HISTORY & HERITAGE
Fort De Soto Park Beach
Pinellas County · Gulf Coast
1,136 acres across five connected islands at the mouth of Tampa Bay, the largest park Pinellas County runs and one that takes more than 2.7 million visits a year. North Beach and East Beach give almost three miles of white sand with swim centers and food concessions. More than 328 bird species have been recorded here and loggerhead turtles nest from April through September. There is a restored fort with its cannons and a Quartermaster Museum, a bay pier finished in 2023, a boat launch, 236 camping sites, a 6.8-mile paved trail, a canoe trail, and the only dog park in the county where dogs may go on the sand. Open 7 a.m. to sunset, $6 to park.
Not identified in this guide as an officially clothing-optional beach. This is a visit category, not a safety rating—check surf, lifeguards, water quality and posted rules.
BEACH CONDITIONS
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