Tarpon Springs Sponge Docks Photo courtesy of Tarpon Springs Chamber of Comm.

Before we head south, let's head north!! Let's go for a quick visit to Dunedin, Tarpon Springs and Crystal River, communities that we do not cover in the rest of the site. But we love these places, and often go up there to visit ! Dunedin, originally settled by immigrant Scots, is proud of its pictureque main street. The 40 mile Pinellas Trail cuts right through downtown. Tarpon Springs, originally settled by immigrant Greek spongedivers, features the popular "Old Sponge Docks", where there is still a large and active fleet.

Further north, there is Weeki Wachee, Homosassa Springs, Crystal River and Fanning Springs, where the manatee swim and where cool springs flow. There are many outfits in Crystal River and elsewhere that will take you out to snorkel or dive with the manatees. A wonderful experience! For more information about Citrus County and Crystal River, please visit the Citrus Directory website. All the destinations mentioned on this page are within an easy drive of the Gulf Beaches of Tampa Bay. You can visit Dunedin and Tarpon Springs in one easy half-day trip, and swim with the manatees on a day-trip to Crystal River.

A Florida manatee

Fannings Springs...aaahh!

Now we cross the famous Sunshine Skyway Bridge (see picture below), which connects Pinellas County to Manatee County...

Dolphins are plentiful in the Tampa Bay area. You may find them when you least expect it !

The Sunshine Skyway Bridge Photo © Aerial Innovations, Inc.

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