Summary
Florida’s Pinellas County Park System boasts some of the finest parks in the nation, offering an array of recreational opportunities. Fort DeSoto Park is its largest, encompassing five interconnected islands and 1,136 acres of land. Although it was somewhat underappreciated when dedicated in perpetuity as a public park in 1963, today it shines as Pinellas County’s centerpiece, complemented by award-winning beaches like Caladesi Island and Sand Key. Each year, over 2.7 million visitors explore this expansive park.
Fort DeSoto Holds Historic Significance
The construction of Fort DeSoto began in 1898 during the Spanish-American War; however, the fort never engaged in major battles. While the armaments of Fort DeSoto never faced an enemy, they still contributed significantly to the advancement of modern weaponry. In 1977, the 12-inch mortar battery at the fort was added to the National Register of Historic Places.
During the 1930s and 40s, ownership of the Fort DeSoto Park property changed hands several times. Initially acquired from the federal government in 1938, it was sold back in 1941 for use as a gunnery and bombing range during World War II. Ultimately, it was repurchased from the U.S. government in 1948 and opened to the public on December 21, 1962.
For further details, refer to Pinellas County’s Fort DeSoto Historic Guide.
Fort DeSoto Park’s Award-Winning Beaches
Home to some of the nation’s top beaches, Pinellas County includes popular spots such as Caladesi Island, Clearwater Beach, and Sand Key. Nevertheless, Fort DeSoto’s North Beach stands out prominently.
In 2005, Fort DeSoto’s North Beach gained recognition by ranking No. 1 on Dr. Beach’s Top 10 list of America’s Best Beaches. Moreover, TripAdvisor, the world’s largest online travel community, named Fort DeSoto Park America’s Top Beach for two consecutive years (2008 and 2009). Today, it continues to receive accolades as one of Florida’s finest beaches, featuring pristine white sand and a variety of activities for all visitors.
Furthermore, Fort DeSoto is recognized as one of the most dog-friendly beaches in the U.S. Its “Paw Playground” includes fenced-in areas for large and small dogs, a sandy dog beach, doggie showers, and access to fresh drinking water.
Recreational Amenities
Fort DeSoto offers much more than delightful sand. Over the years, it has transformed into an amenity-rich park, attracting both residents and visitors. Some key amenities include:
- More than seven miles of waterfront featuring nearly three miles of white sand beach
- An 800-foot-long boat launch facility with 11 floating docks
- A campground with 238 sites that include modern facilities such as restrooms, showers, and laundry. Campsites offer picnic tables, grills, water, and electric connections, with dump stations also available.
- Two fishing piers, one measuring 500 feet on Tampa Bay and another measuring 1,000 feet on the Gulf of Mexico.
- An expansive 12-foot-wide, 6.8-mile asphalt trail linking the campground with East and North Beaches as well as the historic fort, making it perfect for biking, skating, and jogging.
- A 2.25-mile canoe trail
- Paws Playground, a dedicated dog park with separate areas for large and small dogs, in addition to a pet-friendly beach section.
- Two nature trails, including a one-mile trail in the Arrowhead Picnic area and a 3/4-mile trail in the Soldiers’ Hole area.
- A 2,200-foot self-guided, barrier-free nature trail accessible to all visitors.
- Numerous picnic tables located throughout the park, along with 15 large group picnic shelters.
- Concessions and restrooms available across all beach areas.
- A snack bar and souvenir shop situated at the fort.
How to Get There
Directions: To reach Fort DeSoto Park, take I-275 south until you reach the exit for Pinellas Bayway/54th Avenue. Continue straight until you can turn left onto Pinellas Bayway/Hwy 679, and follow this route to Fort DeSoto Park. While there are no entrance fees for the park itself, the Pinellas Bayway is a toll road. Upon entering the park, the boat ramp will be to your right, and just ahead is the campground. Clear signage will guide you to the ferry, piers, dog park, and beach areas.
Fort DeSoto Park
3500 Pinellas Bayway South
Tierra Verde, FL 33715
Park and Campground Office Phone: (727) 582-2100, select Option #2
