Fort De Soto Park
Rate this placeLast Updated: December 5, 2025
Fort De Soto Park is a beautiful and historic park located in Pinellas County, Florida.
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Summary
This park has a wide range of activities and features that make it a must-visit destination for tourists and locals alike.
One of the main reasons to visit Fort De Soto Park is to enjoy its stunning beaches. The park boasts seven miles of white sand beaches with crystal clear water, making it a perfect spot for swimming, sunbathing, and other water activities. Additionally, fishing is a common activity in the area, with the park featuring two fishing piers and plenty of opportunities to catch fish.
In addition to the beaches, Fort De Soto Park is also home to a historic fort that dates back to the late 1800s. Visitors can explore the fort and learn about its rich history, including its use during both World War I and World War II.
Other points of interest in the park include a dog park, hiking and biking trails, camping areas, and picnic areas. The park is also home to a wide range of wildlife, including dolphins, manatees, and various bird species.
The best time of year to visit Fort De Soto Park is during the cooler months of fall, winter, and early spring, as the temperatures are milder and there are fewer crowds. However, the park is open year-round and can be visited at any time.
Overall, Fort De Soto Park is a fantastic destination for anyone looking to enjoy the natural beauty and history of Florida. With its range of activities and features, there is something for everyone to enjoy.
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Park & Land Designation Reference
Large protected natural areas managed by the federal government to preserve significant landscapes, ecosystems, and cultural resources; recreation is allowed but conservation is the priority.
State Park
Public natural or recreational areas managed by a state government, typically smaller than national parks and focused on regional natural features, recreation, and education.
Local Park
Community-level parks managed by cities or counties, emphasizing recreation, playgrounds, sports, and green space close to populated areas.
Wilderness Area
The highest level of land protection in the U.S.; designated areas where nature is left essentially untouched, with no roads, structures, or motorized access permitted.
National Recreation Area
Areas set aside primarily for outdoor recreation (boating, hiking, fishing), often around reservoirs, rivers, or scenic landscapes; may allow more development.
National Conservation Area (BLM)
BLM-managed areas with special ecological, cultural, or scientific value; more protection than typical BLM land but less strict than Wilderness Areas.
State Forest
State-managed forests focused on habitat, watershed, recreation, and sustainable timber harvest.
National Forest
Federally managed lands focused on multiple use—recreation, wildlife habitat, watershed protection, and resource extraction (like timber)—unlike the stricter protections of national parks.
Wilderness
A protected area set aside to conserve specific resources—such as wildlife, habitats, or scientific features—with regulations varying widely depending on the managing agency and purpose.
Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Land
Vast federal lands managed for mixed use—recreation, grazing, mining, conservation—with fewer restrictions than national parks or forests.
Related References
Egmont Key State Park
National Wildlife Refuge Egmont Key
Pinellas National Wildlife Refuge
Passage Key National Wildlife Refuge
Hurley Park