Fort De Soto Park Tours and Activities

Fort De Soto Park which includes a sandy beach
Fort De Soto Park which includes general coastal views
Fort De Soto Park showing a park and general coastal views
Fort De Soto Park which includes a garden
Fort De Soto Park which includes a beach


Admire the vestiges of the fortress, bring your kids to the pirate ship playground and relax on the beaches of this archipelago.

Off the western coast of Florida, Fort De Soto Park is a picturesque set of five islands with an intriguing military history. These scenic landmasses were used for fortifications and today contain structural ruins and a museum that explains the history of these battlements. Embark on various hiking trails to appreciate the natural majesty of these islands.

Make your way to the Mullet Key landmass, the main island of the archipelago. Wander through the verdant forest at its heart and have a picnic in these pleasant surroundings.

Sunbathe on one of the sandy strands, such as Fort De Soto Dog Beach at the isle’s northern end. Kids can play in the pirate ship playground near the entrance of North Beach on the western fork of the island. Relax with some snacks and refreshments at Arrowhead Picnic and Fishing Area.

Walk along the scenic coastline and browse the shops for souvenirs and fishing equipment near the Fort De Soto Fishing Pier. Walk along the pier, which extends into the Gulf of Mexico, for excellent views of the water and the surrounding islands. A little southwest of the islet is Egmont Key State Park.

Go to the Fort De Soto Batteries to see the old artillery vestiges and cannons pointed toward Tampa Bay. Snap photos of the Sunshine Skyway, among the world’s longest cable-stayed concrete bridges.

Bring a pair of binoculars and gaze up at the sky to spot the great range of birds that fly around this region. The islands are considered the gateway to the Great Florida Birding Trail. The state of Florida has over 500 species, including the red-cockaded woodpecker, the smooth-billed ani and limpkins.

The islands that contain the Fort De Soto Park are just southwest of St. Petersburg on the western flank of central Florida. Drive across the bridges and causeways that connect the islets, accessible via a toll road from the mainland.

Plan a trip to see Fort De Soto Park

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Ocean Club Treasure Island Hotel
FUSION Resort Waterfront Suites
Inn on the Beach

Popular places to visit


Best Lodging Options Near Fort De Soto Park

Residence Inn by Marriott St. Petersburg Tierra Verde

Residence Inn by Marriott St. Petersburg Tierra Verde

3 out of 5
214 Madonna Blvd, Tierra Verde, FL
Residence Inn by Marriott St. Petersburg Tierra Verde
Berkeley Beach Club

Berkeley Beach Club

2 out of 5
109 8th Ave, St. Pete Beach, FL
Berkeley Beach Club
La Tortuga

La Tortuga

4 out of 5
102 8th Ave, St. Pete Beach, FL
La Tortuga
Coastal dog-friendly condo with observation deck, best Gulf sunset views

Coastal dog-friendly condo with observation deck, best Gulf sunset views

St. Pete Beach/ Pass-a-Grille
Coastal dog-friendly condo with observation deck, best Gulf sunset views
Pass A Grille Gulf Way Beachfront 10

Pass A Grille Gulf Way Beachfront 10

St Pete Beach
Pass A Grille Gulf Way Beachfront 10
DIRECTLY ON BEACH - ST PETE BEACH  PASS-A-GRILLE  - Awesome Sunsets from Balcony

DIRECTLY ON BEACH - ST PETE BEACH PASS-A-GRILLE - Awesome Sunsets from Balcony

St Pete Beach
DIRECTLY ON BEACH - ST PETE BEACH PASS-A-GRILLE - Awesome Sunsets from Balcony
Coconut Inn

Coconut Inn

2.5 out of 5
113 11th Ave, St. Pete Beach, FL
Coconut Inn
Newly Remodeled Sparkling Beach Bungalow Pet Friendly!

Newly Remodeled Sparkling Beach Bungalow Pet Friendly!

St. Pete Beach
Newly Remodeled Sparkling Beach Bungalow Pet Friendly!
Inn on the Beach

Inn on the Beach

2.5 out of 5
1401 Gulf Way, St. Pete Beach, FL
Inn on the Beach
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Things to do near Fort De Soto Park

Fort De Soto Park in Tierra Verde, Florida, offers a variety of activities for visitors, including stunning sunsets, birdwatching, and live music. Nearby attractions feature area sightseeing and exhilarating Tampa speedboat rides, making it a perfect spot for outdoor enthusiasts. Whether you're looking to relax or explore, Fort De Soto Park provides a unique blend of natural beauty and local charm.

Shopping

For a delightful shopping experience near Fort De Soto Park, visit Corey Ave, located 12.9km away, offering a vibrant atmosphere for families. If you're up for a drive, head to John's Pass Village & Boardwalk, 17.7km away, for entertainment and unique gifts, or check out West Coast Surf Shop, 16.1km away.

Recreation

At Tropicana Field, immerse yourself in energetic sports events that invigorate the spirit. Jannus Live offers vibrant live music experiences that lift your mood. For relaxation, Isla del Sol Beaches provides a luxurious escape with serene views, perfect for unwinding by the water.

Adventure

AMI Paddleboard Adventures offers an exhilarating experience on the water, located 16.1km from Fort De Soto Park, perfect for those seeking outdoor fun. Andersen Race Park, 17.7km away, promises thrilling karting excitement. For underwater exploration, Blue Water Explorers, 19.3km from the park, provides adventurous diving experiences.

Nightlife

Experience the vibrant nightlife near Fort De Soto Park by visiting the Mahaffey Theater and Palladium Theater for captivating performances, both located 17.7km away. Don’t miss the Island Players, just 12.9km away, offering delightful shows and a warm, family-friendly atmosphere.

*Distances are measured in a straight line; actual driving distances may vary depending on the route.

Find the best attractions near Fort De Soto Park

Fort De Soto Park in Tierra Verde, Florida, offers a range of attractions for visitors, including beautiful beaches, art museums, and marinas. Explore the rich culture and outdoor experiences available, with highlights such as Fort De Soto, St. Pete Beach, and the park itself. Whether you're looking to relax by the shore or immerse yourself in local history, there's something for everyone in and around Fort De Soto Park.

  • Anna Maria Beach: Enjoy the laid-back beach vibes at Anna Maria Beach, known for its soft white sands and clear blue waters. Perfect for sunbathing, swimming, or a leisurely stroll along the shore, it offers a tranquil escape just 11.3km from Fort De Soto Park.
  • Bean Point Beach: Experience breathtaking scenery at Bean Point Beach, a picturesque cape that features stunning coastal views. With its serene atmosphere and beautiful sunsets, this beach is ideal for relaxation and exploration, located a short 11.3km away from Fort De Soto Park.
  • Eckerd College: Discover the vibrant city vibes at Eckerd College, a modern university boasting beautiful waterfront views and lush gardens. Just 9.7km from Fort De Soto Park, it's an excellent spot for a leisurely walk and to appreciate the campus's unique architecture.

Best time to go to Fort De Soto Park

The best time to visit Fort De Soto Park can depend on the weather and when visitor numbers rise and fall. The hottest average temperature around Fort De Soto Park falls in August, when visitor numbers are average and weather is mostly sunny with light rain. The coolest average temperature around Fort De Soto Park falls in January, visitor numbers are average and weather is mostly sunny with light rain.

calendarCalendar MonthtemperatureTemperaturerainPrecipitationmostlyCloudinessoccupationOccupancypricePricing
January61.3°F (16.3°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
February64.6°F (18.1°C)No RainMostly SunnyAverageSlightly High
March67.8°F (19.9°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly HighSlightly High
April73.6°F (23.1°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageSlightly High
May78.3°F (25.7°C)Light RainSunnyAverageAverage
June82.0°F (27.8°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly HighAverage
July83.3°F (28.5°C)Moderate RainMostly SunnySlightly HighAverage
August83.7°F (28.7°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
September81.5°F (27.5°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly LowSlightly Low
October76.6°F (24.8°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly LowSlightly Low
November69.6°F (20.9°C)No RainMostly SunnySlightly LowSlightly Low
December65.5°F (18.6°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage

Booking tips and Expedia advantages for Fort De Soto Park

To save money on your trip to Fort De Soto Park, consider visiting between September and November, when accommodation prices are lower. Tuesdays are the cheapest days to book, while Saturdays tend to be more expensive. Use Expedia to compare hotel options, focusing on eco-certified facilities for sustainable stays. Look for package deals that combine hotels, flights, and activities for additional savings. Don't forget to take advantage of free activities at the park, such as hiking and beach access, to enhance your experience without breaking the bank.

  • The most and least expensive months on average to stay in a hotel: The cheapest months to stay around Fort De Soto Park are September to November, where the prices are slightly lower. This is in comparison to February to April, where prices are slightly higher.
  • The most and least expensive days on average to stay in a hotel: The least expensive day to stay around Fort De Soto Park is Tuesday. The most expensive day to stay around Fort De Soto Park is Saturday.
  • Find cheap hotels on Expedia: Utilize Expedia’s search tool to refine your preferences, such as your budget, desired location, and the type of hotel you have in mind. For instance, selecting the Eco-certified option will showcase sustainable and environmentally friendly hotels that are currently available. To find the best prices and offers, simply sort the price filter from lowest to highest.
  • Consider bundling your trip: You can potentially save on your trip by combining your Fort De Soto Park hotel reservation with your flights and activities through an Expedia package deal.

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Explore a world of travel with Expedia