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Fort de Soto Park

Fort De Soto Park, situated at the southern tip of St.Petersburg, Florida, is an island group owned and operated by the Pinellas County. It is made up from five interconnected islands (offshore keys)-Mullet Key, Bonne Fortune Key, Madeleine Key, St. Christopher Key, and the St. Jean Key. Named after the Spanish explorer Hernando De Soto, the Park is considered to be the ‘gateway site’ for the Great Florida Birding Trail and is easily accessible by the toll road from the mainland. It attracts nearly 2.7 million visitors every year.

The park first opened on December 21, 1962 and was dedicated as a public park on May 11, 1963. Today, it encompasses a total area of 1,136 acres (4.6 sq-km) and is declared the largest park within the Pinellas County Park System. The major attraction in the park is the historic Fort De Soto, which was established in 1898 and was abandoned in phases 1910 to 1948. The 12-inch (30.4 cm) mortar battery located at this Fort has been listed on the National Register of Historic Places. In addition, the Fort also features 2 British breech-loading, rapid-fire rifles of 1890 vintage.

The Park is also home to the Quartermaster Storehouse Museum, a snack bar, an elegant gift shop at the old fort; and an 800 ft (243.8 m) boat ramp. The main amenities offered at the Park include two fishing piers, one on the Gulf (1,000 ft long) and the other on Tampa Bay (500 ft long); 14 large picnic areas; camping areas provided with laundry room, 20 storm-resistant, modern restrooms, and a camp store; a 7 mile (11.2 km) multi-purpose trail; 2 ¼ mile (3.6 km) canoe trail; barrier-free nature trail; Paw Playground for pets; and ferry service to the Egmont Key State Park. The Park also features 2 main swimming areas-the North Beach and the East Beach. Fort De Soto Park offers a serene retreat from the hubbub of the busy city life and is a ‘must-see’ for all those who visit the city.

• Address: 3500 Pinellas Bay Way S, St Petersburg, FL 33715
• Telephone: (727) 582-2267
• Hours: 7 AM - dark daily
• Website: www.pinellascounty.org
  

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