Fort De Soto Park

A place like no other near St. Petersburg in Florida

Fort De Soto Park

Fort De Soto Park is a popular destination located at the entrance of Tampa Bay. It covers five small islands and spans 1,136 acres, drawing in over 2.7 million visitors annually. The park offers various attractions, including 7 miles of waterfront, two fishing piers, multiple hiking and biking trails, picnic areas, camping grounds, and a historic fort. If you climb the fort’s stairs, you’ll be treated to a stunning panoramic view of the Sunshine Skyway Bridge, which is known as one of the longest cable-stayed concrete bridges in the world. Additionally, make sure to visit the Quartermaster Museum, where you can delve deeper into the fort’s history through captivating historic photographs and artifacts from the Spanish-American War.

In St. Petersburg, the park offers a fantastic beach experience. When you arrive, you’ll easily spot North Beach with its impressive pirate ship playground near the entrance. The beach itself is adorned with countless seashells and beautiful white sand dollars. If you head towards the waterfront, you can even rent a canoe or kayak to explore the park’s 2-mile paddling trail or give fishing a try. People who have recently visited the park have been delighted by the wide range of activities it offers, with the dog beach being particularly popular.