Guide for Tarpon Springs
The Tarpon Springs Suites are nearby Innisbrook Golf and Spa Resort and Lake Tarpon, as well as the Tarpon Springs Sponge Docks where Greek culture abounds. Tarpon Springs is steeped with history with many sites on the National Register of Historic Places and local and cultural activities, including; its own Tarpon Springs Aquarium, Suncoast Primate Sanctuary, performing arts, museums, award winning art festivals, music festivals, micro breweries, a winery, great beaches and parks with boat ramps for boats of all sizes, as well as outdoor movie nights.
The Pinellas Trail is also just a few blocks away to go for a nice walk, jog or to ride a bike. The trail runs from Tarpon Springs to St. Pete allowing for an all day adventure with many shops and restaurants along the way.
For those who want to relax, or simply not worry about parking, take the Trolley. The Jolly Trolley offers a unique way to see the coastal towns from Tarpon Springs to St Pete with stops including the Clearwater Marine Aquarium and the top rated Clearwater Beach and St Pete Beaches. The passes are interchangeable; you can use your pass throughout Pinellas County on PSTA/Suncoast buses.
Tarpon Springs boasts multiple local gulf beaches. Fred Howard Park and Sunset Beach, both offering spectacular daily sunset viewing opportunities without the crowds and their own unique extracurricular activities.
There are a few ferry services located on the Sponge Docks that will take you to Anclote Key. This is a must see picture perfect island. Anclote Key Preserve State Park & Lighthouse was built in 1887. It stands on the southern end of the island and is still a working lighthouse today. Shelling the beach at Anclote Key is fabulous and never disappoints. It is quite common to see dolphins playing in the boat's wake, and if you are lucky you might catch a glimpse of sea turtles on your way to and from the stunning beach and waters of Anclote Key. There are many boat rental companies in the area. The opportunities of exploring beaches, inter-coastal islands, and sandbars are endless, not to mention inshore and offshore fishing possibilities.
CVS Pharmacy, Publix, Queen's Pizza and Starbucks and Walmart are all within an easy walk.
Beaches:
Tarpon Springs boasts multiple local gulf beaches. Fred Howard Park and Sunset Beach, both offering spectacular daily sunset viewing opportunities without the crowds and their own unique extracurricular activities.
There are a few ferry services located on the Sponge Docks that will take you yo Anclote Key. This is a must see picture perfect island. Anclote Key Preserve State Park & Lighthouse was built in 1887. It stands on the southern end of the island and is still a working lighthouse today. Shelling the beach at Anclote Key is fabulous and never disappoints. It is quite common to see dolphins playing in the boat's wake, and if you are lucky you might catch a glimpse of sea turtles on your way to and from the stunning beach and waters of Anclote Key. There are many boat rental companies in the area. The opportunities of exploring beaches, inter-coastal islands, and sandbars are endless, not to mention inshore and offshore fishing possibilities.
Clearwater Beach is on the Gulf of Mexico and is a quick easy drive no matter if you take the the scenic route or head that way via highway. It is approximately 20 miles from the property.
Biking:
The Fred Marquis Pinellas Trail (better known as the Pinellas Trail) spans about 40 miles and is just a few blocks away to go for a nice walk, jog or to ride a bike. The trail runs from Tarpon Springs to St. Pete allowing for an all day adventure with many shops and restaurants along the way.
Golf:
Innisbrook Golf and Spa Resort has not one, but four championship courses. Every year in March Innisbrook hosts the Valspar Championship. If it isn’t already, this should be a bucket list item for all golf enthusiasts.
Transportation:
The Tarpon Springs Suites location is perfect for using the many transportation options available. The Jolly Trolley and the Pinellas Suncoast Transit Authority offer routes to the beaches, malls and many local attractions, which includes transport to several local hot spots. Then of course we have many affordable taxis and taxi alternatives. We highly recommend using ride-sharing services Uber or Lyft.
Location:
The Tarpon Springs Suites location is perfect for using the many transportation options available. The Pinellas Suncoast Transit Authority offers routes to beaches, malls and many local attractions. The Trolley provides transport to several local hot spots. Then of course we have many affordable taxis and taxi alternatives. We highly recommend using ride-sharing services Uber or Lyft.
Trail:
The Fred Marquis Pinellas Trail (better known as the Pinellas Trail) spans about 40 miles and is just a few blocks away to go for a nice walk, jog or to ride a bike. The trail runs from Tarpon Springs to St. Pete allowing for an all day adventure with many shops and restaurants along the way.
Boating:
Tarpon Springs is the perfect destination for boating. If you plan to bring a boat or PWC there are 3 saltwater public boat ramps and one freshwater public boat ramp. For saltwater/Gulf access there is Sunset Beach, Anclote Park and Craig Park. Beware, Sunset Beach is tide dependent. Anderson Park has a boat ramp for access to Lake Tarpon for those that want freshwater access. Check online for fees and rules of each. There are also many boat rental companies in the area. Wave runners, kayaks, and canoes are available as well. The opportunities of exploring beaches, inter-coastal islands, and sandbars are endless, not to mention inshore and offshore fishing possibilities. The waters off of Tarpon Springs are pristine and crystal clear! Although gorgeous, this can't be said for many of the waterways south of Tarpon Springs. Charter fishing, scuba diving, and beach ferries are an option for those that want to be catered while enjoying a day on the water.
Fishing:
The saltwater and freshwater fishing are outstanding. Anglers can target largemouth bass in Lake Tarpon. Lake Tarpon is rated one of the Top 10 bass lakes in the state of Florida. Brackish and Gulf waters offer redfish, snook and trout. Lots of inshore, rocky areas hold sheepshead, mangrove snapper, grouper and cobia. Several inshore and offshore reefs as well as hard-bottom areas can offer grouper, spanish and king mackerel, snapper, sheepshead, jacks and more. During the right time of year you could even give a try at landing a tarpon. Fishing from the many fishing piers can be as good as fishing on a boat.
Lake Tarpon is rated one of the Top 10 bass freshwater lakes in the state of Florida. Highland Nature Park is a small park just a couple of blocks from the property that has a trail and boardwalk to Lake Tarpon. Anderson Park is about a mile away. This is a beautiful county park with boat ramp access to Lake Tarpon, dog park, and pavilions, trails much more.
Hiking:
Brooker Creek Preserve is approximately 8,700 acres, and the largest natural area in Pinellas County. The Preserve provides both a unique refuge for native flora and fauna, as well as an opportunity to explore the natural beauty of wild Florida. A complex of hiking and equestrian trails provide visitors an opportunity to explore the Preserve’s many ecosystems.
Fitness:
Planet Fitness, Anytime Fitness, LA Fitness, and YMCA locations are all within a short distance. There are several local gyms that provide crossfit training, yoga, beach yoga, water exercise, personal fitness coaching, running clubs and much more. For those that like to get fit outdoors, the Fred Marquis Pinellas Trail (better known as the Pinellas Trail) has work out stations in several locations including near the Tarpon Springs Water Park.
Tennis:
There are a few public tennis courts in Tarpon Springs. Craig Park and Riverside Park are both in great locations offering activities for the whole family.
Rainy Days:
For those rainy days take in a movie at the AMC theatre about a mile south on US19. Visit our local museums, check out the aquarium, shops and restaurants on the Sponge Docks. Rusty Bellies is a must for the best seafood and atmosphere. Stop by the local micro breweries for an adult treat. Shop at the many department stores and malls or pamper yourself with a massage.
Skiing:
Sorry no snow skiing available here, but you can water ski until you drop!
Tides: West Marine, local bait shops, newspapers and online resources are available to get the local tides. Our tides can definitely affect where and when to fish so be sure to be aware of the tides especially during the day leading up to and following the full moon.
Dog Parks:
Two dog parks are nearby. The Anderson Park Paw Playground and the Tarpon Springs Dog Park are less than a mile away. These parks offer activities for the whole family.
Tarpon Springs has many local activities including award winning art festivals, music festivals, micro breweries, a winery, as well as outdoor movie nights and much more.
Restaurant Recommendations:
We have most of the chain restaurants but if you are looking for local suggestions Tarpon Springs offers the best of the best of many types of cuisine. In fact, most restaurants are supplied from the commercial fishing boats found in the Sponge Docks.
-For authentic Greek food, Yanni's Seafood and Greek Cuisine on the Sponge Docks is our favorite. We recommend trying the grilled octopus. Mr. Souvlaki also has the very best flavors of Greece.
-If you are a seafood lover you must give Rusty Bellies a try. Don't worry they have plenty of great food for land lovers and vegans too, so go and enjoy the waterfront view then stroll the Sponge Docks!
-Looking for a good steakhouse? The answer is Cody's Original Steakhouse.
-Tarpon Turtle and Captain Jacks are great for those who enjoy American food, a cold beer, a very casual outdoor atmosphere, with a band in the background and of course sitting on the water’s edge is a bonus.
-Queen’s Pizza & Restaurant (right next door), and Jimmy’s Neighborhood Restaurant have by far, the best pizza, not to mention both have delicious Greek and American dishes.
-For delicious Italian, The Bistro is a must.
-Wanting to celebrate something special or planning a special date night? Currents Restaurant is the answer.
-Love to eat breakfast out? Our favorites are Johnny Grits and Toula’s Trailside Cafe.
Are Adult Drinking Establishments are your thing? We have plenty with many also serving fantastic food with live entertainment!
Here is a list in no particular order:
-Tarpon Tavern
-The Bridge Lounge (Karaoke)
-Whiskey Wings Sports Bar and Grill - Chicken wings, kitchen open late, cold draft beer and in walking distance.
-Johnnie’s Taphouse and Grill - For a fun night of live entertainment and rock and roll, watch for the band "Nation" to be playing here.
-For local breweries check out Unrefined Brewing Company, Silverking Brewing Co., Two Frogs Brewing Company, or Anclote Brew