Tarpon Springs Sponge Dock, along Dodecanese Boulevard west of Alt. U.S. 19, is made up of authentic commercial sponging operations. There also are shrimp boats, rental boat rides up the Anclote River, fishing trips and many retail shops selling souvenirs, gifts, clothing and other specialty items. Parking lots are plentiful. Authentic Greek restaurants. Walking tours of historic Tarpon Springs, including the sponge docks, are available through the Tarpon Springs Cultural Center. The Coral Sea Aquarium and gift shop, which are new at the docks, as well as the gallery offer exhibits and performances. Call 942-5605.

Clearwater Marine Aquarium, 249 Windward Passage, Island Estates, Clearwater, is a marine museum involved in coastal research, rescue/rehabilitation of stranded marine mammals and turtles, and educational programs. Hours: 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Mon.-Fri., 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Sat., 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Sun. Admission: $5.25, $3.50 for children ages 3-11. Call 447-0980 or 441-1790.

Suncoast Seabird Sanctuary, 18328 Gulf Blvd., Indian Shores, is a wild-bird hospital dedicated to the rescue, repair, recuperation and release of sick and injured wild birds. Hours: 9 a.m.-dusk daily, with educational programs scheduled at 2 p.m. the first Sunday of each month. Guided tours: 2 p.m. Wed. and Sun. Admission: free, donations accepted. Call 391-6211.

Museum of Fine Arts, 255 Beach Drive NE, St. Petersburg, has permanent collections that include ancient, Asian, American, pre-Columbian and European art; Jacobean and Georgian period rooms; Steuben crystal collection. Hours: 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Mon.-Sat., 1-5 p.m. Sun. Admission: $5 for adults, $3 for seniors over 65, $2 for students over 6, under 6 free, groups of 10 or more $3 per person, tours of school children free. Call 896-2667.

Salvador Dali Museum, 1000 Third St. S, St. Petersburg, features art from permanent collection. Hours: 9:30 a.m.-5:30 p.m. Mon.-Sat., noon-5:30 p.m. Sun. Admission: $8, $4 students and $7 senior citizens (ages 65 and older), free children 10 and under. Call 823-3767.

Great Explorations (The Pier), 800 Second Ave. NE, St. Petersburg, a hands-on museum with exhibits that include the pitch-black Touch Tunnel 2. Hours: 10 a.m.-8 p.m. Mon.-Sat., 11 a.m.-6 p.m. Sun. Admission: $4 ages 3-55, children under 3 admitted free, $2 senior citizens. Call 821-8992.

Heritage Village, 11909 125th St. N, Largo, is a 21-acre park with 22 historical structures that reflect the turn-of-the-century lifestyles of Pinellas pioneers. Hours: 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Tues.-Sat., 1-4 p.m. Sun. Admission: free, donations accepted. Call 582-2123. Medieval Brass Rubbing Center and Museum, 822 Dodecanese Blvd., Tarpon Springs: Hands-on museum. Permanent collection of over 150 commemorative brass facsimiles and gallery. Hours: 10 a.m.-5 p.m. daily. Admission free. Call 934-6760.

St. Petersburg Museum of History, 335 Second Ave. NE, St. Petersburg. Hours: 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Mon.-Sat., 1-5 p.m. Sun. Admission $5 adults, $4 senior citizens (ages 62 and older), $2 ages 7-17. Free age 6 and younger. Call 894-1052.

Science Center of Pinellas County, 7701 22nd Ave. N, St. Petersburg: Permanent exhibits include nature trail, static electricity exhibit, antique microscopes exhibit, minerals and ores, corals and more. Hours: 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Mon.-Fri. Call 384-0027.

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