Tarpon Springs Sponge Docks

Greek divers built the world's sponge capital here a century ago, and Tarpon Springs still has the highest percentage of Greek-Americans of any U.S. city — Dodecanese Boulevard is lined with working sponge boats, bakeries selling fresh baklava, and tavernas like Hellas grilling octopus. Browse natural-sponge shops, tour the little Spongeorama museum, or take a boat tour with a live sponge-diving demonstration in an old brass-helmet suit. It's about 45 minutes northwest of Tampa and pairs well with nearby Fred Howard Park beach.

Why our team sends guests here

Order a gyro and a slab of baklava at Hellas, then buy a real sea sponge for your kitchen — they last for years and beat any souvenir shirt.