If you’re looking for a fun and unique family day trip on Florida’s Gulf Coast, Tarpon Springs should definitely be on your list! Known as the “Sponge Capital of the World,” this charming town is rich in Greek culture, history, and waterfront charm.
We recently spent a day exploring Tarpon Springs and I’m excited to share our full family-friendly itinerary, fun facts about the places we visited, and tips for families planning their own visit.
Why Visit Tarpon Springs, FL?
Located about 30 minutes northwest of Clearwater, Tarpon Springs is famous for its historic sponge docks, authentic Greek restaurants, bakeries, and welcoming waterfront community. It’s the perfect blend of culture, history, and good eats — and great for a family day trip in Florida.
Our Tarpon Springs Day Trip Itinerary
1st Stop: Tarpon Springs Historic District
Our first stop was the Tarpon Springs Historic District, where we visited the breathtaking St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Cathedral.
Location: 36 N Pinellas Ave
Admission: Free (donations appreciated)
This stunning cathedral is an important part of the town’s Greek-American history. Inside, the architecture and intricate stained glass windows are absolutely beautiful. It’s a peaceful, culturally rich stop you shouldn’t miss.
Pro Tip: There’s free parking nearby — we found a spot with no problem on a weekday morning.
After the cathedral, we strolled around the Historic District and took photos by some of Tarpon Springs’ signature murals. These vibrant wall murals make great family photo ops and tell the story of the town’s sponge diving heritage.
2nd Stop: Coffee Break at Hella’s Bakery
You can’t visit Tarpon Springs without indulging in some Greek pastries — so we headed to the iconic Hella’s Bakery for a sweet mid-morning break.
What We Tried:
- Pedro had an espresso
- The girls and I had hot chocolate, red velvet cake, and an Oreo cookie panna cotta
Verdict: Everything was absolutely delicious! Hella’s is famous for its authentic Greek desserts, and their bakery display case alone is worth a visit.
3rd Stop: Self-Guided Walking Tour of the Sponge Docks
Next, we made our way to the historic Sponge Docks area for a self-guided walking tour. This is the heart of Tarpon Springs, where you’ll find docked sponge boats, family-run shops, and the fascinating history of sponge diving in the U.S.
Highlights:
- Statue of George Billiris (Athens St) — honoring a sponge industry pioneer
- Shops & Docks along Dodecanese Blvd & Athens St — perfect for souvenirs, soaps, and sponges
- Tarpon Springs Sponge Exchange (29 Dodecanese Blvd) — we loved watching their free short film about the town’s Greek sponge diving heritage.
Dinner at Hella’s Restaurant
After a day of exploring, we headed back to Hella’s Restaurant for dinner. Our waiter, Noah, was wonderful — friendly, helpful, and great with the kids.
Why We Loved It:
- Authentic Greek dishes
- Beautiful decor
- Free parking all day if you dine there
The food was excellent, and it was the perfect spot to wrap up our day in Tarpon Springs.
Optional Adventure: Boat Tours (Weather Permitting)
We had originally planned to take a boat tour but had to skip it because it was a chilly, windy afternoon. That said, if you visit on a nice day, it’s a great way to see the waterfront and learn more about sponge diving.
Options:
- Spongeorama’s Cruise — $12/person (near Spongeorama’s Museum)
- Tarpon Springs Sightseeing Cruise — $14/person (20 Dodecanese Blvd)
We’re definitely adding this to our list for next time!
Fun Facts About Tarpon Springs
- Tarpon Springs has the highest percentage of Greek-Americans of any city in the U.S.
- The sponge industry brought Greek divers to the area in the early 1900s.
- Natural sponges from Tarpon Springs were once some of the most valuable exports in Florida.
Tips for Families Visiting Tarpon Springs
- Arrive early to find free parking near the docks or in the Historic District.
- Bring cash for small shops and donations at St. Nicholas Cathedral.
- Plan for dessert at Hella’s Bakery — trust me on this one.
- If you’re traveling with young kids, the self-guided walking tour is an easy, stroller-friendly activity.
- Check the weather forecast if you want to take a boat tour.
Final Thoughts: A Great Florida Family Day Trip
We loved our day in Tarpon Springs — it’s such a unique destination full of history, culture, and small-town charm. Whether you’re craving Greek food, interested in maritime history, or just looking for a new place to explore as a family, it’s well worth the trip.
We’re already planning a return visit for that boat tour!
Have you been to Tarpon Springs? Or are you planning a trip? I’d love to hear about it in the comments!
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