<div id="c3be0912bb716eee4ca644c1dfc4ecde4"></div>Just outside Tampa, sits Tarpon Springs. This adorable town is known for the Greek culture that has permeated the décor and food throughout the area. Located along the water, it’s the perfect destination for any couple looking for a laid-back date night or day date.
My husband and I went to Greece on our honeymoon and each time we visit Tarpon Springs, it takes us back. From the culture to the food, the short trip from Tampa makes it feel like we’ve gone across the globe again. Keep reading to learn how the Greek community grew into the area and how you can experience a day in Tarpon Springs. And you’ll hear about the best things to do in Tarpon Springs.
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Delve Into Tarpon Springs’ Greek Heritage
Tarpon Springs is known as the Sponge Capital of the World due to sponge beds in Tarpon Springs that were discovered in 1873. Greek immigrants in the area built the local sponge industry and were responsible for the creation of the sponge docks today thanks to an importer and exporter by the name of John Cheney.
While on a visit to Tarpon Springs, he noticed that the Gulf of Mexico resembled the Mediterranean and the peninsula of the area struck a resemblance to the Greek Isles. He saw an opportunity with the abundance of sponges and developed the sponge industry with the Greeks in mind.
But what’s so special about sponges? The ancient Greeks discovered the effective use of natural sponges and used them for cleaning, filtering water, and padding in helmets. Sponging began on the Dodecanese Islands in Greece, which is how Dodecanese Boulevard, the main street in Tarpon Springs, earned its name. Today, Dodecanese Boulevard is lined with little shops that sell the sponges that remain a part of Tarpon Spring’s past and present.
As for the name Tarpon Springs, it simply earned its name after the Tarpon fish, which can also be found in abundance in the waters.
Greek Cuisine and Seafood Delights
Traditional Greek Cuisine
While the charm of this town catches the attention of visitors, one of the biggest draws are the Tarpon Springs restaurants serving delicious eats. Greek restaurants can be found throughout Tarpon Springs so that you can get a taste of authentic dishes.
There is no shortages of places to indulge in true Greek cuisine. A local favorite (and our personal favorite) within Tarpon Springs is Hellas Restaurant, serving up classic Greek dishes like Moussaka, Pastitsio, and Spanikopita. From the ambiance to the mouthwatering authentic cuisine, we’re transported back to the Greek Isles each time we visit here.
After you eat, you have to check out Hella’s Bakery located next door. This sweet spot offers up classic Greek desserts and well-known baked goods like traditional baklava, along with homemade ice cream. While you might not have room after all that incredible Greek food, it’s worth grabbing something to take home.
Tip: the line for the bakery can get long (though it’s worth it), but if you are dining at Hella’s Restaurant, you can pick out your treats and have them added to your bill. Your server will box them up and bring them to your table saving you time from standing in line and giving you more time to wander the shops and sponge docks.
Fresh Seafood at Tarpon Springs
Because of the location, there is also excellent seafood in the area. Rusty Bellies is a Tarpon Springs staple and is located directly on the water, serving shrimp straight from the water. Outdoor seating overlooks the gulf where you’ll also find Rusty Bellies’ very own shrimping boats.
Their menu also boasts tons of other fresh seafood like gulf grouper, snapper, mussels, and salmon. It’s a popular spot but worth the wait. Whenever we go, we love grabbing a drink and sitting out in the Adirondack chairs that overlook the water while we wait.
Can’t get enough seafood? Check out our favorite seafood restaurants in Tampa Bay.
Sunset Tours and Marine Life
Boat Tours in Tarpon Springs
An excellent option for truly enjoying Tarpon Springs is to take a sunset or dolphin boat tour offered throughout the town. These tours allow you to take in the serene views of Tarpon Springs and its surroundings (and catching the sight of dolphins frolicking in the ocean is a fun bonus!).
For a more unique tour, the St. Nicholas III and VII are historic sponge diving boats that were added to the US National Register of Historic Places in 1990. Since 1924, the boat has been giving tours, educating people about the sponge docks and history of Tarpon Springs as it floats down the Anclote River. A diver in a traditional suit will demonstrate how sponge are retrieved and prepared to be sold.
Tarpon Springs Aquarium
Address: 1722 North Pinellas Ave, Tarpon Springs
Hours: Sunday-Saturday: 10 am-5 pmÂ
Tickets: $24.99 per person
If you’re truly interested in learning more about the marine life within Tarpon Springs, this city has its very own aquarium. Tarpon Springs Aquarium is home to local aquatic and reptilian life including live sharks.
This family-owned aquarium made its home in Tarpon Springs in 1990 and features thrilling shows and the chance to hold and pet a variety of animals (including snakes and gators). You can also get up close to animals that call Tarpon Springs home such as tarpon, rays, turtles, and more.
Exploring Dodecanese Boulevard and Outdoor Escapes
Shopping along Dodecanese
Strolling along brick streets where art galleries, clothing stores, antique galleries, and specialty shops exist in buildings built in the early 1800s gives a relaxed old-world feel.
Aside from the abundance of sponge shops, Tarpon Springs is also famous for their locally made soaps made from local olive oil and goat’s milk. Walking down Dodecanese, you’re met with an array of fresh, fruity, and floral scents. Each time I visit Tarpon Springs, it’s hard for me to come home without a few new soaps in tow.
There is also a small square at the center of town where you can check out more shops, hear live music, enjoy Greek beer and wine, and watch as local sponge shop owners prep sponges for sale.
Outdoor Spots to Explore
On a nice day, it’s worth checking out A.L. Anderson Park. Located just around the corner from Hella’s, it has shaded areas and trails that overlook Salmon Bay and Lake Tarpon. It’s a great spot to relax and digest from a good Greek meal. A.L. Anderson Park is dog friendly in case you have your furry friend in tow.
Sunset Beach is about a 10-minute drive from the main area of Tarpon Springs. The park has a sandy area to relax on and a swimming area with clean, shallow water. You can also catch the Sunset Beach Concert Series the first Thursday of every month from February-November. You can even park at Tarpon Springs High School and take a free courtesy shuttle over. Check out the full schedule of performances here.
Museums and Performing Arts
Tarpon Springs Performing Arts Center
Address: 324 Pine St., Tarpon Springs
Culturally minded couples can go a step further and visit the Tarpon Springs Performing Arts Center. Originally constructed as a school in 1925, today, the performing arts center features concerts, dance, opera and local theatre is offered throughout the year at the Performing Arts Center.
You can check their calendar online for upcoming events and performances.
Leeper-Rattner Center Museum of Art
Address: 600 E. Klosterman Rd., Tarpon Springs
Hours: Tuesday-Saturday: 10 am-5 pm, Sunday: 1 pm-5 pm
The Leeper-Rattner Center Museum of Art at St. Petersburg College recently acquired a majority of the collection from the former Gulf Coast Museum of Art. This Museum exhibits all types of art, a majority done by Florida artists. There are several galleries to wander through and special rotating exhibits during the year.
Admission is a suggested donation of $10 per person, an easy way to support the museum.
Other great ways to take in Tarpon Springs’ history are the variety of events held annually at the Tarpon Springs Cultural Center and local events like the Tarpon Springs Sponge Docks Craft Festival held in April.
All images by Brie Gorecki