Fresh Greek food, sponge boats, and centuries of history — Tarpon Springs is a day trip unlike anywhere else in Florida.
At the north end of Pinellas County, Tarpon Springs has the highest percentage of Greek Americans of any U.S. city — a legacy of the sponge-diving industry that made the town famous. The Sponge Docks are a lively, delicious slice of that heritage.
The Sponge Docks
Along Dodecanese Boulevard you'll find sponge boats, souvenir shops selling natural sponges, and the aroma of Greek cooking everywhere. Boat tours explain the history of sponge diving and sometimes include a live diving demonstration.
Eat like it's Athens
This is the place for authentic Greek food — spanakopita, gyros, fresh seafood, and honey-soaked pastries. Bakeries turn out baklava and loukoumades (Greek honey doughnuts) that are worth the drive on their own.
Beyond the docks
- Visit the historic St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Cathedral
- Explore the shops along the main street
- Take a scenic cruise on the Anclote River
- Nearby Fred Howard Park has a lovely Gulf beach
Plan your visit
- Come hungry and pace your pastry consumption
- Weekdays are quieter than weekends
- Combine it with a beach afternoon at Howard Park
- Bring cash for the smaller vendors
Tarpon Springs is proof that Pinellas contains multitudes. Opa!
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