Tarpon Springs / Crystal River

Tarpon Springs, Located on the Gulf of Coast of Florida, is a charming town known for its strong Greek heritage, historic sponge diving industry and picturesque waterfront. Often referred to as the “Sponge Capital of the World”, Tarpon Springs has a rich history entered around sponge diving, which was brought to the area by Greek Immigrants.

The heart of the town is the Sponge Docks, a bustling area lined with shops, restaurants, and museums that celebrate the town’s unique heritage. Here, visitors can watch sponge divers at work, browse for natural sponges and other souvenirs, and learn about the sponge industry.

The town’s Greek influence is evident in its vibrant culture, especially in the delicious cuisines. Numerous Greek restaurants and bakeries offer authentic dishes such as moussaka, souvlaki, baklava, and freshly caught seafood.

In addition to its cultural attractions, Tarpon Springs boasts beautiful natural scenery. The anclote river, which runs through the town, provides opportunities for boating, fishing, and kayaking. Nearby, the Fred Howard Park and Sunset beach offer pristine sandy shores and picturesque sports for swimming, picnicking, and watching the sunset.

Crystal River is a captivating destination known for its natural springs, rich wildlife and relaxed atmosphere. At the heart of the Crystal River is the renowned Crystal River Springs, a collection of over 30 freshwater springs that feed into Crystal River. The springs maintain a temperature of 72 degrees year-round which makes them an inviting spot for swimming and snorkeling. One of the most famous attractions is to swim with the manatees. During the winter months, these gentle giants migrate to the warm springs, and visitors can take guided tours to see and interact with them in their natural habitat. Three sisters springs and Homosassa springs wildlife state park are also popular for their beautiful springs and opportunities to see native wildlife.