How much does it cost to get in Fort De Soto Park?

Fort De Soto is open seven days per week from 7 am to dusk. Entrance to the park is free; however, there is a $5.00 fee for a parking permit. You pay at the entrance booth, and they do accept credit cards. Persons entering the park on foot or bike are free.

Is Fort Desoto beach closed?

Fort Desoto Park is open every day from 7 a.m. until sunset, or you can camp here and have the run of the place all night. The sunsets from North Beach are truly something to behold.

Is Fort Desoto worth visiting?

Whether you are enjoying the beach, exploring the fort, or paddling out on the water there is an activity here for everyone. Fort De Soto is a true gem of the west-central Florida coast and definitely worth a visit should you find yourself in the area.

What happened to Fort De Soto Park?

On May 11, 1963, Fort De Soto Park was officially dedicated. Its facilities have been expanded over the years. The quartermaster storehouse was reconstructed to become the Quartermaster Storehouse Museum. On December 2, 1977, the Fort De Soto batteries were placed on the National Register of Historic Places.

Can you swim at Fort DeSoto campground?

You can swim at Fort DeSoto Campground in two areas — the swim center at East Beach and North Beach. It has clean, calm, and shallow water. Lifeguards are present at both locations during certain hours that may vary depending on the day.

Is it safe to swim at Fort De Soto?

Swimming in the Gulf at north beach is excellent. The water is clean and calm and shallow. Lifeguards are present during posted hours. This small shortcoming is compensated for by the rest of the activities available at the park.

Do you have to pay to park at Fort DeSoto?

Daily parking fee (Fort De Soto Park) is $5.00 for a vehicle without a trailer.

Can you swim at Fort DeSoto?

Fort Desoto Park is very close to St. Pete Beach and offers boating, hiking, canoeing, kayaking, fishing, bicycling, skating, running, nature trails, historical fort, fishing piers, doggy beach, shelling, birding, camping, and swimming. North Beach is the best beach in the park for swimming.

Are there alligators at Fort De Soto Park?

There are lots of birds and marine life to spot as you kayak: turtles, alligators and manatees are often found along the trail. The rich ecosystem is also perfect for fishing, and you’ll see plenty of keen anglers out on the water.

Can you swim at Fort De Soto?

When was Fort De Soto used?

Pete Beach and Clearwater and may have explored Mullet Key. Hernando De Soto arrived in May of 1539 on a historical conquest that started in this area. In March of 1849 Brevet Colonel Robert E. Lee and three other U.S. Army Engineers recommended that Egmont and Mullet keys be used by the military for coastal defense.

Is Fort De Soto a national park pass?

Park Entrance Fee De Soto National Memorial is a free fee National Park site. We do not require any passes, or entrance fees for the visitor center or park’s special events or activities.

Does Fort de Soto County Park have the best beaches?

Fort De Soto County Park has some of the best beaches in America. This post will give you all the details. Fort De Soto County Park consists of two, primary beaches. The first is North Beach and the second is South Beach. North Beach is where you’ll find access to the most unspoiled and prettiest part of the park.

Where is Fort de Soto Park?

East Beach was opened in 1963 and still has that charm of the 60s. At its far east end, there is an unofficial nude beach. Southwest of Tampa and south of St. Petersburg, Fort De Soto Park is located at 3500 Pinellas Bayway S., Tierra Verde.

Where is Fort de Soto on Mullet Key?

Fort De Soto is located in the southwest corner of Mullet Key, at the entrance to Tampa Bay. The entire island is now Fort De Soto Park, a Pinellas county park which offers fine beaches, fishing, nature trails, camping, boating, and much more.

Is Fort DeSoto Park worth a visit for families?

Pristine waters, tranquil sands and a mysterious fort make Fort DeSoto Park feel like a dream. For years, Parents Magazine and other national media outlets have proclaimed Fort De Soto’s North Beach as perfect for families (the adventure starts with the pirate ship playground you’ll see on the way in).