Moseying Moose

Our visit to Tarpon Springs always lands us a big catch of flavors in a small town feel. The small town of Tarpon Springs, Florida is located just north of Tampa and St. Petersburg on the Gulf Coast on the mouth of the Anclote River. It’s name came from the giant Tarpon fish that would jump in the waters. Tarpon Springs was a prime location for wealthy visitors from the north looking for a winter retreat. The Victorian Era leaves its mark on the coastal town with the large Victorian style homes that still reside along the banks of Golden Crescent along the Spring Bayou.

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In the following years, it became popular for sponge diving in the warm Gulf waters. At the turn of the century, the community went from winter resort destination to sponge harvesting. Experienced Greek divers were brought into the town, using rubberized suits and special tank style helmets, they would harvest sponges and bring them back to the town. By the early 1900’s the town was bustling with Greek sponge divers.

Keeping with Greek traditions, food is always a focus of the day. The busy sponge docks needed to keep the divers nourished. Buyers created the “Sponge Exchange” in 1907, a market for divers to sell their underwater goods to tourist and locals. The area went booming with sponges. Word spread and the industry took the state by storm. Sponges now were the focus, beating out citrus and tourism. Tarpon Springs earned the title “Sponge capital of the world”. But as with most great things, they never last. A world wide sponge blight decimated much of the flourishing sponge beds in the 1940’s. Growth was slow, and harvesting was minimal. Tarpon Springs was nearly wiped off the map.

By the 1980’s though, the sponge industry recovered as new sponge beds were found. Today Tarpon Springs has regained it’s fire and is back to being a hot spot for sponge diving. The Greek life still fills the air at the docks, restaurants, small groceries, and music fill the streets and shops. You’ll even hear the occasional “OPA” being shouted out.

Tarpon Springs also has a fantastic historic downtown district. With shops, restaurants, and breweries all within walking distance, the downtown area keeps the small town feel and fun. Moose Tip: Stay at the Air BnB offerings on the ‘backstreets’ of the historic downtown area. You’re within walking distance of many great places to eat (just a few blocks) and the rates can’t be beat (think $130/night for a 2 bedroom 2 bath house!).

Looking for a great carry around bag? We are BIG fans of Osprey backpacks. We use them for luggage, day packs, and hiking. This day bag is perfect for quick trips into town, running to the park, or exploring a museum. Comfortable, organized, and durable. Check out our affiliate link below! As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases

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We love visiting Tarpon Springs all year round. Summer time brings fantastic weather for the beach and boating. Fall is still warm to enjoy beach and boating, but also begins to show signs of cooling off so outdoor activities are becoming more popular. Winter is what I wold call ‘peak’ season for most of this region. Weather stays temperate year round, so winters are mild and it’s really enjoyable to be outdoors. The water has cooled off, so just the…. brave…. keep with the beach. And spring is much like fall, but with the cooler waters.

So what’s there to do? Well I’m glad you asked. Tarpon Springs offers something for everyone.

Enjoy peace and quiet? Check out:

-Howard Park Beach (beach area or natural wooded area).

A public beach park encompassing over 150 acres! Fred Howard Park starts with a well maintained wooded park with multiple picnic shelters, restrooms, and playgrounds. Driving through leads you to the 1 mile causeway to the island like beach area. Bathrooms are good and offer a space to change if needed. When we went, the Gulf had seen a lot of weather and current churn, so seaweed and sea grass was prevalant on the beach. I’ve read that it’s sense been raked and makes for good shark tooth hunting now. Parking at this location is $6/day and is well worth it.

Summer can be brutal on the Gulf Coast of Florida. While we all enjoy our beach time, the sun really takes a toll on the skin. Always ensure you wear sunscreen, take frequent breaks in the shade, and stay hydrated! Here’s a link to our favorite sunscreen, Sun Bum, that our whole family uses. It’s available in a variety of SPF’s and doesn’t leaver your skin feeling oily and sticky. Just make sure you apply it 15 minutes before going out in the sun and reapply as needed! As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchase.

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-Sunset Beach.

Another beach (no real wooded area for this park) spot that offers great parking. Like Howard Park Beach, it’s put out on a causeway (you can see Fred Howard Park to the north less than a mile away), giving it great views around.

Both offer easy parking and great views of the Gulf Coast, a perfect spot to read a book while relaxing in the Florida sun or to catch those legendary sunsets.

More of an indoor relaxer? Stop by The Gilded Page bookshop, enjoy a coffee at Urban Grounds, or sit back and sip at Unrefined Brewing. All offer quiet and enjoyable places to read up on that book you bought a long time ago.

Wanting outdoor adventure? Check out the offerings of boat tours from the Sponge Docks. Fishing, sight seeing, sunset cruises, and wildlife viewing are just a few offerings you can find. Want more of a DIY? Many docks around the area offer boat rentals where you can have a boat ready to go available for you right at the pier. Just bring sunscreen, drinks, and food.

What about indoor adventure?

-Conworlds Emporium offers a wide selection of games (card, board, and more) in nearly any genre you can imagine. They host frequent game nights and attract a wide audience from young to old. Check ahead to see what they’re offering and enjoy a fun event!

-Replay Museum is an incredible collection of pinball machines and retro arcade games. You pay a daily price ($14/adult $8/kid 7-12 with paying adult as of May 2025) and play all day. You get a wrist band so you can come and go as you please through the day. This place is amazing as you will spend hours attempting to get the high score on your favorite game, NO QUARTERS NEEDED!

-Brush Tips Art Studio allows you to create your own art piece. They offer a wide selection of mediums, canvas and clay are common choices. Check ahead to see of they’re offering any classes!

Shopping is big for Tarpon Springs also. The docks offer a massive selection of classic seafarer options along with a wide selection of some touristy type goods (tshirs, ornaments, etc). Historic downtown offers a wide selections of goods also like boutique clothing stores, antique home goods, and even an eclectic Hedge Witch store!

No matter what you’re craving, Tarpon Springs can scratch that itch.

Now what about food? Aren’t the Greeks known for their food? Why yes, yes the are. A drive down Dodecanese Boulevard will have your mouth watering. The smell of pasticio, fresh baclava, Greek coffee, and hundreds of other tantalizing dishes will tempt everyone to want to ‘just peek in and see’ what they have cooking. Our personal favorite is Mykonos, right on the corner as you get to the docks. It’s family owned and feels like you’re sitting at YiaYia’s dining table. The dishes are comforting, traditional, and fresh. And they come with family portions. If you can leave having cleaned your plate here you’re a beast! Fancy a pastry and coffee? Stop by Hellas Bakery right down the road. Don’t forget to grab a few treats for the road also.

Craving something other then Greek? Head to Historic Downtown Tarpon Springs where you’ll find woodfired pizza at Back Draughts Pizza, traditional tavern pub food at Tarpon Tavern, and a great sports bar (food offered also) at Johnny’s Taphouse. Wanting breakfast? Toula’s is your place with pancakes, omletts, and a variety of other goodies. Need a pick me up? Stop in Urban Grounds for your java juice fix. The sweet tooth need attention? Orange Cycle Creamery offers up delicious hand scooped ice cream in a classic parlor style setting.

When we’re exploring around town, we always make sure to stay hydrated. Trying to keep environmentally friendly, we love our reusable water jugs. For me (Josh) I can put down some water, so I use a 64 oz water jug. This is my work and travel jug. It’s durable and keeps all my drinks COLD. Plus it’s got attachments for things like keys and a pouch for my fruit pouch snacks (no judgement). I’ve beat the fool out of this thing and it’s held together great! Pick one up for your next adventure, you won’t regret it. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

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Overall Tarpon Springs has something for everyone at a price families can enjoy. Have you ever been to this Gulf Coast gem? Share your stories down in the comment section below! Don’t forget to follow us on YouTube and Instagram for the latest in our travel adventures!