- Parking
- Paid lot
- Typical crowd
- Steady
- Best for
- Families, Dogs, Birdwatching, Camping, Cycling
- Facilities
- Restrooms, Showers, Campground, Fishing piers, Kayak launch, Cafe, Paved trails
Fort De Soto occupies five interconnected keys at the southern end of the county, covering more than a thousand acres. It is a county park rather than a state park, and it is one of the best of them anywhere in Florida.
North Beach has repeatedly appeared at or near the top of national beach rankings, with a shallow lagoon that suits small children and a long stretch of sand that absorbs a crowd.
The fort itself was built around the time of the Spanish-American War to defend the approaches to Tampa Bay. It never saw combat, which is largely why it survives.
What makes it worth the trip
North Beach
The nationally ranked stretch, with a shallow protected lagoon on one side and open Gulf on the other.
The Paw Playground
A dedicated dog beach with fenced areas and water access, one of only two places in the county where dogs can swim.
Spring migration
Exhausted songbirds make landfall here after crossing the Gulf. Birders travel a long way for those few weeks in April and May.
Egmont Key ferry
Seasonal boat service runs from the park out to the island in the mouth of the bay.
Parking
Toll road in via the Pinellas Bayway, then a parking fee inside the park. Lots are large, but North Beach fills on holiday weekends.
Rates and hours change. Confirm the current cost with the city, the county or the state park before you go rather than trusting any published figure, including ours.
Crowds
Large enough to absorb a lot of people. North Beach is the busy part; the rest of the park stays calm.
Rules
- Nesting areas are roped off seasonally. Shorebirds nest on open sand and the nests are nearly invisible, so stay outside the posted zones.
- Dogs only in the Paw Playground, on a leash elsewhere in the park.
- Alcohol is prohibited in county parks.
- Glass is banned on every beach in the county. Cans and plastic only.
- Sea turtle nesting runs 1 May to 31 October. Fill in holes, knock down sandcastles, take gear home at night and keep lights off the sand after dark.
- Shorebird nesting areas are roped off in spring and summer. The nests sit on open sand and are nearly invisible, so stay outside the posted zones.
- Beach warning flags are not advisory decoration. Double red means the water is closed. Purple means dangerous marine life, usually jellyfish or red tide.
- Most beach towns clear unattended chairs, tents and umbrellas overnight. Take it with you.
Getting there
Pinellas Bayway south from St. Pete Beach or west from I-275. There is a toll each way.
Good for
Photo: Christopher Hollis / Wikimedia Commons (Public domain). Source