When we asked our fans on Facebook what attraction they enjoy most when they stay with us in Treasure Island, our friend Don replied, “Going down to North Beach at Fort De Soto Park. So beautiful and natural…it is so close to the Treasure Bay too.”
If you have never experienced the natural beauty at Fort De Soto Park in Pinellas County, we want to tell you more!
Fort De Soto has been named America’s Top Beach by Tripadvisor and Dr. Beach. It is no wonder why the Park welcomes more than 2.7 million visitors each year. Fort De Soto Park offers five keys consisting of 1,136 acres: Madelaine Key, St. Jean Key, St. Christopher Key, Bonne Fortune Key and main island of Mullet Key. You will see all types of natural beauty ranging from wetlands, palm hammocks, hardwoods, and beach plants to more than 290 species of birds.
The following are just some of the fun activities you can
enjoy at Fort De Soto Park:
- Fort De Soto was named after the Spanish explorer Hernando De Soto. Fort De Soto has four 12-inch seacoast rifled mortars and two 6-inch Armstrong rapid-fire rifled guns. Click to view a Fort De Soto Historical Guide.
- Enjoy seven miles of waterfront and three miles of beautiful beaches.
- Walk or bike part of the seven-mile paved trail connecting North Beach, East Beach, boat ramp area, and camping area.
- Fish at your choice of two fishing piers. You will find food and bait concessions at each pier. Piers are open 7 a.m. – 11 p.m.
- Take your furry friend to the dog park. Dogs are allowed on the beach in a designated area. There are fenced in areas for both small and large dogs.
- Bring a meal for a picnic at one of Fort De Soto Park's 14 picnic shelters.
Once you visit Fort De Soto Park, you may just want to spend the whole day enjoying the surroundings! What is your favorite thing to do at Fort De Soto Park? Comment below!
Photo credit: Pinellas County, FL Parks
