Tarpon Springs, a coastal community about 30 minutes drive north of Tampa, has an active sponge diving fleet and a thriving Greek community. It is famous for its restaurants featuring authentic Greek cuisine and its unique gift shops. Sarasota is less than an hour drive south of Tampa Bay. It is generally considered the cultural center of Western Florida. Of course, the Tampa Bay area's most popular attractions are its white sand Beaches especially those in Clearwater or the quieter beaches in St. Petersburg and the northern suburban communities.
Fishing is another popular activity.
The large marina, located near the Clearwater side of the causeway, has numerous excursion boats and fishing charters . The boats will provide all of the tackle and will even clean your catch, while a nearby restaurant can cook it for you. If you prefer fresh water fishing, there are also many inland charters in the area. Golf is another popular attraction with dozens of area courses offering year-round recreation. If you prefer spectator sports, you can find NFL football, NHL hockey, major league baseball, major league soccer, arena football, horse racing, greyhound racing and Jai Alai.