Can you swim at Fort De Soto beach?

Anchored by the main island, Mullet Key, where the most popular beaches and the park’s namesake fort are found, Fort DeSoto sprawls across 1,100 acres and offers swimming, kayaking, camping, paved bicycle paths, a dog beach, picnic areas, playgrounds, shelling, a massive boat ramp and a history lesson or two.

How much does it cost to go to Fort De Soto beach?

Fort De Soto is open seven days per week from 7 am to dusk. Entrance to the park is free; however, there is a $5.00 fee for a parking permit. You pay at the entrance booth, and they do accept credit cards. Persons entering the park on foot or bike are free.

Is Fort De Soto worth visiting?

Whether you are enjoying the beach, exploring the fort, or paddling out on the water there is an activity here for everyone. Fort De Soto is a true gem of the west-central Florida coast and definitely worth a visit should you find yourself in the area.

Which beach is better at Fort De Soto?

Fort Desoto Park is very close to St. Pete Beach and offers boating, hiking, canoeing, kayaking, fishing, bicycling, skating, running, nature trails, historical fort, fishing piers, doggy beach, shelling, birding, camping, and swimming. North Beach is the best beach in the park for swimming.

Are there alligators in Fort De Soto?

There are lots of birds and marine life to spot as you kayak: turtles, alligators and manatees are often found along the trail. The rich ecosystem is also perfect for fishing, and you’ll see plenty of keen anglers out on the water.

Are there shells at Fort DeSoto beach?

Shells, both large and small, can be found along the gulf side of the park from the fishing pier to the tip of North Beach. Other shells can be found along the bay and the mud flats.

Do you have to pay to get into Fort DeSoto?

Entrance Fee: There is a $5 per car entrance fee. An annual parking pass is available. Cars with a valid disabled perking permit or tag do not have to pay the entrance fee. Pedestrians and bicycles entering the park do not have to pay the entrance fee.

Is Fort DeSoto beach closing?

Bay Pier at Fort De Soto Park will be closed to the public through Winter 2023 as Pinellas County completes the Bay Pier Replacement Project.

Are there alligators at Fort DeSoto Park?

Do you have to pay to get into Fort De Soto?

Is Fort DeSoto beach clean?

The facilities are nice and clean. We noticed quite a few families having picnics or grilling. The parking lot is spacious as it extends along the beach for quite a distance. There is a short walk from the parking lot to the actual water and beach, but it’s pleasant and not that far at all.

Are there alligators at Fort DeSoto?