Florida Fort De Soto Park: Nature Trails, Beach & Wild Life

Comprised of 5 interconnected islands, this award-winning beach and public park spans three miles of white-sand beach and seven miles of waterfront. Known for its historical features, including the Quartermaster Storehouse Museum, Fort Desoto Park includes two fishing piers, boat launch, large picnic areas, nature trails, canoe trail, a designated dog beach, food concessions, and everything needed for fun in the sun.

Details

Prices -

$5 per car entrance fee. Cars with a valid disabled parking permits do not have to pay the entrance fee. Pedestrians and bicycles are free.

Hours -

Open 7 days a week, 7 am to dusk. The fishing piers are open 7 am to 11 pm.

Events

Guided Nature Walks

Beach Weddings

Bird Watch Tour

Activities

Swimming
Fishing

Nature Trails
Picnics

Dog Beach
Canoeing

FAQs

What wildlife will I see in the park?

Expect to see at least 328 species of birds, loggerhead sea turtles, fish, sea creatures, dogs, wild plants, beach plants, mangroves, wetlands, palm hammocks, hardwoods and scores of native plants, just to name a few.

What activities can we do in the park?

Fort De Soto Park is filled with outdoor activities for all ages. Have a picnic, bring your dog to the beach, go fishing from 2 piers, tour forts with cannons, hit the hiking trails, swim, bike, canoe and kayak, take a ferry to Egmont Key, or just sun bathe on the white sands.