10 Best Things to do in Tarpon Springs

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Looking for Things to do in Tarpon Springs? Visitors miss a lot of the local attractions because they aren't on the 'main drag'. Be sure to catch all of our local treasures. It's hard to limit them to 10 but here are some you'll want to try to see. Don't miss some of our Tarpon Springs Breweries, Distilleries, and Wine Bars. 

1) Tarpon Springs Sponge Docks

Of course, you have to visit the Sponge Docks while in Tarpon Springs. All aspects of the sponge industry are available to view in Tarpon Springs, from the harvesting to the sale of the sponges. In addition to seeing the history of sponge harvesting, visitors can experience the Greek influence. Greek restaurants and shops are scattered throughout the area. Seafood, Greek salads, and pastries are particularly popular.

Tarpon Springs Sponge Diver

2) Saint Michael's Shrine

Located at 113 Hope St., Saint Michael's Shrine is a place where many have reported miracles taking place since its construction in 1940. It was built to fulfill the promise made to Archangel Michael by Goldie Parr if her 11-year-old brother was healed. Many people visit the Shrine to pray and light candles. You can find the history of the shrine here THE SHRINE OF SAINT MICHAEL TAXIARCHIS

St Michaels Shrine

3) Saint Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church

Since 1907 Saint Nicholas Greek Orthodox Cathedral has been a beacon and witness of the message of Christ to all persons, through Divine Worship, preaching, teaching, and living the Orthodox Christian faith. The present-day Cathedral was completed in 1943, an example of Neo-Byzantine architecture, and was modeled after Saint Sophia Cathedral (Hagia Sophia) in modern-day Istanbul. https://stnicholastarpon.org/

St Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church

4) Safford House Museum

One of Tarpon Spring's best-kept secrets is the 1883 Safford House Museum. The Safford House has been restored to its original Victorian splendor & is open to the public. The Safford Residence is listed on the National Register of Historic Places & is owned & operated by the City of Tarpon Springs as a museum.
23 Parkin Court, Tarpon Springs, FL | Check out: TarponArts.org for more information.

Safford House Museum Tarpon Springs

5) Tarpon Springs Historic District

The Tarpon Springs Historic District is a U.S. historic district in Tarpon Springs, Florida. It is bounded by Read Street, Hibiscus Street, Orange Street, Levis Avenue, Lemon Street, and Spring Bayou, encompasses approximately 700 acres, and contains 145 historic buildings. The historic significance of the district focuses on Events, Architecture, Engineering, and the periods of significance include 1925-1949, 1900-1924, 1875-1899. On December 6, 1990, it was added to the U.S. National Register of Historic Places. http://tarponspringsareahistoricalsociety.org/
Tarpon Springs Historic District

6) Anclote Key Lighthouse

In 1887 the Anclote Key Lighthouse was built on the southern end of Anclote Key.  The Lighthouse is a skeletal tower similar to Cape San Blas Lighthouse.  The lighthouse was refurbished in 2003 and is a working lighthouse. You can read about the history of the lighthouse here https://www.lighthousefriends.com/

If you'd like to get up close and personal with the Lighthouse you can see it on Spongeorama's Cruise Lines, Tarpon Springs Dolphin Cruise

Anclote Key Lighthouse

7) The Sponge Exchange

The Sponge Exchange, now a collection of shops, was originally where the sponge divers would bring their sponges to be sold via auctions.Tarpon Springs Sponge Exchange

 

8) City Hall

Built in 1915, the Old Tarpon Springs City Hall is a historic site in Tarpon Springs, Florida. It is located at 101 South Pinellas Avenue. On August 10, 1990, it was added to the U.S. National Register of Historic Places. It was designed by renowned architect Ernest Ivey Cook in the neoclassical style.

Tarpon Springs City Hall

By Ebyabe - Own work, CC BY 2.5, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=2912225

9) Sunset Beach

Located at the west end of Gulf Road, Sunset Beach Park is a favorite with both locals and visitors for picnics, swimming, and boat launching. This is the perfect beach to go to if you want to escape the crowds. Built in 1926, the Sunset Beach causeway enhanced one of the city's favorite recreational areas, making this beach park possible. A great place for spectacular sunsets into the Gulf of Mexico. There is also a free monthly concert series, typically scheduled around the full moon. There are barbecue grills, sheltered picnic tables, a concession stand, and public restrooms. More info on Tarpon Springs Beaches

Sunset Beach Tarpon Springs

 

10) Craig Park

Craig park, maintained by the City of Tarpon Springs, It's a great place for a stroll around the bayou. You may spot some dolphin or manatee in that bayous. There's a place to launch a boat or kayak, restrooms, lighted tennis courts, a playground, and a bandshell. Several events are held each year including the famous Diving for the Cross on epiphany, every year on the 6th of January!

Craig Park

 

 

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