“COVID-19” Travel Updates

LOCAL
Experiences

Day 6: Tarpon Springs & Shephards Night Out

Trip
Day 6: Tarpon Springs & Shephards Night Out

The picturesque Greek enclave Tarpon Springs is easily one of the best day-trips from Clearwater Beach, and it quite literally transports you to Greece without even having to set a foot on a plane!  

Grab breakfast and take the trolley to Tarpon Springs (9:30 – 11am)

Depending on how late it got last night, grab an easy breakfast in Clearwater Beach (why not revisit one of your faves so far?) Aim to be done by 11 to catch the Jolley Trolley Coastal Route direction Tarpon Springs. Sit back and enjoy the ride, you are in no hurry today. You might also get some local anecdotes from your driver along the way. Get off at Dodecanese Blvd and you have arrived!

Explore Tarpon Springs (11:30 – 2:30 pm)

Utterly charming, Tarpon Springs, or the Sponge Capital of the World as it is also known as, is steeped in history and is one of those places you can blissfully saunter around for hours just to take in the atmosphere. The air is salty and filled with gyros, fried smelts and baklava.

Stroll along the waterfront, pick up some unique Greek and Florida memorabilia, handmade soaps, spices and teas then familiarize yourself with natural sponges over at Spongeorama Sponge Factory/Museum. Watch the sponge divers unload their catch of the day, and don’t leave without picking up at least a few for yourself from the Sponge Docks. Or better yet, join a 45-minute sponge boat tour to see the divers at work up close.

For the more culturally inclined, the renowned Leepa-Rattner Museum of Art is a great choice, whereas over at the Tarpon Springs Heritage Museum you can discover more about Tarpon Springs’ blue and white history. And for the original arcade kids at heart, you could visit the Replay Museum (advance bookings required), home of the world’s biggest pinball machine and relive your childhood with games like Street Fighter or Ms. Pacman.

Enjoy a Greek Lunch on the docks (2:30 – 4pm)

Tarpon Springs prides itself on some of the best Greek food and baked goods outside of Greece and you can’t really go wrong with any of the restaurants along the docks, including authentic Mykonos, local favorite Mama’s Greek Cuisine and the iconic (albeit slightly touristy) Hellas. It’s vibrant and kitschy and oh-so Greek (cue My Big Fat Greek Wedding…). Tuck into lamb prepared anyway, broiled octopus and top it off with Tiramisu Martini or Baklava Coffee. Opa!

Take a Beverage Pit-Stop (4:15 – 6pm)

Jump on the trolley back south on Pinellas Ave. Time for a beverage pit-stop of your choice. Two Frogs Brewing Company and Tarpon Springs Castle Winery are conveniently located just a block apart! When you’re done, jump back on the trolley, in direction Clearwater Downtown.

Catch the ferry to Clearwater Beach Marina (6:30pm) 

*Booking in advance is required to secure your spot Check schedule HERE

Dodge the traffic by jumping on the ferry from Downtown to Clearwater Beach Marina! It takes about 10 minutes and offers beautiful vistas with great chances of sighting some dolphins.

Freshen up and order pizza delivery (7 – 9pm)

Head back to your accommodation to drop off your sponge and soap purchases and freshen up for the evening. Time to change up this week’s steady seafood-intake with some Italian for a change. Andiamo!

There are pizza places aplenty to choose from in CWB, depending on your school of crust, and most of them deliver as well. Perfect on a day like today when you feel like taking your time to get ready, and dine in on your balcony. We like the thin crust over at Roundabout Pizza

Shephards for the night (9 – end)

Check their calendar and reserve a table

Enjoy the rest of your night at Shephards Tiki Beach Bar with cool cocktails, tunes and a lively atmosphere.

Have Sun
Download Itinerary As PDF
madisonavenue
madisonavenue
14. January, 2021.
Relax a little Wonderful way to relax and enjoy the sun, surf and sand. The air is clean and fresh and people seem nice!
The Bis
The Bis
13. January, 2021.
Clearwater memories Super nice beach, I personally like to stay by Pier 60. Totally worth spending the day at the beach. Parking right at pier 60 by hour, or valet park at the hotels off Cornado (Hyatt, Springhill, and Residence Inn for less than $20 for day) You literally walk across to beach and Pier 60 area is right there. Many shops off the beach area that are worth browsing as well as local bars and restaurants Easy to get to , straight shot from Tampa airport, over the bridge and your there!
Nat C
Nat C
7. January, 2021.
Worth the parking wait What a gorgeous beach. Powder white sand. Plenty of space. Nice waves. Parking is a challenge. Parking is sporadic and hard to find.
Prizzis
Prizzis
7. January, 2021.
Endless beach An immense, wide beach where you can walk for hours or even days. It is lined with the dense row of big hotels, though.
Teresa K
Teresa K
4. January, 2021.
Clearwater Beach Beach was very nice. If you don’t have your own chairs you can rent some. There’s a lot of seagulls around . Be careful if you want to eat chips or anything they will surround you. Besides that you will be satisfied with the area.
Michael R
Michael R
3. January, 2021.
Very nice place First time here and i must say this is a very nice beach, i have no complaints and anyone planning to come to clearwater should definitely do so. I highly recommend ????
circlemfarms
circlemfarms
3. January, 2021.
Nice!! Simple review.. Crowded so show up early to park and get a spot.. But very worth at least a day or two of any vacation! Clean.. have to give Clearwater credit.. it was super clean!!
OKY M
OKY M
2. January, 2021.
Plage ???? tres belles ! La Plage est facile d’accès et très belle ! Le sable blanc magnifique! C est une grande plage idéale avec les enfants
Sandrinna8
Sandrinna8
1. January, 2021.
Clearwater beach review The sand is super soft it does not stick to the skin the water is very clear and cold the beach is very clean and organized.