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Pinellas County Beaches - Fort De Soto Park
Gulf Pier/Fort Area
De Soto's North Beach may be its star attraction, but
it shouldn't be your only stop. You simply can't visit the park without
exploring the old fort. Its cold, thick concrete walls have been
standing for more than a century (construction began in 1898).
Visitors
can walk on top of it and inside it...
...then climb on the 12-inch mortars
(the big, black cannons) which are hidden from view on the water.
In front of the main fort, along the beach, you'll find the concrete
ruins where two 3-inch rapid fire guns were once mounted. The concrete
is quickly crumbling into the Gulf of Mexico.
You can see that erosion has already taken its toll on this beach.
Near the fort, you'll find a snack bar. Also, the Gulf Pier is nearby.
It's one of two piers that allow for fishing and sightseeing.
East Beach
As you continue to travel away from
North Beach, you'll pass plenty of other attractions, including: the Bay
Pier, a dog park, a Visitor's Center, and all along the way, a
biking/rollerblading trail. Once you reach the other end of the island,
you find the East Beach.
The best thing about the eastern, or bay side of the island, is the
view. This is just about the best place to see the Sunshine Skyway
Bridge: a cable-stayed span that raises the roadway 190 feet above the
water. The bridge was completed in 1987, replacing the original skyway,
which broke apart when a freighter ship slammed into it.
At the East Beach, you'll also find several picnic pavilions, bathrooms
and showers, and a wide-open grassy area that's perfect for playing
football.
If you have time, explore the "inside" of the island--the side opposite
of the beaches. There are shady picnic areas here, and much calmer
waters, which are perfect for kayaking (rentals are available along the
main road).
Continue to Egmont
Key State Park & Fort Dade >>
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