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