Fort De Soto Park is a 1,136-acre county park spread across five interconnected islands (keys) at the mouth of Tampa Bay, just south of St. Petersburg. It consistently ranks among the best beaches in the United States, and for good reason — the sand is white, the water is calm and clear, and the park is large enough that you can find a quiet stretch even on busy weekends.
The park is named after a fort built here during the Spanish-American War in 1898 to defend Tampa Bay. The old Fort De Soto Historic Fort and its gun batteries are still standing and free to explore. North Beach is the most popular stretch, with a concession stand, picnic shelters, and the long Gulf Pier. East Beach is quieter and better for swimming with small children. The park also has over seven miles of paved trails for biking and skating, the off-leash Paw Playground Dog Beach, and two boat launches.
Fort De Soto is one of the best spots on Florida's Gulf Coast for birding. The park sits along the Great Florida Birding Trail, and over 300 species have been recorded here, including roseate spoonbills, ospreys, and migrating warblers. The Mangrove Kayak Trail on the bay side is excellent — you can paddle out to small uninhabited islands. A ferry from the bayside ramp also runs to Egmont Key, a sinking lighthouse island just offshore. There is no food service beyond the North Beach snack bar, so bring supplies if you plan to stay the day. The park closes at dark and there is no overnight camping for tents, though an RV campground operates year-round.