Things to Know About Fort De Soto Park

Located on Florida's West coast, De Soto Park represents 5 interconnected islands  that together make up 1136 acres and boast 7 miles of breathtaking waterfront views,  3 miles of which are white sandy beaches. There are many things to know about Fort De Soto Park, including that this great destination also offers a fort, great piers, ample parking space, multiple picnic tables with nearby charcoal BBQs and bathroom facilities available  

​THINGS TO KNOW ABOUT FORT DE SOTO PARK

Getting to Fort De Soto Park

To enter the park as well as to get there (you must pay 5$ to get into the park) Once inside the park, you must choose to go right or left.  Left  offers mostly secluded waterfront areas, beautiful view of the Sunshine Skyway Bridge and limited facilities. This area is known as the East Beach. However, head right and you will find most of the attractions and West Beach. Here's our overview of what the park has to offer! ​
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​FORT DE SOTO PARK​'s West Beach 

The West Beach has many facilities, and is open to the ocean. We spent a day there, parking near #2, and quickly discovered that there is a large sand dune to which many individuals were swimming. Many seemed to be returning to shore with large shells and having seen various sand dollars.  (However, keep in mind that it was a nice sunny day with no wind and during low tide, but we would recommend you clarify with staff at this beach before attempting and use extreme caution if you do opt to go exploring this part of the beach as current could cause problems, amongst other risks).   ​
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West Beach

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FORT DE SOTO PARK's East Beach 

As for the East Beach, it is a smaller beach with a view of a beautiful large bridge always busy with traffic. We enjoyed this as the bridge is very representative of the scenery in this low-lying, bridge filled area of the country!  ​
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East Beach

Piers and Fishing at FORT DE SOTO PARK​

There are two piers at this destination: a 1000 feet pier located right next to the fort and a 500 feet pier nearby. People enjoy trying their luck at fishing off the piers, and happily utilized the table to clean off their freshly caught fish, relishing in the glory as passersby and fellow fishers alike took a look at the delicious seeming fish. Each pier has a food and bait concession available. These piers also make for perfect vantage point to observe the wild dolphins that can be seen swimming around in the ocean, seemingly feasting on the multitude of fish available in these lively waters. Various bird species can also be spotted, many of which are seen in the waters most presumably successfully appeasing their hunger.   ​
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Pier in Fort De Soto Park

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Biking in FORT DE SOTO PARK​

There is a perfect 7 mile long bike trail throughout the park that allows for day visitors and campers alike to leave their vehicles behind and take to the pedals in order to explore the beauty of the park. Just keep in mind that it gets very hot daytime, especially under the sun, so take the necessary precautions (lots of water, sweatproof sunscreen and making sure to take breaks to relax and enjoy the cool water and breeze of the ocean).  
If you don't own a bike (or couldn't get it to fit into your luggage), you can take advantage of the bike rentals available near the fort.  
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​Camping at FORT DE SOTO PARK​

Camping 
Nestled into the trees, some even located along the water's edge, the campground at Fort De Soto will give even the non campers RV envy! Equipped with 238 sites, it's perfectly located to take advantage of the nearby pristine beaches without having to even drive your car to the beach every day, these campsites are well worth looking into if you find yourself in the area.  ​
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Fort De Soto

The fort is a self guided tour, so consider doing some research beforehand or else you risk missing out. Also, make sure to go up the stairs on top of the fort for gorgeous views of the beach, ocean and pier. ​

Fort De Soto

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Other available amenities at this park include canoe and kayak trails and rental, a playground, an 800 foot long boat launch (check ahead for fees) and a ferry service to Egmont Key. There is also a dog beach for your furry friends (the first parking after turning right at the stop sign may be busier but is the best for this area of the park).  

Regardless if you want to soak in the sun while relaxing on the beach, go swimming, explore the fort or discover the park area in canoe or bike, now that you've read our things to know about Fort De Soto Park, your Fort De Soto trip is bound to be filled with great adventures and memories!

J&C