Tarpon Springs: A Taste of Greece in Central Florida

Florida is a fun state to explore for both residents and visitors, with a seemingly endless choice of colorful small towns, scenic parks and gardens, award-winning beaches, and of course, recreational waterways in every imaginable form, both saltwater and fresh.

Tarpon Springs, on Florida’s Gulf Coast, is one community that has it all. As you will see further down in this article, there’s no other town like it in Florida, or anywhere else in North America. It’s been a popular stop for tourists for generations.

The 55-plus community where Kathy and I live sponsored a full-day bus trip to Tarpon Springs, providing a brief sampling of what this unique area has to offer. We have spent more than 15 years in Florida but somehow had never gotten around to visiting Tarpon Springs. Now we’re eager to go back and see more.

By the way, if you haven’t tried bus tours, they are a great way to go. On a bus tour, you can relax, make friends with other passengers, and not worry about the traffic. It’s no wonder bus tours are so popular with seniors.

About Tarpon Springs

What makes Tarpon Springs unique is its Greek heritage. Just 45 minutes north of St. Petersburg, Tarpon Springs has the highest percentage of Greek-Americans of any U.S. city. Without leaving Central Florida, Tarpon Springs gives you a chance to experience the great food and culture of Greece.

The Greeks first came to Tarpon Springs to work in the sponge industry, which dates back to the 1880s. The sponge industry boomed in the early 1900s, leading to an influx of sponge divers and their families from Greece. Even today, more than 10 percent of Tarpon Springs’ population is of Greek ancestry.

Visiting the Sponge Docks

Photo courtesy of Tarpon Springs Merchant Association

Tarpon Springs is nicknamed “the sponge capital of the world.” The industry isn’t nearly as large today as it once was, but there is still a thriving sponge-diving business that tourists can observe at the Sponge Docks, a section of the city that includes Greek and seafood restaurants and plenty of gift shops. Commercial fishing is also important in this section of the city.

While shopping in the Sponge Docks, don’t forget to buy some sponges. Unlike the synthetic sponges you buy in stores, these are natural sponges, harvested from nearby waters. Locals will be quick to point out that natural, organic sponges are the better choice since they are longer-lasting, contain no toxins, absorb odors better, and are well-suited for bathing and cleaning.

Two of the larger restaurants in the Sponge Docks are Hellas, a Greek restaurant with an adjoining bakery, and Rusty Bellies, a seafood restaurant. There are plenty of smaller cafes, bakeries, and ice cream shops to choose from as well.

Historic Downtown Tarpon Springs

St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Cathedral. Photo courtesy of Tarpon Springs Merchant Association

Within walking distance or a short trolley ride of the Sponge Docks is Tarpon Springs’ charming downtown district, which is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Downtown has brick streets, antique stores, and art galleries. It is also home to Saint Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church, built in 1943. Still an active house of worship, this cathedral has more than 60 stained-glass windows, four chandeliers, and a 60-ton altar of Greek marble.

Cutting through the middle of downtown Tarpon Springs is the Fred Marquis Pinellas Trail, one of Florida’s most popular multi-use trails, heavily used by bicyclists, walkers and skaters. If you’re feeling up to it, you can hop on your bike and ride to nearby Dunedin or further south all the way to St. Petersburg, a total trail length of more than 50 miles. (See This Retirement Life story about Florida’s bike trails).

A Water Wonderland

Photo by Audrey Poppelwell

Even by Florida standards, Tarpon Springs is especially blessed when it comes to recreational waterways. Located between the Gulf of Mexico and Lake Tarpon, Tarpon Springs is home to the Anclote River and several bayous. Whether your ideal day on the water involves fishing, boating, jet skiing, or kayaking, you will find Tarpon Springs a perfect spot.

A great way to enjoy the beautiful scenery along the river and in the Gulf of Mexico is to take one of the pontoon boat tours. We took Odyssey Cruises, which leaves daily from the Sponge Docks. The guides entertained us with local history and trivia, and pointed out exotic birds. Dolphins danced in the waters nearby. You will also admire the lushly landscaped waterfront mansions, the Anclote Key Lighthouse, and other sites of interest.

Tarpon Springs’ Beaches

The upper portion of Florida’s Gulf Coast, north of Clearwater, is not known for its beaches, but Tarpon Springs has two popular small beaches that are ideal for families due to their calm Gulf waters. The larger of the two is Fred Howard Park, at the end of causeway that juts out into the Gulf. Further south in Tarpon Springs is Sunset Beach. Both offer restrooms, playgrounds, and grills. They are popular spots for watching sunsets.

If you’re craving a larger Gulf beach experience, you don’t have to drive far. Honeymoon Island State Park is just 10 miles south and Clearwater Beach, frequently listed as one of the top beaches in the nation, is only 16 miles away. If you want to visit Clearwater Beach on a sunny weekend day, however, expect lots of traffic and a struggle to find a parking spot. For that reason, many choose to stay local and frequent Tarpon Springs’ own beaches.

Exploring Beyond Tarpon Springs

Those considering Tarpon Springs either for a visit or as a retirement destination will be pleased to discover the many interesting places to explore within a short drive of the city. Immediate south are two more charming small towns, Palm Harbor and Dunedin, each with its own personality. Palm Harbor is home to Innisbrook Resort & Golf Club, while Dunedin is known for its renovated and chic downtown district. Like Tarpon Springs is known for its Greek heritage, Dunedin has a distinctly Scottish tradition.

The upper Gulf Coast is a nature lover’s paradise. Two spots less than an hour north of Tarpon Springs that are worth adding to your Florida travel bucket list are Weeki  Wachee Springs State Park and Homosassa Springs. Weeki Wachee is famous for its live mermaid shows, but it also has a beautiful state park with natural springs, swimming and kayaking. Homosassa Springs is a popular spot for viewing manatees, who join other “snowbirds” to spend winters in Florida.

Tampa and St. Petersburg

For those considering a longer stay or retiring to Tarpon Springs, it’s nice to know you are so close to one of the state’s largest metro areas. Tampa and St. Petersburg are less than an hour away, offering top-notch healthcare, shopping, professional sports, and major attractions.

One easily accessible shopping destination seniors will enjoy is the Tampa Premium Outlets, a sprawling, upscale complex of shops in Wesley Chapel, just 45 minutes east of Tarpon Springs.  It is located in a trendy suburban area north of Tampa that is accessible without fighting heavier traffic closer to the city’s core.

Put Tarpon Springs on Your Bucket List

If you live or spend winters in Florida, or just come here occasionally as a tourist, put the greater Tarpon Springs area on your list of places to see. It’s a great example of the many “hidden gems” that await you when you start exploring this unique and diverse state.