Things To Do in Tarpon Springs!
THINGS TO DO IN TARPON SPRINGS, FL
Spring Bayou nicknamed the “Golden Crescent” due to the hue of the naturally brackish waters is home to more than just manatees, tarpon, and osprey; it has an abundant amount of history and rich culture around its bayous. During your clear kayaking tour, you will have the opportunity to encounter manatees and wildlife up close and through an incredible window into their world!
Manatees typically congregate in Spring Bayou during the winter months due to the temperature of the spring water maintaining a consistent 72 degrees; making it a manatee paradise filled with warmth and vegetation. Our eco-guides provide plenty of information and educational opportunities while enjoying your kayaking paddle through the bayous. After you’ve enjoyed our beautiful paddle through the Golden Crescent, we highly encourage our guests to explore all that Tarpon Springs has to offer.
It is a little-known fact that Tarpon Springs is the oldest city in Pinellas County, Fl or that it was originally settled by farmers and fishermen back in 1876. In fact, you can still take in the original wonders of Tarpon Springs; one of the historical mansions built in 1883 was home to the former Arizona governor, now named the Safford House Museum, it remains open today as a history museum. It is open Wednesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays to the public between 11am – 3pm.
Tarpon Springs is better known for the sponging industry that has attracted spongers, entrepreneurs, and tourists for many years. The sponging industry was firmly established in 1890 when the Cheney Sponge Company sold nearly 1 million dollars in sponges that year! The following years, divers from Greece were brought to Tarpon Springs and by 1905 there were over 500 Greek divers! Due to this influx of populations, there was a need for eating establishments the thus the Sponge Exchange was created in 1907 – now known as the Sponge Docks.
While the sponging industry slowed in the mid-1900’s due to blight, the 1980’s brought the discovery of new sponge bed and new growth to the sponging industry! Today, Tarpon Springs is back to being a leader in the world’s natural sponge market and the Sponge Docks remain a wonderful place to visit with authentic Greek cuisine and natural sponge shops. We personally recommend Hella’s Bakery & Restaurant for Greek dining and to satisfy your sweet tooth!
Finally, if you’re looking for a way to view more of the beautiful Florida wildlife, we recommend the Tarpon Springs Aquarium. With admission just $5.75 for children and $7.75 for adults, this a truly a local hidden gem with entertainment and learning opportunities for the entire family!
References:
https://spongedocks.net/tarpon-springs-history/
https://www.visitflorida.com/en-us/things-to-do/arts-history/tarpon-springs-history-greek-town-
florida.html
https://www.tarponspringschamber.org/history-of-tarpon-springs