Fort De Soto Park: A Gulf Coast Paradise
Discover pristine beaches, historic landmarks, and abundant wildlife at Fort De Soto Park, a natural paradise offering endless recreation and stunning Gulf Coast scenery.
Fort De Soto Park, spanning 1,136 acres across five interconnected islands (keys), is a haven of natural beauty and historical significance on Florida's Gulf Coast. Named after the 19th-century fort built to protect Tampa Bay, the park boasts pristine beaches consistently ranked among America's best, diverse ecosystems teeming with wildlife, and a wealth of recreational activities. From exploring the historic fort and relaxing on the sandy shores to kayaking through mangrove tunnels and casting a line from the fishing piers, Fort De Soto offers something for everyone. With its commitment to accessibility and preservation, the park provides an unforgettable experience for nature lovers, history buffs, and outdoor enthusiasts alike. It's a must-visit destination for those seeking a blend of relaxation, adventure, and natural splendor.
A brief summary to Fort De Soto Park
- Florida, US
- +1727-582-2267
- Visit website
Local tips
- Arrive early, especially on weekends and holidays, as parking can fill up quickly.
- Bring sunscreen, a hat, and plenty of water, as shade can be limited in some areas of the park.
- Consider renting a kayak or canoe to explore the mangrove tunnels and spot wildlife.
- Visit the Quartermaster Storehouse Museum to learn about the park's history and the fort's role in coastal defense.
- Check the park's website for updates on closures and revitalization efforts before planning your visit.
Getting There
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Driving
From St. Pete Beach, take the Pinellas Bayway S.R. 682 east. Turn south onto S.R. 679 and drive approximately 5 miles to Fort De Soto County Park. Be prepared for two toll booths along the Pinellas Bayway; the total cost is $0.85 (SunPass accepted). Once inside the park, follow the main road to reach your desired destination, such as North Beach, East Beach, or the historic fort. Parking within the park costs $6 per vehicle, payable via mobile app, pay-by-text, or parking terminals. Note that using the app or pay-by-text incurs a $0.35 convenience fee.
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Ferry
To reach Fort De Soto Park from Egmont Key, take the Egmont Key Ferry from the island back to Fort De Soto. The ferry typically docks at the Bay Pier, though it may use the boat ramp area depending on conditions. The round-trip ferry fare is approximately $45 for adults and $25 for children (ages 3-11). From the pier or boat ramp, you can access the rest of the park via the internal road network. Keep in mind that there are no concessions or restrooms on Egmont Key, so bring necessary supplies.
Discover more about Fort De Soto Park
Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
North Beach At Fort DeSoto Park
2.2 km
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Fort De Soto
2.7 km
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Battery Bigelow
2.8 km
Discover Battery Bigelow, a historical gem in St. Petersburg, Florida, where military history meets breathtaking coastal scenery in Fort De Soto Park.
Egmont Key Lighthouse
5.5 km
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Pass A Grille Dog Beach
5.8 km
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Shell Key Shuttle
6.3 km
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Fort Dade
6.4 km
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McPherson Bayou
8.8 km
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Indian Burial Mounds
9.8 km
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Robinson Preserve
14.5 km
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Woodson African American Museum of Florida
15.1 km
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Atzeroth Home Site Historical Marker
15.2 km
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Fairgrounds St. Pete
15.3 km
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Treasure Island Causeway
15.6 km
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Thrill Hill
15.7 km
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Unmissable attractions to see
Historic Fort Desoto
2.6 km
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Shell Key Preserve
3.5 km
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Pinellas National Wildlife Refuge
3.9 km
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1st ave beach access
5.8 km
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Island Ferry LLC
6.3 km
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Sunshine Skyway Bridge
6.4 km
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Gulf Beaches Historical Museum
6.5 km
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Egmont Key State Park
6.5 km
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Egmont Key National Wildlife Refuge
6.6 km
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Pass-a-Grille Beach
6.8 km
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17th Ave beach access
7.0 km
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21st Ave beach access
7.3 km
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Skyway Fishing Pier State Park
7.4 km
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Pinellas Bayway
8.0 km
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Passage Key National Wildlife Refuge
9.0 km
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Essential places to dine
Brass Monkey
6.3 km
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Hurricane Seafood Restaurant
6.4 km
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The Wharf Restaurant
7.2 km
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Red, White & Booze
7.2 km
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Society Table
8.6 km
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Maritana
8.6 km
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Castile Restaurant
9.1 km
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Buona Ristorante
10.2 km
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St. Pete Beach Crabby Bill's Seafood
10.4 km
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Mad Fish St Pete Beach
10.5 km
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Bongos Beach Bar and Grille
10.5 km
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Spinners Rooftop Grille
10.5 km
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Compass Grille
10.6 km
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Palm Court Italian
10.9 km
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Flying Bridge Bar & Grill
10.9 km
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Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
Dody Beach Boutique
6.3 km
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Isla del Sol Shoppers Village
8.9 km
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Noah's Ark
9.5 km
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As Above So Below
10.0 km
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Dolphin Village
10.0 km
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Breezy's Beach Shop
10.3 km
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Freaky Tiki Surf shack
10.5 km
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Beach Mart
10.6 km
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Sea Breeze Trading Co.
10.7 km
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Beach Zone
10.9 km
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Sun N Sand
11.5 km
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Happy Puffer
11.5 km
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Betty
11.6 km
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Gulfport Beach Bazaar
11.7 km
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Best Buddies Boutique
11.7 km
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Essential bars & hidden hideouts
Shadrack's
6.3 km
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Rowe Bar
8.6 km
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360 Rooftop
9.0 km
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Undertow Beach Bar
9.3 km
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Sandbar Bill's Bar and Grille
9.6 km
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Chris' Beachside Bar
9.8 km
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The Drunken Clam
9.9 km
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Level 11 Rooftop Bar & Lounge
10.5 km
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Rum Runners Bar & Grille
10.6 km
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Harry's Beach Bar
10.7 km
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Salty's Tiki Bar and Beach Lounge
11.0 km
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The Cabana Bar
11.2 km
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Sandbar Beach Bar
11.3 km
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The SandBox Beach Lounge
11.3 km
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Jimmy B's Beach Bar
11.4 km
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