Tarpon Springs

The Mediterranean meets the South in Tarpon Springs, which is worth a trip from the nearby Treasure Bay Hotel & Marina.

Tarpon Springs, founded in 1882, is named for tarpon, a local fish. Greek immigrants started to come to the city in 1905 for the sponge diving and decided to stick around. Today, the Greek-influenced city celebrates the Greek Orthodox Epiphany ceremony every January 6th.

Tarpon Springs, the “Sponge capital of the world,” has many wonderful attractions, such as the Leepa-Ratner Museum of Art, the Tarpon Springs Cultural Center, the Brooker Creek Preserve, the Tarpon Springs Castle Winery, Sunset Beach and the Pinellas Trail. The city loves it festivals and tournaments, including the Peter T. Assimack Fishing Tournament, the Water Sports Carnival and Illuminations Parade, the Tarpon Springs Craft Festival, the Suncoast Chili Cook Off and the Fine Arts Festival. Locals and visitors are encouraged to shop and dine in the Sponge Docks area.