Best things to do in Tarpon Springs

Visit Tarpon Springs Sponge Docks, one of the world's leading natural sponge markets. Since 1890, the sponge harvesting industry had been developing in this small seaside resort. Divers from Greece were brought to the United States, and they would use diving equipment to collect these aquatic animals and prepare them for sale. At the beginning of the 20th century, the resort became known as the Sponge Capital of the World. Today, you can learn about the sponge harvesting industry at the site, hear about its history, and buy sponges to use for bathing, decorating, and cleaning.

Enjoy the white sandy beaches of Fred Howard Park, which encompasses 63 hectares (155 acres) of land along the Gulf of Mexico. This park, which opened in 1966 and is visited by upwards of 2 million visitors per year, is a relaxing place to swim, walk, or fish and explore rare Florida habitats and wildlife. Watch an eagle or osprey nest, spot a dolphin or manatee in the water, or look for the endangered gopher tortoise.

St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Cathedral is a Greek Orthodox parish and center for Greek-American life in Tarpon Springs, Florida. Its noted Neo-Byzantine church is located at 36 North Pinellas Avenue.
St. Nicholas hosts an annual Epiphany celebration on January 6, in which Greek Orthodox boys aged 16 to 18 dive into Spring Bayou to retrieve a white wooden cross, said to bring the finder blessings for the year. It is the largest such event in the Western Hemisphere, with thousands in attendance. A statue of an epiphany diver is located in front of the church.

Located in Historic Downtown Tarpon Springs, the Replay Amusement Museum is a trip down memory lane for adults and an learning experience for kids that is both fun and exciting! The Replay Museum is a place to remember and a must-see experience for anyone in the Tampa Bay area.

Our All-Day Passes rates are:

$13 plus tax for adults (ages 13 and up);

$7 plus tax for children ages 7 through 12 (with an adult); and

Free admission for children ages 6 and under (with an adult).

With 6 km (4 mi) of white sand beach along the Gulf of Mexico, Honeymoon Island State Park offers a wealth of opportunities for exploring Florida's barrier islands. Rich in biological diversity, the park is home to many rare and threatened Florida organisms like the slash pine, armadillo, and tortoise. As you wander the park's trails through mangrove forests and across tidal flats, keep your eyes out for ospreys and other coastal birds. Be sure to bring your swim trunks to enjoy the clear, warm, shallow waters. You can access the island's treasures via a causeway from the mainland; it provides visitors with a concession stand and gift shop.

See Florida's animal species in their natural habitat at Ellie Schiller Homosassa Springs Wildlife State Park. After reaching the visitor center, you can take a scenic boat ride to the center of the park, or opt for a shorter tram ride. The park is dedicated to the preservation of local wildlife, including a variety of birds and smaller animals, as well as bears, deer, otters, alligators, and crocodiles. It is also the center of the renowned manatee preservation program, and these gentle giants are the park’s star residents. See the manatees up close thanks to the underwater observatory. On warm days, you can pet and feed the manatees, but on cold days they stay submerged to preserve their heat.

Meet manatees and other creatures calling Crystal River their residence on a guided tour, conducted by informative and helpful guides who can take you to places where you can swim and interact with the marine life. Next to these and other marine species--such as dolphins and sea turtles--you may catch a glimpse of pelicans, great blue herons, and more wading birds. Don't forget to bring swimsuits and towels on board--snorkel gear, life jackets, and swim "noodles" are available on the boat. Most tours cater to small groups of maximum six people and last between two and four hours. Children are welcome to come along under parental supervision.

The award-winning Brooker Creek Preserve Environmental Education Center lies within Pinellas County’s largest natural area, Brooker Creek Preserve, and is part of Parks and Conservation Resources. The Center supports the applied management and ecological monitoring objectives of the division through educational programming and volunteerism.

The Center provides a window into natural Florida through interpretive programs and hikes, educational instruction, exhibits and public outreach activities, presentations and workshops, and other events. Residents and visitors alike who are curious to learn more about the Preserve and its history can experience, discover and better understand the connections between people and the land through Center offerings.