Tarpon Springs is the place to go if you’re into shopping, fishing, great food, or simply strolling the sidewalks to take in what life might be like in a small Greek fishing village. To do just that, head down to the docks…the famous Tarpon Spring’s Sponge Docks!
The Greek Influence
Best known for its Greek Heritage extending back to the 1880s when Greek sponge fisherman arrived to call the area home, the Sponge Docks are the main attraction in Tarpon Springs. The Docks stretch along the banks of the Anclote River from Alt Hwy 19 along Dodecanese Boulevard.
Once the heart of commerce which was dominated by the abundant live sponge population in the Gulf waters, the docks are only a shadow of what they were at the turn of the century. Today they are lined with cool shops and delicious restaurants to go with the relics of the sponge fishing industry. That’s not to say they still don’t harvest live sponges. They do, but not to the extent of days gone by. You can still see the working sponge fishing vessels parked along the riverbank. Nearly everywhere you go, someone is selling sponges. These aren’t the ones from the supermarket. These are right from the ocean in nearly every shape and size imaginable.
Adventure
Sponges aren’t the only sea life that draws people to Tarpon Springs. The docks are a port for deep-sea fishing charters into to the Gulf of Mexico. The family-owned Dolphin Deep Sea Fishing with their flagship, The Two Georges targets Snapper and Grouper, but Grunt and other smaller species are abundant. You’re sure to bring home a bountiful harvest, but even it luck is not on your side, a day at sea will wash all your problems away for a little while. And they even clean the fish for you upon request for a small fee. Fishing on the Gulf is always a great day!
Other adventures await if you don’t want to spend an entire day at sea. You can take a short excursion by charter on Spongeorama Cruise Lines to explore the Anclote River and maybe even spot a dolphin or manatee. Try Rock and Reef Charters to check out the local barrier islands where you can swim, snorkel or just stroll the sandy beaches of Anclote Key. If you prefer to stay a little closer shore, but still want to be on the water, River Wild Kayaking will take you on a tour along the banks of the Anclote River to learn about local ecosystems and wildlife.
There is no shortage of adventure from the Tarpon Springs Sponge Docks!
Leisure
If leisure is more your thing, a simple stroll up and down Dodecanese Boulevard is worth the trip by itself. You don’t have to buy anything to spend a great afternoon at the Sponge Docks. Since you’re there, nevertheless, it would be pointless not to try the authentic Greek cuisine. The bakeries are poison to anyone on a diet. They are simply irresistible. Fresh Baklava is everywhere. You’ve never had Spanakopita? It’s Fillo dough filled with spinach, feta, onion and egg. Yum!
For dining, there are many places to choose from. You can’t go wrong with a Greek Salad from Hellas. The Saganaki (flamed cheese) for an appetizer is a must! The pork-kabob entre is amazing! Even better, the atmosphere matches the food. Meanwhile, Mama’s is another hot spot that has been serving Greek specialties at the docks since 1978.
Whether it’s seafood or traditional Mediterranean fair you’re looking for, dining at the Sponge docks is not only a delight for your palette, but it’s a heck of a lot of fun!
Greek Festivals
Tarpon Springs has no shortage of festivals celebrating its Greek heritage. The year typically kicks off with the Epiphany Celebration in early January by the Greek Orthodox church. The Epiphany marks the end of the Christmas season and the beginning of the New Year. Tarpon Springs has one of the largest celebrations in the hemisphere. The highlight of the celebration is when teenage boys jump into the freezing cold water of the Spring Bayou after it is blessed by the archbishop. Their goal is to retrieve a wooden cross hurled into the bayou by the archbishop. The winner is believed to receive luck for the remainder of the year. However, all of those who jump consider it a rite of passage in the eyes of the church.
The OPA Palooza Greek Festival takes place in the spring where you can experience authentic Greek Cuisine, art, music and dancing. Additionally, other festivals are held along the docks throughout the year such as Greek Independence Day, Salsa Nights, a Wine Walk, and of course arts and crafts galore.
Visit the Tarpon Spring’s Sponge Docks
If you have nothing to do on a Sunday afternoon and you want to get out to enjoy the gorgeous Florida weather, there is no better place than at the Tarpon Springs Sponge Docks. Whether it’s culture you’re looking for, a good drink to cap off the weekend or great food, you can’t go wrong at the docks. It’s fun, romantic, and IT’S VERY GREEK!
Get Directions
Tarpon Springs is located on the northern Pinellas County coast just south of the Pasco County line. The Sponge Docks are off U.S Hwy Alt 19 just North of Palm Harbor. From St. Pete, travel north on U.S. Hwy 19 and follow the signs for the sponge docks one you get into Tarpon Springs. From Tampa, take SR 60 (Courtney Cambell Causeway) to US Hwy 19, then north to Tarpon Springs.
