Fort De Soto Park
3500 Pinellas Bayway S, Tierra Verde, Florida
Located off the coast of St. Petersburg, Fort De Soto Park is not your average ‘park.’ It’s actually 1,136 acres made up of five interconnected islands (keys) and is the largest park in the Pinellas County park system. With seven miles of waterfront, including almost three miles of beautiful, white sand beaches, Fort De Soto is a popular destination for both visitors and guests to the St. Petersburg area.
There’s plenty to do in Fort De Soto Park. History buffs can explore the historic fort while cyclists and walkers can enjoy seven miles of paved trails that run through the park. For nature lovers, it’s worth noting that the park is the start of the Great Florida Birding Trail (328 species of birds have been documented over 60 years and new species are being added every year) and offers the one of the greatest diversities of bird, sea life, plant and wild life in Florida. The beach is also a nesting ground for the loggerhead sea turtle between April and September. Add in the picnic area, kayak trail, camping areas, dog park and the ferry to Egmont Key State Park and there is plenty to see and explore during a visit to Fort De Soto.
Entry to Fort De Soto Park is located at 3500 Pinellas Bayway S. in Tierra Verde, FL. There is a daily parking fee of $5, but entry is free if you enter on foot or by bicycle. The Fishing Pier is open from 7 a.m. to 11 p.m. and a lifeguard is on duty from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily from March to September.
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