You will find yourself surrounded by natural beauty for miles at Fort De Soto Park FL. This park is the largest within the Pinellas County Park System, and comprises 1,136 acres over five interconnected keys (islands). It is home to beach plants, wetlands, palm groves, and many other native plants. Fort De Soto Park was named in 2009 as America’s Top Beach, and has also received many other accolades.

The History of Fort De Soto Park in FL

The interesting history of the park begins in 1938 when the property was purchased from the federal government for $12,500. In 1942, it was sold back to the government for $18,404 to be used during World War II as a bombing range. Finally, in 1948, the Park was repurchased for $26,500. You’ll find many interesting items from the Fort’s history at the Quartermaster Storehouse Museum, including a 12-inch mortar battery and British breech-loading rapid fire rifles from the 1890s.

An Amazing Ecosystem at one of the Most Beautiful Attractions near Orlando FL

You’ll experience more than seven miles of waterfront in Fort De Soto Park that includes three miles of white, sandy shores and an amazing ecosystem that includes nearly 328 different species of birds that have been identified over the last 60 years, with even more being added each year. The beaches within the park are also refuge areas for the loggerhead sea turtle.



There are seven miles of paved trails that connect the north and east beaches. Take one of the nature trails and catch glimpses of the area’s native flora and fauna. Don’t miss the self-guided interpretive trail, the 2,200-foot Barrier Free Nature Trail, which provides access to that natural wonders of the Park regardless of physical abilities.



Also within the park, you’ll find two large swimming centers and a food concession area. There are also fishing piers for the anglers in the group, and a 2.25-mile canoe waterway. There are restrooms, playgrounds, and plenty of picnic areas. You can even bring your furry four-legged friend to Fort De Soto, as it offers the only dog park where canines are allowed on the beach (within designated areas). There are also two fenced dog parks complete with water stations.



At Tropical Escape Vacation Homes, we want to ensure that you truly enjoy your Florida vacation. If you have any questions about Fort De Soto or any other attractions near Orlando Florida, please just ask one of our friendly and knowledgeable staff members.



Photo by Christopher Hollis for Wdwic Pictures – Own work for Wdwic Pictures. This image is available for users to send as an electronic greeting on my site. It appears here:https://greetings.wdwic.com/cgi-bin/greetings.cgi?cat=602&name=Sunset%20At%20Fort%20DeSoto%20Beach, CC BY 2.5, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=683317