What to do and see in Tarpon Springs, Florida (FL): The Best Free Things to do

January 28, 2022 Viva Honore

Greek dancing for all.
Restaurants in Tarpon Springs

1. St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Cathedral

36 N Pinellas Ave, Tarpon Springs, FL 34689-3449 +1 727-937-3540 http://www.stnicholastarpon.org/
Excellent
80%
Good
19%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 245 reviews

St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Cathedral

St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Cathedral was founded in 1905 and is the first and original Greek Orthodox Christian parish of the Tampa-St. Petersburg area. The present Cathedral was completed during WWII, in 1943. Much of the interior marble, including the iconostasis (icon screen), is from the Greek pavilion of the 1939 World's Fair in New York City. The Cathedral contains actual relics of St. Nicholas of Myra and is a point of pilgrimage for those who seek the intercessions of this most beloved of Christian saints. The Cathedral tower is the tallest architectural structure in Tarpon Springs and serves as the heart of the downtown and city. In the plaza to the north of the Cathedral is the famous "Cross Diver" statue which captures the pinnacle of the annual Epiphany Day (January 6) celebration for which the St. Nicholas Cathedral parish is known the world over. At the base of the statue are the names of young men - Orthodox Christian and non-Orthodox Christian - who made the supreme sacrifice during World War II.

Reviewed By DeanMurphy2020 - Orlando, United States

This Neo-Byzantine architectural style Greek Orthodox cathedral is TripAdvisor reviewer #1 rated Tarpon Springs attraction, for good reason. It is the center of Tarpon Springs Greek culture. St. Nicholas hosts an annual Epiphany celebration each January 6, when Greek Orthodox boys aged 16–18 dive into Spring Bayou to retrieve a white wooden cross, said to bring good luck to the finder. It is the Western Hemisphere’s largest such event. A statue of an epiphany diver is in front of the church. The domed main building was completed in 1943 modeled in part on Hagia Sophia (an astounding architectural marvel originally constructed 1,500 years ago as a Christian basilica) in Istanbul, which features Byzantine and Gothic Revival architectural styles. The 23 stained glass windows adorning the dome like a crown depict episodes in the life of Jesus and the saints. The dome’s three enormous chandeliers were imported from what was Czechoslovakia. The incomparable 60-ton altar is made of Pentelic marble imported from Greece, and was part of a Greek exhibit in the 1939 New York World’s Fair. Mount Pentelicus or Pentelikon (Greek: Πεντέλη, Πεντελικόν or Πεντελικό Όρος) is a mountain situated between Athens and Marathon. The cathedral was closed when I visited in early June. Viewing Internet photos of the interior caused me to plan another tour of Tarpon Springs next year. There are, however, many interesting features surrounding the structures. A member of the congregation imparted much information about the history of this magnificent cathedral.

2. Miss Merrie's Sweets and Treats

834 Dodecanese Blvd, Tarpon Springs, FL 34689-3134 +1 727-938-9743 http://www.missmerriessweetsandtreats.com
Excellent
81%
Good
19%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 21 reviews

Miss Merrie's Sweets and Treats

Miss Merrie's Sweets & Treats has been in business for the past 13 years. We did move to our new location at 834 Dodecanese Blvd, last August and are open for business 7 days a week. Our hours are 10:30am - 6:00pm Monday through Saturday and 11:00am - 6:00pm on Sunday. We offer a wide variety of Gourmet Chocolates, 52 Flavors of Salt Water Taffy, Licorice from all around the world, Kids Candy, Toffee, Truffles, Gummies, Rock Candy, Old Fashioned Candies and a large Sugar Free Section. We also have specialty Soda's and a large selection of Alligator Bob's Meat Sticks and Jerky.

Reviewed By kuddes01 - Lexington, United States

They have so much candy. We bought plenty. They have a huge assortment of salt water taffy. We love stopping in here when we are in town.

3. Londono Art Studio

1052 N Pinellas Ave, Tarpon Springs, FL 34689-3352 +1 727-937-0981 [email protected] http://www.londonoartstudio.com
Excellent
100%
Good
0%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 10 reviews

Londono Art Studio

Hello and welcome to Londono Art Studio, a one woman business dedicated to creating a line of eclectic wall art and custom designs. All products are individually designed and handcrafted in my shop in Tarpon Springs, FL. I am proud to offer the highest quality, most unique merchandise on the market today. I put lots of love, good vibes and careful attention in each handmade item. I hope you enjoy my work as much as I enjoy bringing it to you!

4. The Spice & Tea Exchange

824 Dodecanese Blvd, Tarpon Springs, FL 34689-3134 +1 727-937-8012 http://www.spiceandtea.com/tarponsprings
Excellent
77%
Good
23%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 13 reviews

The Spice & Tea Exchange

Reviewed By D2191JTdaves

What a wonderful retail store in Tarpon Springs at the sponge docks. The tea selection is second to none. Loved the new iced tea mixes! The Backwood Hickory Rub and Crazy chicken Spice Blend are my favorite meat seasoning. The staff are very knowledgeable and will help you with any questions or suggestions.

5. Tarpon Springs Sponge Docks

735 Dodecanese Blvd, Tarpon Springs, FL 34689 +1 727-938-6898 [email protected] http://spongedocks.net
Excellent
49%
Good
35%
Satisfactory
12%
Poor
2%
Terrible
2%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 2,826 reviews

Tarpon Springs Sponge Docks

The Sponge Industry helped build a Greek Community that is now famous not only for the worlds finest sponges, but for some of the finest Greek Restaurants, Markets, and Bakeries in the Country.

Reviewed By DeLureC

I have taken so many family members and friends to visit the sponge capital of the world and Greek center of Florida, Tarpon Springs. Located in northern Pinellas County on the gulf, the sponge docks area of the city is full of great Greek food, darling shops with sponges, soaps and other collectibles, dolphin sight seeing boat rides, a cute aquarium for families with young children, an exquisite Greek Orthodox Church and more. It’s fun for all ages and we never tire of our visits there!

6. Sunset Beach

1800 Gulf Rd, Tarpon Springs, FL 34689
Excellent
57%
Good
31%
Satisfactory
9%
Poor
2%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 617 reviews

Sunset Beach

Reviewed By Travel_the_world11 - Clive, United States

Stopped by while in the area. We were visiting Howard park when I noticed the peninsula type beach to the south and drove here. It’s a beach with a gorgeous view almost 360. On the small side, restrooms available.

7. Brooker Creek Preserve

3940 Keystone Rd, Tarpon Springs, FL 34688-7820 +1 727-453-6800 http://brookercreekpreserve.org
Excellent
67%
Good
24%
Satisfactory
8%
Poor
1%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 172 reviews

Brooker Creek Preserve

Brooker Creek Preserve is Pinellas County's largest natural area at nearly 8,500 acres. Boardwalks and trails (hiking and equestrian) are currently available for public use. Opens every day at 7:00 am and closes 30 minutes before sunset. The Brooker Creek Preserve Environmental Education, provides numerous interactive exhibits, nature store, and resource center. Open Wednesday from 9:00 am to 8:30 pm and Thursday - Sunday from 9:00 am to 4:00 pm (closed holidays).

Reviewed By 321alanz - Tampa, United States

This place is beautiful, peaceful and has numerous habitats with well marked hiking trails that brings the whole experience of nature to you. There are forested wetlands, pine flatwoods, oak groves and a Cypress swamp at least in the summer rainy months that actually has a current of flowing water towards Lake Tarpon. We have seen Alligators in this swamp before, but not this time. There is about 10 miles of well marked looping trails that you can spend many hours of walking time if your want to. There is also, an Environmental Education Center onsite with restrooms, but on this Sunday, the center was closed until 11:00 am. A great place to get back with nature!

8. Court of Two Sisters

134 E Tarpon Ave, Tarpon Springs, FL 34689-3452 +1 727-934-9255 [email protected] http://courtoftwosistersfl.com
Excellent
71%
Good
14%
Satisfactory
7%
Poor
7%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 14 reviews

Court of Two Sisters

Court of Two Sisters is an antiques and collectibles shop located in historical downtown Tarpon Springs, Florida. We offer the largest selection of antiques in Tarpon Springs in a spacious and easy-to-browse atmosphere. The owner, Cindy, has watched the shop blossom into a local staple since 1996. Located on the second story is The Upper Court, specializing in fine furniture consignment. This 10,000 sq. ft. space houses a myriad of one-of-a-kind pieces. A real must see when in town!

Reviewed By DeanMurphy2020 - Orlando, United States

Upon entering, overwhelming memories of days—and decades—gone by flooded my mind. Tin lunch boxes, silver napkin rings, record players and albums! I felt young again. This an emporium consignment shop, meaning prices may be negotiable and the off-site owner doesn’t receive money until the item sells. It’s possible to enter a time warp while wondering through the narrow aisles crowded with… STUFF. Those narrow aisles and packed shelves caused the visually impaired person to leave much sooner than I had anticipated. A suggestion: Bring the grandchildren here and explain how things used to be, in the 1940s and ’50s. They’ll believe a time machine transported them to an era of rotary dial phones and gramophones.

9. A. L. Anderson Park

39699 U.S. Hwy. 19 N, Tarpon Springs, FL 34689 +1 727-582-2100 http://www.pinellascounty.org/park/01_Anderson.htm
Excellent
62%
Good
31%
Satisfactory
5%
Poor
1%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 135 reviews

A. L. Anderson Park

Reviewed By clpjr2000 - Ravenna, United States

The park is very well maintained from parking, pavilions, paths, tables and grounds. There is a walking path from pavilion one to the back end of park. Through trees and on a Boardwalk along lake. The are out cropings from path with tables to sit right by waters edge. Very peaceful walk with nice scenery. Great place to picnic also has a launch point for boats. I was able to spot four alligators in the lake on my visit. There is swings for kids and ample trash cans around to keep park clean. Not a long walking path maybe 1/2 mile at most so hiking is not happening here. This is a relax, see view, go for a stroll hang out and have picnic place. Does all that very well.

10. Whitcomb Bayou

Tarpon Springs, FL 34688
Excellent
70%
Good
28%
Satisfactory
2%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 43 reviews

Whitcomb Bayou

Reviewed By floridarerun - Tarpon Springs, United States

This magnificent body of water is where my canal leads to!!! Beautiful neighborhood, manatees, and dolphins, RIGHT THERE! Can't wait to call it FULL TIME!

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