just minutes away...
Stroll down to Sunset Beach.
Sunset Beach is one the the best-kept secrets in Florida.
Take an early morning stroll down the end of the block then south along the Gulf of Mexico to the entrance of Sunset Beach. Walk out the short causeway and onto the sandy beach. You are surrounded by the gulf, the shorebirds, palm trees and the gentle sea breezes. During the day you can launch a boat, a windsurfing or kite sailing rig - or you can just relax and sunbathe or take a dip. Each evening folks gather to watch the sunset. In the summer there are free concerts.
This beautiful park is free! (free parking and boat-launching as well) If you want to swim or snorkel we recommend that you drive or bike a few blocks north to Fred Howard Park (see below)
Sunset Beach is one the the best-kept secrets in Florida.
Take an early morning stroll down the end of the block then south along the Gulf of Mexico to the entrance of Sunset Beach. Walk out the short causeway and onto the sandy beach. You are surrounded by the gulf, the shorebirds, palm trees and the gentle sea breezes. During the day you can launch a boat, a windsurfing or kite sailing rig - or you can just relax and sunbathe or take a dip. Each evening folks gather to watch the sunset. In the summer there are free concerts.
This beautiful park is free! (free parking and boat-launching as well) If you want to swim or snorkel we recommend that you drive or bike a few blocks north to Fred Howard Park (see below)
Fred Howard Park
Swim, windsurf or snorkel at Fred Howard Park.
This 155 acre park is located just a few blocks north of the house. Fred Howard provides access to the Gulf of Mexico by a 1-mile long causeway. The white sandy beach is great for kids. The park protects many important and disappearing Florida habitats. Many unusual animals and birds inhabit the park including gopher tortoises, armadillos, ibis and bald eagles.
Attention windsurfers - The north and south ends of the beach offer some of the best flat water windsurfing conditions in the state of Florida. There are also umbrella, kayak and boat rentals.
This 155 acre park is located just a few blocks north of the house. Fred Howard provides access to the Gulf of Mexico by a 1-mile long causeway. The white sandy beach is great for kids. The park protects many important and disappearing Florida habitats. Many unusual animals and birds inhabit the park including gopher tortoises, armadillos, ibis and bald eagles.
Attention windsurfers - The north and south ends of the beach offer some of the best flat water windsurfing conditions in the state of Florida. There are also umbrella, kayak and boat rentals.
Tarpon Springs Sponge Docks
Soak up the history of Tarpon Springs.
Steeped in history, this quaint town was founded in the 1880's as the first fashionable winter resort on Florida's Gulf Coast. Drive or bike around the bayous to see lovely examples of early Victorian architecture.
In the 1890's Greek immigrants arrived to harvest the area's abundant sponges. By the 1930's Tarpon's sponge fleet numbered more than 200 boats. Sponges are still gathered today much the same as they were 100 years ago.
Visit the cultural center, historic St. Nicholas Cathedral or witness a sponge harvesting demonstration at the world-famous sponge docks. There are also dozens of antique shops, Greek shops and many delightful Greek and seafood restaurants.
Steeped in history, this quaint town was founded in the 1880's as the first fashionable winter resort on Florida's Gulf Coast. Drive or bike around the bayous to see lovely examples of early Victorian architecture.
In the 1890's Greek immigrants arrived to harvest the area's abundant sponges. By the 1930's Tarpon's sponge fleet numbered more than 200 boats. Sponges are still gathered today much the same as they were 100 years ago.
Visit the cultural center, historic St. Nicholas Cathedral or witness a sponge harvesting demonstration at the world-famous sponge docks. There are also dozens of antique shops, Greek shops and many delightful Greek and seafood restaurants.
Sightseeing tour on the Anclote River
See manatees and dolphins on the Anclote River.
The Anclote River is a great place to see Florida wildlife. Several tour boats offer 90 minute environmental and adventure trips along the river to the Gulf of Mexico and Anclote Island, a pristine uninhabited barrier island. Experienced guides provide wildlife information. These trips are perfect for children and adults of all ages.
For the more adventuresome - a kayak is a great way to explore the Anclote River. Rent a kayak or charter a kayak fishing trip or an "eco-tour."
The Anclote River is a great place to see Florida wildlife. Several tour boats offer 90 minute environmental and adventure trips along the river to the Gulf of Mexico and Anclote Island, a pristine uninhabited barrier island. Experienced guides provide wildlife information. These trips are perfect for children and adults of all ages.
For the more adventuresome - a kayak is a great way to explore the Anclote River. Rent a kayak or charter a kayak fishing trip or an "eco-tour."
Biking the Pinellas Trail
Bike the Pinellas trail.
The Pinellas trail is one of Florida's premiere urban trails. Stretching from Tarpon Springs to St. Petersburg, the trail links parks, scenic coastal areas and residential neighborhoods. Bike, walk or skate on the smooth paved surfaces. Eight overpasses allow trail-goers to travel above traffic at busy intersections. Enjoy deep glades of ancient live oaks, quiet waterways and tidal streams with all varieties of land and water birds. Stop and have lunch in one of the restaurants along the trail. You can rent bikes at several places along the trail.
The Pinellas trail is one of Florida's premiere urban trails. Stretching from Tarpon Springs to St. Petersburg, the trail links parks, scenic coastal areas and residential neighborhoods. Bike, walk or skate on the smooth paved surfaces. Eight overpasses allow trail-goers to travel above traffic at busy intersections. Enjoy deep glades of ancient live oaks, quiet waterways and tidal streams with all varieties of land and water birds. Stop and have lunch in one of the restaurants along the trail. You can rent bikes at several places along the trail.
A round of golf at Innisbrook
Just three miles east - you can play golf where the PGA Tour players play. Innisbrook's four championship golf courses are laid out on over 600 acres of natural lakes, woodlands and hilly terrain unusual for Florida.
Probably the most well-known of Innisbrook's courses is Copperhead which is rated "Top 100 you can Play" in Golf Magazine. The Island course is believed by many to be tougher than the famed Copperhead and is rated "One of America's Top 50 Resort Courses" by Golf Digest. Each of these courses have their own clubhouse on property complete with pro shops and dining.
The Innisbrook Troon Golf Institute is a year-round series of comprehensive instructional programs offered for all levels of play, including a summer program for juniors.
Just three miles east - you can play golf where the PGA Tour players play. Innisbrook's four championship golf courses are laid out on over 600 acres of natural lakes, woodlands and hilly terrain unusual for Florida.
Probably the most well-known of Innisbrook's courses is Copperhead which is rated "Top 100 you can Play" in Golf Magazine. The Island course is believed by many to be tougher than the famed Copperhead and is rated "One of America's Top 50 Resort Courses" by Golf Digest. Each of these courses have their own clubhouse on property complete with pro shops and dining.
The Innisbrook Troon Golf Institute is a year-round series of comprehensive instructional programs offered for all levels of play, including a summer program for juniors.
Brooker Creek Wilderness Hiking
Step into Florida's "wildest place" at Brooker Creek Preserve.
This 8,500 acre wilderness area is just a few miles east of Tarpon Springs. The site supports a great diversity of plants and animals and offers one the the best wilderness hiking experiences in Florida. Hundreds of feet of elevated boardwalks allow the hiker to stroll across Brooker Creek.
Kids and adults will enjoy the 6,000 sq. ft. exhibit hall. The discovery-oriented exhibits highlight the ecology and the history of the region. One of the best ways to experience Brooker Creek is through the guided hike program.
admission is free.
This 8,500 acre wilderness area is just a few miles east of Tarpon Springs. The site supports a great diversity of plants and animals and offers one the the best wilderness hiking experiences in Florida. Hundreds of feet of elevated boardwalks allow the hiker to stroll across Brooker Creek.
Kids and adults will enjoy the 6,000 sq. ft. exhibit hall. The discovery-oriented exhibits highlight the ecology and the history of the region. One of the best ways to experience Brooker Creek is through the guided hike program.
admission is free.
