St Petersburg - Fort De Soto Park

Whether you are sitting on the beach or kayaking near the still water's edge at Fort De Soto, you find yourself absorbed in the abundance of natural beauty for as far as the eye can see. The complexity of the ecology is not immediately apparent, but the park offers the greatest diversity of systems just about anywhere. Emerging from the wealth of bird life, sea life, wild life and plant life is the majestic tapestry called Fort De Soto.

The largest park within the Pinellas County Park System, Fort De Soto park consists of 1,136 acres made up of five interconnected islands (keys). These keys are home to beach plants, mangroves, wetlands, palm hammocks, hardwoods and scores of native plants. Each of these species plays a vital role in the preservation and protection of the natural environment.

Amenities include:
Historic fort guide
Over 7 miles of waterfront, includes almost three miles of beautiful white sandy beach.
800-foot-long boat launching facility with eleven floating docks.
Camping
Primitive youth camping area for organized youth groups
15 picnic shelters
Rest rooms
Playgrounds
Multipurpose trail
Two large swim centers including a food concession area located at the North Beach Swim Center.
Two fishing piers
Ferry service to Egmont Key
Ferry service to Shell Key
Concession/snack bar/souvenir shop
Quartermaster Museum
6.8 mile, 12-foot-wide asphalt recreation trail
2.25-mile recreational canoe trail.
1-mile nature trail in the Arrowhead Picnic area, and a 3/4 mile nature trail in the Soldiers' Hole area
2,200 foot Barrier-Free Nature Trail
Dog park