Fort De Soto

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Fort De Soto is a 1136 acre park located South of Clearwater Beach and North of Sarasota; in St. Petersburg, Florida. Made up of 5 interconnected keys. It has so much more to offer than just a fort. This is a great beach for shelling. For $5.00 to park this is a great spot to check out while visiting Florida. A great spot to see nature at its best, and spend a relaxing day at the beach. Since more than 2.7 million people visit each year, they can’t be wrong; this is an awesome attraction!

You can enjoy a whole day at Fort De Soto. With playgrounds for the kids and 15 picnic shelters you will have everything you need. The Quartermaster Museum is also free to come see some history.

They have 2 fishing piers (you will need your fishing license here). Each pier has a concession stand and bait. You can rent a Kayak or bring your own, and travel thru the 2.25 mile canoe trail. They also have a 800 foot long boat launch with 11 floating docks.

Discover a 238-site campground with convenient trails linking to the boat ramp and connecting North Beach to East Beach. Spanning 7 miles, the multipurpose trails offer diverse recreational opportunities. Additionally, there are 2,200 feet of barrier-free nature trails, ensuring accessibility for individuals of all ages. This family-friendly destination is perfect for an enjoyable camping trip.

With over 325 bird species, it’s a paradise for birdwatchers. Witness the nesting of loggerhead turtles between April and September, adding to the area’s biodiversity. Exploring the mangroves, wetlands, hardwoods, and a variety of native plants showcases the area’s natural beauty.

Experience the charm of two distinct beaches—North Beach offers conveniences like concessions, bike rentals, a gift shop, and restrooms. For those seeking a clothing-optional beach, East Beach is the ideal spot to soak up the sun and sea.

Going to Shell Key for the day? or even primitive camping? They also offer a shuttle that leaves from the Fort De Soto Boat Launch, and one to Egmont Key from Bay Pier inside of Fort De Soto.

Have a day full of sunshine, shells, and history in St. Petersburg, Florida. Add Fort De Soto to your Florida Road Trip Itinerary!