City Profile: Tarpon Springs

By VISIT FLORIDA staff
Published: April 16, 2009
Last Updated On: March 10, 2011

Text Size A A A

Related Cities & Topics:

Downtowns & Small Towns

Tarpon Springs

Tarpon Springs' Greek heritage is seen throughout the city.

Tarpon Springs, named for the fish found in abundance off the Gulf coast, is the oldest city in Pinellas County. Located on the Gulf of Mexico, Tarpon Springs has 51 miles of waterfront and a charming downtown center that is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

Visitors to the downtown Historic District can stroll down brick streets while browsing in art galleries, antiques stores, and specialty shops housed in buildings dating from the late 1800's. The Tarpons Springs Performing Arts and Cultural Centers offer theater, art and historical exhibits, concerts, and other quality programs.

Tarpon Springs, known as the "sponge capital of the world," has a rich Mediterranean heritage stemming from Greek immigrants drawn to the area to continue their traditional trade of sponge diving.

Tarpon Springs, known as the "sponge capital of the world," has a rich Mediterranean heritage stemming from Greek immigrants drawn to the area to continue their traditional trade of sponge diving. Today, Tarpon Springs is a worldwide leader in the natural sponge market and the Sponge Docks have become a destination for tourists as well. Visitors can shop more than 100 stores and choose from numerous restaurants for their dining enjoyment. Activities include sponge diving exhibitions and a museum, a saltwater aquarium, cruises on the Anclote River, and deep-sea fishing.

The Epiphany Day celebration, held January 6 every year, draws visitors from around the world to observe this old Greek Orthodox rite. A highlight of this day-long event is the competition of young Greek Orthodox boys to retrieve a white cross tossed into the waters of Spring Bayou. The victor receives a blessing and a promise of good fortune for the coming year. Following the ceremony, the Sponge Docks play host to glendi, a festival featuring Greek food, music, and dancing.