フロリダ州ターポンスプリングス旅行ガイド:フロリダ州ターポンスプリングスでやるべき16のベストアクティビティ
So you want to know what are the best
things to do in Tarpon Springs, Florida? Great, you’re in the right place.
In this video we’re gonna discuss the top things to do in Tarpon Springs.
Number 16: Tarpon Springs Sponge Docks This waterfront area was once the heart
of Tarpon Springs’ sponge industry, with divers from Greek islands like the Dodecanese
bringing in thousands of natural sea sponges. Today, you can still see sponge boats and buy real
sea sponges in shops along Dodecanese Boulevard. The area has strong Greek roots,
and you’ll notice it in the many restaurants serving fresh Greek food, the
smell of baked goods from local bakeries, and the shops selling handmade soaps and crafts.
You can walk along the docks, watch the boats, or join a dolphin-watching cruise.
For more shopping, check out the Sponge Exchange nearby and browse over 30 stores
offering souvenirs, clothes, and local products. Number 15: Fred Howard Park
Spanning 155 acres (63 ha), Fred Howard Park is known for its mile-long road that
leads to a white-sand beach on the Gulf of Mexico. As you drive across the causeway, you’ll
see palm trees and calm, clear water, with dolphins sometimes swimming nearby.
The beach is a peaceful place to relax, swim, and play in the sand with your kids.
You can bring a kayak or canoe and use the launch area, or try windsurfing if you’re feeling active.
The park also has two playgrounds, nine picnic shelters, and shaded
trails that are nice for walking. Number 14: Tarpon Springs Historic District
To see the old side of the city, walk through the Tarpon Springs Historic District.
This 700-acre (280-ha) area has over 140 buildings that show what the
city looked like many years ago. As you walk along Tarpon Avenue and nearby
streets, you’ll see antique shops, art galleries, and old homes with unique architecture.
One building to look for is the Tarpon Springs Depot, a former train station from 1909 that now
holds exhibits on sponge diving and local history. The streets are easy to walk, so you
can take your time and enjoy the views. You’ll also spot signs sharing
stories from the city’s early days. Number 13: Saint Nicholas Greek Orthodox Cathedral
Built in 1943, Saint Nicholas Greek Orthodox Cathedral is one of the city’s important
religious and cultural landmarks. The church was designed in the
Neo-Byzantine style, using 60 tons of marble brought from Mt. Penteli in Athens.
Inside, you’ll see colorful icons painted by Greek artist George Saklaridis, along with 23
stained glass windows and three huge chandeliers. The paintings on the walls reflect
both older and newer Greek traditions. As you walk in, you’ll notice the peaceful
setting, with soft lighting and traditional Byzantine chants during services.
You can light a candle, sit quietly, or take pictures of the detailed
artwork and impressive interior. Number 12: Take a Cruise
A cruise is one of the best ways to see Tarpon Springs from the water.
You can take a sunset cruise from the Sponge Docks or ride with companies like Odyssey Cruises,
Parrotdise Express, or Dream Catcher Explorations. These tours often head to Anclote Key Preserve
State Park, where you’ll find quiet beaches and a lighthouse built in 1887.
If you’re interested in the area’s sponge diving history, you can take a
tour with the St. Nicholas Boat Line. During the ride, a guide shares
stories about sponge diving, and a diver in old-style gear goes into the water
to bring up a sponge for you to see up close. Number 11: Sunset Beach
Located close to Fred Howard Park, Sunset Beach is a smaller park by the Gulf
of Mexico where you can relax by the water. It has a white sandy beach, calm shallow
water for swimming, and tall palm trees that add to the peaceful feel.
You can use the picnic tables and grills under the shaded pavilions, or
just bring a blanket and enjoy the view. On the first Thursday of each month, there’s free
live music at the pavilion, usually around sunset. The park is also known for its clear evening
skies, making it a popular place to sit back and watch the sunset with someone special.
Number 10: A. L. Anderson Park You will find this wooded park
on the edge of Lake Tarpon, the largest freshwater lake in Pinellas County.
It has tall cypress trees, open green areas, and a boardwalk that stretches
478 feet (146 m) over the swamp. You can walk along the boardwalk to see
birds like herons and egrets or even spot alligators near the water.
The park sits on high ground, giving you wide views of the lake.
You can enjoy a peaceful walk under the trees, go jogging, or relax with a picnic.
There’s also space for boating and fishing if you want to spend time on the water.
Number 9: Leepa-Rattner Museum If you enjoy art, the Leepa-Rattner Museum at
St. Petersburg College is a good place to visit. It has a large collection of paintings,
sculptures, glass art, prints, and tapestries. Many of the works are by Abraham Rattner,
whose art makes up a big part of the museum. You’ll also see pieces by famous artists like
Pablo Picasso, Henry Moore, and Marc Chagall. Alongside the main collection, the
museum shows new exhibits featuring artists from Florida and the Gulf Coast.
As you walk through the galleries, you can take your time looking at each piece.
There are also simple workshops and classes, like drawing and watercolor painting.
By the way, check the links in the description for the ultimate guide on saving
money while traveling, plus recommended tour operators in Tarpon Springs.
Number 8: Saint Michael Shrine A visit to Saint Michael Shrine takes you to a
small chapel built by Maria Tsalickis after her son Steve was healed from a brain tumor.
In 1937, Maria brought a silver icon of Archangel Michael from the Monastery
of Taxiarchis Michael in Symi, Greece. After Steve fell into a coma, he asked
for the icon and told his mother that the Archangel wanted a shrine built.
Steve was cured the next day, and the chapel was completed in the early 1940s.
Since then, visitors have come to pray before the icon, linked to stories of healing.
You can also light a candle and spend a quiet moment in prayer.
Number 7: Tarpon Springs Aquarium and Animal Sanctuary
Founded in 1990, the Tarpon Springs Aquarium and Animal Sanctuary is where you can
see marine animals and land creatures up close. You can touch stingrays that swim right up
to you and even feed them shrimp by hand. There are shows all day, including
reptile encounters, scuba diver shows, and alligator demonstrations.
After the reptile show, you can hold a snake or a baby alligator.
There’s also a petting zoo with goats, ducks, bunnies, and a large gopher
tortoise that enjoys being petted. You can feed animals like turtles, young sharks,
and baby gators, making this place very hands-on for both kids and adults.
Number 6: Replay Museum At Replay Museum, you can play over 120 arcade
and pinball games without needing any coins. You’ll find old favorites like Donkey
Kong, Ms. Pac-Man, and Mortal Kombat, along with newer games based on shows
like The Walking Dead and Star Trek. The games are set up in a big open room,
with pinball machines on both sides. You will also get a wristband that lets you come
and go, so you can take breaks and return later. Replay doesn’t serve food, but it’s in downtown
Tarpon Springs where you can easily step out for a meal and come back to keep playing.
Number 5: Brooker Creek Preserve Brooker Creek Preserve, just 15 minutes
from Tarpon Springs, takes you into quiet pine flatwoods and wetlands with over
9,000 acres (3,640 ha) of protected land. You can walk peaceful trails like the 2-mile
(3.2-km) Friends Trail or start at the Education Center boardwalk, where signs along the path tell
you about the trees, animals, and water systems. The Bird Blind Trail leads to a small shelter
where you can watch birds near the creek. If you’re ready for muddy shoes, the Wilderness
Trail brings you deeper into wet forest areas. As you follow the paths, you’ll see tall
cypress trees, oak hammocks, and plants like cinnamon fern and wild vanilla.
Number 4: Tarpon Springs Splash Park When you need a place to cool off with your
family, head to Tarpon Springs Splash Park. You’ll find water slides, fountains,
sprinklers, and jets with fun sea-themed features like a sponge diver, manatee, and ray.
Kids can race each other down side-by-side slides, and there are smaller fountains for little
ones who don’t like water in their faces. The splash area is fully fenced, with shaded
benches around the edges so you can relax while keeping an eye on your children.
There’s also a playground, a dog park, and bathrooms just outside the splash pad,
plus a lightning warning light for safety. Number 3: Tarpon Springs Seafood Festival
Held every November, the Tarpon Springs Seafood Festival is one of the biggest events in the city.
It is a 3-day celebration filled with fresh seafood, live music, and family fun.
You’ll find vendors serving everything from crab cakes and shrimp po’boys
to lobster rolls and coconut shrimp. For kids, there’s a play area with
bouncy castles, games, and face painting. As you walk through the festival, you’ll hear
live bands playing island tunes, jazz, and blues. You will also see booths with handmade crafts,
sea-themed art, cooking tools, and fishing gear, giving you plenty to enjoy beyond the food.
Number 2: Craig Park This 4-acre (2-ha) park sits by Spring Bayou
in the heart of Tarpon Springs and gives you quiet views under big shady trees.
You can walk along the water, watch manatees in winter, or enjoy lunch during
festivals with food booths and live music. The park has a boat ramp, tennis courts
with lights, a playground, and picnic spots. There’s also a bandshell for shows and a small
museum with displays about the area’s Greek roots, Native American items, and local history.
You can sit by the water, fish, take a walk, or just relax while dolphins
and manatees swim nearby. Number 1: Visit a Brewery
Don’t leave Tarpon Springs without trying some of its best local breweries.
You can sip rotating seasonal beers at Brighter Days Brewing while enjoying
live music on the patio. At Sponge City Brewing, you’ll find
drinks inspired by the town’s sponge diving history and tasty snacks like
buffalo chicken sliders and waffle fries. Unrefined Brewing offers bold, unfiltered
beers and dartboards for some casual fun. Another option is Two Frogs Brewing, where you
can try creative flavors like the Flamingo Soup sour made with strawberry, coconut, and vanilla.
You can also head to Anclote Brew for a riverfront view, a beer flight, and grilled cheese
sandwiches that keep people coming back. Click here to watch this video.
This Tarpon Springs travel guide shares the best things to do in Tarpon Springs.
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How to travel more and visit your dream destinations without breaking the bank: https://travelmorepayless.com
Recommended Tours in Tarpon Springs:
2.5 Hour Kayaking with Manatee and History Tour in Tarpon Springs: https://www.viator.com/tours/Clearwater/3-Hour-Manatee-and-History-Tour/d22457-344588P5?pid=P00104625&mcid=42383&medium=link&medium_version=selector&campaign=yttj-TarponSprings
2 Hours Kayak Eco Tour in Tarpon Springs: https://www.viator.com/tours/Clearwater/Kayak-Eco-Tour/d22457-344588P1?pid=P00104625&mcid=42383&medium=link&medium_version=selector&campaign=yttj-TarponSprings
Tarpon Springs: Evening Dolphin Cruise: https://www.getyourguide.com/tarpon-springs-l176408/tarpon-springs-evening-dolphin-cruise-with-refreshments-t728341/?partner_id=QE3VGN2&utm_medium=online_publisher&cmp=yttj-TarponSprings
Tarpon Springs: Private Sunset Cruise with Refreshments: https://www.getyourguide.com/tarpon-springs-l176408/tarpon-springs-private-sunset-cruise-with-refreshments-t1004626/?partner_id=QE3VGN2&utm_medium=online_publisher&cmp=yttj-TarponSprings
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Welcome to Tarpon Springs, Florida, a charming coastal town on the Gulf of Mexico known for its deep Greek heritage, scenic sponge docks, and laid-back atmosphere. Located in Pinellas County, Tarpon Springs, Florida has a unique character built around its sponge-diving history and welcoming waterfront vibe, making it a favorite for visitors seeking a cultural and seaside escape.
Tarpon Springs, Florida is centered around the historic sponge docks, where small boats continue the storied tradition of harvesting natural sea sponges. Walking along the docks in Tarpon Springs, Florida, you’ll find sponge shops, boat tours, and Greek cafés with outdoor seating offering authentic coastal views and fresh sea air.
One of the most iconic experiences in Tarpon Springs, Florida is a sponge boat cruise. These tours show how sponges are collected from the Gulf floor, and skippers often explain the history and techniques passed down through Greek families. It’s an educational and scenic adventure tied directly to Tarpon Springs, Florida’s cultural roots.
After a cruise, head into Tarpon Springs, Florida’s Greek district, where streets are lined with bakeries, olive oil shops, and tavernas serving spanakopita, moussaka, and fresh-baked baklava. Even casual pizza and gyro stands in Tarpon Springs, Florida reflect the town’s culinary traditions, with recipes passed down over generations.
The waterfront in Tarpon Springs, Florida isn’t just about sponges and food—it’s an atmosphere. The gentle scent of salty air, local fishermen bringing in fresh catch, and the chatter of families strolling by give the town a relaxed, friendly feel that feels like home.
Nature lovers visiting Tarpon Springs, Florida have plenty to do too. Nearby Fred Howard Park offers sugar-white sand, shaded picnic areas, and calm Gulf waters for swimming, paddleboarding, or spotting birds. In Tarpon Springs, Florida’s waterways, kayakers can glide under bridges while enjoying peaceful views and occasional wildlife.
For culture and history, the Tarpon Springs Sponge Museum and the Tarpon Springs Historical Society share stories of early Greek immigrants, marine life, and sponge trade—important chapters in the history of Tarpon Springs, Florida. Seasonal events like the Greek Festival celebrate traditions through music, dance, and local dishes.
Evenings in Tarpon Springs, Florida hold their own charm. Under string lights by the docks, riverside cafes and tavernas host live Greek music, laughter, and warm community spirit. Sunset over the Gulf in Tarpon Springs, Florida often paints the sky in golds and pinks, reflecting perfectly on the water and giving the town a peaceful close to the day.
Tarpon Springs, Florida brings together sandy shores, Greek heritage, and small‑town charm in a way few places can. Whether you’re sampling Mediterranean food, learning about sponge diving, or simply enjoying a waterfront stroll, Tarpon Springs, Florida invites you to experience the coast with heart and soul.
Keep watching to see the top things to do in Tarpon Springs, top attractions in Tarpon Springs, places to visit in Tarpon Springs and Florida travel guides.
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How to travel more and visit your dream destinations without breaking the bank: https://travelmorepayless.com // Recommended Tours in Tarpon Springs:
2.5 Hour Kayaking with Manatee and History Tour in Tarpon Springs: https://www.viator.com/tours/Clearwater/3-Hour-Manatee-and-History-Tour/d22457-344588P5?pid=P00104625&mcid=42383&medium=link&medium_version=selector&campaign=yttj-TarponSprings
2 Hours Kayak Eco Tour in Tarpon Springs: https://www.viator.com/tours/Clearwater/Kayak-Eco-Tour/d22457-344588P1?pid=P00104625&mcid=42383&medium=link&medium_version=selector&campaign=yttj-TarponSprings
Tarpon Springs: Evening Dolphin Cruise: https://www.getyourguide.com/tarpon-springs-l176408/tarpon-springs-evening-dolphin-cruise-with-refreshments-t728341/?partner_id=QE3VGN2&utm_medium=online_publisher&cmp=yttj-TarponSprings
Tarpon Springs: Private Sunset Cruise with Refreshments: https://www.getyourguide.com/tarpon-springs-l176408/tarpon-springs-private-sunset-cruise-with-refreshments-t1004626/?partner_id=QE3VGN2&utm_medium=online_publisher&cmp=yttj-TarponSprings