Fort De Soto Park
Welcome to Fort De Soto Park, the gorgeous 'county park' that encompasses 5 islands totaling over 1130 acres!
Located just south/southwest of St. Petersburg, technically a part of the community of Tierra Verde, this park is PERFECT for your group! One side of the park faces the Tampa Bay, and the other faces the Gulf of Mexico.
While here your group will have so many options for fun! You can canoe, kayak, bike, hike, fish, visit the historic fort and museum, or perhaps just lounge around on the beach and soak in the sun. During any hike, you will see gorgeous mangroves, herons, and white ibis, as well as gorgeous shallow water all around!
You HAVE to save enough time to visit the Fort De Soto Batteries, the Spanish American War era fort ruins that will enlighten your group on an integral part of local history. See the old artillery hold, firing galleys, mortar battery cannons, and so much more. In the old postal building you will find the Quartermaster Museum, filled with photos, documents, and artifacts from the war.
The Sunshine Skyway Bridge, the world's longest cable-stayed concrete bridge, is a must see as well. If you have younger children with you, be sure to head to Fort De Soto North Beach, the 'Best Family Beach' (Parents Magazine 2011) in the park. It won't be hard to find, just look for the large pirate ship playground!
