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When most tourists visit Tarpon Springs, Florida, they skip the downtown and head straight for the Sponge Docks. It’s worth stopping for a quick stroll downtown and there are even a couple of decent beaches not too far away.

 

Tarpon Avenue

The heart of downtown runs along Tarpon Avenue between Pinellas and Safford Avenues. Along the street you’ll find some antique shops, restaurants, and local businesses.

Tarpon Avenue in Tarpon Springs, Florida
Tarpon Avenue
Tarpon Avenue in Tarpon Springs, Florida
Tarpon Avenue

 

Replay Museum

There are two museums on Tarpon Avenue and a few more in town. The Replay Museum has a large collection of pinball machines and antique video games. It’s more of an arcade than anything, with visitors allowed to play unlimited games for an entire day. Adult admission is US$14 (as of February 2024) with re-entry allowed throughout the day. The museum is open Wednesday to Sunday starting at 11am.

Replay Museum in Tarpon Springs, Florida
Replay Museum
Replay Museum in Tarpon Springs, Florida
Replay Museum

 

Historic Train Depot Museum

The other museum is the Historic Train Depot Museum run by the Tarpon Springs Area Historical Society. It gives visitors an overview of the city’s history and doubles as a welcome center. The building is open from 11am to 3pm every Wednesday to Saturday. Admission is free but donations are welcome (as of February 2024).

Historic Train Depot Museum in Tarpon Springs, Florida
Historic Train Depot Museum
Historic Train Depot Museum in Tarpon Springs, Florida
Historic Train Depot Museum

 

Tarpon Springs Cultural Center

The Tarpon Springs Cultural Center is a block south of Tarpon Avenue. The building served as the first city hall and was built in 1915. It’s open during theatre productions, exhibitions, and special events. Check the official website for the calendar of events.

Tarpon Springs Cultural Center in Tarpon Springs, Florida
Tarpon Springs Cultural Center

 

Tarpon Springs Heritage Museum

The Tarpon Springs Heritage Museum was closed during our visit on a Saturday. It’s located a few blocks west of downtown. Admission is US$5 (as of February 2024) and it’s open Monday through Friday from 10am to 4pm.

 

St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Cathedral

While the Sponge Docks might be the big draw to see “Greece in Florida”, the heart of Tarpon’s Greek community is St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Cathedral. The cathedral, built in 1943, is located on Pinellas Avenue just north of Tarpon Avenue. It’s the congregation’s second church, with the first one built in 1907.

St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Cathedral in Tarpon Springs, Florida
St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Cathedral

In the courtyard there’s a statue of a boy holding a cross, symbolizing the famous annual cross dive. It’s a Greek Orthodox tradition that takes place on Epiphany every year, and Tarpon Springs  holds one of the world’s largest Epiphany celebrations.

Cross diver statue at St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Cathedral in Tarpon Springs, Florida
Cross diver statue

The cathedral, modeled after Hagia Sophia in Constantinople, has a beautifully decorated interior. The altar was made of marble from Greece and weighs 60 tons.

St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Cathedral in Tarpon Springs, Florida
St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Cathedral
St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Cathedral in Tarpon Springs, Florida
St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Cathedral
Looking towards the entrance of St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Cathedral in Tarpon Springs, Florida
Looking towards the entrance
Dome of St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Cathedral in Tarpon Springs, Florida
Dome

There are several stained glass windows, painted icons, and three large chandeliers from Czechoslovakia.

Stained glass window at St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Cathedral in Tarpon Springs, Florida
Stained glass window
St. Luke at St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Cathedral in Tarpon Springs, Florida
St. Luke
Stained glass windows at St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Cathedral in Tarpon Springs, Florida
Stained glass windows
Icons at St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Cathedral in Tarpon Springs, Florida
Icons

 

Sunset Beach

If you’re looking for beaches, there are two decent ones in Tarpon Springs. First, Sunset Beach is a small park with crystal clear water. It’s popular with locals and entrance is free. No pets or alcohol are allowed.

Sunset Beach in Tarpon Springs, Florida
Sunset Beach
Sunset Beach in Tarpon Springs, Florida
Sunset Beach
Locals enjoying Sunset Beach in Tarpon Springs, Florida
Locals enjoying the beach
Sunset Beach in Tarpon Springs, Florida
Sunset Beach

 

Fred Howard Park

The other, more beautiful beach is at Fred Howard Park. A causeway connects the mainland to a small island where the beach is located. Parking is US$5 for the entire day (as of February 2024).

Fred Howard Park in Tarpon Springs, Florida
Fred Howard Park

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Owner of Paisadventure. World traveler. Chicago sports lover. Living in Colombia.

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