Day Trips

Fort De Soto Park is a fun, outdoor destination for the whole family. 

The park is a chain of five interconnected islands providing 1,136 acres of parkland and over 7 miles of waterfront, including almost 3 miles of beautiful white sandy beach at the mouth of Tampa Bay.

 For those wanting to swim, there are two beaches (North and East Beach Swim Centers). How about fishing? Choose from two different length fishing piers, each with a food and bait concession stand. Kayakers and canoeists can explore a 2.25 recreational canoe trail. Kayak/canoes rentals are also available by calling 727•864•1991. For boaters, there is a boat ramp with boat trailer parking lot (fee charged.) Wildlife enthusiasts can see all sorts of birds and wildlife throughout the park. Walk or bike on the 6.8 mile asphalt recreation trail that connects the various aspects of the park. There are also 2 nature trails. The park has established a Barrier-Free Nature Trail that provides a self-guided interpretive program along the trail for visitors to experience nature’s beauty through touch, smell, sight or sound. The 2,200 foot trail was created by the Friends of Fort De Soto who believed being outdoors is great therapy for body and soul for everyone.

 For history buffs, explore the historic grounds of Fort De Soto. The Tocobaga Indians lived here from 1,000 A.D. to 1,500 A.D. Spanish explorer Panfile de Narvaez is believed to have been in this area in 1528 and Hernando De Soto came ashore near the south shores of Tampa Bay. During the Civil War, Union Troops set up a blockade of Tampa Bay using Mullet and Egmont Keys. The Spanish American War in 1898 led to the construction of fortifications due to the potential threat from Cuba. The fort was named Fort De Soto in 1900. Pinellas County has owned the property since 1948 and the Park was opened in late 1962 and placed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1977. There is a self-guided historical trail and fort history literature available for exploring the post buildings. Visit the Quartermaster Storehouse Museum containing historical displays. 

 If one day at Fort De Soto isn’t enough, there is a family camping area of 236 reservable sites with facilities. Picnic shelters can also be reserved. Make your reservation at www.pineallascounty.org/park or call 727•582•2267.

 You can catch a ferry from the Fort De Soto’s bay pier to Egmont Key and Shell Key, beautiful nature island paradises with great shelling, swimming, and snorkeling opportunities. Both are wildlife preserves. Contact Hubbard’s Marina for more information and reservations: 727•398•6577.

Pets are allowed on a leash of six feet or less, and allowed to be free at the dog park and dog beach areas. No pets are allowed in picnic shelters, concession areas, public beaches, fishing piers or on Egmont and Shell Keys.

There is a daily parking fee of $5. Pedestrians and bikes are free. The entrance to the park is the end of SR 679 at 3500 Pinellas Bayway South, Terra Verde. Everyone in the family will go home happy.