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You Are Here: Home » Delightful Fort De Soto »
Delightful Fort De Soto
Noted for a spectacular combination of soft white sand, calm and clear water, a laid-back atmosphere and a beautiful wide beach, Fort De Soto Park, has been named America's Top Beach by TripAdvisor, the world's largest online travel community.
Nestled at the southern tip of St. Petersburg, the Pinellas County Park is a favorite of locals and visitors alike. Made up of five interconnected islands, with more than 1,100 acres and six-plus miles of pristine beaches and several miles of waterfront along Mullet Key Bayou, Fort De Soto was also ranked America's #1 Beach in 2005 by coastal expert Dr. Stephen P. Leatherman, a.k.a. "Dr. Beach."
The main lure, of course, is the beach. The beautiful azure wanter draws everyone from toddlers to teens to retirees. But don't stop there, with kayaking, a boat ramp, rollerblading and fishing at one of two piers (one on the Gulf, the other on Tampa Bay), Fort De Soto park is also filled with plenty to do.
There are seven miles of multi-purpose paved trails for bike enthusiasts and walkers alike. Or take one of the many guided nature tours, and learn more about the interesting surroundings. If you enjoy paddling, try the self-guided two-and-a-quarter-mile canoe trail or sign up for one of the guided eco-tours. Canoes and kayaks are available for rent by the hour or the day. In fact, with so many things to do, you may want to stay for more than a day. If so, take advantage of the convenient campground, where you can request a water view and listen to the gentle waves lapping on the shoreline.
Campground reservations may be made up to six months in advance and online through Pinellas County by clicking here. All camping sites have water and electrical hook-ups, a picnic table and a charcoal grill. Campgrounds have a camp store, dump stations, restrooms with showers and laundry facilities. Pets are accepted at some of the campground sites. Dogs are also welcome at the parks' leash free Paw Playground.
History buffs will enjoy learning more about the parks' previous military defense use. Visitors can walk through Battery Laidley, home to the last four surviving carriage-mounted 12-inch seacoast mortars in the continental U.S. or wander through the Quartermaster Storehouse Museum to get a sense of the historical significance that Fort De Soto played in the history of the U.S..
Be sure to stop at the visitors' center during your visit for further information or to pick up some informational brochures, such as a checklist of birds that make springtime stops at the park en route to their breeding grounds.
For more information about Fort De Soto park and all the associated amenities and maps please visit http://www.pinellascounty.org/park/05_Ft_DeSoto.htm
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Copyright ©2009 St. Petersburg/Clearwater Area Convention & Visitors Bureau. All rights reserved.