Things To Do In Tarpon Springs

When it comes to finding activities for the family, Tarpon Springs is a city that has it all. Arts and cultural centers, historic downtown, and Sponge Docks are just the starts of an amazing journey. For fishermen, you are in a paradise. The abundance of fishing opportunities is the first name of the town after all. Regardless if you like to catch a challenging Silver King or Large Mouth Bass your possibilities are endless. If you love Mediterranean food you have arrived in your dreamland of great food. Some of the best Greek restaurants in the nation can be found in Tarpon Springs. For families traveling with children, this city has more entertainment than you can imagine. Pick your activities in Tarpon Springs from amazing museums to wonderful Tarpon Springs Splash Park. The fees for most places are very affordable or even free of charge. For exploring sea creatures, there is Tarpon Springs Aquarium. After visiting the Aquarium head to the Gulf of Mexico for some dolphin watching. The Little Toot Dolphin Adventures will take you for a close encounter with dolphins.

Sponge Docks Tarpon Springs

History of Sponge Industry in Tarpon Springs

The area currently known as Tarpon Springs was first occupied in 1876 by fishermen and farmers. In the early 1900s, they discovered vast natural sponge beds in the area. That attracted the Greek divers who started a booming sponge industry in Florida. At its highest point, the sponge industry has surpassed Florida’s main citrus industry.
Subsequently, the arrival of Greek divers led to the attraction of more Greek immigrants from their homeland to the area. Sponge Exchange was established for divers to display their bails of sponges to be auctioned. Eventually, the small Greek community expanded the business to many shops and restaurants. This resulted in the area flourishing as the vibrant town of Tarpon Springs. The sponge industry remains was the most influential factor in establishing this vibrant community.

The booming sponge business spread to the success of many other ventures in the area. Alongside the businesses, the cultural centers and museums became an important part of society. It is fair to say that without this industry perhaps there would be no Tarpon Springs as we know it.

Downtown Tarpon Springs

What to Expect in Downtown Tarpon Springs

Tarpon Springs’ charming downtown center is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Visitors to the Historic District can stroll along the unique brick streets.  Take your time browsing art galleries, antique stores, and specialty shops. Some of these shops are housed in buildings dating from the late 1800s. The Sponge Docks are only less than a mile away from downtown Tarpon Springs. There are many authentic Greek restaurants in both locations to greet hungry visitors. The food and service are superb extending the Greek hospitality to the guests.

New Shops in Downtown Tarpon Springs

The popularity of microbreweries reached the downtown area as well. In recent years, there has been a series of new restaurants and breweries opening in the area. The new breed of eateries and breweries is complementing the older restaurants. Spending a day in Downtown Tarpon Springs is a must for anyone visiting the area.

SilverKing Brewing Company – This wonderfully cozy brewery is located in the old firehouse/jailhouse building. Visitors can learn about the brewing process directly from owners. Amber Ale is one of the local’s favorite beers. Kick back and relax with nice craft beer and live music in SilverKing Brewing Company.

Two Frogs Brewing Company – This brewery opened in 2017 and soon became a popular hangout for locals and visitors alike. They have established themselves as serious master brewers in a short period of time. Two Frogs’ Tandem Pale Ale and Ganache Imperial Porter have won the silver medal as the best beers in the State.

Tarpon Springs Museums and Cultural Centers

Tarpon Springs Performing Arts Center

This is the center of what is happening in town. The programs cover many aspects including world-class theater, opera, concerts, dance, and more. The seating arrangement offers a comfortable experience. The tickets can be purchased in advance.

Leepa-Rattner Museum of Art

The museum is part of the Tarpon Springs campus of St Petersburg College. The Leepa-Rattner Museum of Art is located next to the library building, 600 Klosterman Road Tarpon Springs, Florida 34689. The museum has been made possible by a generous gift of paintings and sculptures by Allen Leepa in 1996. He was an abstract expressionist artist and the stepson of renowned modern art painter, Abraham Rattner. His mother Ester Gentle was a great painter and sculptor as well. The Leepa-Rattner Museum of Art houses permanent exhibits covering artworks from Rattner, Gentle, and Loopa. There are many changing exhibits that at times present works of well known artists like Pablo Picasso.

Beaches of Tarpon Springs

Tarpon Springs is situated on the beautiful coastlines of the Gulf of Mexico. The white sandy beaches are a few minutes’ walk or drive. This depends on where you are staying. There are also wonderful island beaches. These beaches are accessible with boats. There are also some great beaches in close proximity to Tarpon Springs. For example, the Anclote River Park is in Holiday Florida a short distance from Tarpon Springs. The followings are some of our favorite beaches in the Tarpon Springs area:

Fred Howard Park Tarpon Springs

This is a magnificent 155 acres of park with a great collection of amenities. Fred Howard Park is the most favored beach in the area by the locals and visitors. Near 2 million people are visiting this park every year. The preservation of some endangered Florida is one of the main missions of Fred Howard Park. They include mangrove estuaries, coastal scrubs, longleaf pine sandhill, and slash pine Flatwoods. The park also protects some of the threatened or endangered animals. They include gopher tortoises, fox squirrels, eagles as well as butterflies, and birds.

Fred Howard Park Amenities

The vast selection of amenities in the Fred Howard Park include:

  • (6) Restrooms
  • (9) Picnic Area
  • (2) Playgrounds
  • A ball field
  • Canoe and kayak launch area
  • Windsurfing area

Sunset Beach Tarpon Springs

This secluded uncrowded beach is located a ten-minute drive from downtown Tarpon Springs. The white sandy beach and shallow waters make Sunset beach a great place for children. Sunset Beach is small with a feel of a private beach. One word of advice, get there early to find parking as it is very limited. The amenities are less than the Fred Howard Park but sufficient:

  • BBQ Grills
  • Sheltered picnic areas
  • Restroom facilities
  • Concession Stands
  • Monthly free evening concert