting shops to visit.
✅ Is Tarpon Springs dog-friendly?
Yes, Tarpon Springs is generally dog-friendly. Many parks and outdoor areas in the city welcome dogs on leashes. Several pet-friendly restaurants and cafes allow well-behaved dogs in their outdoor seating areas. However, it’s essential to check individual policies, and some places may have specific rules or restrictions for dogs.
✅ Does Tarpon Springs have a downtown?
Yes, Tarpon Springs has a charming downtown area and is worth visiting. It’s known for its historic streets, unique shops, and a variety of restaurants. You can explore this downtown district, often referred to as the Sponge Docks area, to experience a blend of Greek culture, local history, and waterfront attractions.
✅ Is Tarpon Springs safe?
Tarpon Springs is generally considered a safe and peaceful city. Like any community, it’s essential to exercise common-sense safety practices, but the city is known for its friendly atmosphere, making it a safe place to live and visit.
✅ Does Tarpon Springs have a beach?
Tarpon Springs doesn’t have its own beach, but it’s located near the Gulf of Mexico, where you can find several beautiful beaches. Nearby destinations like Howard Park, Sunset Beach, and Fred Howard Park offer great beach experiences, and they’re just a short drive from Tarpon Springs.
✅ Does the Jolley Trolley go to Tarpon Springs?
Yes, the Jolley Trolley offers service to Tarpon Springs. It’s a convenient way to explore the area, including the famous Sponge Docks and other attractions. The trolley is a popular choice for getting around and experiencing Tarpon Springs and its surroundings.
Final Thoughts: Is Tarpon Springs Worth Visiting?
Tarpon Springs is an absolute must-visit for families. As a local (and enthusiast), I can attest to its appeal and know Tarpon Springs is worth visiting!
This city boasts a rich Greek heritage, where the Sponge Docks immerse you in Mediterranean culture and delicious Greek cuisine. Nature lovers can enjoy pristine beaches at Fred Howard Park and Wall Springs Park, along with kayaking on the Anclote River.
History buffs will appreciate the St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Cathedral and its annual Epiphany celebration. The Jolley Trolley offers an easy way to explore it all. Tarpon Springs welcomes families with its diverse activities, making it an unforgettable getaway.
Maybe we will see you there!
