Fort De Soto
Anderson Boulevard, St. Petersburg, FL 33715
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About the Business
Explore the Natural Beauty and Rich History of Fort De Soto
Nestled in the vibrant landscape of St. Petersburg, Florida, Fort De Soto is a breathtaking natural feature located on Anderson Boulevard. Spanning 1,136 acres across five interconnected islands, this stunning park offers a tapestry of ecological diversity and historical intrigue, making it a must-visit destination for nature lovers and history enthusiasts alike.
A Haven for Nature Enthusiasts
Fort De Soto Park is the largest park in the Pinellas County Park System, boasting a rich variety of ecosystems. From beach plants and mangroves to wetlands and palm hammocks, the park is home to a plethora of native plant species. It also provides sanctuary to over 328 species of birds, attracting ornithologists and bird watchers from around the world. Keep an eye out for the loggerhead sea turtles that nest on its shores between April and September.
Award-Winning Beaches
Recognized for its pristine beauty, Fort De Soto was named America’s Top Beach in 2009 by Tripadvisor and continues to receive accolades, including ranking among the top 10 beaches in 2024 by Dr. Beach. It is also celebrated as one of the top 10 best dog-friendly beaches in America, making it a perfect destination for pet owners.
A Journey Through History
Beyond its natural allure, Fort De Soto holds significant historical value. The park's namesake, a 12-inch mortar battery, is listed in the National Register of Historic Places. Visitors can explore historical markers, a Quartermaster Storehouse Museum, and two British breech-loading rifles from 1890, all adding depth to the park's storied past.
Convenient and Accessible
Fort De Soto offers a range of online services, allowing citizens, businesses, and visitors to access permitting, inspection scheduling, and fee payments 24/7. Parking is convenient with options to pay the $5 fee via mobile apps, pay-by-text, or existing terminals, with major credit cards accepted.
Visit Us
Whether you're kayaking along the serene waters or lounging on the beach, Fort De Soto invites you to immerse yourself in its natural beauty and historical charm. For more visitor information, check out the tourism site Visit St. Pete/Clearwater, the county’s main resource for visitors.
Contact Us
For any inquiries or to report community issues, reach out to Pinellas County Government through our website or mobile app. We look forward to welcoming you to Fort De Soto, where nature and history come alive.
Reviews
"Beautiful beaches and place to stay with your RV"
"I visited to do a bike ride and was impressed by the history and visit to the fort. A great destination for a 20mi ish ride. You can ride the rode, paved bike path or dirt roads between parking areas and the beach. Parking was plentiful. $5 for the day. All spaces you need to pay via park mobile app or at the kiosk at each main path to beach from each parking area. North beach was packed on a Sunday. Overall biking was awesome."
"Moved to the area a few years ago. Decided to check this place out last week. I've been to old forts around the country, and this one isn't anything special. It's from the Spanish American War. It has half a dozen cannons and a few rooms. There are some cool picks and maps in one of the rooms. Beach nearby as well as a pier. It's worth checking out at least once."
"Came to the park to see the Egmont Key lighthouse from the pier and I was not disappointed. The pier was busy with fishing by people and birds. So many birds of all shapes and sizes. Fort De Soto Park is huge with lots of trails and space. The beach was beautiful and busy. The fort is small but full of history."
"A fantastic park. Has a great beach which is very shallow so wonderful for kids. The nature walks are beautiful and well kept up. Kayaking their is so fun and you see so many animals. The fort is a great experience has so much info. Plus you can go inside parts of it and see how it felt to be there."
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